Opposition rejects move to cut short Budget debate

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle

Chief Government Whip Jeyaraj Fernandopulle wants the Budget debate cut short in view of the security threats, but the opposition has not agreed to the proposal. The suggestion was made at the party leaders’ meeting at the parliament complex on Thursday following the twin bombings that took place in Narahenpita and Nugegoda but was struck down by Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera.

Accordingly, the committee stage of the Budget will continue till December 14 as scheduled. The UNP member said the Budget debate should go ahead as scheduled as curtailing it would be tantamount to giving into terrorism.

Despite the increased level of threats in recent days, most senior ministers and MPs have attended parliament sessions and the committee stage debates on several important ministries are lined up for the next two weeks including Defence, Finance, Media, Local Government and Health.