News

New QR code system for trishaws

Published

4 months ago

January 16, 2024

editor

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara says measures will be taken to introduce a new QR code system within a very short period of time, in consideration of the proposal to introduce a QR code in relation to the registration and preparation of a data system for all three-wheeler drivers.

Nanayakkara expressed these views while attending the event for the establishment of the Interim Sectoral Steering Committee today (16) as the first stage of the establishment of professional councils for three-wheeler drivers.

Furthermore, the preparation of a system enabling the three-wheeler drivers to obtain hired journeys through the internet by means of the professional organization established for them, has also been taken into discussion.

This Steering Committee has been formed under the “Garu Saru” program which was commenced in order to provide professional dignity and pride to all those who are employed in the informal services sector in Sri Lanka.

This committee was formed and established under the chairmanship of the Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara.

The committee reportedly includes representatives of all three-wheeler drivers’ associations in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, a resolution consisting of the matters agreed upon in the previous discussions regarding the development of the dignity of their profession was also handed over to the minister during the event.

(adaderana.lk)

News

Prof. Nalin de Silva no more

Published

10 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

Philosopher, intellectual and academician Professor Nalin de Silva has passed away at the age of 79. Prof. de Silva initially served as a professor in the Department of Mathematics and later as the Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Kelaniya.

He was also a former member of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

In addition to his academic pursuits, de Silva also worked as a former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Myanmar.

News

‘Company issuing visa at BIA not Indian or Indian based’

Published

15 hours ago

May 2, 2024

editor

The Indian High Commission in Colombo has issued a statement over reports of Indian companies taking over visa issuance at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake.

The statement notes “companies referred to in these reports are not India based or Indian and are headquartered elsewhere. Any reference to India in this context is unwarranted.”

News

Chaos at BIA raises questions (Video)

Published

17 hours ago

May 2, 2024

nipuni

Questions have been raised after chaos at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Katunayake last night (May 01) has sparked widespread outrage.

This is with regard to a controversial takeover of the on-arrival visa issuance process at BIA by an Indian company – VFS Global since yesterday evening.

It is learnt that the company has levied an extra $25 alongside the standard $75 fee.

Long lines of frustrated travellers were also seen at the airport for several hours, which is a stark difference to the procedure smoothly managed in a matter of mere minutes by the Immigration and Emigration Department in the past.

Footage of a Sri Lankan citizen expressing outrage over Indian nationals deciding visa matters for fellow Sri Lankans, has also been making rounds on social media.

Although 10 Sri Lankan and Indian officers had commenced work from 5.00pm yesterday, the lines remained well over 9.00pm. Amid tensions, higher officials of the BIA and security forces had also arrived at the premises.

At 11.30pm the company officials temporarily suspended issuing visas and left the BIA with the money collected, reports say.

Upon the directive of the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Ilukpitiya, Immigration officers have commenced their usual duties with no issues since then, enabling the previous process to continue smoothly.

Concerns have been raised over the lack of transparency in this arrangement.