News

22.7% of population struggling to survive: Rathnapriya

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2023

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A joint survey conducted by Germany, the USA, the European Union and Sri Lanka has revealed that 22.7% of the population in the country are struggling to survive while 53% are going through economic hardships, Saman Ratnapriya, Director General of Trade Unions to the President said.

He said this while addressing a news conference organized jointly by civil organizations and trade unions to discuss the politics and economy of the country yesterday (10).

“The joint survey said that the number of people who are struggling to live has increased to 22.7%. The number of people who cannot afford the cost of living has become 17% while 13% are unemployed. Approximately 53% are going through serious economic difficulties,” he said.

He said that developing the country in this condition is the responsibility of all the political parties, the president, the government and Parliament as well as citizens.

News

President AKD to be chief guest at UN Day of Vesak in Ho Chi Minh

Published

24 minutes ago

May 2, 2025

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Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Disanayaka is to be the chief guest at the United Nations Day of Vesak ceremony being held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at which he will deliver the keynote address, the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs says.

President Disanayake is to undertake a State Visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam from May 04 – 06 at the invitation of the President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong. He will be accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath and senior government officials.

There, he is to hold official discussions with the President and Prime Minister of Viet Nam and also meet with senior dignitaries including the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

The two sides are also expected to conclude several Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements during the state visit, and engagement with the business community is envisaged.

The visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam is expected to further consolidate the strong ties between the two countries, as they mark 55 years of diplomatic relations this year.

News

May Day rally buses spotted taking lunch breaks on highway! (Video)

Published

38 minutes ago

May 2, 2025

editor

Buses carrying supporters to the NPP’s May Day rally in Galle Face Colombo were spotted while making a pitstop on an expressway, with passengers having lunch by the roadside.

Videos depicting this have been making rounds on social media, raising safety concerns, as stopping in the middle of expressways pose significant risks.

Police vehicles were also spotted amid these stopped vehicles.

News

Speaker endorses certificate on Proceeds of Crime Bill

Published

47 minutes ago

May 2, 2025

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Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on the Proceeds of Crime Bill, on April 30 in Parliament.

The debate on the Second Reading of the Proceeds of Crime Bill was held on April 08, 2025, and following the Second Reading debate, the Bill was considered at the Committee Stage. Thereafter, the Bill was passed in Parliament without a division and without amendments, following the Third Reading.

This Bill was presented to Parliament for the First Reading on March 01, 2025.Accordingly, this Bill shall come into force as the Proceeds of Crime Act, No. 05 of 2025.