News

Geoffrey Bawa featured at 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Fest.

Published

8 months ago

September 18, 2023

editor

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Seoul, in collaboration with the Korea Institute of Registered Architects (KIRA), organized a special viewing of the film “Bawa’s Garden” on 14th September 2023 at the Embassy premises, as a part of the 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Festival.

The documentary film, directed by Clara Kraft Isono features the work of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, who was internationally recognized as a pioneer of the tropical modernist style. Mainly focusing on his estate “Lunuganga”, the film reveals the life and work of Bawa through narratives of those who knew him and his work.

The Festival Director of the 15th Seoul International Architecture Film Festival Kim Chang-gil welcomed the invitees to the film screening and highlighted the important role the Seoul International Architecture Film Festival played in the promotion of architecture.

Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Savitri Panabokke, speaking of the diverse and prolific work of Bawa, stated that his creations often incorporated elements of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, while harmonizing with nature and elements of sustainability. She also stated that his buildings often generated a sense of calmess and tranquility.

Award winning Sri Lankan architect, writer and Trustee of the Bawa Trust and Lunuganga Trust Channa Daswatte, addressed the viewers virtually on the remarkable work of Bawa from creating the Parliament of Sri Lanka to a number of private and public properties. He highlighted how Bawa’s designs allowed the history and social requirements specific to the place to be reflected in architecture. He added that Bawa encouraged the use of local materials and sought to make his designs suitable for a tropical climate.

The viewing was preceded by a networking reception for the invited guests at the Embassy premises. “Bawa’s Garden” was also screened at the Festival’s main cinema in Seoul on 07 and 08 September 2023.

News

Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 hour ago

May 3, 2024

editor

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

News

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

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

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

News

CID records another statement from Maithri

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

Former President Maithripala Sirisena has appeared before the Criminal Investigations Department today (May 03) to record another statement regarding the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The CID had previously obtained a five-hour-long statement from the former President on March 25 over a statement he had made a few days earlier.