News

Ambulance drivers on strike today!

Published

2 years ago

January 9, 2023

editor

Around 7,000 ambulance drivers and other drivers in the health sector will be on strike today (09) over several issues including the increase in bank interest rates, Government Ambulance and Transport Drivers Association President W.D.Wijesinghe said.

The workers said the interest rate which was between 9 and 10 per cent for loans obtained from state banks had been increased.

Mr.Wijesinghe said the Health Ministry has been informed that patient care services would be interrupted due to the strike.

There are about 550 ambulances under the Ministry and about 1,150 are employed as ambulance drivers and other drivers in the health sector.

In addition, there are about 800 ambulances under the Provincial Health Ministries and more than 5,800 people work as drivers in the health sector.

The trade union had discussed the issue with Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta and Director General of Health Services Asela Gunawardena but the discussions had ended without a solution.

News

Navy rescues Indian fishermen from capsized boat off Talaimannar (Pics)

Published

57 minutes ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Navy has rescued 04 Indian fishermen aboard an Indian fishing boat capsized in the Sri Lankan waters off Talaimannar on June 25.

Upon receiving the distress alert, a team of the Special Boat Squadron stationed at SLNS Thammanna, under the North Central Naval Command swiftly launched a search and rescue operation. During the rescue mission, the naval personnel located the overturned Indian boat, capsized after being caught in rough seas north of Sand Dune VII, and safely rescued all four fishermen.

The rescued individuals, identified as residents of Rameswaram, India, were brought ashore by the Navy and provided with necessary assistance.

The fisherman in good health condition were subsequently handed over to the Talaimannar Police for onward action. The Sri Lanka Navy remains vigilant in assisting distressed maritime and fishing communities within Sri Lankan waters, reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and humanitarian efforts.

(Pics : navy.lk)

News

Validity of re-entry visa extended for Lankans working in Israel

Published

1 hour ago

June 28, 2025

editor

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism has issued a special notice for Sri Lankans working in Israel.

A statement issued by the ministry states :

Due to the unstable situation in the Middle East region, the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) of Israel has decided to extend the validity period of the re-entry visa of those who have come to Sri Lanka possessing a re-entry visa with the hope of returning to their respective employments in Israel until 2025.07.31.

Accordingly, as international flights to Israel have started presently, those who came to Sri Lanka on re-entry visa have the possibility to return to work in Israel until 31.07.2025 even after the expiry of the re-entry visa.

All relevant institutions have been informed in this regard.