News

SJB files complaint over salary increase

Published

5 days ago

September 4, 2024

editor

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has lodged a formal complaint with the Election Commission regarding an announcement made by the Presidential Media Division yesterday (Sep. 03), with regard to a salary increase in the state sector.
The SJB alleges that the timing of this announcement is strategically aimed at influencing the postal voting period, which begins today (Sep. 04).

Arguing that this action constitutes a violation of the Presidential Election Act, the SJB has called on the Election Commission to conduct an immediate investigation into the matter.

They have also urged the EC to issue an order to withdraw the notification issued by the government.

PAFFREL also concerned

Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to the Election Commission Chairman, the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has also urged the Commission to look into the same matter.

While stating that they have no objection to seeing salaries of government employees being increased, PAFFREL said they are only concerned with the fact that the announcement comes just two days before the postal voting ahead of the Presidential election.

PAFFREL also recalls how the government turned a complete blind eye towards the government employees when they had demanded a Rs. 10000 pay rise a couple of months ago.

News

‘Red’ warning issued over strong winds and rough seas

Published

24 mins ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The Department of Meteorology has issued a ‘Red’ warning for strong winds and rough seas for naval and fishermen communities in the deep-sea areas in the Bay of Bengal Sea.

The Depression located over the Northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a Deep depression and located near 18.9N and 86.3E at 1800UTC on 08 September, the department added.

Furthermore, the Met. Department warned that it is very likely to move nearly Northwestwards and cross Odisha coast Near Puri at 0600UTC of today (Sep. 09).

Meanwhile, very strong winds 70-75kmph, accompanied with heavy rainfalls and very rough seas are likely over the sea areas bounded by 13N – 20N and 83E – 95E, it added.

Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the sea areas marked by the “Warning” category on the map below, until further notice. Naval and fishing communities are also requested to be attentive to future forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology in this regard, it added.

News

Ranil, Sajith, Anura debate tonight at 10 pm

Published

4 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

The topical political dialogue discussing the future of Sri Lanka’s economy will be broadcasted on Rupavahini at 10 pm onwards through the ‘Karata Kara’ current affairs discussion programme.

Cabinet Spokesman, Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana will participate on behalf of the Independent Presidential candidate, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Eran Wickremeratne MP on behalf of Sajith Premadasa, the Presidential candidate of Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Prof.Anil Jayantha on behalf of the National People’s Power presidential candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake and MP Gamini Waleboda for Dilith Jayaweera, Presidential Candidate of Sarvajana Balaya will take part.

Debates, views and opinions will be presented regarding the national economic programme that will build the country and the moderator for the discussion will be journalist Chamara Wijayawickrama.

(Daily News)

(This story, originally published by Daily News has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Thalatha backs Ranil for stabilizing the economy

Published

4 hours ago

September 9, 2024

editor

Former Minister Thalatha Athukorala has announced her support for President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the upcoming Presidential Election.

Speaking at the “Puluwan Sri Lanka” rally in Welimada, Athukorala highlighted Wickremesinghe’s role in stabilizing the economy after the crisis following President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s departure.

She praised Wickremesinghe for making tough decisions that helped the country recover, emphasizing her careful consideration in backing him over Sajith Premadasa.

Athukorala described this as a significant moment in her political career.