Budget second reading passed

Sandasen MARASINGHE, Irangika RANGE and Disna MUDALIGE

The vote on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill 2012 was passed with a majority of 91 in Parliament yesterday.

One hundred and fifty one members voted in favour while 60 members voted against the Appropriation Bill.

Second reading commenced on November 21 with the budget speech by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in Parliament.

The UNP Colombo District MP Mohan Lal Grero voted in support of the second reading of the Appropriation Bill 2012.

UNP, DNA and TNA voted against the Bill. Thirteen members were absent. Chief Opposition Whip John Amarathunga asked the vote by name.

The committee stage debate of the Appropriation Bill will commence today and lasts until December 21.

The vote on the committee stage debate will be held at 5pm on December 21.