2008 Budget debate to begin Friday

[TamilNet, Thursday, 08 November 2007, 19:39 GMT]
The debate on the second reading of the 2008 Budget presented by Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapakse in the capacity of Minister of Finance in the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA) government is to begin Friday. The voting on the second reading would take place on November 19, parliamentary sources said.

The third reading of the budget would commence on November 23 and would continue till December 14.

Meanwhile the government's attempt to reduce the number of days allocated for budget debate did not succeed.

Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, senior minister and government whip made a request at the party leaders meeting held Monday with Speaker W.J.M.Lokkubandara in the chair to cut down the budget sessions stating that there were security threats to some parliamentarians and ministers. However, leaders of other political parties did not endorse his request.

Following the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) targeted attack that claimed the life of Liberation Tigers Political Head S.P. Thamilchelvan, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa warned the members of the government parliamentary group to be vigilant regarding their security.