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Opposition leader blames govt. MPs for lavish cruise party amidst economic crisis
By saman indrajith
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa and Chief Government Whip Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga had a heated argument yesterday with the former revealing that 50 government MPs had had a cruise party while children were fainting in schools due to hunger.
Premadasa said that while people were starving and undergoing tremendous hardships, 50 MPs and former President Mahinda Rajapaksa had partied onboard two dredgers namely Hansakawa and Diya Kovula. The Ports Authority had borne cost of the party, he said. Arrangements had been made by Ports State Minister Premalal Jayasekera. “How could you waste public money in this manner?” Premadasa queried.
“I can provide pictures of the party,” he said.
Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said Premadasa was wasting Parliament time.
“We do not mind, even if you party 24 hours a day and 365 days a year with your own money. This is public money. This is a crime when the country is bankrupt, and children faint in their schools without food. This is a matter concerning the national economy,” Premadasa said.
Chief Government Whip Minister Ranatunga said that the Opposition leader should be more responsible when raising questions in parliament. Ranatunga said that it was the former President who helped Premadasa’s sister to get away when she was caught with counterfeit currency notes. That too affected the national economy. It was your father who gave weapons and money to the LTTE. If you stoop down to low levels, we too have things to say,” Ranatunga said.
Opposition Leader Premadasa: There is no need to ask anyone of how the funds were given to the LTTE. Ask your own Public Security Minister Tiran Alles how the money was given to the LTTE. Neither my sister nor any of my family members was caught with dud money. I am also ready to talk about you. I was speaking of how you people partied when the country was bankrupt.
Bus fares have been increased by 12.19% with effect from midnight today [23rd March 2026].
The minimum fare will be increased from Rs 27 to Rs 30 while the maximum fare of Rs2159/- will be increased to 2422/-
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Public will not be served as Computer system failure at Department of Registration of Persons
The Acting Commissioner General of Registration of Persons has announced that due to an unexpected failure of the computer system of the Department of Registration of Persons, all services, including the one day service will not be held on Tuesday (24th March) at the Head Office and all Provincial offices.
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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology
at 3.30 p.m. on 22 March 2026, valid for 23 March 2026.
The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Mannar and Vavuniya districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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