News
Basil’s silence for three months amidst dire economic situation causes uproar in Parliament for second day
By Saman Indrajith
Uproar in Parliament continued for the second day, yesterday, as Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa had not made a statement on the current economic crisis.
The SJB and JVP called on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena to summon Finance Minister Rajapaksa to make a statement. JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said MPs didn’t want to just see the Finance Minister in Parliament but wanted him to make a statement on the economic crisis.
The Speaker said that he had no authority to summon a Minister to make a statement in Parliament. He called on the Opposition to propose a debate in Parliament to discuss the issue.
A heated exchange of words took place between the government and Opposition on the issue. A similar drama was enacted on Thursday as well over the absence of Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa in the House for three months, despite the country facing a serious economic crisis.
During a heated exchange between the Opposition and the Government on Thursday, Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella said that the last time Minister Basil Rajapaksa made a speech in Parliament was 10 Dec. 2021.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ASAHI arrived at the Port of Colombo on a replenishment visit this morning (01 Mar 25).
The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.
JMSDF ASAHI is a 151m long destroyer commanded by Commander Shota TAKASHIRO. She is manned by a crew of 202.
During the stay in Colombo, crew members of the ship are expected to visit some tourist attractions in the city limits and the ship is scheduled to depart the island on 03 Mar 25.
D.J. Rajakaruna, Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), addressing the media explained that the current fuel issue was due to some fuel distributors disagreeing with the governments decision to introduce a new formula on which their commission will be based.
The CPC chairman said that there was no shortage of fuel. and that the Corporation has received 2924 fuel orders at that time and was in a position to accept more.
Nevertheless, some fuel stations were closed today [01] while there were long queues at the ones which were open.
Veteran Sri Lankan actress Susantha Chandramali has passed away at the age of 61.
She will be remembered for her rolls in Saroja, Jaya Pita Jaya, Ran Kevita, Nidahase Piya DS, Charulatha, Sujatha, and Kande Gedara.
JMSDF ASAHI arrives at port of Colombo
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CPC Chairman explains cause for fuel issue, but queues continue
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