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E-8 visa agreement unlawfully signed by ex-minister – SLBFE

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The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) Kosala Wickramasinghe disclosed that the E-8 visa agreement with South Korea was signed unlawfully by the former minister, without obtaining Cabinet approval or proper government authorization.

In a recent statement, Wickramasinghe emphasized that no private employment agencies in Sri Lanka are permitted to send workers to South Korea under the E-8 visa system, nor to collect any fees associated with it. He highlighted significant public misconceptions surrounding the E-8 visa, noting that it is a short-term visa limited to five months, which poses potential risks and lacks sufficient government oversight.

“There is currently a debate around the E-8 visa system in Sri Lanka. These visas are only available for a five-month period, which could lead to various issues. This is why no government has sanctioned agreements under this category. No private agencies in Sri Lanka are authorized to send workers to Korea or collect money for this purpose”, he stated.

Wickramasinghe further explained that the former minister had independently pursued the E-8 visa arrangement with a provincial governor in South Korea’s Wando Province, bypassing the required governmental approvals.

The Foreign Employment Bureau, he added, cannot be held responsible for this unauthorized arrangement, which was not sanctioned by the South Korean government. He stated that upon learning of this agreement, South Korean authorities expressed concerns and have urged Sri Lanka not to facilitate worker placements under the E-8 visa.

Reaffirming the bureau’s commitment to the legal E-9 visa, Wickramasinghe stated, “The E-9 visa, which offers placements for four years and ten months, remains the proper and stable route for Sri Lankan workers in Korea. By the end of this year, we anticipate sending more than 7,000 individuals under this legal system, which ensures substantial income and job security. We strongly advise job seekers against paying for opportunities tied to the unauthorized E-8 visa”, he further added.

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Postal strike ends

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The Union of Postal and Telecommunications Officers says postal services will operate as usual today (May 31).

Secretary Manjula Jayasundara stated that striking union members returned to work from yesterday (May 30) afternoon, and distribution of over 2,000 delayed mail bags has begun.

This strike, launched over 10 demands including delays in recruitment, has reportedly drawn the attention of the relevant authorities.

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“Mask up if feeling unwell”

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Leading expert in Allergy, Immunology and Molecular Medicine – Professor Chandima Jeewandara has recommended handwashing and mask wearing for individuals feeling unwell, stating that it would be key in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.

On a X thread, Prof. Jeewandara had shared this advice as the new COVID-19 variant – NB.1.8.1, is causing a rise in cases worldwide.

“The symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are broadly similar to earlier COVID-19 strains, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Notably, hoarseness has emerged as a common symptom distinguishing it from earlier variants,” Prof. Jeewandara has said.

“Current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants. Most infections are mild, especially among vaccinated individuals,” he adds.

“While the emergence of NB.1.8.1 is notable, there is currently no cause for alarm. Continued vigilance and adhere to public health guidelines MOH,” he further notes.

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1st stock of imported coconut milk to undergo clearance, lab testing today

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The first consignment of imported coconut milk under the Government’s raw material importation programme is scheduled to undergo clearance and laboratory testing today (31), as part of a coordinated initiative by the Plantation Industries Ministry.

This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to supply essential raw materials to industries linked to the coconut sector, aiming to reduce domestic coconut prices and support local manufacturers. The consignment currently under clearance includes products equivalent to 200 million coconuts. They are in the forms of frozen coconut milk, coconut milk powder and chunked coconut with testa (non-copra), imported as part of the programme initiated in March 2025. The stock will be used primarily in the coconut milk powder industry, which has been facing raw material shortages. The Plantation Industries Ministry expects this move to reduce the pressure on local coconut supplies and contribute to a drop in retail coconut prices.

(dailynews.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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