🇱🇰 Budget 2026 Second Reading Passes with 118-Vote Majority.

• The second reading of the Appropriation Bill for the financial year 2026 was passed in Parliament with a clear majority. The final vote count was 160 MPs for, 42 against, and eight abstentions. • Opposition Dynamics: Notably, four Opposition MPs, including TPA leader Mano Ganesan, voted in favour. This support was based on the President's commitment to uniformly implement the Rs. 1,750 daily wage for plantation workers across all estates. • ITAK Stance: The Illankai Tamil Arasu Kadchi (ITAK) chose to abstain (part of the 8 total abstentions). This was cited as a gesture of goodwill, trusting the President to engage on upcoming discussions concerning Tamil community issues (political, land, accountability, and a new constitution). • Next Stage: The Committee Stage debate is scheduled for 17 days, commencing 15 November and concluding on 5 December, with the Third Reading vote set for 5 December at 6:00 p.m.