Opposition and the trade unions strongly criticised budget proposals

The government has received 118 votes while 102 parliamentarians voted against the budget proposals.

President Rajapaksa's political ally, Janatha Vimuthi Peramuna (JVP), voted against the budget.

The JVP has been criticising the proposals but did not reveal their stance until the last moment.

While two dissident MPs from the ruling Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Sooriyaarachchi, voted against the government, another dissident abstained from voting.

Dissident MPs

Dissident SLFP parliamentarian Wijayadasa Rajapakshe who joined the opposition last week and JVP dissident Nandana Gunathilake did not cast their votes.

Only 20 parliamentarians from Tamil National Alliance (TNA) voted against the government together with the main opposition, United National Party (UNP).

	Rajapakshe and Arjuna Ranatunga who criticised the budget did not vote against it

While Batticaloa district TNA MP, T Kanagasabai abstained from voting, MP Ealaventhan did not attend the vote on Monday.

Other political parties representing Sri Lanka's minorities, SLMC, CWC and UPF voted with the government.

SLFP parliamentarian Arjuna Ranatunga who vowed not to vote for the budget proposals last week, voted with the government.

He was reported to be offered a portfolio in a future Cabinet reshuffle.

Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) dissident, Uduwe Dhammaloka thero, also voted with the government.