Several SLFP Parliamentarians of the 'Joint Opposition' are planning to join the government during the second reading of the budget, government sources claimed.

Several strong critics of the government are also expected to join the government, sources also said.

President Maithripala Sirisena is meeting SLFP Parliamentarians today, ahead of the budget vote this afternoon.

The government is keen on attracting as many votes as possible for its first budget, political sources said.