The vote on the second reading of the Appropriation bill 2015 received 157 votes for and 57 votes against.

The UNP, the DNA and the TNA voted against the motion.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Minister of Finance presented budget proposals last week (24) and the second reading of the debate commenced the following day.

The second reading of the debate was held for seven days. At the end of the debate Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga got up and called for a division. TNA Parliamentary Group Leader R.Sampanthan asked for division by name.

Prime Minister D.M.Jayaratne proposed that the Appropriation Bill 2015 be referred to the Committee Stage. Accordingly the committee stage debate which is also known as the Third Reading of the budget will commence at 9.30 am on Monday and will continue till Nov 24.

The final vote on budget 2015 will take place at 5.00 pm on Nov 24. (Special Reporter/HC)