News
Housing Minister refers to SLPP rebels as three-headed asses
By Saman Indrajith
Leader of the House and Urban Development and Housing Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told Parliament yesterday that Marxist/Trotskyist leader Dr. Colvin R. de Silva referred to those who become independent MPs as three-headed asses.
Responding to a question raised by SLPP-rebel group head Prof GL Peiris on not allocating time for them to speak in the House, the minister said: “All MPs have the right to speak in Parliament. The House has two sides as the government and the Opposition and time for the MPs are allocated either from the opposition or the government.
There is no tradition for allocating time for the independent side. We are following the Westminster tradition which does not have such an allocation. Then we will have to go against the tradition and place some chairs in between the government and the opposition and give time for those who identify themselves as independent MPs. That would be the end of Westminster tradition and the new tradition could be named as the tradition of three-headed asses. Dr. Colvin R. de Silva identified such MPs who do not belong neither to the government nor the opposition as three-headed asses. We do not like to use the same reference to identify the MPs who now call themselves independent MPs. We accept that they too have a right to speak in Parliament. The question is when they become independent who would allocate time for them. Is it the duty of the government side to allocate time for them or is it the opposition side to make that allocation. We can give time from our side if they become government MPs. If not, would the opposition give their time for these MPs?”
Chief Opposition Whip Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella: “As per the tradition, time is allotted for the MPs from the time reserved for each party from which they are elected to the House. These independent MPs were elected from the SLPP. Accordingly, they should be given opportunities from the time reserved for the SLPP.”
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.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
Belgian prince loses bid for benefits on top of £300k royal allowance
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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