The first budget of the 'consensus government' passed a short while ago at the Second Reading, with a two thirds majority in Parliament.

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There were 159 votes in favour and only 52 against. Thirteen MPs were absent, including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

As expected, the UNP MPs and SLFP MPs supporting the government voted for the budget. The TNA and Opposition MP Lakshman Seneviratne also supported the budget. Meanwhile, Arumugam Thondaman and Douglas Devananda also supported the budget.

The UPFA MPs in opposition and the JVP decided to oppose the budget.