Connect with us

BIZ

We will be operating tomorrow – BoC & People’s Bank Chairmen

Published

on

The Chairmen of the People’s Bank and the Bank of Ceylon both emphasized that their respective banks are ready to serve their customers tomorrow (01).

They expressed their confidence that it is the responsibility of all public servants to support the government’s program to build the country’s economy, and that bank employees will do the same.

These issues were revealed at a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat today (28) regarding matters in the banking industry.

The discussion was attended by the heads of state banks and trade union representatives, as well as the Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of the President’s Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, and the President’s Secretary, Saman Ekanayake.

There was extensive discussion about how to keep the banking operations running so that government programs are not disrupted and customers are not inconvenienced.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayake pointed out that it is not a good situation for the country to send the message to the international community that the banking system is inactive at a time when the government has taken extensive measures to create financial stability in the country.

Although it is a common tradition to issue circulars containing arrangements such as handing over the keys on the day of the strike, handing over the keys to safes containing gold, etc., when bank employees take union action, this has not occurred in relation to the joint bank union action scheduled to take place tomorrow. This was revealed during the discussion.

Accordingly, the Chairmen and the main management of the Banks agreed that the steps will be taken soon.

Ronald Perera, Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon, added that the banking system’s support is required for the government’s economic development program, and he urges all bank employees not to neglect their responsibilities to the country.

Sujeewa Rajapaksa, Chairman of the People’s Bank, stated that steps have been taken and are currently being discussed to address issues with current tax collection.

He also stated that it is everyone’s responsibility to help improve the country’s future by cooperating with understanding at this time when the entire country is experiencing economic difficulties.

Commenting further Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon Ronald C. Perera said :

This country is now in a very difficult economic situation. In this situation, several trade unions have announced a strike tomorrow. As Chairman of the Bank of Ceylon, I request that our employees return to work tomorrow because the Bank of Ceylon provides excellent service to its customers. If the bank is closed for even one day, the entire country will suffer greatly.

Furthermore, trade unions demand that the government should make decisions on tax collection and tax rate reductions. As a result, we have discussed this matter with the government. These issues, we believe, will be resolved in the near future. I strongly urge the employees to report for duty on behalf of the bank and its customers.

People’s Bank Chairman Sujeewa Rajapaksa further said :

Several trade unions have organized a strike for tomorrow. As Chairman of the People’s Bank, I request that you report to work as People’s Bank employees. People’s Bank makes a significant contribution to the economy of this country. We serve a large number of people and customers, as well as economic operators. As a result, we ask that you report to duty as usual and complete the necessary tasks to keep the service running. At this time, we ask that you refrain from acting in a way that will harm the government, country, or economy.

President’s Economic Senior Advisor Dr R H S Samaratunga and Director General of Trade Unions Saman Rathnapriya were also present at the discussion.

BIZ

Minister warns to impose MRP on salt

Published

on

By

Minister of Trade – Wasantha Samarasinghe has warned that the government will be forced to introduce a Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for salt by this week, if importers attempt to sell imported salt at higher prices.

Speaking at a media briefing, he said that a kilo of imported salt will cost Rs. 77, along with the 40% tax imposed by the government.

“Let’s say it has been priced at Rs. 80 a kilo. Then, wholesale traders are allowed to keep a profit of Rs. 10, 20, or 30. But not beyond this margin. However, if importers are trying to use this shortage to create a racket, then I would like to warn them not to engage in such activities. We will be forced to impose a Maximum Retail Price if this continues,” he added.

Continue Reading

BIZ

CEAT assures job security following Michelin Lanka acquisition

Published

on

By

CEAT OHT Lanka (Pvt) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of CEAT Limited, India, has reassured employees that their jobs are secure following the acquisition of the CAMSO brand’s off-highway construction equipment bias tyre and tracks business from Michelin Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.

The holding company, CEAT Ltd. of Mumbai, India, announced in December 2024 that a definitive agreement had been signed for the acquisition. This includes the Midigama plant. the Casting Product Division in Kotugoda and some parts of other divisions providing central services.

To formalize the transition, a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on May 22, 2025, between CEAT OHT Lanka, Michelin Lanka, and the Inter Company Employees Union.

The agreement guarantees 100% job security, preservation of past service, seniority, remuneration, and employee benefits.

However, employees of Michelin Lanka in Midigama, Matara, recently protested claiming that their jobs were at risk due to the sale.

CEAT, operating in over 120 countries, emphasized its commitment to employee welfare and workplace satisfaction, affirming it will honor all obligations under the agreement and actively invest in business growth.

CEAT, listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange and part of the RPG Group, is a leading manufacturer of tyres for cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and off-highway vehicles.

CEAT had previously acquired Kelani Tyres, a fully state-owned enterprise in 1993, which was considered as a controversial deal facilitated by Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Related News :

Continue Reading

BIZ

All necessary procedures to launch Starlink services in SL competed – Dy. Minister

Published

on

By

The government has completed all necessary procedures to launch Starlink services in Sri Lanka, says Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne.

According to Deputy Minister Weeraratne, once the expected information dashboard is received from Starlink, the service could be launched without any operational delays.

He made this statement while attending a bilateral meeting organized by the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore, held alongside the 2025 Tech Summit Asia in Singapore.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Weeraratne and Ambassador Stephan Lang, the United States’ Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy at the U.S. Department of State.

During the meeting, several strategic areas were also discussed.

Ambassador Lang emphasized the importance and urgency of these initiatives, describing them as both challenging and essential for Sri Lanka’s digital future. He reiterated the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Sri Lanka in implementing these transformative digital policies and programs.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved