News

Report on gender pay gap presented to Speaker

Published

3 weeks ago

August 22, 2024

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The research report on the gender pay gap was presented to Speaker – Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana and Opposition Leader – Sajith Premadasa recently (Aug. 08) by Dr. (Mrs.) Sudarshini Fernandopulle, Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

This report was prepared by a group of researchers including the Women and Media Collective under the leadership of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus.

Chair of the Committee on Public Finance – Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament, Co-Deputy Chair of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, Mrs. Rohini Kumari Wijerathna, Eran Wickramaratne Member of Parliament were also present at this event.

Addressing the gathering, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, the Speaker stated that it is important to formulate legislation and new policies to change these wage inequalities. Furthermore, the Opposition Leader stated that provisions should be included in the constitution so that these rights can be upheld.

The Caucus Chair pointed out that in order to eliminate this gender wage disparity, there should also be a change in the attitudes among the people in the society.

Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera, Secretary General of the Parliament and the Secretary of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus, thanked everyone who contributed towards the success of this work.
Commenting on this research report, the research team led by Dr Sepali Kottegoda, Executive Director of the Women and Media Collective stated that the gender pay gap in the Sri Lankan labor market is primarily and closely linked to unpaid care services.

The researchers highlighted that women are under-represented in high-wage industries, concentrated in low-paid service roles, and a significant proportion of women are engaged in part-time work and unpaid domestic care services.

The Ministry of Women, Child Affairs and Social Empowerment, Women and Media Collective, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), National Democratic Institute (NDI) other invitees were present at this event.

News

US eager to work with elected president – Julie Chung

Published

3 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, expressed her eagerness to work closely with the president elected by the Sri Lankan people.

In a post on X, she highlighted the importance of ensuring a free and fair election, calling it a critical step for democracy in Sri Lanka.

On this International Day of Democracy, we celebrate the principles of any strong and stable democracy, like accountability, human rights, justice, and ensuring that every individual has a say in shaping their future through elections. No process is more essential to Sri Lanka’s…
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) September 15, 2024

News

Why did the President’s backup helicopter make an emergency landing?

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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A backup helicopter accompanying President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an emergency landing in Eppawala yesterday.

The Sri Lanka Air Force stated that a technical defect was indicated on the helicopter’s lighting panel, prompting the precautionary landing in a paddy field.

The Sri Lanka Air Force also says that a replacement helicopter was sent for that.

President Wickremesinghe was proceeding to Kegalle after addressing an election meeting in Jaffna.

News

New bill targets proceeds of crime with strict penalties

Published

7 hours ago

September 15, 2024

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Those who possess any property obtained through proceeds of crime or engage with it in any form of transaction will be considered to be committing a punishable offence under the law and can be prosecuted in the High Court. Those found guilty will face a fine of Rs 10 million and a 15-year jail term.

The new bill titled “Proceeds of Crime,” published this week by the Ministry of Justice, Prison Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms, will enable the recovery of proceeds of crime and, through inter-agency cooperation and international collaboration, will facilitate investigations to recover the ill-gotten stolen wealth.

Under the proposed bill, any person who has knowledge or information about the proceeds of crime and fails to disclose such information to the designated police officer or to the designated officer of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption is considered to be committing an offence as well.

According to the bill, a statement made or response given in the form of an affidavit or a written or oral statement to an investigation officer in response to a notice served on such person under Section 68 of this Act to be admissible against the maker of such affidavit or statement or against any third party.

The bill also enables the setting up of an entity called the Proceeds of Crime Management Authority to protect, manage, and dispose of restrained, seized or frozen proceeds of crime.

The bill vests adequate powers with designated officers of the Authority to seek and obtain assistance from administrative, law enforcement, and judicial competent authorities of other countries for tracing, identification, search, detection, and examination of property suspected to be proceeds of crime and for other investigational purposes.

The officers can also seek assistance for gathering evidence, including documents, witness statements, reports, and other materials suspected to be proceeds of crime.

(Sunday Times)
(This story, originally published by Sunday Times has not been edited by SLM staff)