News

If China or India go to court, CPC in trouble!

Published

1 year ago

February 2, 2023

editor

Following the enactment of the Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Act in October last year, the basic agreement of restructuring the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) based on a proposal by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 2001 has been breached, it is learnt.

The Act allowed international petroleum product retail suppliers to enter the local market.

Accordingly, it was reported that if China or India go to court, the CPC will face a serious crisis.

When questioned by the Sri Lanka Mirror, Cyril Suduwella, who is an expert in the petroleum sector, also confirmed this.

He pointed out that the new Act has breached the basic ADB agreements of bringing the CPC affairs under an independent regulatory body and dealing with stakeholders in the petroleum sector in a fair, just and equitable manner.

According to these proposals, the Kolonnawa Oil Terminal has been established, where three parties have been given the opportunity to distribute and sell fuel in the country.

Accordingly, the CPC, Indian Oil Company and a Chinese company named ‘China Sinopec’ have been given this opportunity.

However, China Sinopec has not started its operations in Sri Lanka even though it has been given permission.

Accordingly, more than 100 filling stations that were given to this company have been placed under the purview of the Treasury.

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera submitted the Petroleum Products (Special Provisions) Amendment Bill to the Cabinet last year. The Bill was passed in Parliament on October 26 last year.

The proposal made by the ADB 21 years ago said the regulation of petroleum should be done by an independent regulatory body under the minister in charge. However, it is said that these proposals have been violated by the amended Act.

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

8 hours ago

May 4, 2024

editor

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)

News

Sri Lanka slips down Press Freedom Index

Published

1 day 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

1 day 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