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Commemoration of the 7th Ayurveda Day

Published

2 years ago

October 25, 2022

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To commemorate the 7th Ayurveda Day, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, the cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, organized a special exhibition on the theme “Ayurveda Everyday, Ayurveda Everywhere” for Sri Lanka Police Force on 22nd October, 2022.

The key objective of the exhibition was to spread awareness about Ayurveda for better health and living.

The Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Shri Vinod K. Jacob was the Chief Guest at the exhibition. Conveying his greetings on Dhanteras and Deepavali, the Acting High Commissioner highlighted the significance of Ayurveda as a holistic system of medicine, which promotes harmony of the body and the environment.

SSP Athula Amarasinghe, the Deputy Director of National Police Academy of Sri Lanka, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Pathirage Kamal Perera, Professor in Ayurveda Medicine and Consultant Physician, Institute of Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo, attended the event as the subject matter expert. Noting the role of diet, herbs, and spices in Ayurvedic treatment, he highlighted that the western medicinal science, including the World Health Organization (WHO), is increasingly taking interest in Ayurveda to promote a holistic lifestyle. Distinguished Ayurveda experts, Ms. Ruvi Rodrigio and Dr. Amila Wickramasinghe explained the various exhibits that were displayed during the exhibition. About 50 participants from Sri Lanka Police force attended the exhibition.

Ayurveda day is celebrated every year on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, who is referred to as the ‘God of Ayurveda’ in Sushruta Samhita, an ancient Sanskrit text on medicine and surgery. Dhanvantari Jayanti is also first of the five days celebration of Deepavali, the festival of light.

The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) of the Government of India and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine have undertaken a number of initiatives for promotion of indigenous alternative medicine systems. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Ministries released guidelines that promote good health and hygiene as well as boost immunity to help combat the Coronavirus.

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China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

5 hours ago

May 4, 2024

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State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting in Georgia.

Minister Semasinghe said on X ”at this discussion China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka.”

Furthermore, he said that China reaffirmed steadfast support to Sri Lanka on all fronts.(news first.lk)

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Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

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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

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Companies should be ashamed of not giving workers a raise – Vadivel Suresh

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

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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