Govt. MPs express mixed views on exporting monkeys to China

Published

2 years ago

April 30, 2023

editor

During a meeting of government Parliamentarians, MP Jayantha Weerasinghe P.C. has reportedly opposed to the proposal of exporting the endemic monkey – Toque macaque, to China.

He has opposed the move, claiming that the animals were going to be exported for a certain body part to be eaten.

Noting that he too once had a Toque macaque as a pet, MP Weerasinghe said he therefore knew much about the species.

However, Kandy MP – Gunatillake Rajapakshe had urged the troop of Toque macaque monkeys in the ‘Udawatta Kele’ in Kandy to be exported as they caused much damage to crops in the area.

It is also reported that the MPs have expressed their opinions in favour and against the move.

It has also been emphasized during the meeting that reports claiming the animals will be exported for food, are false and that there are specialized farms breeding animals for that purpose.

“Reports of Wijepala – Nissanka meeting, fake”

Published

9 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Public Security Ministry has denied media reports claiming that the Public Security minister – Ananda Wijepala had met Nissanka Senadhipathi.

The Minister’s media secretary had clarified this in a letter to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya.
Adding that the neither the Minister or a representative had ever met Senadhipathi as claimed, the letter calls for proper investigations into the fake news and legal action against those responsible.

News

Special allowance for policemen on duty at ‘Siri Dalada Vandanawa’

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

A special transport allowance and a combined allowance will be provided to police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of devotees attending the exposition of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Siri Dalada Vandanawa) in Kandy, the police said.

The measure has been taken over the instructions of the Acting IGP, in consideration of the fact that these police personnel will be on continuous day and night duty for over 10 days, away from their regular stations and incurring additional personal expenses.

News

Ravi K’s Bill to repeal Online Safety Act, gazetted

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

editor

The Bill to repeal the Online Safety Act, No. 9 of 2024, and other regulations concerning the Act, has been gazetted.

The Online Safety Bill was passed by a majority vote in Parliament on Jan. 24, 2024.

The Bill that has been gazetted was submitted by opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake.

On Feb. 28, 2025, MP Karunanayake submitted a private member’s Bill to the Parliament Secretary-General, aiming to repeal the controversial Online Safety Act.