News

A/L paper marking allowance doubled!

Published

7 months ago

March 2, 2023

editor

The Cabinet has yesterday (01) decided to increase the daily allowance given to teachers for evaluating A/L exam papers from Rs.900 to Rs.2,000 and to double the overall allowances of university lecturers.

This decision was taken at the special Cabinet meeting held last evening under the chairmanship of President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss the issues in the education sector.

With the increase in allowances, the Examinations Department has taken steps to call for applications from teachers for the second time yesterday for paper marking.

The Cabinet has also decided to establish a separate agency for the regulation of private universities.

University Grants Commission Chairman Professor Sampath Amaratunga and Examinations Commissioner General Amith Jayasundara were also invited to this meeting to get their opinions.

Although 15,000 teachers have applied for paper marking, not enough teachers have applied for subjects like chemistry, physics, and combined mathematics.

A large number of teachers have not applied since the daily allowance has not been increased.

The Examination Department expressed optimism that teachers will apply for paper marking in light of the new decision to increase allowances.

News

Keheliya & ministry officials undertake 50 foreign tours

Published

22 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella and the officials of his Ministry had undertaken 50 foreign tours in one year, a report prepared by the International Health Division of the Ministry revealed.

These reports have been compiled by Deputy Director General (Planning) of the Health Ministry Dr. S. Sri Dharan.

It was prepared following a Right to Information (RTI) request made by an organisation called ‘Citizens Power Against Bribery and Corruption.’

Accordingly, Health Minister Rambukwella has made five foreign trips, Health Secretary Janaka Sri Chandragupta has made two foreign trips and Health Services Director General Asela Gunawardena has made four foreign trips.

These foreign trips have taken place as per the invitations made by representative organizations including the World Health Organization, and those organizations have provided expenses for air tickets, food and accommodation facilities.

Furthermore, the International Health Division of the Ministry of Health has approved foreign duty leave for these doctors and has also given them a casual allowance.

Interestingly, the deputy director general who prepared the report has engaged in the highest number of foreign trips.

Source – Aruna

News

Health workers to protest demanding solutions

Published

26 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

The Collective of United Health Service Trade Unions and the United People’s Movement are scheduled to launch protests outside health institutions today (22) demanding immediate solutions to several issues in the health sector.

This series of protests has been named as the National Health Protest Day.

Several civil organizations and people are expected to join the protest which will be held from 12 noon to 1 pm along with health trade unions.

The protest will also force the government to solve the issue of health professionals leaving the country, All Ceylon Nurses’ Union President S. B. Madiwatta said.

News

Heavy rains today as well

Published

35 mins ago

September 22, 2023

editor

Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts today (22), the Department of Meteorology said.

It said showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva, Central, North-central and Eastern Provinces and in Vavuniya and Mullaitivu Districts during the evening or night.

Fairly heavy showers of above 50mm can be expected at some places.

The public are requested to take precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.