Govt wins Budget vote with clear majority

Ranil Wijayapala, Uditha Kumarasinghe and Irangika Range

The Government yesterday won the budget vote by a comfortable 16 member majority overcoming a challenge by the Opposition which had vowed to defeat it.

The Second Reading of Budget 2008 was passed with 118 voting for and 102 against. The 64 Members of the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA), 24 members of the UNP-D Group, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (10 Members), Ceylon Workers Congress (eight Members), Jathika Hela Urumaya (eight Members), EPDP (one Member - Minister Douglas Devananda) and Upcountry People's Front (two Members) voted with the Government.

The JHU's independent Member Ven. Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera and UNP MP Mahinda Ratnatilleka who joined the Government last week voted for the Budget. The United National Party (43 Members), Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (37 Members), Tamil National Alliance (20 Members - two MPs M.K. Eelaventhan and Kanakasabey were absent) and Sripathi Suriyarachchi and Mangala Samaraweera of the SLFP (M) voted against.

The SLFP's Wijedasa Rajapakshe who crossed over to the Opposition last week and JVP dissident Nandana Gunatilleke abstained. The JVP revealed its stance of opposing the Budget only at the last minute. The victory was seen as a blow to the main Opposition UNP which had vowed to defeat the budget and topple the Government.

Contrary to claims of springing surprises it was unable to lure even a single Government MP to vote against the budget. The Parliament galleries were full, with visitors eager to witness the outcome of the budget vote which was taken at 5 p.m. yesterday by Speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara. The vote was taken by name on a request by UNP MP Joseph Michael Perera.

This was fourth budget of the UPFA Government and the second under President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who presented the Budget on November 7.

Information and Media Minister Anura Priyadharshana Yapa described the Opposition's loss as the 15th straight defeat suffered by Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardane said the budget vote victory was a victory for the people as the Budget has provided a range of benefits to the people.

State Revenue Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said it would be a fillip of the economy which has achieved unprecedented growth during the Mahinda Rajapaksa administration.

MP Basil Rajapaksa told reporters that it was a resounding endorsement for a patriotic and development-oriented budget that would usher in a new era for the country.

He urged all parties to join hands with the President to develop the country. Speaking during the debate, Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardena said President Rajapaksa presented a development oriented budget. He said the priority given to the cooperatives sector was a unique feature of Budget 2008.

Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Minister said the defence allocation has been increased to ensure the security of the people. The Eastern development programme will also be given priority. Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said the LTTE wanted to topple the Government and shelled out millions of rupees to 'buy' Government MPs as they were aware that they would lose their territory in the North too if the military thrust continued.

What 102 MPs voted against: Some benefits of Budget 2008

The 15 percent VAT and Excise Duty on petrol to be reduced to five per cent

Granting upto a maximum Rs.1 million to all Co-operative Societies to be set up modernise outlets to distribute essential commodities.

A welfare pack containing essential commodities at tax free prices to low income groups

Number of year five scholarships to be increased from 10,000 to 15,000

15,000 graduates to be recruited in 2008.

Rs.100 million to develop housing facilities for shanty dwellers in ten selected districts.

VAT exemption for milk and diary products.

Granting loans at 8 per cent interest, under the "Agriculture Revival" Programme

VAT on local sugar and rice based products removed.

Rs.15,000 million allocation to continue fertiliser subsidy

Rs.2865 million to promote nutritional standards of pregnant and lactating mothers

Public servants to receive a cost-of-living allowance of Rs.2,500 from January 2008 and Rs.2875 from July 2008

Increase in the Cost-of-Living allowances to pensioners.