News

Govt. Executive officers to report sick

Published

1 year ago

April 30, 2024

nipuni

It is reported that 18 trade unions representing the Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers have decided to take a trade union action as a protest against the Government’s failure to solve the problems faced by the professionals in the public sector.

Accordingly, it has been learned that the Joint Committee of Executive Officers has decided to report sick for two days and a written notification in this regard has been made to the Secretary to the President.

This was confirmed by an Additional Secretary to the President, where he referred to a letter issued on April 29, 2024, by the Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers to the Secretary to the President, titled “Government’s failure to provide solutions to the problems faced by public sector professionals at present”.

He mentioned that the relevant letter has been forwarded on the basis of four conditions including removal of salary anomalies, lack of salary increment for eight years, and setting up a promotion system among the executive officers of the public service.

He said that executive officers have said that they will report sick on April 2 and 3.

The letter has said that if the authorities continue to neglect their requests, strict trade union action will be taken in the future.

He also stated that it is his personal opinion that it is not fair to lay down this kind of conditions in the face of the worst economic crisis in the history of the country, which is regaining stability under very difficult conditions.

Speaking further, the Additional Secretary said that 22 million people of this country faced difficulties during the economic crisis. “There were even wage cuts in the private sector. But that did not happen in the public sector,” he said. On the other hand, executive officers enjoy a higher salary and higher benefits than ordinary employees in the public sector.

He opined that none of these suggestions can be implemented suddenly. “It is my personal opinion that it is not humane to turn to trade union action instead of solving the problems in the success of the programme that is building the country at this moment.”

(dailynews.lk)

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

News

Japan grants US$ 2.5 mn. to SL to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

editor

The Government of Japan has granted USD 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms under a 3-year project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-corruption Mechanism.

Japanese ambassador in Sri Lanka – Mr. Akio Isomata and UNDP resident representative in Sri Lanka – Ms. Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Justice Minister – Harshana Nanayakkara, launched ‘The Project for Promoting Prosecution of Corrupt Practices through the Establishment of Anti-Corruption Mechanism’

The three year initiative is supported by the Government of Japan and implemented by the UNDP Sri Lanka, working in close collaboration with the (CIABOC) and the Ministry of Justice.

The project aims to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in governance and business practices through effective and institutionalised preventive mechanisms in the public and investment promotion sectors, strengthen institutions to enhance corruption related investigative processes, improve coordination with stakeholders and ensure quality of prosecutions, empower citizens to effectively mobilise against corruption and enhance social accountability.

The project also seeks to engage and empower youth, children and journalists to actively contribute to the fight against corruption and promote a culture of integrity.

News

3 ex-DMT officials including ex-commissioner, remanded

Published

1 hour ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasingha and two other former officials of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) have been arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into vehicles that were illegally registered with the Department of Motor Traffic without receiving proper clearance from Sri Lanka Customs, CIABOC said in a statement.

According to CIABOC, former Commissioner General Nishantha Weerasinghe has been arrested for granting approval to issue a number plate for a jeep.

Additionally, a former Assistant Director of Information Technology at the department and a clerk have also been taken into custody for facilitating the illegal data entry and executing it.

The suspects were produced before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court and were ordered to be remanded until July 08.

News

Ex-Immigration Controller pleads guilty

Published

4 hours ago

July 1, 2025

editor

Controller of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, today (July 01) unconditionally pleaded guilty before the Supreme Court in a case related to contempt of court.

The charge stemmed from his failure to comply with a court order related to the e-visa issuance process.

The Supreme Court announced that sentencing will take place on July 24.