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More petals fall from the Lotus bud : Govt. could topple on Nov. 08?

Published

2 years ago

October 30, 2022

editor

Another group of MPs from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are said to be preparing to break away from the party and re-organize themselves as a separate group.

According to political sources, several ministers and state ministers are at the centre of this initiative.

It is said that a group of SLPP MPs without positions have expressed their assent to join them.

It is said that this group has come together with the intention of forming an alliance with the UNP as a separate group at the next election, rather than joining the UNP directly.

At the present, two breakaway factions from the SLPP, led by Anura Priyadarshana Yapa and Dallas Alahapperuma are functioning as separate groups.

Risk of Budget vote being defeated?

Meanwhile, Anuradhapura District MP – Prof. Channa Jayasumana also said that there is a serious risk of the government being toppled if the Budget vote is defeated on December 08th.

Speaking at a media briefing yesterday (29), he said that it is highly possible that the MPs who were absent at the 21A vote, might do the same at the Budget vote. This would create a situation forcing the government to dissolve, he added.

These MPs are currently occupied in ensuring governor positions for their family members and friends, he further said.

Noting that the government currently commands a majority of only 08 – 12 MPs, he pointed out that the Budget vote will definitely be defeated if several MPs in their ranks refrain from voting.

In the meantime, if the Budget proposes relief to only certain sectors while completely forgetting sectors who got the worst hit economy-wise, such as farmers as well as state and private sector employees, we will not back it, he has further said.

Related Topics:lka Politics slpp SriLanka

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China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

12 hours ago

May 4, 2024

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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

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

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

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

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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)

Gazette issued to up estate workers’ daily wage

Unable to increase daily wage – Plantation owners