A complaint has been lodged with the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) yesterday (20), alleging the misappropriation of Rs. 27.5 million from the President’s Fund during the tenure of former President Maithripala Sirisena in 2019.

Filed by Vice Chairman of the Eppawala Cooperative Society – P.V. Lakshman Jayawardena, the case claims that the funds were intended for the construction of a conference hall on land belonging to the society following a request made to the President’s Office in 2017.

Jayawardena notes that the land was officially acquired for the construction of the hall, with an estimated budget of Rs.130 million initially proposed. However, due to the involvement of the Sri Lanka Army for labor contributions, the cost was later estimated to be Rs.73 million.

He further states that Rs.25 million was disbursed during the first phase of construction, but work was subsequently halted midway.

The complaint also notes that 07 commercial shops had previously existed before being demolished for the project. However, valuable items like doors, windows, and fittings had mysteriously gone missing, the complaint alleges.

Jayawardena has requested a thorough investigation into the financial mismanagement, the disappearance of goods, and the failure of the project.

The Parliamentary House Committee yesterday (June 20) decided to reduce the monthly food fee from parliamentary officers and employees, reversing a recent increase.

As per the new decision, the meal fee for executive officers has been reduced from Rs.4,000 to Rs.3,000, and for general employees from Rs.2,500 to Rs.2,000. 

This marks the third revision of the meal fee in recent times.

Parliamentary sources said the reduction was made in response to requests from staff. A group of employees recently submitted a letter to parliamentary leadership, announcing a boycott of the dining hall due to unaffordable food costs following allowance cuts.

Meanwhile, the monthly food allowance for Members of Parliament was recently increased.

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General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways – Dhammika Jayasundara says arrangements have been made to import 05 power-set trains equipped with automatic doors. 

These fully air-conditioned trains with doors that automatically open at arrival and close at departure, will enhance passenger safety and convenience.

He noted that the carriages are designed for economy-class passengers and are similar to those used internationally. 

He further said that an international tender has already been called for the procurement, and the trains are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by the latter half of 2026.