News

Parliament announces budget debate schedule

Published

3 months ago

February 15, 2025

editor

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who is also the Minister of Finance, will present the NPP government’s first Budget to Parliament on Monday (17 February) at 10.30 am.

The debate on the Appropriation Bill (Budget Debate) is scheduled to be held from 18 February to 21 March, 2025.The Second Reading debate is scheduled to be held for seven days from 18 to 25 February.

The vote on the Second Reading of the Bill is scheduled to be held on 25 February at 6.00 p.m.

The Committee Stage Debate on the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held for 19 days, including 4 Saturdays, from 27 February to 21 March. The vote on the Third Reading of the Appropriation Bill will be held on 21 March 21 at 6.00 pm.

During the budget period, the time from 9.30 am to 10.00 am has been allotted for five Questions for Oral Answers, and the Budget Debate will be held from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm. Also the time from 6.00 pm to 6.30 pm has been allotted for Motions at the Adjournment Time on all other days, except for 25 February and 21 March, when the votes are taken.

The Appropriation Bill for the year 2025 was presented to Parliament for the First Reading on 9 January 2025.

(sundaytimes.lk)

(This story, originally published by sundaytimes.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

8,742 Vesak Dansals registered islandwide

Published

5 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

The Public Health Inspectors (PHI)’s Union states that a total of 8,742 Dansals have been registered islandwide, in line with Vesak celebrations this year.

According to the PHI’s Union chairman – Upul Rohana, the highest number of ‘Dansal’ is registered in the Western Province, particularly in the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area.

The union has also urged organiser to reduce the use of polythene and plastic during food distribution efforts.

News

Financial assistance from President’s Fund for Gerandi Ella bus accident victims

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

A sum of Rs. 1 million from the President’s Fund will be granted for each individual who lost their life in the Kotmale bus accident, the President’s Media Division states.

President Anura Kumara Disanayake has directed that a sum of Rs. 1 million be granted from the President’s Fund to each individual who lost their life in the tragic bus accident that occurred early this morning (11) in the Garadiella area, Kotmale.

Accordingly, arrangements have been made to promptly disburse these funds to the next of kin of the deceased through the President’s Fund.

In addition to this assistance, compensation will also be provided to the affected families through the Sri Lanka Transport Board and relevant insurance schemes.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to investigate the cause of the accident, which has claimed 22 lives so far.

(Pic : Accident1st)

News

Maxwell gets 5-yr. ban

Published

6 hours ago

May 12, 2025

editor

Former Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Maxwell de Silva was handed a five-year ban, sources revealed.

Earlier, De Silva was suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Ministry of Sports due to various irregularities committed by him over several years.

Accordingly, the NOCSL Executive Committee decided to hand down a five-year ban on De Silva, considering the recommendations made by the NOCSL Ethics Committee, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the Daily Mirror.

Subramaniam further stated that the penalty on De Silva has already been communicated in writing to the IOC.

Accordingly, the former secretary, who has been banned for five years, is now completely prohibited from representing the NOCSL at any foreign event or international conference.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)