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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya yesterday presented the Appropriation Bill for 2025 to Parliament, outlining the Government’s proposed expenditure.
The Second Reading of the Appropriation Bill, commonly referred to as the Budget Speech, is scheduled for February 17, with the debate on the Second Reading to follow from February 18 to February 25. A vote on the second reading will take place on February 25 at 6 p.m.
The Committee Stage Debate will span 19 days, including four Saturdays from February 27 to March 21. The final vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is set for March 21 at 6 p.m.
During the budget debate, parliamentary proceedings will begin with a 30-minute session from 9.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. to address five oral questions. The budget debate will then continue daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Additionally, time from 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. has been allocated for adjournment motions, except on February 25 and March 21, when voting will take precedence.
The allocations are as follows:Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Rs 2.56 billion (Rs.2,564,000,000).
Ministry of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Rs.473.4 billion (Rs.473,410,000,000) Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Rs.208.7 billion (Rs.208,722,000,000), Ministry of Energy Rs 21.1 billion (Rs. 21,142,000,000), Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing Rs.101.2 billion (Rs.101,282,000,000), Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Rs.30 billion (Rs.30,050,000,000).
Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education Rs.271 billion (Rs. 271,000,000,000), Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Rs. 496.5 billion (Rs. 496,500,000,000).
Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Rs.16.7 billion (Rs.16,738,000,000).
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Rs.13.4 billion (Rs.13,443,000,000), Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Rs.11.4 billion (Rs.11,440,000,000), Ministry of Environment Rs.16.04 billion (Rs.16,040,000,000), Ministry of Women and Child Affairs – Rs.14.52 Bn (Rs.14,526,000,000), Ministry of Digital Economy Rs.13.62 billion (Rs.13,623,000,000), Ministry of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Rs.175.44 billion (Rs.175,445,000,000), Ministry of Labour Rs.6.07 billion (Rs.6,070,000,000), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Rs.12.1 billion (Rs.12,100,000,000), Ministry of Science and Technology Rs.5 billion (Rs.5,000,000,000) has been allocated.
Ishara Mudugamuwa
