Parliament sets timeline for 2026 Budget debate

Friday, 12 September 2025 00:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

First reading of Budget on 26 September
Budget speech on 7 November
Committee Stage debate scheduled from 15 November to 5 December
Third reading vote on 5 December

Parliament yesterday announced that it finalised the schedule for the 2026 Appropriation Bill, with the first reading to be presented on 26 September and the Budget speech (second reading) by President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Disanayake slated for 7 November.

Secretary-General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said the decision was taken at the meeting of the Committee on Parliamentary Business, chaired by Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

Following the presentation of the Budget speech, the second reading debate will be held over six days, from 8 to 14 November, with the vote scheduled for 14 November at 6 p.m. The Committee Stage debate will then run for 17 days, from 15 November to 5 December, with the third reading vote concluding proceedings on 5 December at 6 p.m.

During this period, Parliament will sit daily, including Saturdays, except on Sundays and public holidays. Sessions will commence at 9:30 a.m. on Mondays and 9 a.m. on all other days, with sittings extending until 6 p.m. to accommodate the extended debate.

Time will also be allocated each day for five oral questions, one question under Standing Orders 27(2), and business under Standing Orders 22(1) to (6). Additionally, Motions at Adjournment will be debated from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., except on vote days, on a 50:50 basis between Government and Opposition, the Secretary-General added.