Budget Second Reading Passed by a Majority of 118 Votes

16-Nov-2025

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The second reading of the 2026 Budget of the National People’s Power government was passed with a majority of 118 votes.

A total of 160 votes were cast in favour and 42 votes against during the second reading of the budget, resulting in its approval with a majority of 118 votes.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, presented the 2026 Budget to Parliament on the 7th and delivered a speech lasting 4 hours and 15 minutes.

The debate on the second reading began on the 8th and continued for six consecutive days until yesterday, Friday. When the debate concluded at around 6:15 p.m. on 14-11-2025, the Speaker—who was presiding—asked the House whether it agreed to approve the second reading of the budget.

Following a request for a vote by the Chief Opposition Whip, MP Kayanda Karunathilaka of the main opposition party, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), the Speaker instructed that the quorum bell be sounded to conduct the vote.

In the electronic vote, the Sri Lanka Workers’ Congress, Tamil Progressive Alliance, National Union of Workers, and the Up-Country People’s Front voted with the government in favour of the second reading of the 2026 Budget. 

Voting against it were the SJB along with the Tamil National People’s Front led by MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam, the Democratic Tamil National Alliance led by MP Selvam Adaikalanathan, and MP Archchuna.

Meanwhile, the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK), although present in Parliament, abstained by remaining neutral without voting either for or against. Twelve MPs, including Sri Lanka Muslim Congress leader Rauff Hakeem, Kabir Hashim, and Labour Party leader Kader Masthan, were absent.

The committee-stage debate regarding the allocation of funds for ministries began on November 15, and will continue until December 5. A vote will be held that day at 6 p.m.