The second reading of the Budget for 2010 was passed in Parliament this evening (July 3) by a majority of 63 votes. While 138 Members ofParliament voted in favour, 75 voted against. 11 members of the 225-member Parliament were absent when the vote was taken.

The Budget for 2010 was presented to the Parliament by Acting Minister
of Finance Dr Sarath Amunugama on June 29.