News

Fmr. Speaker Yapa calls for audit of fuel expenses

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2025

editor

Former Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has requested an audit of his fuel expenses during his tenure, following a report presented to Parliament by Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake.

The report detailed vehicle and fuel usage by various officials, including former Speakers, and claimed that Abeywardena incurred Rs 3.34 million in fuel expenses over nine months using nine vehicles.

In a statement, Abeywardena refuted the figures, clarifying that he was allocated only three vehicles as Speaker, with the remaining vehicles assigned to his staff, including security personnel.

He emphasized that the reported fuel costs may not reflect reality and called for an audit to verify the accuracy of the claims.

“Since Parliament maintains records of all allocated vehicles and fuel usage, I request an audit to verify the accuracy of the claims made by the Leader of the House,” Abeywardena stated.

News

Brazilian nabbed at BIA with cocaine worth Rs. 240 mn.

Published

23 minutes ago

April 20, 2025

editor

A Brazilian national was arrested by the Narcotics Control Unit at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) early this (April 20) morning over attempting to smuggle nearly 05 kg of cocaine concealed in his suitcase.

The suspect is a 59-year-old Brazilian teacher and the seized cocaine (4kg and 855g) is valued around Rs. 240 million.

News

New Mosquito species discovered in SL

Published

26 minutes ago

April 20, 2025

editor

A new species of mosquito endemic to Sri Lanka has been identified from Mirigama.

The species has been named Culex (Lophoceraomyia) cinctellus.

Entomologist Gayan Kumarasinghe from the Medical Research Institute said that the newly discovered mosquito has been identified as a major carrier of viruses.

(News 1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

All postal ballot papers to be handed over to the EC today

Published

46 minutes ago

April 20, 2025

editor

The Government Printer states that all ballot papers for postal voting will be handed over to the Election Commission today (April 20).

Printing of the ballot papers for 102 local government institutions were delayed due to a court order.

Director of the Government Printer – Pradeep Pushpakumara says that printing of ballot papers for postal voting, is currently underway and nearing completion.