February 25, Colombo (LNW): The debate on the second reading of the 2025 Budget Appropriation bill is set to conclude today (25).
The debate, which has been ongoing since 18 February, is set to culminate in a crucial vote scheduled for 6:00 PM this evening.
The budget, officially presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, was initially introduced to Parliament last week.
This year’s budget represents Sri Lanka’s 79th, and it has been the focus of intense scrutiny and debate among lawmakers, reflecting the nation’s financial priorities for the year ahead.
The debate on the second reading, which spans seven days, will come to a close today, and the final decision will be made by Parliament through the scheduled vote.
This vote will determine whether the proposed allocations and financial plans outlined in the budget will proceed to the next stage of the legislative process.
Following the conclusion of the second reading debate, the next phase of deliberation—the Committee Stage—will begin on February 27 and will run until March 21.
This stage, which will take place over 19 days, including four Saturdays, allows for more detailed scrutiny and potential amendments to the budget proposals.
Finally, the third reading of the Appropriation Bill is set to take place on March 21, with a vote expected at 6.00 PM.
This final vote will determine whether the budget is formally approved, setting the financial framework for the country’s governance in the coming year.
