News

Software for online bidding of coconut auctions, inactive!

Published

10 months ago

July 10, 2023

editor

The Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) has disclosed several administrative concerns and irregularities in the Coconut Development Authority, Coconut Cultivation Board and Coconut Research Institute during a meeting held on July 06.

During the meeting, it has been revealed that although a computer software has been prepared for online bidding for the coconut auction, the software is currently inactive.

It was revealed that this system will enable the auction to be conducted in a more transparent manner and this system was introduced with the aim of preventing the monopoly of a few people in the coconut auction in Sri Lanka.

It was also discussed that some officials of the authority expressed their reluctance to implement this online digital system with the cooperation of several brokers. Thus, instructions were given to restore this online system to conduct this auction with more transparency t within three months.

Advance of Rs.1 mn given sans contract

It was also revealed that a contract of nearly Rs.5 million was awarded to a private firm in 2021 without a contract to construct a digital outdoor billboard in front of the Narahenpita head office of the Coconut Development Authority.

The Director Finance stated that an amount of rupees one million has been given as an advance and the payment was made under certain influence.

Accordingly, the Secretary to the Ministry was instructed to conduct a comprehensive investigation in this matter within two weeks and reveal those responsible. Apart from this, it was also decided to conduct a separate investigation carried out by the Auditor General.

6 failing to properly appear for interviews, recruited

It was also revealed that 6 people who did not properly appear for interviews of the Coconut Cultivation Board were recruited by the former chairman at will.

Expressing strong displeasure over this, the Committee informed to give a formal report within two weeks.

It was also decided to inform the President’s Secretary to take further action in this regard.

News

China Pledges Full Support for Sri Lanka’s Debt Restructuring

Published

21 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

2 days 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

2 days 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