News

Sudantha Liyanage appointed chairman of SLRC amid financial turmoil

Published

4 weeks ago

June 2, 2024

nipuni

Senior Professor Sudantha Liyanage from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).

The appointment, made by Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media, Dr. Bandula Gunawardena, follows the resignation of former Chairman Dr. Prasad Samarasinghe, who stepped down to pursue opportunities abroad.

Liyanage, known for his leadership in the Chemistry Department at Sri Jayewardenepura University, steps into his new role at a time when the SLRC is grappling with significant financial challenges.

The corporation faces an unpaid electricity bill nearing one crore rupees, which has led to multiple power disconnections under Samarasinghe’s tenure.

Additionally, Samarasinghe faced criticism for the controversial leasing of a channel Eye to LycaMobile.

The recent appointment has sparked media ridicule and skepticism about Liyanage’s suitability for the position, given his academic background in chemistry rather than media management.

News

Grama Niladhari strike stalls essential services

Published

22 mins ago

June 28, 2024

editor

The strike launched by Grama Niladhari Officers is still ongoing.

The strike was launched citing several concerns including the absence of a Grama Niladhari Service Constitution.

Co-Convener of the Grama Niladhari Officers’ Union Jagath Chandralal said that due to this, many government services have stalled.

He said these include essential services such as issuance of Grama Niladhari certificates and death registration.

Grama Niladhari Officers launched this strike yesterday after taking various union actions to pursue their demands on several occasions.

(News 1st)

(This story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Bandula asks teachers to report to work ; CTU responds

Published

26 mins ago

June 28, 2024

editor

Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardhana, as Acting Education Minister has requested all teachers to report to work and dedicate themselves to educate children without engaging in trade union action further.

The Minister also said that he would request the parents to send all their children to schools as usual. The Minister made these remarks while addressing a special press conference to raise awareness regarding the ongoing teachers’ and principals’ strike at the Government Information Department, yesterday (27).

However, responding to the Acting Education Minister’s statement, the Ceylon Teachers’ Union (CTU) said that it is up to them to decide, not the Minister.

Speaking to ‘Daily Mirror’, CTU General Secretary Joseph Stalin has said that during the tenure of Education Minister Bandula Gunawardana, nothing substantial was provided for teachers.

“We only held a strike for two days. We will not report for duties as he said. Initially, we planned a single-day campaign. The government forced us into today’s strike after using water cannons and tear gas against us yesterday. That’s why we’ve decided to continue our sick leave campaign for today,” he has said.