News

Over 100 trade unions to join in today’s strike!

Published

2 years ago

March 1, 2023

editor

Over 100 trade unions representing petroleum, ports, electricity, health, railways, banking and education sectors would join in nationwide strikes and protests scheduled against the ‘unfair’ tax policy today (01).

Accordingly, the petroleum, electricity and water supply workers would engage in a work-to-rule action, while the health workers will refrain from duties in a way that does not make a major impact on patient care.

Ravi Kumudesh, President of the Federation of Health Professionals, said that some health workers may completely refrain from duties during the strike but the workers in emergency patient care would continue to provide their services.

The trade union action is to be taken during the lunch break by wearing black bands and by raising black flags.

Dr. Haritha Aluthge, Secretary of the Government Medical Officers Association, said that their members will also take part in the series of protests that will be held across the country today while maintaining emergency treatment services in the hospitals.

Meanwhile, the Railways Trade Union Alliance said that there will be no strike today but a massive protest would be held against the unfair actions of the government.

The union said that the trains will be operated with black flags hoisted, and the railway employees would report to duty by wearing black bands.

Meanwhile, the bus associations said they would continue their operations as usual.

Teachers would also report to work wearing black bands and hold protests outside the schools raising black flags.

General Secretary of the Lanka Banku Sevaka Sangamaya Ranjan Senanayake said that they will also join in the trade union actions today.

Accordingly, the employees of 18 public, private and foreign banks would engage in strike today.

Meanwhile, President’s Secretary E. M. S. B. Ekanayake issued a Gazette notification on February 27 declaring several services as essential.

Accordingly, the gazette notification declares public transports services for passengers or goods, discharge, carriage, landing, storage, delivery & removal of articles of food or drink, or coal, oil, fuel from vessels within any port as defined for the purposes of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235), the provision and maintenance of facilities for transport services by road, rail or air, including roads, bridges, culverts, airports, ports & railway lines, as essential services with immediate effect.

It was reported that the reason for issuing this gazette is to prevent the strike that is being held today by a number of trade unions.

Related News:

President signs gazette on essential services

News

Faiszer Musthapha’s name gazetted as MP

Published

19 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

Former Minister Faiszer Musthapha’s name has been gazetted by the Election Commission as a National List MP of the National Democratic Front.

The NDF contested under the symbol of a Gas Cylinder at the recently concluded General Election.

2414-11_E Download

News

CID ordered to develop program to reimburse ‘Onmax DT’ depositors

Published

19 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has reported to the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that a total of 2,017 complaints have been filed by depositors who claim to have been cheated out of their money after investing in ‘Onmax DT,’ a private firm alleged to have been operating a pyramid scheme.

According to the CID, the total estimated financial losses incurred by the complainants amounts to around Rs. 2.96 billion.

During a hearing before Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage today (11), CID officials disclosed that a total of 865 new complaints have been received since the last hearing, and that additional complaints continue to be received.

Nine suspects, including the directors of Onmax DT, appeared before the court for the hearing. The CID further informed the court that three other suspects remain overseas, and open warrants have been issued for their arrest.

Investigations against the suspects are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the CID revealed that inquiries into two suspects have been completed and the excerpts of the investigations have been referred to the Attorney General.

Additionally, the CID officials informed the court that properties belonging to the suspected directors have been identified in foreign countries, including Australia, and investigations are being carried out in collaboration with the INTERPOL.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thilina Gamage instructed the CID to immediately develop a program to reimburse the depositors who suffered financial losses.

The court ordered the CID to present an update on the progress of the investigation at the next hearing, scheduled for February 5, 2025.

(adaderana.lk)

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

News

New Naval Attaché at Chinese embassy in SL calls on Navy commander (Pics)

Published

20 hours ago

December 11, 2024

editor

The new Naval Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Captain Zheng Zhaoping called on Commander of the Navy – Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters on Dec.10.

During the ensuing meeting, they exchanged views on several matters of bilateral importance, and the cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes, as a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Director Naval Operations, Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe and Defence Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Senior Colonel Zhou Bo were present on this occasion.