A request has been submitted to increase the state budget by MVR 1.7 billion.

The finance ministry’s request letter was heard in parliament on Sunday.

Speaker Mohamed Nasheed said the request will be reviewed by the economic committee and finances committee, which are also tasked with evaluating the budget.

Speaker Nasheed asked the committees to compile a report on the request by Monday, to begin debates that evening.

The parliament passed a state budget of MVR 30.2 billion for this year. If the request is approved, the budget would increase to MVR 32 billion.