Pork to be on menu of Parliament canteen in future

21 February 2013 09:53 pm - 88 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Despite objections from Muslim MPs, the Speaker decided yesterday that pork may be offered, to MPs, in the Parliament canteen, revoking a previous ban on it, informed sources said.

Earlier Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa had, at the request of Muslim MPs, decided not to offer pork at the parliamentary canteen. However some MPs, including Chief Opposition Whip John Amaratunga, had objected to the decision. The Speaker had revoked the decision yesterday. He had reportedly said at the House Committee meeting that one should not place restrictions on the choices of food available to other people.

He had said that if any MP wanted to eat pork, he or she should inform the canteen authorities in advance. MPs have long had the right to order beef and mutton in the canteen.

At yesterday’s meeting, MP Azwer voiced his objections to this decision on the grounds that Islam did not permit the consumption of pork. This led to a heated argument between him and Mr. Amaratunga.

The Speaker also revoked the price increase of meals served at the canteen to the guests of MPs. The latest decision is to charge Rs. 250 per meal from an MP who has no more than 12 guests. If an MP has more than 12 guests for a meal, Rs.600 will be charged from him on account of each guest. (Kelum Bandara and Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 88

Kadmin Friday, 22 February 2013 07:48 AM

I'm not sure what's bodu bala sena's mission or vision is, but I know you have no idea about the buddhism my friend. You shouldn't speak what you don't know.

Obama Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

lucky lucky! via DM Android App

xlntgson Friday, 22 February 2013 08:29 AM

Post dated! Was this country ruled by a Muslim before this ruling?

Amila Friday, 22 February 2013 08:30 AM

Our MPs started alchol, ladies and clubbing few years ago. Where have you been? Soon they will have sex on the table like British MPs do.

xlntgson Friday, 22 February 2013 08:24 AM

# Calistus, How ignorant you are! HALAL If only you can cut the throat! Why your liberal choice is not for dog and cat meat?

Sachin Friday, 22 February 2013 08:24 AM

Common guys! this is a Buddhist Nation! these fools are there to safe guard that, in anyway eating any meat is not in line with the Lord Buddha's Preachings and now they do this to upset the fellow Muslim citizens in vain. instead of making it vegetarian they do this and some of us are stupid enough to have a darned fun out this... Pathetic!

ashan Friday, 22 February 2013 08:22 AM

Really? Is this top story for Sri Lanka? Who cares what they eat? Many of Sri Lanka would eat the MPs for starvation. D

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 07:50 AM

Very Soon The Famous Elephant House Pork Sausages Will Be In Parliament Canteen.

Azmy Friday, 22 February 2013 07:50 AM

Do not talk if you not know something!!

Vernon Friday, 22 February 2013 08:44 AM

A country has no religion. It is an individual private matter to choose, follow or disregard religious teachings or laws. In that context having a statement that Buddhism is given priority by our constitution, is a very grievous mistake, the repercussion of which is becoming evident now.

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 07:48 AM

Keels May Increase Production Of Pork Sausages

ANTON Friday, 22 February 2013 07:48 AM

WIMAL'S BALAYAMAALU, CHAMAL'S OORUMAALU.

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 07:46 AM

What About Elephant Meat. Sorry Not The Green Ones

Yala Friday, 22 February 2013 07:34 AM

Well like these MPs need more fattening! Here's to more heart disease! Atleast it is another way of getting them out of the House!!

Rajani Friday, 22 February 2013 07:21 AM

In the old testament it says not to eat flesh of the Pig. However, in the nwe testament this law has been removed. You can eat anything , but it should not hindrance to others. It is unfair muslims oppose eating pork in the parliament. First thing is this is not a muslim country to talk about it.

Game Kolla Friday, 22 February 2013 07:16 AM

Is " Bala malu " also included in the menu?

asanka Friday, 22 February 2013 07:19 AM

Because of religious or other belief of a group, the eating habits of other people should not be violated/ disturbed. People should have right to eat what they like !. If they do not eat,they have to refuse it but should not demand others to stop it!

MountainLion Friday, 22 February 2013 07:18 AM

Sorry Sir, we do all for the sake of food. The rest are secondary.

Nowshad Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Who care about. but Muslim MPs and there guest will not eat in parliament canteen. via DM Android App

Mario Ratnaraja Friday, 22 February 2013 07:16 AM

Pigs eating pigs is cannibalism. As a civilised nation, we should ban it.

porkiri Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Eat pork. No problem. But do something for the country. Because poor people pay for all your perks and porks and jeeps and cars via DM Android App

sanju Monday, 11 March 2013 02:52 PM

may they gobble up pots and pots of cancerous pork and suffer and perish.

VEDDAH Tuesday, 26 February 2013 04:00 AM

WHO CARES, WHAT THESE CLOWNS EAT.?
PIGS LIVE ON SHIT.
B.B.S.-THE PIG TOO IS AN ANIMAL. SO HOW ABOUT THAT.
THE WHOLE THING IS BLOODY BULL SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SudhuGemba Sunday, 24 February 2013 01:49 PM

My friend I have many Buddhist friends who consume pork but the ones who are truly practicing Buddhism have told me that it is forbidden! I agree with this stand as pigs are foul and dirty creatures!

