News

Another health worker strike tomorrow!

Published

12 months ago

April 1, 2024

nipuni

Another islandwide health worker strike is planned to be held from tomorrow (April 02), leading to crippled health services

72 Trade Unions under the Health Trade Union Alliance will join the strike, calling authorities to address several grievances including the DAT issue.

In February, the government had decided to raise the DAT allowance by Rs 35,000 for doctors, which had led to health trade unions demanding a similar allowance to be extended to them as well.

However, a crucial discussion is scheduled for today (April 01), involving officials from the Finance Ministry and the outcome of this meeting is to be the final deciding factor of the impending strike.

Speaking in this regard, co-convener of the TU alliance – Chanaka Dharmawickrama has said : “It was initially decided to commence a 04-hour strike islandwide. But the Presidential Secretariat has called for a discussion today and therefore we had decided to limit this to 05 key hospitals only, namely. Kandy, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala, Ratnapura, and Badulla. However, if we do not receive a favourable solution today, we will launch an island wide strike tomorrow.”

News

Police media spokesman resigns

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Sri Lanka Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga has tendered his resignation from the position.

According to reports, he has handed over his letter of resignation to the Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasooriya.

News

Speaker endorses certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill

Published

1 hour ago

March 20, 2025

editor

Hon. Speaker of Parliament endorses the certificate on the Bill

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments in Parliament today (20).

The debate on the Second Reading of this Bill was held today from 5:40 PM to 7:10 PM. Subsequently, following the consideration of the Bill at the Committee Stage, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament.

The Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill was presented to Parliament for its First Reading on 01.03.2025.

Furthermore, Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne endorsed the certificate on Inland Revenue (Amendment) Bill today (20), in accordance with Article 79 of the Constitution.

Accordingly, this Bill will be enforced as the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act No. 02 of 2025.

News

Japan provides fire trucks to Sri Lanka

Published

2 hours ago

March 20, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan, through a grant assistance of JPY 300 million, has decided to provide state-of-the-art Japanese fire trucks to the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen disaster response capabilities in the country’s Export Processing Zones (EPZs), ensuring a safer business environment and contributing to economic and social stability.

Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata SOMATA and Secretary of the Finance Ministry – Mr. K. M. M. Siriwardana, today (March 20) signed and exchanged notes in Colombo on this grant assistance.

The EPZs play a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s economy by attracting investment and driving industrial growth.

The increasing risks of fire hazards and other emergencies risk hampering its critical functions.

The Japanese fire trucks, equipped with cutting-edge technology, will bolster the capacity of EPZs, safeguarding businesses, workers, and communities.

The project also underscores Japan’s unwavering commitment to addressing Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges and promoting sustainable development.