The Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the Budget for the financial year 2021, Cabinet Spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella said today. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, will present the budget today in Parliament.
Accordingly, the second reading of the Budget will be from November 18 to 21. Sixteen days have been allocated for the Committee stage of the Budget from November 23 to December 10. The Third Reading will take place on Dec 1o.
It is the current government's first budget after the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna won national elections a few months ago. The budget presentation will be around 2-2.30 pm followed by the traditional tea party. This is one of the most challenging budget presentations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and an economy that is expected to shrink this year.
Meanwhile the Public and Media Gallery will remain closed for the Budget presentation tomorrow, Shan Wijetunga Director, Department of Communication in Parliament said.
However, ambassadors and officials authorised by the Ministry of Finance have been invited tomorrow, and seats reserved in the Speaker's Gallery during the budget presentation will be subjected to health and safety regulations, he added.
A Thai woman walking topless in Arugam Bay town has been arrested by the Police.
The UK government has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries which allows for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
The Cabinet has approved a proposal for Sri Lankans overseas to apply for their passports through an online system via the Lankan diplomatic missions.
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Commodore (retired) M.B.N.A. Premaratne of the Sri Lanka Navy, as the new Commissioner General of Excise.
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