News

President hopes to reach agreement this year to resolve ethnic issue

Published

1 year ago

May 1, 2023

editor

President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that he expects to reach an agreement this year to solve the country’s long-drawn ethnic issue with the Government’s commitment to policies that benefit all communities in Sri Lanka.

He has said he intends to address the ethnic problem in the country while implementing the agreement with the IMF, noting that it is important to move forward while respecting and protecting the rights of all communities.

He said this while joining the United National Party May Day celebrations held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo today (01) virtually.

In order to address the issues faced by the Tamil community in this country, it is futile for Tamil political parties to distance themselves & called on all parties to work together towards building a new, competitive, and sustainable economy that is inclusive and just for all communities in Sri Lanka, he added.

In his May Day address, the President said, “My motivation was not rooted in politics, but in properly managing the country’s economy and alleviating the burdens on its citizens. For this reason, I took on the role of the presidency, as I had faith in my ability to revive the economy and work alongside supportive ministers to achieve these outcomes.

President Wickremesinghe also noted that as the country approaches the centenary of independence in 2048, the goal should be to become a country with a developed economy, just like India aims to achieve in 2047 and China in 2049. “Let 2048 be the year of development for Sri Lanka. We are not only building this economy for the present generation but also for the youth and children of the future.”

“We need to address the growing demand for change in our political and economic systems, particularly from the youth. As leaders, it is our responsibility to listen to their voices and take action,” he said.

Considering the growing demand for political & economic change, particularly from the youth, the President said it is the responsibility of political leaders to listen to their voices & take action. Additionally, the Government plans to submit the Jana Sabha draft to Parliament, following former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya’s proposal.

News

Planters’ Association clarifies on daily wage increase

Published

31 mins ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

The Planters’ Association of Ceylon, in a statement has issued a clarification with regard to the reported wage increase in the tea and rubber sector.

“Given the facts stated in the Gazette notification, the implication in media reports that the increased payments will be applicable from 1st May 2024, is inaccurate and misleading. Neither the effective date – on which the new proposed minimum payment will be applicable – nor the quantum of such payment has, as yet, been determined,” the statement notes.

Noting that the relevant gazette also notes that objections to the proposed determination will be received until May 15th, the Association also states they will be filing objections to these proposals within the time frame stipulated by the Labour Commissioner.

News

China – SL to expedite implementation of MoUs

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

nipuni

Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong had called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees in Colombo yesterday (May 02) to discuss ways and means of early implementation of the agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) reached between the two countries during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China in March 2024.

The Prime Minister said the implementation of the MOUs would begin a new chapter in the long-term friendship and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and China.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake had signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine Ministries signed on behalf of China in the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the talks with Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, the Prime Minister stated that in addition to implementation of the MoUs, Sri Lanka would also welcome direct private investments from China as well as investments in agriculture, renewable energy, IT, education and water supply sectors to provide long term solutions to economic issues.

Ambassador Qi Shenhong said he was pleased to see the resilience of Sri Lanka to overcome difficulties and assured China’s continuous support to Sri Lanka’s current efforts at debt restructuring and meeting economic challenges.

Prime Minister’s Secretary Mr. Anura Dissanayake and Chinese Economic Counsellor were also present at this meeting.

(Prime Minister’s Media)

News

Special notice for O/L candidates as school term ends

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

editor

The second phase of the first term of Government schools ends today (May 03) and will reopen on May 20.

The GCE Ordinary Level Examination will be held May 06 – 15.

Meanwhile, selected branches of the Department for Registration of Persons will be operational tomorrow (May 04) for students sitting for the upcoming GCE Ordinary Level Examination 2023 (2024).

The Department announced that its main office in Battaramulla and its provincial offices in Galle, Kurunegala, Vavuniya, and Batticaloa will be open on Saturday.

These selected offices will be operational from 08.30 am to 01.00 pm tomorrow for only the O/L students to obtain their National Identity Cards (NIC).

Applicants who have not yet submitted their NIC applications have been requested to carry their completed application forms certified by the Principal or Grama Niladhari.