News
Singing lewd songs in Parliament: MP contradicts Speaker’s denial
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.
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
-
Business23 hours agoColombo Coffee wins coveted management awards
-
Features2 days agoStarlink in the Global South
-
Business3 days agoDaraz Sri Lanka ushers in the New Year with 4.4 Avurudu Wasi Pro Max – Sri Lanka’s biggest online Avurudu sale
-
Business4 days agoStrengthening SDG integration into provincial planning and development process
-
Business3 days agoNew SL Sovereign Bonds win foreign investor confidence
-
Sports5 days agoTo play or not to play is Richmond’s decision
-
Features2 days agoModi’s Sri Lanka Sojourn
-
Sports4 days agoNew Zealand under 85kg rugby team set for historic tour of Sri Lanka