Despite some of Samagi Jana Balawegaye(SJB) MPs protested against the holding of the traditional dinner by the Speaker after the Budget, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa had held a separate dinner on the same day for SJB MPs, sources said.

Accordingly, out of 47 SJB MPs, 21 of them had attended the Sajith's dinner on Thursday night.

During Thursday's debate in Parliament, SJB MP Chaminda Wijesiri had requested the Speaker in Parliament not to hold the dinner for MPs and instead of that to spend that money for poor people.