The Committee Stage, or Third Reading debate, of the 2026 Appropriation Bill begins in Parliament today (15).

The Second Reading debate, held from November 8 to 14, concluded yesterday with the Budget passed by a majority of 118 votes—160 MPs voted in favour, 42 against, and 8 abstained.

The Committee Stage debate will run for 17 days, including three Saturdays, until December 5, when the final vote on the Third Reading will take place at 6 p.m.

The 2026 Budget Speech was delivered on November 7 by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, following parliamentary tradition, with the presentation lasting until 5:50 p.m.