Debate on 2025 Appropriation Bill begins on Feb. 18

Wednesday, 1 January 2025 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Committee on Parliamentary Business chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne yesterday decided that the debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 (Budget Debate) will be held from 18 February to 21 March.

This was communicated by the Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera.

Meanwhile, it has also been decided to present the Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 to Parliament for the first reading on 09 January 2025.

Accordingly, the second reading (Budget Speech) of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held on 17 February and the second reading debate is scheduled to be held for 7 days from 18 to 25 February.

Thereafter, the vote on the second reading of the bill is scheduled to be held on 25 February at 6.00 p.m.

The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held for 19 days, including 4 Saturdays, from 27 February to 21 March. It has also been decided to hold the vote on the third reading of the Appropriation Bill on March 21 at 6.00 pm.

During the budget period, the time from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. has been allotted for 5 questions for oral answers, and the budget debate will be held from 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

It has also been agreed to allocate the time from 6.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. for motions at the adjournment time on all other days, except for 25 February and 21 March, when the votes are taken.