The Expediture Heads of the Ministry of Megapolis & Western Province Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Council were defeated in Parliament this evening. 

Only 23 MPs voted in favour of the two two Expenditure Heads while 38 MPs voted against. 

Although votes are hardly taken during the committee stage, the UPFA asked for a vote on the Expenduture Heads of the two ministries having realized that the the government had only a handful of MPs in the House this evening. 

The defeat, however, does not derail the parliamentary process with regard to the budget. Committee stage debates are expected to take place continuously until the third reading vote on the budget on April 05.

While UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage explained today's result as a massive victory, UNP MP Mujiber Rahuman challenged the opposition to defeat the government at the this reading vote, if the opposition had more numbers.