In a statement issued following the setback, the mayor said the budget was not merely a collection of figures but a document that reflects the council’s performance and outlines development priorities for the coming year. She noted that the preparation of the budget was particularly challenging as there was no elected council during the 2023/24 period, with municipal administration carried out under a commissioner system.
Despite the budget’s rejection at the council meeting, Mayor Balthazar said the administration remains committed to presenting a transparent and people-oriented financial plan.
She explained that the budget formulation process began within weeks of the appointment of the new council. In July, all 16 municipal institutions were requested to submit their proposals, with the submission window remaining open until August. Councillors from both the governing party and the opposition were also invited to submit proposals, all of which were reviewed without political bias and assessed based on public interest.
For the first time, written proposals were sought from municipal employees as well, a move the mayor described as an effort to foster a new political culture within the council.
According to the mayor, the most challenging stage involved assessing financial feasibility and reaching consensus on funding requirements. These discussions continued until November, followed by reviews to address omissions and ensure accuracy.
The draft budget was then reviewed by 23 standing committees, which included members from both government and opposition benches. It was also made available for public inspection for seven days, with notices published in all three official languages in line with legal requirements. Copies were placed at the public library and the municipal treasury.
Further scrutiny was carried out by two finance committees representing all political parties, after which revisions were made to the proposals.
The budget failed to gain approval at the December 22 council meeting but will now be presented again for consideration at the second reading scheduled for December 31.
Reaffirming her administration’s position, Mayor Balthazar said the objective of building “a prosperous city and a better quality of life” for Colombo’s residents remains unchanged despite the initial defeat.
