Parliament today (19) passed the second reading of the 2008 Budget proposals with a majority of 16 votes.
The Government obtained 118 votes while 102 voted against the Budget, and 02 abstained from voting.
Only 102 MPs have opposed the 2008 budget. Political and Defence analysts claim that even though the scenario was speculative of a last minute surprise, caused mainly through adverse media campaigns launched following a coalition of the main opposition UNP and pro-LTTE TNA, the Government's victory will boost the on-going peace initiatives and mega-development projects in the liberated Eastern and Silavathura areas.
"The military is poised to move in to the Wanni and the LTTE is experiencing a severe shortage of ammunition and manpower. For the first time it has lost both Jaffna and the East at the same time, and is without the means of replenishing its stocks. If the government secures the passages of its Budget and everything goes as planned, Prabhakaran will certainly face a Vadamarachchi like situation sooner or later" The Island, a popular local newspaper stated in its editorial today(19).
The Government obtained 118 votes while 102 voted against the Budget, and 02 abstained from voting.
Only 102 MPs have opposed the 2008 budget. Political and Defence analysts claim that even though the scenario was speculative of a last minute surprise, caused mainly through adverse media campaigns launched following a coalition of the main opposition UNP and pro-LTTE TNA, the Government's victory will boost the on-going peace initiatives and mega-development projects in the liberated Eastern and Silavathura areas.
"The military is poised to move in to the Wanni and the LTTE is experiencing a severe shortage of ammunition and manpower. For the first time it has lost both Jaffna and the East at the same time, and is without the means of replenishing its stocks. If the government secures the passages of its Budget and everything goes as planned, Prabhakaran will certainly face a Vadamarachchi like situation sooner or later" The Island, a popular local newspaper stated in its editorial today(19).
