News

Parliament sittings for 2024 to commence on Jan. 09

Published

4 months ago

January 3, 2024

editor

Acting Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Chaminda Kularatne stated that the Parliament is scheduled to meet from Jan. 09 – 12.

This was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held on the 12th of December under the chairmanship of Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.

Accordingly, on the 09th of January 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. time has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the Office for National Unity and Reconciliation Bill (Second Reading) and the National Hydrographic Bill (Second Reading), Regulations under the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act published under the Gazette No. 2355/30, Regulations under the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Law published under the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2334/39 have been scheduled to be taken up for debate.

Immediately after the Government Business is over Second Reading of the following Incorporation Bills; Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers of Sri Lanka and Chiththa Advanced Psychological Studies Open Institute of Sri Lanka have been scheduled.

Thereafter, from 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. the Motion at the Adjournment Time by the Government will be taken up.

On the 10th of January 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m., time has been allotted for 04 Questions to be asked from the Prime Minister. Thereafter, time has been allotted for 05 Questions for Oral Answers from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m.

Thereafter, from 10.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. the debate on the Contempt of a Court, Tribunal or Institution Bill (Second Reading) which was previously adjourned on 08th November 2023 will be taken up for the second consecutive day.

Furthermore, the Second Reading of the Recognition and Enforcement of International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation Bill, Mediation Board (Amendment) Bill, Powers of Attorney (Amendment) Bill, Notaries (Amendment) Bill and the Prevention of Frauds (Amendment) Bill will also be taken up for consideration.

From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. two Questions at the Adjournment Time will be taken up thereafter.

On the 11th of January 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. time has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter, from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. the Adjournment Debate to be moved by the Opposition will be taken up.

On the 12th of January 2024 from 9.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. time has been allotted for Questions for Oral Answers. Thereafter, from 10.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. time has been allotted for Private Members’ Motions and the following Motions will be taken up for debate.

Accordingly, Ensuring welfare for migrant workers by Hon. Chaminda Wijesiri, Strict regulation of microfinance institutions and leasing companies by Hon. (Mrs.) Kokila Gunawardene, Educating the public on the nutritious value of traditional, local rice varieties by Hon. Buddhika Pahthirana, Establishment of Tea small holding system in place of Tea Industry by Hon. Velu Kuma and Issuance of a circular outlining the methodology to be followed in school development activities by Hon. Sagara Kariyawasam will be taken up.

From 5.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. two Questions at the Adjournment Time will be taken up thereafter.

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

16 hours ago

May 4, 2024

editor

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)

News

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

News

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

Published

1 day ago

May 3, 2024

editor

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