News
Newspaper reports on Parliament canteen draws ire of some MPs
By Saman Indrajith
SLPP national list MP Jayantha Ketagoda yesterday said that newspapers had damaged the reputation of the MPs by claiming that they had found fault with the parliament canteen staff for a shortage of milk- based food items. He requested the Speaker to summon the editors concerned and reprimand them.
Raising a privilege issue, MP Ketagoda said that publishing such news was part of a conspiracy to tarnish the reputation of MPs and denigrate Parliament. “When such news items are published public opinion turns against all of us. A special investigation should be held. The editors of newspapers that published such stories should be summoned and the Speaker should talk to them. This news has gone viral on social media. I made inquiries and could not find any evidence to prove this allegation. I spoke to officials and they told me that there was no complaint by anyone.
The news reports have also claimed that MILCO has failed to supply enough liquid milk to the parliament canteen. Renuka Perera was recently appointed the Chairman of MILCO. The newspaper have placed the blame on him. We must take stern action against this,” MP Ketagoda said.
Kurunegala District SJB MP Nalin Bandara said that he too had seen the news item and requested the Speaker to conduct an investigation.
Badulla District SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri: “People know the cost of maintaining this parliament. Those people in rural areas as well as in cities are languishing in queues now are questioning the luxurious and comfy living style of MPs and the way we spend their monies here. There is a gas shortage in the country, but there is no gas shortage in parliament. Parliament has enough gas to cook food for 225 MPs, but there is no gas in the market for people to buy. There is a huge pressure because of people’s suffering. We must try to find solutions to these problems.”
MP Ketagoda: What is he talking about? He tries to have his face shown on TV. What I raised is an issue concerning all of us. These news reports are false. We do not come here for eating. We could shut down the canteen and bring food from home if the speaker permits such action.
The Speaker: I am saddened by this news item. This is an abuse of freedom of speech. I will call a report on this and will take action on the basis of that report.
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IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
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In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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