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GoSL – GGGI signs host country agreement

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A Host Country Agreement was signed between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) progressing Sri Lanka’s climate action and further deepening Sri Lanka’s green growth development. The agreement was signed in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Former Secretary General of the UN and the President of the Assembly and Chair of the Council of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Ban Ki-Moon, this afternoon (07).

The agreement was signed, enabling the Government and the GGGI to effectively plan and implement green growth initiatives in the country. It was signed at the Presidential Secretariat by the Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Dr Anil Jasinghe, on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and by the Director General of GGGI Frank Rijsberman on behalf of the GGGI.

These initiatives include the implementation of the on-going National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and Readiness Support project, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), to enhance capacity and institutions. The project includes the development of provincial adaptation plans and the identification of climate adaptation investments to implement these plans.

Sri Lanka joined GGGI as a Member in 2019. Sri Lanka was elected as Vice President of the Assembly and Vice Chair of the Council of GGGI in October 2022. GGGI is hosted by the Ministry of Environment at the Climate Change Secretariat and Policy Planning Division.

GGGI is dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. It serves the role of an enabler and facilitator of Members’ transition into a low-carbon green economy, providing policy advice and technical support in the development of green growth plans, policies and regulations, mobilization of green investments, implementation of green growth projects, and development of local capacities and knowledge sharing.

The Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Santhush Woonjin Jeong, Environment Minister Nazeer Ahamed, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff to the President Sagala Rathnayake, Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake, Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, Advisor to the President Ananda Mallavitantri, Lead Director of ODG of GGGI Dave H. Kim, Head of Programs, GGGI Dr Achala Abeysinghe and Dr Sonali Senaratne participated in this event.

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China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

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State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe has met with the Chinese Vice Minister of Finance Liao Min.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the ADB annual meeting in Georgia.

Minister Semasinghe said on X ”at this discussion China assured its fullest support and cooperation to conclude the debt restructuring process in Sri Lanka.”

Furthermore, he said that China reaffirmed steadfast support to Sri Lanka on all fronts.(news first.lk)

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Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

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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

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

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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)

Related News :

Planters’ Association clarifies on daily wage increase

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners

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