News

MPs complain of rip-off in supplying meals in parliament

Published

6 years ago

2020/08/28

By Saman Indrajith

Issues related to the costs and prices of heavily subsidised meals provided to the MPs in the Parliament canteen were raised afresh yesterday by SJB Colombo District MP SM Marikkar.

Raising a point of order MP Marikkar said that there were newspaper reports that a meal of an MP cost Rs 3,000. “People ask whether we eat gold here. The fish served this morning in the parliamentary canteen was not fresh. That is the quality of food served to the MPs here; we eat better at home, but in the meantime there are reports that the cost of meal of an MP is Rs 3,000. Someone has to correct this situation and tell the truth. This was mentioned at the orientation programme for MPs at the Parliamentary complex on Tuesday. The correct figures must be given. I am speaking on behalf of all 225 MPs. The impression the reports created is wrong. I hope the speaker would correct this.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena: Were you there at the last session of the Tuesday’s workshop. There I gave the correct figures while making a statement on this matter.

MP Marikkar: The newspapers have not reported what you said. Hope if you correct it here so that it would be telecast live.

During the workshop on Tuesday Director (Finance) of Parliament A.S. Upananda stated that a meal that costs Rs 3,000 is given to an MP at a rate of Rs 200. He made that statement while speaking on the functions of food and catering and housekeeping departments of parliament. He stated that an MP was charged Rs 100 for breakfast, Rs 200 for lunch and snacks and tea at Rs 50.

Following the statement, young MPs protested.

State Minister Dr. Seetha Arambepola: We had those meals during the past couple of days. But I am sure that a single meal would not cost that much. The food given is not worth that much.

MPs shouted that the matter should be corrected and it was a shame to state that they eat at Rs 200 what was worth Rs 3,000.

Colombo District MP Premanath C. Dolawatte: I do not think that this meal costs Rs 3,000. We do not need your food. We could bring food from home.

State Minister Dr. Arambepola: I looked for where we would have access to Rs 3,000 buffet meal. There is no such thing. Do not publicise wrong facts. That is why people hate MPs.

Deputy Secretary General Neil Iddawela: What we meant here is the cost of a meal.

MPs shouted that the figures of the cost of a meal was wrong and volunteered to calculate the figure by themselves.

Deputy Secretary General Iddawela: In a day around 2,000 persons receive food from parliament and during budget debates the number of persons who took food is around 3,000.

An MP: Is everyone in Parliament given food?

Deputy Secretary General Iddawela: Yes. All working at Police, banks, post office, CEB are given food.

MPs said that it would be better if they brought food from home because there would be no blame on them.

Deputy Secretary General Iddawela: That we could decide in the future. I have just received correct figures from the Audit Branch. A meal with fish costs Rs 950 while a vegetable meal is Rs 629 for an MP.

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Navy seizes a consignment of narcotics and apprehends 06 suspects in offshore operation

Published

2 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Answering to the call of the national mission ‘A Nation United,’ the Navy has tightened its grip on the island’s maritime boundaries.

Striking deep in the southern waters, a successful naval mission
resulted in the seizure of a local fishing trawler and six (06) suspects, foiling a major drug smuggling attempt.

The intercepted trawler, carrying 02 suspicious sacks, and suspects were escorted to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour today (08 Mar 26).

A specialised inspection conducted by the Police Narcotic
Bureau (PNB) confirmed that the sacks contained more than 102kg of heroin and over 900g of cocaine.

The detection was inspected on-site by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), alongside the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

Speaking on this occasion, the Deputy Minister emphasized that under the guidance of the President and the supervision of the Ministry of Defence, the Tri-Forces, Police, and intelligence
agencies have intensified the “A Nation United” national mission, leaving no stone unturned.

He noted that during 2025, the tri-forces and police, in coordination with domestic and international agencies, conducted numerous successful operations. Notably, the Navy seized over 75 billion rupees worth of narcotics.

Despite national disasters and the escalating global conflicts
and growing reports of vessel distress in Sri Lankan waters, the Sri Lanka Navy stands vigilant around the clock, tirelessly fulfilling its critical mission in alignment with international maritime conventions.

Accordingly, the Deputy Minister commended, on behalf of the President, the Navy’s vital role in ensuring public safety and protecting the youth from drugs.

Adding further, he declared drug trafficking has become a major menace, stressing that all of society, not just authorities, must help eradicate it. He urged traffickers and dealers to quit the trade, noting that drugs cannot enter the country by sea or air. Addicts were also urged to do away with the habit, as a huge amount of money is spent on their rehabilitation.

The Deputy Minister further stated that the toxic drugs seized will remain in highly secure custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings, and arrangements have been made to destroy a large quantity of toxic drugs and case exhibits for which legal proceedings have been completed.

He also emphasized that law enforcement agencies have been granted the opportunity to operate independently. Accordingly, the public was urged to provide information regarding drug
traffickers via the hotline numbers 1818 and 1997.

Additionally, the event acknowledged the responsible journalism carried out by media institutions and journalists in raising public awareness about the drug menace.

The multi-day fishing trawler, along with the haul of narcotics and 06 suspects was handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for further investigation and legal proceedings.

Latest News

Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity – PM

Published

14 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarsooriya in her message on International Women’s Day 2026 says that the governments goal is to build a Thriving Nation where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity.

The PM’s message:

“I extend my greetings to all sisters and daughters in Sri Lanka and around the globe on the occasion of International Women’s Day.This year, the United Nations has declared the global theme for International Women’s Day as “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing the realization of rights, the delivery of justice, and meaningful action for all women and girls.

Women are the true pillar of Sri Lankan society and economy. The role they play within the family and in society has today become a decisive factor in shaping the future of our nation. Through the Government’s policy statement, “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” we envision going beyond treating women as mere beneficiaries and recognizing them as active partners in national development, ensuring that they receive the dignity and opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Within our policy framework, special focus has been placed on women. We are committed to recognizing the economic contribution extended by women as housewives, promoting women’s entrepreneurship, and expanding access to the technical and financial support necessary for self-employment alongside strengthening the legal framework required to ensure women’s safety in public transport, workplaces, and within the family environment. Further, we are taking steps to create the environment to increase women’s representation in decision-making bodies at national and regional levels. Special attention is also being given to implementing targeted programmes aimed at improving women’s nutrition, reproductive health, and mental well-being.

Women are not a group seeking sympathy; they are vital social partners endowed with intelligence, resilience, and creativity. Our goal is to build a “Thriving Nation” where a woman can walk without fear or doubt, where her talents are duly recognized, and where she can lead a life of dignity

On this International Women’s Day, I sincerely hope that it marks the beginning of a new era in which the aspirations of all women in our country are realized as they shine before the world.

Latest News

Heat Index at Caution Level in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota and Monaragala districts

Published

14 hours ago

2026/03/8

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. on 07 March 2026, valid for 08 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Sabaragamuwa, North-western and North-central provinces and in Colombo, Gampaha, Vavuniya, Mannar, Hambantota 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 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.