News

Parliamentary committee demands CBSL report on salary hike amid criticism

Published

4 months ago

February 24, 2024

editor

Amidst growing criticism over the substantial salary hike for Central Bank employees, a key parliamentary committee has taken action, demanding a report from the Central Bank regarding the legal basis for such an increment without parliamentary approval.

Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Alleviating the Impact of the Economic Crisis, MP Gamini Waleboda, disclosed that the issue was raised during a committee meeting where Central Bank officials were present.

The Central Bank is now expected to submit a comprehensive report on the salary increment in the coming week. Following the submission, the Sectoral Oversight Committee intends to summon the Central Bank and its Monetary Board for further examination.

MP Waleboda highlighted that the committee expressed strong criticism of the 70% salary increase for Central Bank employees, especially given the ongoing economic crisis, deeming it an immoral act.

“We instructed the Central Bank to provide a report by next week to justify the salary increase. They will need to provide the legal provisions that empower them to effect such an increment. We will summon the Central Bank and its Monetary Board after receiving the report,” stated MP Waleboda.

Both government and opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced objections to the Central Bank’s decision to raise the salary scales by 70%, with Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella asserting that the Central Bank Act lacks provisions for such salary increases without parliamentary approval, deeming it illegal.

News

18-hour water cut in several areas

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2024

editor

The National Water Supply and Drainage Board stated that a 18-hour water cut will be imposed to several areas from 9.00pm today (July 04) till 3.00pm tomorrow (July 05).

Accordingly, water supply to Kolonnawa Urban Council and Kaduwela Municipal Council areas and the Kotikawatta-Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha area will be interrupted.

News

Custom officers call off TU action

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2024

editor

Sri Lanka Customs Officers’ Union today (July 04) decided to end its two-day ‘sick leave’ campaign over the government’s failure to heed several demands.

The trade union strike was called off after talks with State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya.

Following that, State Minister Siyambalapitiya said that they will move swiftly to release the vital commodities that have been reportedly delayed.

News

16 FD accounts of Keheliya’s family members frozen

Published

3 hours ago

July 4, 2024

editor

Colombo, July 04 (Daily Mirror) – On an application made by the Bribery Commission, the Colombo High Court issued an order to freeze 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to the family members of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The value of the frozen fixed deposit accounts and insurance policies has been estimated at Rs. 93.125 million.

Accordingly, 16 fixed deposit accounts and three insurance policies belonging to Keheliya’s spouse, three daughters and son-in-law have been frozen for a period of seven days.

Former Health Minister Rambukwella is currently held in remand custody in connection with the alleged purchase of substandard immunoglobulin injections.

This freezing order was obtained by the Bribery Commission in terms of Section 53(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act No. 09 of 2023, as part of the in

vestigation being conducted under Section 42, where the spouse, family members or any other persons are also subject to scrutiny.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)