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Will increased pay land estate workers in hot water? 

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Spokesperson for the Planters Association of Ceylon Roshan Rajadurai states that tea production has declined by 23%, and that tea small holders will be forced to leave the trade as they will be unable to pay the the wages due to the pay hikes. 

He further stated that it has caused a decline in demand for Ceylon tea in the world market by about 5-10 % and that some orders were even cancelled and awarded to other countries. 

He added that an appeal has been lodged with the Supreme Court asking for a reprieve regarding increasing the wages and if they do not receive it, they would be paying the increased wages on 10 July. 

The production cost of a kilo of tea leaves is Rs. 1,092 and with the increased wages it’ll rise to Rs. 1,450. Last year (2023), a kilo of Ceylon tea was sold at the world market at Rs. 1,072. 

If the world market price for Ceylon tea goes up to Rs. 1,500 and the harvested tea per tea plucker goes up to 27kg per day, the increased wages could be paid without any problem, the spokesperson added. 

He cited India’s Assam state as an example, stating that it produces 600 Mn kgs of tea per year and that each tea plucker harvests 34 kg per day. A Sri Lankan tea plucker in comparison harvests 18 kg per day. 

Reduction of working days 

Meanwhile, reports also state that plantation companies are preparing to reduce the number of working days of estate workers. 

The wage increase were gazetted, raising it to Rs. 1,700 and payable from 21 May. Up country estate workers state that it has not been added to their May salary. 

The Planter’s Association filed a petition at the Supreme Court asking for the cancellation of the gazette however, the injunction order was rejected by the court. Thus, plantation trade unions state the increased wages should be paid from 21 May onwards. The Plantation owners say that it will be paid from 10 July if ordered by court. 

Meanwhile, a tea factory linked to the government has paid its workers the increased wages on 10 June. It is said that they received funds for it from the treasury. 

ILO praise for wage hike 

Meanwhile, the Director General of the International Labor Organization Gilbert F. Houngbo praised Sri Lanka for increasing the wages of estate workers by 70%. 

In a press release Labour Ministry states that a discussion was held between the Labour Minister and the ILO Director General  on 10 June, during the annual International Labour Conference held in Geneva. 

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PCB postpones PSL

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

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Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

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Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

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Vesak week commences tomorrow

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The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

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