Marks and Spencer PLC has donated LKR 4,684,139.50 to the Government’s Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, established to provide relief to communities affected by cyclone Ditwah.

The Parliamentary Pension (Repeal) Bill was passed in Parliament yesterday (17) with an overwhelming majority of 154 votes in favour and two votes against, with no abstentions.

The Bill seeks to repeal the Parliamentary Pension Act, No. 1 of 1977, thereby abolishing the pension entitlements of Members of Parliament. It was presented to the Parliament for its First Reading on January 7, 2026, by the Minister of Justice and National Integration, Harshana Nanayakkara.

The legislation was prepared to revoke the Parliamentary Pension Act originally enacted by the National Assembly under Act No. 1 of 1977. The Bill was subsequently published in the Gazette prior to being taken up for debate.

Following its publication, several parties challenged the constitutionality of the Parliamentary Pension (Repeal) Bill before the Supreme Court under Article 121(1) of the Constitution. The Speaker later informed Parliament on February 6, 2026, of the Supreme Court’s determination regarding the Bill.

With its passage, the Parliamentary Pension (Repeal) Bill marks a significant legislative step in reforming parliamentary privileges.

Tarique Rahman, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, held a special discussion yesterday (17) with  Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr Nalinda Jayatissa.