The 2025 Budget was presented to the Parliament yesterday (17), marking the first Budget to be presented by President and Finance, Planning and Economic Development Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake since assuming office.

On 9 January, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya presented the Appropriation Bill to allocate funds for Government expenditure for this financial year (2025).

The Second Reading (Budget Speech) of the Appropriation Bill took place yesterday, with the debate on the Second Reading scheduled to run from today (18) to 25 February, for a total of seven days. Following this, the vote on the Second Reading will be held on 25 February at 6 p.m.

The Committee Stage debate on the Bill will be held over 19 days, including four Saturdays, from 27 February to 21 March. The vote on the Third Reading of the Bill is scheduled to take place on 21 March at 6 p.m.

During the Budget debate period, time from 9.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. will be allocated for five questions for oral answers, while the debate itself will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, motions at adjournment time will be scheduled from 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. on all days, except for 25 February and 21 March, when votes are being held.