The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the Budget 2025 to be presented to Parliament, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayatissa said.

Scheduled for today (17), this marks the first budget presentation under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration. Parliament will convene at 10:30 a.m. for the President’s Budget Speech.

The government faces a balancing act, aiming to ease the economic burden on the poor, as per its manifesto while ensuring the continuation of the $3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout.

The second reading (Budget Speech) of the Appropriation Bill will take place today, followed by a seven-day debate from February 18 to 25. The vote on the second reading is set for February 25 at 6:00 p.m.

The Committee Stage Debate will span 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 to March 21, with the final vote on the third reading scheduled for March 21 at 6:00 p.m.