Dec 14, Colombo: Sri Lanka ruling party's Heritage Minister Anura Bandaranaike crossed over to the opposition a short while ago, just hours before the final vote of the crucial budget of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government.

Minister Bandaranaike entered the bench from the Opposition doors, indicating his support to the Opposition, amidst cheerful welcome from the main UNP parliamentarians.

The crucial vote for the third reading of the Budget will take place at 5 pm today.