July 09, Colombo (LNW): The Government Printer, Inspector General of Police, and the Postmaster General have been summoned before the National Election Commission today (9) to discuss matters related to the upcoming presidential election.

Chairman of the Elections Commission, R. M. A. L. Ratnayake, stated that the discussion will focus on future procedures for conducting the presidential election.

According to the constitution, the National Election Commission will have the authority to announce the presidential election after 17th July. Chairman Ratnayake highlighted that steps will be taken to announce the date of the presidential election before the end of this month.

In related news, the National Elections Commission has certified the 2024 electoral register. Chairman R. M. A. L. Ratnayake mentioned that the certified electoral register will be officially published before the end of this week.

Letter sent to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on 05 July 2024

The members of the Council and the Child Protection Committee of the Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians, together with the membership of the college, wish to submit a statement expressing our gravest concerns regarding the media (print and electronic) handling of incidents pertaining to children in the country.

The recent incident that took place on July 2, 2024, which led to the most unfortunate deaths of two young children, compels us to make this statement now and to appeal to all media organisations to refrain from sensationalising such acts. We note with utter dismay the detailed and sensationalised reporting of the said incident using CCTV coverage. The two children are easily identified in the clips shown. In trying to dramatise the incident, the rights of the children have been brutally violated and the basic principle of respecting the dead has been sadly and totally forgotten.

Children watching such incidents are known to be traumatised. We as Paediatricians, have had to help children who have presented with behaviour changes and psychosomatic symptoms following the exposure of these young minds to detailed traumatic experiences on TV and other forms of media in the past.

Frequent and detailed reports of such acts can induce children to consider such incidents as “normal” behaviour in the young and undeveloped minds of individuals watching such reports. This is especially so in adolescents in whom impulse control is still immature. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to such influences and the tendency to imitate such behaviour is higher amongst them. For example, an association between sensationalised media reportage and subsequent increase in suicidal behaviour is well documented in the medical literature.

In addition, does the media have a right to disrespect the next of kin who are trying to grapple with a huge problem? Should their emotions and feelings not be considered? Two children from two families are dead. There are grieving parents, siblings, friends, teachers, etc. who are exposed to the details of the last few moments of the lives of these children on earth. What impact would this detailed reportage have on such individuals? Details of where the children lived are also being shown and highlighted. Such incidents of insensitive media reporting keep happening at regular intervals in the country. Media personnel should be more sensitive to such issues in future.

We implore you, as the Minister of Women and Child Affairs to look into this matter and take urgent remedial action for the future welfare of the children of our country.

Dr Kosala Karunaratne Dr Asvini D. Fernando
President Chairperson
Sri Lanka College of Paediatricians Child Protection Committee of SLCP

Copies to:

Minister of Mass media

Minister of health

State Minister for Women and Child Affairs

Chairperson National Child Protection Authority

THE ISLAND

July 09, Colombo (LNW): More than 250 Trade Unions in Sri Lanka’s Public Sector are on sick leave today (9), potentially crippling public services nationwide. This widespread action includes Public Management, Development Officers, Drivers, and Office Staff among other organizations.

The primary demand of these unions is an increased allowance of Rs. 25,000, similar to what is given to executive officers. This trade union action caused significant disruptions to the operations of government departments and ministries yesterday.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Joseph Starling, announced that teachers and principals will also participate in a sick leave protest today. Additionally, General Secretary of the University Non-Academic Employee’s Union, Ajith K. Thilakarathne, confirmed that their members would join the sick leave protest. The strike by non-academic university staff marks its 70th day today, with demands including an increase in monthly allowances and a reversal of a 15% salary anomaly.

Postal workers continue their strike for the second day, demanding recruitment for vacancies at the Department of Posts, permanent positions for non-permanent staff, and addressing several other issues. Over 20,000 postal workers across Sri Lanka’s 4,700 post offices and sub-offices are participating in this trade union action. The United Postal Trade Union Front claims that this strike has resulted in the closure of 90% of post offices across the island. Co-Convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, H. A. R Nihal, warned that they will resort to a continuous strike if their demands are not met.

1. President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized the profound connection between Buddhism and the modern scientific and technological world, highlighting that the teachings of Buddha offer insights to win future global challenges. The President said that he is discussing the establishment of a new institution in the country where Buddhist philosophy including the Thripitaka can be studied, the history, civilization and the spread of Buddhism in the world and where knowledge of Pali, culture and other languages can be developed. He also expressed that its objective is to revive the legacy of the Anuradhapura Maha Vihara.
2. Opposition Leader MP Sajith Premadasa states under a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) government, development programs in the Northern and East would be advanced and that an international donor conference, which has not received leadership until now, would be convened Many lives were lost in the war-torn northern and eastern provinces and development was not focussed in these districts after the war, he said.
3. State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya stated that the government intends to collect taxes from 14 previously untaxed sectors that have been overlooked until now and to ensure tax compliance from them. The State Minister said that no one has been given an opportunity to evade tax payments and that there has previously never been such a time when such special attention was paid to the paying of taxes.
4. The fundamental rights (FR) petition filed by businessman C.D. Lenawa seeking an order preventing the calling of a Presidential Election until the Supreme Court delivers its interpretation on the date of the presidential poll, has been dismissed by a five-member Supreme Court judge bench headed by the Chief Justice.
5. Former Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, Karu Jayasuriya has been unanimously appointed as the Chair of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus. According to a Parliament statement, the appointment was made during the first meeting of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus held at Parliament recently under the Chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.
6. The Secretary to the Treasury Mahinda Siriwardana stated that granting the salary increase demanded by striking public servants would necessitate raising the current Value Added Tax (VAT) rate from 18% to between 20% and 21%.
7. The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) acting through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies, called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from potential investors for the divestiture of its shares in Litro Gas Lanka Limited and Litro Terminals (Private) Limited on the 16th January 2024. The deadline for thes ubmission of EOIs ended at 2.00pm on Friday 15th March 2024.
8. More than 250 Trade Unions in Sri Lanka’s Public Sector will be on sick leave today (9), potentially crippling public services nationwide. These include Public Management, Development Officers, Drivers, and Office Staff among other organizations. Their primary demand is to receive an increased allowance of Rs. 25,000, as given to executive officers.
9. Foreign Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, PC is on an official visit to Singapore. Minister said that he had a productive discussion with Minister Balakrishnan on enhancing bilateral relations, recognizing shared opportunities and challenges.
10. Sri Lanka Cricket announces the appointment of Sanath Jayasuriya as the ‘Interim Head Coach’ of the National Team. He will function in the position until the completion of Sri Lanka’s tour of England in September 2024. Jayasuriya is currently serving as the full-time ‘Cricket Consultant’ of Sri Lanka Cricket.

July 09, Colombo (LNW): Secretary to the Treasury, Mr. Mahinda Siriwardana, announced that fulfilling the salary increase demanded by striking public servants would require raising the current VAT from 18% to between 20% and 21%. He stressed that such an increase would be an undue burden on the public. Mr. Siriwardana made these comments during a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat today (08), chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, regarding the demands of public service trade unions.

The discussion addressed the trade union actions taken by several public service unions and explored potential solutions to their demands. It was noted that while a salary increase is not feasible this year, there are plans to revise public service salaries in the 2025 budget, based on recommendations from an expert committee investigating salary disparities.

The Treasury Secretary highlighted that a salary increase of Rs. 10,000 for government employees would require an additional Rs. 140 billion annually, and an increase of Rs. 20,000 would necessitate an additional Rs. 280 billion.

To generate the required income, even with optimal management of current revenues, additional tax increases would be necessary. Specifically, he noted that to raise salaries by Rs. 10,000, the VAT would need to be increased by 2%. To meet the wage demands of the trade unions, the VAT would need to be raised by more than 3%. He emphasized that this is not feasible at this time, as the VAT is already at a maximum rate of 18%.

Mr. Siriwardana also explained that, due to the government’s efforts to stabilize the country’s economy, the Central Bank can no longer print money as it did before. Doing so would jeopardize the program with the International Monetary Fund.

Senior Advisor to the President on Economic Affairs, Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, remarked that while increasing public servants’ salaries again this year is challenging, the President has committed to allocating funds for this in next year’s budget. He also mentioned that a separate expert committee has been appointed to study and report on salary discrepancies.

The discussion included President’s Secretary Mr. Saman Ekanayake and a group of senior government officials.

July 09, Colombo (LNW): State Minister for Technology, Kanaka Herath, criticized recent strikes during a news conference held today (08) at the Presidential Media Centre under the theme ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country.’ He highlighted that unjust strikes launched on the eve of an election have deprived children of their opportunity to receive education.

The State Minister further asserted that the opposition should clarify whether these strikes and protests are intended to disrupt the comfortable living conditions currently enjoyed by the people.

Addressing the media, Herath said, “Since 2022, our ministry has initiated numerous policies and reforms. Several bills have been introduced in parliament, and additional bills are anticipated to be presented soon.

