Colombo Mayor Vraie Cally Balthazar on Saturday outlined the process behind the preparation of the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) 2025 budget, which is due to be resubmitted for a second reading on December 31, after it was defeated at a council vote on December 22.
In a statement issued following the setback, the mayor said the budget was not simply a collection of figures, but a reflection of the council’s performance and a roadmap for development in the year ahead. She noted that budget preparation was particularly challenging as there had been no elected council during the 2023/24 period, with municipal affairs managed under a commissioner system.
Despite the defeat at the December 22 meeting, the mayor emphasized that the administration remains committed to presenting a transparent, people-focused budget.
She explained that the budget formulation process began within weeks of the new council being appointed. In July, all 16 municipal institutions were requested to submit proposals, with submissions accepted until August. Councillors from both the ruling party and the opposition were also invited to submit proposals, all of which were reviewed without political bias and evaluated based on public interest.
For the first time, written proposals were sought from municipal employees as well — a move the mayor described as a step toward fostering a new political culture within the council.
According to the mayor, the most difficult phase involved assessing financial feasibility and reaching agreement on funding priorities. These discussions continued until November, followed by further reviews to address omissions and ensure accuracy.
The draft budget was then examined by 23 standing committees, with participation from both government and opposition councillors. It was also opened for public inspection for seven days, with notices published in all three official languages as required by law. Copies were made available at the public library and the municipal treasury.
Following additional scrutiny by two finance committees comprising members from all political parties, further revisions were introduced.
Although the budget failed to secure approval at the December 22 council meeting, it will now be resubmitted for consideration at the second reading scheduled for December 31.
Reaffirming her administration’s position, Mayor Balthazar said the objective of building “a prosperous city and a better quality of life” for the residents of Colombo remains unchanged despite the initial defeat.
