The budget presented by the Colombo Municipal Council on December 22 was defeated at the initial vote due to political reasons rather than its content, Colombo Mayor Vrai Cally Balthazaar said on Tuesday.
In a statement issued following the vote, the Mayor said the proposed budget was a strong, people-focused financial plan aimed at meeting the key needs of Colombo’s residents.
She said the budget had been prepared through an extensive consultative and participatory process, which included discussions with opposition representatives within the Colombo Municipal Council.
However, the Mayor noted that the proposals failed to secure the required number of votes to proceed, describing the outcome as politically motivated rather than a rejection of the substance of the budget.
Despite the setback, the Mayor said the budget process will now move to a second reading, during which amendments can still be proposed if necessary.
She further emphasized that her mandate as Mayor remains unchangedd.
The Mayor added that the budget is expected to come into effect within two weeks, allowing planned development and service initiatives to move forward as scheduled.
Reaffirming her administration’s priorities, she said the focus remains on uninterrupted service delivery and meeting the needs of Colombo’s residents, stressing that the commitment to serve the city will remain unchanged.
Under existing law, a Mayor is permitted to continue in office for up to two years even if a council budget is defeated. (Newswire)