President returns to P’ment; Landmark 2011 Budget approved

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday returned to Parliament to participate in the 2011 Budget debate and its vote after which the landmark short to medium term fiscal and policy programme was passed by a majority of 116 members.

When Budget 2011 came up for vote 156 voted in favour and 40 against. The UNP and DNA voted against the Budget while the TNA abstained from voting.

Sources said it was the first time that a President took part in the final day committee stage debate of the Budget 2011, which he himself presented on 22 November as Minister of Finance.

“This is the first time the President took part in a debate as the 18th Amendment to the Constitution paved the way for President to attend parliament once in three month,” Government sources said.

Executive President is the head of the Cabinet and head of the Executive. According to the 1978 Constitution he can address the Parliament or send any message to parliament any time.

Former President Kumaratunga like President Rajapaksa as Minister of Finance has presented the budget in addition to making policy statements.

But the 18th Amendment requires the President to attend Parliament once in three months. The Parliament recently reserved a seat in the Chamber for the President. The President delivered his address from the seat allocated for him, sources said.