The Parliamentary Affairs Committee, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, has finalized the schedule for the debate on the Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 (Budget Debate), according to the Secretary General of Parliament, Ms. Kushani Rohanadeera.
The Appropriation Bill for 2025 will be presented to Parliament for its first reading on January 9, 2025.
The second reading of the Appropriation Bill, commonly known as the Budget Speech, is scheduled for February 17, followed by the second reading debate, which will span seven days from February 18 to 25.
The vote on the second reading of the budget is set to take place on February 25 at 6:00 PM. Subsequently, the Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will occur over 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21.
The Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill is planned for March 21 at 6:00 PM.
During the budget period, sessions from 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM each day have been allocated for five oral questions. The budget debate itself will take place daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Additionally, it has been agreed that time from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM will be reserved for motions during the adjournment of the House on all days except February 25 and March 21, when voting is scheduled.
