News

Manusha blasts unsupportive officials!

Published

6 months ago

November 28, 2023

editor

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment has alleged that despite the government having taken several decisions pertaining to the welfare of migrant workers, they are yet to be implemented.

Addressing a ceremony at the Ministry’s premises, Nanayakkara further alleged that several state officials did not support these decisions and instead created ‘obstacles’ against them being implemented.

“When we began implementing various proposals on behalf of migrant workers, we did not find any support, instead, we were faced with obstacles. We had to fight with certain officials in order to give some sort of relief to our migrant workers”, the Minister said.

Speaking on the recent duty-free housing loan approved to be given to migrant workers, Minister Nanayakkara revealed that although the Cabinet has approved the relevant move, and all necessary discussions have been held with the respective authorities at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and other banks, the officials of the Treasury and CBSL have not yet taken necessary measures for it.

Meanwhile, the minister further revealed that Cabinet approval was received 14 months ago to increase the duty relief given for migrant workers to purchase confectionaries at the airport, proportionate to the foreign exchange they’ve generated.

Despite the President issuing the relevant gazette, Customs officials failed to implement the proposal to serve immigrant workers, the minister charged.

News

Fmr. Army Chief joins SJB

Published

2 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Former Army Commander Retired General Mahesh Senanayake has joined with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

In a Facebook post, party leader Sajith Premadasa said that the Former Army Chief joined the SJB to support the program to rebuild Sri Lanka.

Mr. Premadasa had appointed General Mahesh Senanayake as the Chief of the Samagi Ranaviru Balawegaya.

News

Colombo HC sentences 9 Pakistani drug traffickers to 10 years in prison

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

Nine Pakistani nationals, who were arrested on charges of smuggling a large cache of drugs, have been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Colombo High Court.

During a joint operation carried out by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and the Sri Lanka Navy on January 01, 2020, the Pakistani nationals were apprehended while transporting 614 kg of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine) and 581 kg and 34 grams of suspected drugs by boat.

The report of the Government Analyst has confirmed that the seized parcels contained over 491 kilograms of ‘Ketamine’ drugs and nearly 472 kilograms of ‘Ice’ (Crystal Methamphetamine).

The accused pleaded guilty to the charges when the case was taken up before the court, and were subsequently sentenced to 10 years in prison, police said.

Furthermore, the police mentioned that measures are underway to extradite the suspects to Pakistan in order to serve their sentences.

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Uni. exams postponed due to non-academic staff strike

Published

3 hours ago

May 17, 2024

nipuni

The University Grants Commission said all examinations of undergraduate students in universities have to be postponed, due to the ongoing strike launched by the university non-academic trade unions.
UGC Vice Chairman Senior Prof. Chandana P. Udawatte said as a result, over 50,000 undergraduates will not be able to complete their degree within the planned timeframe.

He said the issuance of the university admission manual, which includes the details on how to apply for degree courses, for those who pass the Advanced Level Examination, was also delayed due to the strike action.

Prof. Udawatte said the Minister of Education has already submitted the necessary proposals to the Cabinet to resolve the issues of the university non-academic staff.

However, Co-Convener of the University Trade Union Alliance Dhammika S. Priyantha said the strike will continue indefinitely until favourable solutions are provided to their demands.

The strike is ongoing for the 16th day.

(News1st)