News

Singing lewd songs in Parliament: MP contradicts Speaker’s denial

Published

4 years ago

2021/08/5

Sahan Weerasooriya

Both sides obsessed with others’ wives, ex-wives et al

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) lawmaker Rohini Kumari Wijerathna yesterday (4) contradicted Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena’s claim that nothing indecent had happened in the Chamber while he was in the Chair during the No- Confidence Motion (NCM) on the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Bill.

The two-day debate was held on July 19 and 20.

Reiterating that some SLPP members had sung dirty songs about her colleague Thalatha Atukorale, MP Wijeratne said that Speaker Abeywardena conveniently denied the accusation claiming he was not in the Chair.

MP Wijerathna represents a 12-member Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus chaired by State Minister Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle.

Parliamentarian Wijeratne told The Island what she meant was that the Speaker should be responsible whoever sits in the Chair at a particular time. Speaker Abeywardena, a seasoned politician, obviously side-stepped the issue by claiming nothing happened when he was in the Chair. She urged the Speaker to reveal the truth and accept responsibility for the pathetic situation.

Fielding questions, the MP said that one could understand what was going on in the country if the Speaker could deny what transpired in Parliament in spite of having access to the video footage.

The former UNP lawmaker stressed that the verbal sexual harassment directed at former Justice Minister was definitely not an isolated incident. “Some members of both sides are obsessed with others’ wives, former wives, mistresses and girlfriends. Some target lawmakers, though the harassment of MP Atukorale was one of the worst cases, the Matale District MP alleged.

Wijerathna said she had no option but to go public as such abusive behaviour on the part of lawmakers couldn’t be tolerated. The discussions here on child abuse, sex crimes and basically offences against women should be examined against the backdrop of dirty remarks of some lawmakers, she said.

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Heat index, is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota districts

Published

8 hours ago

2025/04/30

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 29 April 2025, valid for 30 April 2025

The general public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces and Monaragala and Hambantota 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.

News

AKD’s fourth state visit

Published

9 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will undertake a four-day state visit to Vietnam on 03 May, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said. Since the presidential election, President Dissanayake has so far visited India, China and the UAE.

News

Sri Lanka-Pakistan bilateral defence dialogue strengthens strategic ties – MoD

Published

9 hours ago

2025/04/30

Sahan Weerasooriya

AVM Thuyacontha shaking hands with Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif (pic courtesy MoD)

The 5th annual Sri Lanka-Pakistan Bilateral Defence Dialogue commenced on Monday (April 28) in Islamabad, Pakistan, marking a continued commitment to strengthening defence cooperation between the two nations.

The MoD statement: “The Sri Lankan delegation is led by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (retd.) Sampath Thuyacontha accompanied by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, and Additional Secretary (Defence) of the Ministry of Defence Jayantha Edirisinghe. The Pakistani delegation is headed by Lieutenant General (retd.) Muhammad Ali, Secretary Defence of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

In conjunction with the on-going defence dialogue, Defence Secretary Thuyacontha held a side-line meeting yesterday (April 29) with Defence Minister of Pakistan, Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

These high-level engagements aim to enhance bilateral cooperation, foster mutual understanding on regional security dynamics and explore opportunities for defence collaboration. Both nations share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and strategic cooperation. The dialogue reflects the growing importance of partnerships in maintaining stability and promoting peace in the South Asian region.

The three-day dialogue, which concludes today (April 30), is expected to reinforce bilateral defence ties and contribute to broader regional security objectives.