News

Election Commission announces leave plan for voting

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2024

editor

The Election Commission has announced the plan for leave for both public and private sector employees for the upcoming presidential election on September 21, 2024, without loss of salary or personal leave.

For public sector employees, Article 12.3 of Chapter XII of the Institutions Code specifies that a minimum of four hours of leave must be provided for presidential elections, with special leave granted for a continuous period necessary to reach the polling station.

In the private sector, where there is no existing legal framework for such leave, the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission has addressed concerns over employers not granting voting leave.

Following discussions with the Ministry of Relations, the Department of Labour, and the Election Commission, the Commission has recommended that private sector employers grant leave based on the distance employees must travel to vote.

The suggested minimum leave is as follows:

1. 40 km or less: Half a day
2. Between 40 km and 100 km: One day
3. Between 100 km and 150 km: One and a half days
4. More than 150 km: Two days

This recommendation accounts for the fact that some voters may need up to three days off to travel to and from their polling stations.

Employees are therefore required to apply for leave in writing. Employers must maintain and display a record of the employees who have applied for and been granted special leave.

Thus, employers are strongly encouraged to adhere to these provisions to ensure employees have sufficient time to vote in the presidential election.

(sundaytimes.lk)

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

News

Around 500 apparel factory workers hospitalized due to food poisoning

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

Around 500 workers at a privately owned apparel factory in Bakamoona, Polonnaruwa have been hospitalised over food poisoning, reports say.
According to reports, the employees have fallen ill after consuming food provided by the factory.

However, they are not in critical condition and are being treated at the Bakamoona and Atthanakadawala Hospitals.

(Source : Aruna)

News

HC freezes 2 luxury apartments purchased by Keheliya’s son

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

The Colombo High Court has issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments located in the Colpetty area which had been purchased by Ramith Rambukwella, the son of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The two luxury apartments had allegedly been purchased for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million.

The order was issued today (19) by Colombo High Court Judge Manjula Thilakaratne after considering a request from the Bribery Commission.

The Bribery Commission informed the court that Mr. Ramith Rambukwella had purchased two apartments from an apartment complex located in Colpetty for Rs. 80 million and Rs. 65 million respectively.

The commission requested the court today to issue an order to prohibit the property from being used or accessed as an investigation is being carried out in this regard, as part of an investigation against former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella.

The High Court Judge, who considered the request, issued an order preventing the use of two luxury apartments until December 19.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by Nadaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Schools closed islandwide tomorrow

Published

4 hours ago

September 19, 2024

editor

The Ministry of Education has announced that all schools across the island will be closed tomorrow (Sep. 20) before reopening on Sep. 23.

Additionally, schools designated as polling stations are required to be handed over to the respective Grama Niladhari officials today, following the conclusion of school hours.