“We have also launched the 2020-2030 Digital Economy Plan in collaboration with the World Bank. Our goal is to expand the current USD 3 billion digital economy to USD 30 billion by 2030.

“Amendments to the Telecommunications Act are anticipated to be introduced in Parliament tomorrow (09), marking the first revision in 28 years. These amendments aim to enhance customer protection and foster fair competition among telephone companies. Previously, the act was restricted to telecommunications system licenses only. With the proposed amendments, the licensing process itself will undergo changes.

“There are also plans to utilize satellite technology for internet provision in the future. Efforts are underway to regulate and license undersea cable services. The Technology Promotion Act is slated for presentation this year.

“We expect to establish the Technology and Innovation Commission, which aims to allocate resources for national development and innovation, facilitate the commercialization of research, and provide advisory services.”

Regarding the current trade union activities, Herath noted, “A request has been made for a LKR 20,000 allowance for all government employees, necessitating an additional annual expenditure of LKR 280 billion. The opposition is urged to clarify how these expenses can be managed given the current economic situation.

“Furthermore, unjust strikes launched on the eve of an election have deprived children of their educational opportunities. Those participating in these strikes must understand that their actions impact the welfare of ordinary citizens.

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended providing LKR 11 billion this year for low-income earners. The opposition parties should clarify whether their protests aim to disrupt the public’s access to a comfortable standard of living.”

July 09, Colombo (LNW): The Prime Minister announced yesterday (8th) at the appointment ceremony of 800 Local Government (LG) employees in the North-Western Province (NWP), held at the Naththandiya City Hall.

The PM stated: “The living conditions of the working people vary, and you have consistently asked us to address issues to improve your rights. You have worked on a contract basis for a while and extended it continuously, leading to this proud day.

“This issue arose during discussions before the President’s first Budget. We worked to extend the contract period through the Governors. Several Cabinet papers were presented, leading to various debates and arguments. The Treasury faced difficulties in the past, but over the last two years, we have made progress. We respect the people for having trust in us during this challenging period. The President has also placed his trust in you. We did not allow the country to collapse, did not fire thousands from their jobs, and did not halt the country’s development. We ensured continuity of service in every possible way.”

“You are now permanent employees. LG is the lowest level of democratic public representatives in public service. You decide how to improve the lives of the people by managing the services. The President has decided to provide technological knowledge to every institution engaged in modernization. It will be a strength for you. Technology can be accessed in one office to determine if a task has been completed or not. As a country in Asia, this journey should be accelerated and strengthened. We must advance in the race for development.”

“Thousands of teaching appointments were given in the last month. Some criticized and urged us not to make these appointments. Your appointments were confirmed amid challenges. It became a strong government capable of providing these. Are you asking where the money is coming from? No. Appointments have been given twice this year. Free Healthcare and free Education exist for the future of our children. Children are the future of the country. LG has the constitutional right to focus on services that can empower children.

“This life is not only more confident but also transforms organizations into a more productive state. We will be able to take another leap in economic development based on these results. All countries face difficulties. Which country has an easy path? Which country has not recovered from such problems? Every country has overcome its challenges. We have established a stable regime. No matter who makes any calculations, we are steadily moving forward with our program in Parliament. Internationally, every country now trusts us, and we continue to receive financial support from various organizations.”

“Both the public and private sectors need to expand further. We are opening an economic door for everyone with the knowledge and creativity our children have learned.”

State Minister Ashoka Priyantha added, “When Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed PM, the first challenge was how to pay public servants’ salaries. You should consider that you are being permanently appointed as public officials during a time of significant crisis and inconvenience. Using his political acumen, he patiently supported the President in rebuilding this country. The Cabinet paper to give you these appointments was presented nine times.”

“I request you to take sick leave in accordance with the Constitution and enjoy your fundamental rights or any other rights you have. Don’t fall sick; the country is in a critical condition. At this time, you are given the appointment as public officials because the country needs your responsibility and role.”

NWP Governor Naseer Ahmed, State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, Arundika Fernando, MPs Chinthaka Mayadunne, Ali Shabri Rahim, Jagath Priyankara, Saman Priya Herath, Yadamini Gunawardena, Public Administration Ministry Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne, and Puttalam District Governor H. M. S. P. Herath were among those who participated in this event.

July 09, Colombo (LNW): Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle and Matara districts.

Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in the evening or night.

Strong winds of about (40-50) kmph can be expected at times over the Western slopes of the central hills, Northern, North-central and North-western provincesand in Trincomalee, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.