Parliament announces budget debate schedule

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, will present the NPP government's first Budget to Parliament on Monday (17 February) at 10.30 am.
 
The debate on the Appropriation Bill (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held from 18 February to 21 March, 2025.The Second Reading debate is scheduled to be held for seven days from 18 to 25 February. 

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. The vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill will be held on 21 March 21 at 6.00 pm.
 
During the budget period, the time from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allotted for five Questions for Oral Answers, and the Budget Debate will be held from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Also the time from 6.00 pm to 6.30 pm has been allotted for Motions at the Adjournment Time on all other days, except for 25 February and 21 March, when the votes are taken.
 
The Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 was presented to Parliament for the First Reading on 9 January 2025.