By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana 

Vote on the second reading of the budget was approved by a majority of 45 votes in Parliament indicating that most of the SLPP members backed the president’s programme for economic revival. 

Some 122 members voted in favour of the budget while 77 voted against. Around 24 members were absent during the time of voting. 

SLPP members overwhelmingly endorsed the budget while SJB, NPP, TNA, Dullas group and Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya led by Wimal Weerawansa and Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam voted against.SJB MP Vadivel Suresh voted in favour and so did A. H. M. Fowzie 

MP Namal Rajapaksa, Chamal Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena were among those who were absent during the voting time.

Total number of absentees were 24. The committee stage debate on the budget is set to begin today while the third reading vote will take place on December 13.