News

More details revealed on Lankan businessman’s murder in Jakarta

Published

1 year ago

February 15, 2023

editor

Various new details have reportedly been revealed pertaining to the recent death of businessman Onesh Subasinghe, who was found dead in an apartment in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Amidst suspicions of foul play, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed that Subasinghe, who was the Managing Director at Opex Holdings, was murdered in order to obtain his life insurance worth USD 1.5 million, and his other properties worth billions of Rupees.

Subasinghe’s Brazilian wife and her assistant, also of Brazilian nationality, are believed to be the main suspects, after it was revealed that both individuals had fled to Brazil after the murder with Subasinghe’s credit cards, mobile phone, his wristwatch, worth millions, and other valuables.

While investigations are being carried out by both, the CID and a special Police unit in Indonesia, it is suspected that the deceased’s wife, identified as Rosa Silva, had brought her Brazilian friend to Sri Lanka, under the guise of her assistant, in order to plan out the murder.

The couple were residing in a luxury apartment complex in Ward Place, Colombo, with their four-year-old daughter, where Silva’s friend also came and stayed with them prior to their holiday to Indonesia.

Police suspect that the trip to Indonesia was a part of the premeditated plan to murder Subasinghe, as it was easier to carry out the offence in a foreign country and then flee.

The family of three and Silva’s assistant departed for Indonesia on 20 January.

Subsequently, suspicions arose amongst Subasinghe’s colleagues after they were unable to reach him from 31 January.

Later, employees of the apartment also grew suspicious as the apartment in which the group were staying in had remained closed for a few days.

Upon opening the door to the apartment, the apartment staff found Subasinghe’s body, and informed his private secretary of the incident on 03 February, while CCTV footage showed the deceased’s wife leaving the room on 31 January with her assistant and daughter, after placing the ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door.

(adaderana.lk)

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

9 hours ago

May 4, 2024

editor

State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting in Georgia.

Minister Semasinghe said on X ”at this discussion China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka.”

Furthermore, he said that China reaffirmed steadfast support to Sri Lanka on all fronts.(news first.lk)

News

Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

editor

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

News

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

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

editor

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)

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners