February 17, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has arrived in Parliament this morning to deliver the highly anticipated 2025 Budget speech.
The Cabinet of Ministers had earlier given their approval for the presentation during their meeting earlier today, allowing for the commencement of the second reading of the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2025.
The President is currently delivering the budget speech in Parliament.
At precisely 10.30 a.m., President Dissanayake, also the Minister of Finance, will address Parliament with the country’s 79th Budget, outlining the financial plans for the year ahead.
His speech is expected to be a defining moment for the government as it seeks to chart a course for national economic recovery and growth.
Following the Budget speech, the second reading will be followed by a debate from February 18 to February 25, lasting a full seven days.
The vote on this second reading is scheduled to take place on February 25 at 6:00 p.m., marking a critical step in the parliamentary process.
In the coming weeks, the debate will continue through the Committee Stage, which will be held over 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21.
The third and final reading of the Appropriation Bill is set to take place on March 21 at 6:00 p.m., after which the government hopes to pass the budget with the necessary approvals.
