News

Lunch hour protests demanding higher salary increase

Published

10 months ago

November 27, 2023

editor

State and Local government employees have planned to stage protests outside their offices demanding a higher salary increase claiming that the Rs 10,000 offered from the budget was not sufficient.

The main protest is due to take place outside the Sethsiripaya complex where several government offices are located.

A spokesman for the organisers said that they hope to have the protest during the lunch hour today across the country.

He said they would insist that the government grants a salary increase of Rs 20,000.

He said another demand would be to provide the increase from January itself, instead of making the payments later in the year with arrears.

However, Saman Ratnapriya, Director General of Trade Unions relations of the President, said that those protesting should realise that the Rs 10,000 increase is being provided despite financial difficulties. “The unions should re-think about the situation as at last year when the country was in an economic crisis”, he added.

He said it was few unions backed by the JVP and the Peratugami were involved in the protests and did not have the backing of the majority of the public sector employees.

(sundaytimes.lk)

News

Principal arrested in Mullaitivu for photographing postal ballot

Published

11 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

A principal has been arrested in Mullaitivu after allegedly photographing a postal ballot paper after casting his vote.

The incident occurred on Friday at the voting center located within the Mullaitivu Zonal Education Office.

According to reports, the principal, who was serving as an assistant returning officer, cast his vote on the ballot paper and then took a photograph of it. This was noticed by another officer at the location, who promptly filed a complaint.

The principal was taken into custody yesterday evening. The 55-year-old suspect, a resident of Puthukkudiyiruppu, has since been released on bail.

News

Palitha Bandara Fifth in T63 Javelin at Paris Paralympics

Published

13 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

Sri Lankan athlete Palitha Bandara finished fifth in the men’s T63 javelin throw at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

He achieved a personal best with a throw of 14.51 meters.

News

President meets ITAK leader amidst party’s conflicting support

Published

16 hours ago

September 8, 2024

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) senior leader MP Mavai Senathirajah at his residence in Kankasanthurai, Jaffna, during his visit as part of the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” presidential campaign.

Senathirajah expressed confidence in Wickremesinghe’s chances in the upcoming election, noting his potential to ensure development in the Northern region.

This meeting adds complexity to ITAK’s stance, as the party, under MP M.A. Sumanthiran’s leadership, had earlier declared support for Sajith Premadasa, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya candidate.

Meanwhile, ITAK had also announced their decision not to support Tamil common candidate P. Ariyanenthiran.

Senathirajah, however, had previously stated that he was unaware of these decisions.