A supplementary estimate of Rs. 287 billion has been presented to Parliament to cover the expenses of the two ministries whose expenditure heads were defeated in Parliament last week. 

Parliament is expected to pass the supplementary estimate soon and pass funds for the activities of the two ministries. 

The Ministry of Megapolis and Western Province Development and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils suffered an unexpected setback when their expenditure heads were defeated in Parliament. Only 23 ruling party members were present in the House when the opposition demanded a vote on the expenditure heads of the two ministries. 

Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella earlier said that the opposition asked for a vote on the expenditure heads of two ministries, despite a decision reached at the party's leaders meeting not to seek votes during the committee stages of the budget. 

"The Opposition backstabbed us, but then again it is nothing new to them," Kiriella said addressing a meeting in Kandy.