Nov 19, Colombo: Sri Lanka government the crucial budget vote today with a majority of 16 votes. Government received 118 votes for the budget and 102 against and two abstaining.

Marxist People’s Liberation Front (JVP) which was the decisive factor voted against the budget. Political circles believed they would vote for the government.

Former JVP MP Nandana Gunatillake, Wijedasa Rajapakse and two TNA members were abstained from voting.

Opposition United National Party (UNP) and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) have voted against the budget while all parties in the government coalition have voted in support of the budget.

The third reading and the vote will be on December 14.