Romesh Sunday, 24 February 2013 04:46 AM

no one can band other's choice .. in here democratic republic Sri Lanka. ulamas and muslim mp's forcing and challenging the democracy of the nation .. if they can't follow the democracy leave the parliament and the nation too.

vege Sunday, 24 February 2013 12:00 AM

If pork is to be removed then beef fish and egg also should be removed from the menu. After all we also have to respect all the religions. via DM iPad app

echo Saturday, 23 February 2013 12:00 AM

the only ones who practice Buddhism are the poor common man on the road, the BBS, the idiots we have elected, for them Buddhism permits eating meat, rape, murder, booze, illicit sex, porn, anything via DM Android App

xlntgson Saturday, 23 February 2013 02:18 AM

# kumar, what food? Is pork your staple?

Roshan Saturday, 23 February 2013 02:03 AM

Pork is prohibited in most religion, although its only some who admit it

Mr.Bean Saturday, 23 February 2013 01:31 AM

The Parliament farm is getting bigger. We have snakes, dogs, rats, bufflos, foxes, chicken, donkeys and now Pigs. What's next......

Mushi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Unnecessary problems like halal and pork to divert the attention of public on important issues of the country. via DM Android App

kumar Friday, 22 February 2013 06:54 AM

I didn't see any sense in your comment. Pork is for food but alcohol and women are for pleasure.

love it Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

i luv pork! via DM Android App

serious Friday, 22 February 2013 12:55 PM

Cat out of the bag a score without asking, forBBS.

nilu Friday, 22 February 2013 11:51 AM

St expmples before preaching. show how to survive with Rs. 2500

Mohamed Hussain Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Muslim MPs not to be worried. Its their (non muslim) right to eat anything as per democratic country. Muslim MPs can bring a home made food packet during parliment sessions, as we are doing our normal life from the childhood. via DM Android App

Affan Friday, 22 February 2013 10:33 AM

Not all supermarkets, only selected ones and that too in a separate area.

MHF Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Some people are not satisfied till they make fun of Halal. What they dont realise is the issue is not about Halal rather its about who is paying for the pork on the menu. We shout that we have to pay more for halal when in fact we dont. And make fun of halal to support paying for these dishes and make fun of muslims. When will people start using their brains? via DM Android App

mongal Friday, 22 February 2013 10:08 AM

Don't add fuel to blazing fire, politicos.

shamz Friday, 22 February 2013 10:05 AM

ISSARA ...PARLIAMENT EKA API KIVVE RATA HADANA THANA KYALA......DAN DAN.....RATA KANA THANA..........

muslim Friday, 22 February 2013 09:18 AM

very soon brother ranjit.. i am wiating for the day you and i stand next to each other and pray the real god

mofaruk Friday, 22 February 2013 08:59 AM

Eat Pork and act like pigs !

MagodisThuma Friday, 22 February 2013 12:42 AM

I eat Pork, Beef , Chicken, Mutton, Venison, etc... etc.... But some people wants me to become a Vegetarian !. Some people think I should eat only Halal foods !. That's not fair...! Please respect my freedom to select my foods, as I respect your choice !.

rumi Friday, 22 February 2013 04:30 AM

when poor people suffering- these MPs are fighting for the choice of food. Eat even devil meat or any meat no problem- but take care of us.

Amir Friday, 22 February 2013 04:24 AM

feel sorry for you lack of knowledge

raa one Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

wow! What a development! These are the important things to develop our poor country. "ooru tika adu vela, Harak Vedi vey". via DM Android App

Calistus Jayatilleke Friday, 22 February 2013 03:49 AM

"Halal" certified?

Ane Apoi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Hon. ministers, Enjoy best feasta. After all u guys must be very hungry after serving the nation. Wonder what will be on menu next? Human meat? via DM Android App

croma Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Muslim MP's should boycott the parliament canteen. either bring your food or have it catered from a clean/halal source. that would be cheaper for the country too, as parliament food seems extravagant. Muslim MP's should set an example. however the government's and opposition MP's attitude is disappointing. why the change now after all these years. via DM Android App

Ranjit Serasinghe Friday, 22 February 2013 01:39 AM

Is pork is OK....Sri Lanka is not a muslim country.

weha Friday, 22 February 2013 01:12 AM

We have bigger issues than halal and haram in our country. no one realizes that all these are used to distract people from much more pressing issues.

dd Friday, 22 February 2013 01:02 AM

Eating of Pork is not only prohibited in the Quran but the Bible also says you should not consume the flesh of the Pig.Even the Buddhist teaching say any kind of meat should not be consumed.
Why don't the MPs set an example to the People of Sri Lanka.? They are the peoples representatives in Parliament.What a shame!

Abdul Friday, 22 February 2013 01:01 AM

It is not appropriate to Sri Lanka, a Buddhist country.

