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70th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Japan – SL

Published

1 year ago

December 22, 2022

editor

On 16th December 2022, the embassy of Japan hosted a reception to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka at the residence of Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.

The reception was held in the presence of Prime Minister – Dinesh Gunawardene as the Guest of Honor and many other distinguished guests including Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Foreign Minister – M.U.M.Ali Sabry, Sports Minister – Mr. Roshan Ranasinghe and other dignitaries.

Ambassador Mizukoshi recalled the high level diplomatic visits, grant aids by the government of Japan, Japanese investments to Sri Lanka by the private sector, recent progress in Japanese language education in Sri Lanka and awarding of the decoration of the Emperor of Japan and the commendation of the Foreign Minister of Japan.

He also looked back on the various major events that had strengthened the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka such as Tanabata Day in July, Friendship Walk and San Francisco Peace Treaty commemoration in September, the Bon-odori festival in December and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan official stakeholders, namely Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation, Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital and National Youth Services Council, Japan related companies, organizations and institutes in Sri Lanka and everyone who provided their immense cooperation throughout the year in making a 70th anniversary a great success.

As the guest of honour, PM Dinesh Gunawardene acknowledged the importance of this milestone of deep friendship and bond between the two countries, as well as people of Japan, and Sri Lanka. He also took note of the contributions from the government of Japan, investments from the Japanese private sector and various collaborations between the two countries including state officials, academia, science and technology, areas of research cooperation, defense and cultural, religious and different friends.

At this auspicious occasion, a commemorative postage stamp with an envelope was issued marking the 70th anniversary by the Philatelic Bureau of the Department of Posts, Ministry of Mass Media. The postage stamp and the envelope were designed by Ms. Hasini Dineshika and Ms. Rashmi Dewmini and they were selected from the contest conducted by the National Youth Services Council.

News

Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 hour 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 hour 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

News

CID records another statement from Maithri

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department today (May 03) to record another statement regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The CID had previously obtained a five-hour-long statement from the former President on March 25 over a statement he had made a few days earlier.