News
House committee to probe assault claim levelled by State Minister Diana Gamage against MP Sujith Perera
By Saman Indrajith
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena yesterday (20) informed the Parliament that a committee has been established to address the allegations made by State Minister Diana Gamage, who claims that Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Sujith Sanjaya Perera assaulted her outside the Chambers earlier in the day.
The Committee led by Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse includes MP Chamal Rajapaksa, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, MP Gayantha Karunatilleka, and MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar.
The Speaker has instructed this Committee to thoroughly investigate the alleged incident taking into account the information and complaints provided by both parties, and promptly submit a report on the matter.
Addressing the Parliament earlier in the day, State Minister Gamage accused MP Perera of assaulting her outside the Chambers, near the Parliament’s library. She called upon the Speaker of Parliament to initiate an investigation and pledge to take legal action against MP Perera.
Subsequently, Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse adjourned the parliamentary session for 10 minutes at the request of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.
When the session resumed, Chief Opposition Whip SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella reported that the Opposition MPs had met with Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, presenting video footage showing Diana Gamage using inappropriate language towards an Opposition MP and behaving disruptively.
MP Sujith Perera defended himself, stating that he had witnessed a heated argument between Diana Gamage and his fellow MP Rohana Bandara. When he tried to intervene, the State Minister allegedly attacked him, and he claimed to have acted in self-defense. He also suggested reviewing CCTV footage for a clear understanding of the incident and urged the Deputy Speaker to conduct a fair investigation.
Meanwhile, MP Rohana Bandara accused State Minister Gamage of following him and verbally attacking him near an elevator, asserting the need for self-defence when insulted and attacked.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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