News

Five Cargills employees arrested; 2 more to be arrested

Published

2 months ago

September 25, 2023

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Five people were arrested in connection with the incident of brutally assaulting a young woman at one of the Cargills Foodcity supermarket outlets, the Borella Police said.

The attack took place inside the supermarket on Cotta Road in Borella.

Initial police investigations revealed that the girl was attacked for allegedly stealing chocolates from the store on the 18th.

Meanwhile, it was reported that two more employees are to be arrested.

Investigations are being conducted on the instructions of Borella Police OIC Chief Inspector Janaka Priyadarshana Withanage.

Why did employees become violent?

Meanwhile, social media platforms were alive with conversations on how some factions in the society were attempting to justify the attack.

Some media organizations have published the news without mentioning the name of the institution where the attack took place.

However, Cargills employees have been heavily criticized for taking the law into their own hands.

Meanwhile, human rights organizations and consumer rights protection organizations pointed out that Cargills Foodcity’s strict management has led to the employees’ violent behaviour.

Sri Lanka Mirror was able to reveal that the employees are under immense pressure due to the ‘strict’ rules imposed by the management of Cargills Foodcity on its employees.

Mentioned below are some of the rules and regulations imposed on the employees by the Cargills Foodcity.

1. If any of the items packed in Cargills Food City are missing, the employees will bear the responsibility and the value will be deducted from their wages.

2. Cargills Foodcity will give a certain amount (1000/-) to the cashiers in the morning and if there is a shortfall in that amount after the balancing books at the end of the day, it should be recovered from their salary or in some other way.

3. All the employees have been assigned certain shelves in the Food City and they should bear the responsibility for the assigned shelves.

4. Even if the employees are given leave, it is difficult for them to get a leave on the required day.

5. Cargills also cut and sell vegetables, meat and fish and they are being prepared by the employees. It is said that they often have to cut pieces from items that are about to expire, and therefore, the task is unpleasant.

6. Although the working hours are from 7 am to 9 pm, the work shift in some Cargills Food City outlets ends at around 11 pm.

News

Japanese embassy hands over medical equipment to Jayewardenepura hospital

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2023

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Japanese ambassador – Mr. Mizukoshi Hideaki today (Dec. 06) handed over medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital.

The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Minister of Health – Dr. Ramesh Pathirana and State Minister of Health – Dr. Seetha Arambepola.

The event underscored the deep bonds between the two nations and Japan’s collective commitment to bolstering healthcare infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

This significant occasion marks the transfer of crucial medical equipment to Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, strengthening its capabilities to provide quality healthcare services. The equipment handed over includes an Anesthesia Workstation, an Automated Refractometer, three ICU Beds, a Recovery Bed, three Slit lamps, 5 Bedside Monitors, and one Surgical Instrument set.

Ambassador Mizukoshi stated, “Today, I am delighted to witness the handover ceremony for the initial batch of this equipment, underscoring our commitment to advancing healthcare in Sri Lanka.”

The embassy notes that the collaboration between Japan and Sri Lanka in the health sector remains steadfast, with a shared vision of fostering goodwill and cooperation.

This handover represents just the beginning of a larger grant project. As part of our ongoing commitment, additional medical equipment will be installed at Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital in the future. This sustained partnership underscores Japan’s dedication to contributing to the ongoing improvement of healthcare facilities and services in Sri Lanka, the embassy adds.

News

India – Russia venture to take up reins of MRIA

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2023

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Sri Lanka has reportedly agreed to hand over the operations of the Mattala Rajapaksha International Airport (MRIA) to a private joint venture between Russian and Indian entities.

Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S Ruwanchandra said that a discussion held yesterday (05) in this regard, ended on a positive note and an agreement is to be signed soon.

Accordingly, all operational activities at Mattala International Airport will be managed and executed by the Russian-Indian Private Joint Venture.

News

Fmr. DIG released from alleged VIP assassination plot

Published

1 hour ago

December 6, 2023

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Former Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Nalaka de Silva has been released from the case filed over the alleged VIP assassination plot in 2019.

The Colombo Fort Magistrate has ordered to release de Silva after the Attorney General informed the court that ‘insufficient evidence’ was found to support the allegations.

The former Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) was arrested by the CID on October 25, 2018, over a suspected plot to assassinate former Presidents Maithripala Sirisena and Gotabaya Rajapaksa.