News

Parliament clueless about ministerial salaries, etc.

Published

1 year ago

2024/03/27

By Saman Indrajith

Salaries of ministers differ and Parliament is not aware of the exact amount drawn by each of them, for they are paid by their ministries.

Contacted for comment, COPF Chairman SJB MP Dr Harsha de Silva said that he could give exact details of the salary and allowances he received but he was not aware of the exact amount received by a Minister as each of them received a different amount.

Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella said that the amount received by each Minister was different as allowances differed. In a Ministry that had offices and branches in all districts, allowances a Minister was entitled to could be different from others.

Chief Government Whip Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga could not comment on the issue immediately.

SLPP dissident MP Gevindu Cumaratunga, too, said that the amounts received by the MPs were different and he he could disclose the amount he received.

According to the official website of Parliament, an MP draws Rs. 54,285 as the fixed salary with a fuel allowance of Rs. 30,000, Transport Allowance of Rs. 10,000, and Entertainment Allowance of Rs. 1,000 and hand phone allowance of Rs. 2,000 a month in addition to Rs, 500 for every parliamentary session. Each MP is also entitled to a monthly office allowance of Rs 100,000, telephone allowance of Rs 50,000 and transport allowance for personal staff of Rs 10,000 for four personal staff to office. At the start of each term an MP has an allowance to purchase office equipment, such as a computer, copier and fax machine. In addition, each MP is paid Rs 2,500 as sitting allowance a day and Rs 2,500 allowance for attending each committee meeting. Each MP is entitled for Rs 350,000 worth of stamps as postage facilities per year.

Fuel allowances are paid to Ministers and MPs based on the distance from Parliament to the electoral district in which an MP is elected from and the approved market price of one litre of diesel on the first day of every month, sources said.

In addition to these allowances, each MP is entitled to a duty-free vehicle permit every five years, valued at more than 50 million rupees.

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Severe traffic reported on Ella-Wellawaya road due to inclement weather

Published

1 hour ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Police urge motorists who intend to use the Ella – Wellawaya Road to use alternative roads as there is a severe vehicle congestion due to inclement weather condition.

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We should start working collectively to rebuild the country -PM

Published

4 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

The oil anointing ceremony for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year was held on April 16 at the historic Rajamaha Viharaya in Kolonnawa, with the participation of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.

Following the chanting of pirith, the oil anointing ritual was carried out at the auspicious time of 9:04 a.m., by the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Kolonnawa Dhammika Thero.

Speaking after the ceremony the Prime Minister said that:

“The Sinhala and Tamil New Year is one of the most important festivities in our country. It is a celebration with our families, reflecting our traditions and customs while strengthening the ties.

This festival leads the path for renewing unity, love, and bonds stronger. These values enrich a country. Development of a country is not limited by one-dimensional; a true development includes spirituality, relationships, and connections. The reason why we uphold these customs in such ceremonies is to remind ourselves of the significance and to pass on their value to future generations.

Therefore, today marks a significant day. Throughout this week, we came together and engaged in various activities. Followed by, the next event will mark the leaving for employment at the auspicious time and we should start working collectively to rebuild the country.

I wish everyone a New Year that is prosperous, peaceful, joyful, full of strengthened relationships, and most importantly, safe for all.”

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Maha Sangha, and attended by the Deputy Minister of Youth Affairs Eranga Gunasekara, Divisional Secretary to Kolonnawa Priyanath Perera, Municipal Secretary Nelum Kumari Gamage, and the residents of the area.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Heat Index at ‘Caution Level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala districts today [16]

Published

13 hours ago

2025/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology for 16 April 2025

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces and in Rathnapura and Monaragala 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 table below 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.