The debate on the Second Reading of 2025 Appropriation Bill, or the 79th Budget Speech, kicked off in parliament today (Feb.18).
The Budget speech was delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies.
The vote on the second reading will be held on February 25 at 6:00 pm with the debate on the second reading scheduled from February 18 – 25.
The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill will be held over 19 days, including four Saturdays, from February 27 – March 21.
The vote on the third reading of the bill is scheduled to take place on March 21 at 6:00 pm.
Former Director of the National Lotteries Board – Thusitha Halloluwa, has requested a new date to appear before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The summons relates to an ongoing investigation into an allegedly defamatory and false statement made against President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The complaint was filed by a group of lawyers representing the National People’s Power, who urged the CID to launch an urgent investigation and initiate legal action.
He was summoned to appear at the CID today to provide a statement in this regard.
The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement on the ‘Operation Sindoor’ launched by the Indian Armed Forces targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the statement, 09 sites have been targeted.
The statement further notes :
“Our actions have been focused, measured and non- escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.”
“These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable.”
Former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera has been remanded until May 19 by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court.
He had surrendered to the court earlier today (May 07).
(Previous news 2025 May 07 –11.00.a.m.)
Prasanna Ranaweera surrenders to court
Former State Minister Prasanna Ranaweera has surrendered to the Mahara Magistrate’s Court today (May 07).
Previously, an open warrant was issued for Ranaweera’s arrest over allegedly selling a plot of state-owned land in Kiribathgoda to a private party by forging documents.
Several persons including former Minister Mervyn Silva are currently in remand custody over the incident.
