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Embassy finds 17 Lankans who entered UAE with visit visa to find work

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The attention of the Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been drawn to the recent media reports concerning an incident involving 17 Sri Lankan nationals who had entered Abu Dhabi using visit visas expecting to find overseas employment.

The Embassy officials and the UAE police authorities visited the location and found 17 Sri Lankans at the site.

Following inquiries made by the Embassy officials and the Police authorities from the said Sri Lankans, they had given statements expressing that they did not have issues or complaints. One of them, who consented to return to Sri Lanka. was repatriated by the Embassy.

However, on 15 November 2022, it was noted that the others had left for Oman, despite the Embassy’s instructions to follow proper legal and immigration procedures.

The Sri Lanka Embassies in UAE and Oman are continuously monitoring the situation and remain fully committed to ensure the welfare of the Sri Lankans.

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US embassy – NDDCB conducts training to combat synthetic drug threat

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), concluded a two-week regional training initiative focused on identifying and analyzing synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, particularly fentanyl and its analogs – substances that have become an urgent global concern. 

The training culminated in a formal handover ceremony of drug testing equipment, where U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, and NDDCB Chairman Dr. Indika Wanninayake presided over the presentation of the Radian ASAP instrument to Sri Lankan authorities. 
As part of the U.S. Department of State-funded regional initiative, Upgrading Forensic Lab Capabilities, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has partnered with the Colombo Plan to strengthen synthetic drug detection across South Asia. Forensic professionals from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal participated in two weeks of intensive classroom and hands-on training in Colombo to prepare for the installation of advanced drug detection equipment in their national laboratories. 

Each country will receive a Radian ASAP drug testing machine—a compact, cutting-edge system designed for rapid, high-confidence screening of synthetic substances in under a minute. Requiring no complex sample preparation, this technology is ideally suited to detect emerging drug threats efficiently and bolster regional forensic capabilities. 

This initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to disrupt the supply chains of synthetic opioids worldwide, reflecting recent White House executive actions taken to combat the global spread of fentanyl. In the United States, these substances have been declared a national emergency, with focused measures to block precursor chemicals and hold illicit producers accountable. 

During the handover ceremony of the drug testing equipment, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell stated: “The United States is confronting the fentanyl crisis at home and abroad because the threat knows no borders. That’s why we’re investing in regional partnerships like this one—to stop synthetic drugs before they take hold. Through this initiative, we’re not only sharing advanced tools and training, we’re reinforcing a shared commitment to public health and regional security. This work reflects broader U.S. efforts to disrupt global synthetic opioid supply chains and protect communities across the Indo-Pacific.” 

Equipment donations to labs in Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal are scheduled to follow. The U.S. remains committed to strengthening the region’s ability to detect and disrupt synthetic drug flows through technical cooperation and capacity building.

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SLTB to recruit female drivers and conductors

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is to recruit drivers and conductors on a contract basis, the state owned ‘Daily News’ reports.

According to the report, there are 425 vacancies for male drivers and 25 female drivers will also be recruited.

There are 275 vacancies for male conductors and 25 female conductors will also be recruited compulsorily, the report adds.

The report further notes : 

This endeavour aims to strengthen the public transport service, which is currently operational with over 25,000 employees in 107 depots across the country. A newspaper advertisement was published yesterday with the deadline for applications being July 31.
Applicants are required to present their original School Leaving Certificate (Student’s Progress Report) and other educational certificates at the interview.

The SLTB emphasised that incomplete or non-compliant applications will be rejected.

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Welfare Benefits Board Chairman resigns?

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The Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) – the body responsible for distributing the ‘Aswesuma’ benefit, has submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Finance, state owned newspaper ‘Silumina’ reports.

Retired special grade officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) – Mr. Jayantha Wijeratne was recommended for the post by the then President in Aug. 2023.

Following the  approval of the Constitutional Council, the appointment was made through letter PED/S/BDA/2022 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies.

Meanwhile, 299,532 beneficiaries have been selected for the second phase of the ‘Aswesuma’ program.

Appeals and objections will be accepted until July 21.

(Source: Silumina)

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