News
Stop living like parasites, Kiriella tells govt. MPs
By Saman Indrajith
Time had come for ministers and MPs of the government to step down from their posts and say goodbye to their parasitic lives, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District SJB MP Lakshman Kiriella told Parliament yesterday.
“The government ministers and MPs are worse than leeches. You ruined our economy and destroyed this nation but shamelessly cling onto power. Resign with dignity if you have any remaining,” Kiriella said.
He said that the government sent its lawyers to the Court on the previous day to state that it had no funds to hold elections. “The government has funds to increase the cabinet of ministers. You destroyed this country and now go before the courts to say there are no funds for elections. Where have the funds gone? If we check the bank accounts and assets of those who shout for the government today we can find them. I challenge the government rank members to declare your assets if possible. Giving a report on assets to the Speaker to hold onto it without making it public is not asset declaration. I have published my assets on the Transparency International website so that anyone can see. Do the same if you can. I challenge the government ministers to publicise their assets.
“Today there is a bill to bring laws to postpone elections. I warn you against it. Do not delay the elections, because that would lead to a further crisis with a massive explosion of public pressure,” Kiriella said.
In terms of the provisions of the Establishments Code on payment of festival advance to government officers, there’s a possibility of obtaining rupees 10,000/- as an advance for celebrating festivals of Theipongal, Ramazan, Sinhala and Hindu New Year, Wesak, Deepavali, and Christmas as well as for pilgrimages (Sri Paada pilgrimage and Hajj pilgrimage).
Provisions have been given to recover the said advance in 08 installments or if required earlier without interest. It has been proposed by the Budget 2026 to increase the said festival advance up to rupees 15,000/-.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local governments to revise the relevant provisions so that the festival advance can be increased up to rupees 15,000/- .
As per the approval given by the cabinet meeting held on 02-06-2025, action is being taken at present to offer the underutilized lands/properties of the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Etate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation Company which are under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure which have been identified under stage one to suitable investors.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure to provide following lands/properties on a lease basis to the suitable investors for optimal utilization following the prescribed procurement procedure.
• underutilized lands/properties identified under stage two owned by the Sri Lanka State Plantation Corporation, the Janatha Estate Development Board, and the Elkaduwa Plantation
Company,
• The Mawarala watte land and the Tea factory 40.48 hectares in extent, located in Matara District belonging to the Tea Shakthi Fund.
• The underutilized land of 1,541 hectares in extent of Kondachchi Estate is enjoyed by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation.
The drafting of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has commenced with the objective of equitable distribution of the benefits of the fisheries industry and the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture. This policy has been updated from time to time according to current requirements. However, steps have not been taken to obtain the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers for that purpose.
According to the policy declaration of the present government, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy has been redrafted, updating the aforementioned policy in line with the economic and development objectives of the government.
The recommendations of the Department of National Planning have been received for the drafted policy.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Marine
Resources to implement the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy, integrating it with other relevant policies.
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Festival advance for government officers to be increased
Providing underutilized lands/properties to suitable investors for optimal utilization.
Implementation of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
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