News

Trade union strike to be called off tomorrow morning

Published

7 months ago

March 15, 2023

editor

The Professionals Trade Union Collective says that the on-going strike will be called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), as the President had noted that their demands will be taken into consideration.

Spokesperson for the Government Medical Officers’ Association Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told reporters on Wednesday (15) that the strike will be temporarily called off at 8 AM on Thursday (16), and it does not mean the GMOA has withdrawn from the trade union action.

The Professionals Trade Union Collective had declared a nation-wide day of strikes and protests with effect from midnight on Tuesday (14).

Government, Semi-Government and Private Trade Unions supportrf the strikes.

Government Medical Officers, Specialist Doctors, University Teachers, Faculty of Medicine Teachers, CEB Engineers, Bankers, Petroleum Workers, Water Supply Workers, Road Development Officers, Education Administrative Officers, Surveyors, Inland Revenue Officers are among the 40 Trade Unions that support this move.

Their main demand is to amend the unjust tax policy implemented by the government.

The PAYE tax between 6% to 36% imposed on monthly earnings over Rs. 100,000/- had placed professionals across many sectors in a tough position.

Public, Semi-Public and Private Trade Unions have joined their cause with several more demands.

These include a demand to reduce bank interest rates, provide a Cost of Living Allowance of Rs. 20,000/-, Reduce the Electricity Tariff, and suspend attempts to slash wages and pension payments.

At the same time, School Teachers, Principals, Nurses, Health Services, Postal Services, Public Management Services, Field Officers among others have decided to extend their support to the strike.

(News 1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

5 jumbos killed in 2 train collisions

Published

8 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Four elephants were killed last night after being knocked down by the night mail train from Colombo to Kankesanthurai last night (27).

The tragedy occurred between the Ambanpola and Galgamuwa railway stations.

Three elephants were killed on the spot while one succumbed to its injuries this morning.

Meanwhile, a mother and a baby elephant were knocked down by the Colombo bound Express Train from Baticaloa at Habarana, Palugaswewa on the Colombo-Batticaloa railway Line last night. The baby elephant was killed on the spot while mother elephant sustained critical injuries.

News

Person arrested with over 1kg of ‘Ice’ in Dehiwala

Published

9 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

Police have arrested a suspect along with 1 kilogram and 10 grams of ‘Ice’ (Crystal methamphetamine) drugs at Pannaloka Mawatha in Dehiwala.

The drugs are said to amounting to over Rs. 10 million.

The Police Headquarters mentioned that the arrest was made during a raid conducted in accordance with a tip-off received by the officers of Colombo Crimes Division (CCD).

An electric scale, mobile phone and Rs. 150,000 in cash in the possession of the man were taken into police custody.

The suspect is a 39-year-old resident of the Dehiwala area and is to be produced before the Mount Lavina Magistrate’s Court.

The CCD is conducting further investigations regarding the incident.

News

Defence Ministry issues notice on firearm license renewal for 2024

Published

10 hours ago

September 28, 2023

editor

The Ministry of Defence has issued an announcement on renewing the firearms licenses of individuals and institutions for 2024.

Accordingly, the firearm licenses can be renewed between October 01, 2023, – December 31, 2023.

Necessary details can be downloaded from the official website of the Defence Ministry (www.defence.lk).

Noting that firearm license renewal for 2024 will not be carried out after December 31, 2023, the Defence Ministry emphasized that possession of a firearm without a valid license is a punishable offense under provisions of Section 22 of the Firearms Ordinance.

Meanwhile, registration renewal of private security firms for the year 2024/2025 will be carried out from October 01, 2023 – December 31, 2023.

Any renewals made after the deadline will be subjected to a fine or legal action, the Defence Ministry said further.