Mikee Friday, 22 February 2013 04:37 AM

Looks like it is an endorsement to ban Halal.

saif Friday, 22 February 2013 12:44 AM

THIS GOV WILL DO ANYTHING AGAINST MUSLIMS EVEN THOUGH EATING MEAT OF ANY KIND IS PROHIBITED IN MAJORTY BUDDISM IN THE COUNTRY

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 12:41 AM

Next Ban Eggs !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MagodisThuma Friday, 22 February 2013 12:36 AM

Pork is Ok...But it should be Halal Pork !

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 12:38 AM

There Should Be No Restrictions On Any Food Items. It Is A Individual Choice. There Should Be Good Reasons For Banning Pork. In Sri Lanka Very Problem Has Some Religious Connection. Religion Is Completely A Private Matter.

Mary Friday, 22 February 2013 12:31 AM

The most burning problem faced by Sri Lanka and the our law makers has been solved. BBS has won round 1.
cheers

smi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:27 AM

Well done Mr.Speaker, what is Azwer's problem, he can fast or get a Halal certification..............

Lanka putra Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

Now pork later alcohol and then ladies . Parliament is gonna be a night club soon .

robi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:25 AM

This is good move..

This is how country should act and move on..

There should be a single policy..

If Tamil MP's sugget to take out Beef from the Menu.. what would be the outcome.

There should be options for everyone and it is up to the individuals to choose what to be eat and what not to be ..

Lucky Weeramantry Friday, 22 February 2013 12:23 AM

Good Sensible Decision. If Beef And Mutton Can Be Served Why Not Pork, Both Are Animal Flesh. People Should Have The Right To Eat Anything.This Is A Basic Human Right.

StrawHat Friday, 22 February 2013 12:09 AM

yea.... people here don't have enough food to eat whereas you people are arguing on which meat to order to eat....

Ranil Friday, 22 February 2013 06:18 AM

Next they would want turkey game meat caviar smoked salmon the burgandy cognac champaigne and a havana too all subsidised by the people. So go on vote again and bring them back to power

xlntgson Friday, 22 February 2013 06:51 AM

It is against accepted norms of yore! Cannibals may demand human flesh, eh?

Prasad Friday, 22 February 2013 06:45 AM

The whole country is burning and these people are arguing about food! Shame on these people.

Nodrog Friday, 22 February 2013 06:47 AM

Once becomes a night club maybe cobra-girl could get a permanent job there?

Nodrog Friday, 22 February 2013 06:46 AM

If politicians were paid minimum wages and less perks, wonder how many would still want to serve the people.

Lokka Friday, 22 February 2013 06:40 AM

where is bodu bala sena ??

if they believe in buddhist principles, they have to act fast!!

Rahmathullah Friday, 22 February 2013 06:31 AM

Azwar must not argue that pork to be prohibited in parliament canteen. But all Muslims, including Mr. Azwar, are prohibited from eating pork or non-Halal foods.

Mark Friday, 22 February 2013 06:27 AM

Good one :)

KABAB Friday, 22 February 2013 06:28 AM

Kadmin! Without killing the animals, how you will eat the flesh? It's a miracle.

Grace Friday, 22 February 2013 06:28 AM

There are familes whose worry is about the next time meal. Our MPs are arguing for menues in parliament canteen.

raviraj Friday, 22 February 2013 06:21 AM

go ahead and have a good time and fill your belly, after all this is paid for by the poor tax payer and foolish voters

Publik Abilik Thursday, 21 February 2013 11:45 PM

If a meal is Rs 250, how would it be possible for these guys to survive on Bandula's Rs 2,500 a month? that amounts to just 10 Lunches.

Ac Friday, 22 February 2013 05:32 AM

Eating meat is not forbidden to Buddhists.. I feel sorry for your knowledge.

Abdul Friday, 22 February 2013 05:31 AM

How can the BBS be happy, they are Buddhist Monks and Buddhism never allow eating animal flesh.

akashi Friday, 22 February 2013 12:00 AM

pigs eating pork via DM Android App

peter Friday, 22 February 2013 05:02 AM

Good decision. Muslims are trying to dominate and now trying make the parliament listen to their demands. This is not a Muslim country.

Sagath Friday, 22 February 2013 04:53 AM

even not to eat fish.... only Veg. So, please do not see anything on the eye of religion. It is not going to affect individuality.

Kadmin Friday, 22 February 2013 04:52 AM

There is no such teaching in Buddhism. It's only about killing the animals. And buddhism only shows you the way to a better life, each individual can choose their own fate by choosing to follow or not.

lovesri Friday, 22 February 2013 04:52 AM

No doubt pork is also under halal certificate

Charlie Friday, 22 February 2013 04:53 AM

What next? All women MP's to cover their hair or wear purdah when in Parliament.

SRI LANKAN Friday, 22 February 2013 04:50 AM

GOOD MOVE
EAT PORK WELL
THAT IS GOOD FOR NONMUSLIMS
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH..............NICE CULTURE AND NIE RELIGION

PRASANNAJIT Friday, 22 February 2013 04:43 AM

Pork is even available in supermarkets in Dubai and Abudhabi. Ask those Ulamas to take it up with rulers of Emirates.

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Pork to be on menu of Parliament canteen in future

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