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SLPP back in action after BR’s return; reveals SLT bills of Sirikotha

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A Sri Lanka Telecom Trade Union had revealed that the unpaid telephone bill of the United National Party headquarters – Sirikotha, stands at a staggering Rs. 446,000.

During a press conference held yesterday (21) at the Guru Madura Hall in Colombo, President of the TU representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) – Hemantha Neththikumara said that the unpaid internet and phone bills of Sirikotha is Rs. 355,000 and Rs. 91,000 respectively.

It was also revealed during the press conference that the bills had been outstanding since 2016 and were not paid despite being notified to do so on several occasions.

Neththikumara had sarcastically remarked that it would be very good if President Wickremesinghe pays the telephone bills of his party headquarters before selling the SLT.

This is the first media briefing of an SLPP affiliated Trade Union since the return of SLPP founder and national founder – Basil Rajapaksa’s return to the island on Sunday.

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Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

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Reporters Without Borders released the 2024 World Press Freedom Index on Friday (03).

According to RFS, Sri Lanka has slipped to the 150th position in the index, from 135th position last year.

Click here to read the RSF Sri Lanka Fact File

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Companies should be ashamed of not giving workers a raise – Vadivel Suresh

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Mr. Vadivel Suresh, General Secretary of the Lanka Jathika Estate Workers’ Union, emphasized that both the Government and the Plantation Employers’ Association bear the responsibility of providing wage increases to plantation workers. These workers, who play a pivotal role in sustaining the esteemed reputation of ‘Ceylon Tea’, contribute significantly to the national economy of Sri Lanka.

MP Vadivel Suresh, made this statement during his participation in today’s (03) news conference at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), under the theme ‘Collective path to a Stable Country’.

The Member of Parliament noted that plantation companies, benefiting significantly from the fluctuating dollar value, ought to feel ashamed for not providing their workers with a salary raise. He emphasized that the salary increase outlined in the gazette notice issued by the Labour Commissioner General for plantation workers should be implemented.

MP Vadivel Suresh further commented:

“We express gratitude to the President and the government for raising the salary of plantation workers to LKR. 1700. However, the Plantation Employers’ Association is contesting this decision.

The estate companies that profited greatly from the dollar’s value should be ashamed of themselves for not giving their workers a raise. Expressing opposition to the decision to increase wages for their workers, who contribute significantly to strengthening the national economy by upholding the reputation of Ceylon Tea, is regrettable. The decision to raise estate workers’ wages was not made hastily; rather, it followed extensive negotiations over the course of a year involving the Department of Labour, trade unions, and relevant stakeholders.

Employers’ unions persistently refrained from engaging in wage-fixing negotiations. Similarly, they remained silent when a salary increase of LKR 1000 was requested. However, the Labour Commissioner General, utilizing his authority, lawfully issued a gazette notice for a salary hike of LKR 1700. It is unjust for estate companies to procrastinate without providing relief to the workforce amidst fluctuations in the dollar’s value.

Both the government and the plantation Employers’ Association bear responsibility in this matter. Consequently, companies cannot contravene government decisions. Estate companies claim they are in dialogue with the high-level committee for the ultimate verdict. However, all 22 estate companies are owned by five individuals. These owners are involved not only in tea plantations but also in sectors such as tourism, small-scale manufacturing, agriculture, and gems. Additionally, plantation workers and trade unions must unite in support of this wage increase.

(President’s Media Division)

Related News :

Planters’ Association clarifies on daily wage increase

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners

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CID records another statement from Maithri

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Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department today (May 03) to record another statement regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The CID had previously obtained a five-hour-long statement from the former President on March 25 over a statement he had made a few days earlier.

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