June 11, Colombo (LNW): Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara engaged in a significant meeting with Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), during the Annual International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva.

Joined by key officials from Sri Lanka’s Ministry and the ILO, Minister Nanayakkara discussed various crucial initiatives aimed at improving labour standards and employment conditions in Sri Lanka.

The discussion covered several key points, including progress towards ratifying important ILO conventions such as the Work in Fishing Convention (C188), as well as provisions within the new Employment Act focused on combatting discrimination and workplace violence.

Plans to ratify additional conventions, including those addressing occupational safety and health and the protection of domestic workers, were also outlined.

Additionally, the meeting addressed Sri Lanka’s social security policy, focusing on unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, and employment injury insurance, with Nanayakkara highlighting the need for ILO support in strengthening this framework.

Updates were provided on the development of the National Labour Market Information System (NLMIS), aimed at addressing gaps in the labour market by providing comprehensive data.

Furthermore, Minister Nanayakkara discussed the Labour Market Recovery and Transformation Strategy (LMRTS), launched with ILO’s assistance, which focuses on job creation, skills enhancement, and institutional reforms.

Houngbo commended Sri Lanka’s efforts, particularly on the government’s recent move of increasing the daily wage of plantation sector workers and the adherence to social dialogue principles.

The meeting also touched upon an upcoming collaboration with the ILO and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to train care workers, aiming to enhance women workforce participation and ensure decent working conditions for women in Sri Lanka.

Overall, the discussions highlighted Sri Lanka’s commitment to labour reforms and international cooperation in improving workforce employment standards and social protection.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with DFCC Bank, initiated a mangrove planting project in the Waikkala Lagoon of Negombo on June 07, coinciding with World Environment Day.

This endeavour forms a part of the Navy’s continual efforts towards coastal and marine ecosystem conservation.

With a dedicated focus on preserving mangrove ecosystems, the Sri Lanka Navy actively engages in environmental conservation initiatives.

These endeavours play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and safeguarding the coastal environment.

Mangroves offer various ecological advantages, such as coastal erosion prevention, efficient carbon dioxide absorption, air purification, and mitigation of global warming.

Additionally, they act as essential natural breeding grounds for fish. To ensure the long-term protection of mangrove ecosystems, the Sri Lanka Navy has initiated a mangrove conservation project, involving the plantation of mangroves along rivers, estuaries, and lagoons.

The latest phase of this project was carried out by SLNS Kelani of the Western Naval Command, in collaboration with DFCC Bank.

The initiative involved the planting of 400 mangrove saplings in the Waikkala Lagoon.

Present at the event were Captain Tharanga Jayasuriya, Commanding Officer of SLNS Kelani, staff members from DFCC Bank, lecturers from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, university students, representatives from the Department of Coast Conservation, officers from Wennappuwa Police Station, as well as officers and sailors from SLNS Kelani.

By: Isuru Parakrama

June 11, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka applauded the reappointment of Nirmala Sitharaman for being re-appointed as the Minister of Finance in India.

Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe congratulated Sitharaman on being reappointed for a second term in Office, emphasising that this occasion provides an enhanced opportunity to strengthen the ties between the two nations.

India’s Premier Narendra Modi has maintained continuity in key ministerial positions within his cabinet, demonstrating a commitment to policy stability in India’s rapidly advancing economy.

On Monday (10), the Indian government announced the reappointment of Nirmala Sitharaman as India’s Finance Minister, a role she has held since 2019.

Additionally, Amit Shah remains the Minister of Home Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar continues as the Minister of External Affairs, Piyush Goyal retains his position as Commerce Minister, and Nitin Gadkari stays on as the Minister of Transport.

It is also noteworthy that Sitharaman maintains the acclamation as the first woman Finance Minister of India.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The upcoming IMF Board meeting scheduled for June 12 will feature discussions on the Article IV consultation and second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Sri Lanka.

The session aims to assess Sri Lanka’s economic policies and the progress of reforms.

Notably, a team from the IMF recently concluded the second review of the programme for Sri Lanka.

During the meeting, the IMF Executive Board will deliberate on the staff review to facilitate the disbursement of the third tranche of the approximately US$ 3 billion facility allocated to the island nation.

State Minister Shehan Semasinghe highlighted Sri Lanka’s anticipation for continued support from all countries to ensure a successful review and unlock the third tranche.

This disbursement is expected to further bolster economic stability, growth, and reform efforts in the country.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The General Workers’ Association of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) has cautioned the public regarding the purchase of chicken amidst recent floods, citing an increased risk of contamination, a report by Daily Mirror reveals.

Ajith Jayasundara, General Secretary of the Association, denoted the submergence of numerous poultry farms, leading to the deaths of many birds, according to report.

Floodwater may carry various viruses, such as rat fever, posing a threat to these birds. Moreover, the spread of bacteria in floodwaters could further compromise their health, he explained.

Jayasundara further told Daily Mirror that the CAA had conducted inspections on chicken-selling stalls post-floods, uncovering deceased birds.

“Typically, prepared chicken exhibits a white skin tone with removed heads and drained blood. However, a reddish hue in the skin may indicate exposure to floodwaters,” he emphasised.

The Association has observed such discoloured chicken in select supermarkets and retail outlets situated in flood-affected regions.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the processing of various animals into meat products like meatballs and sausages.

The Association urged the CAA to swiftly investigate meat stalls.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): As floodwaters retreat, health authorities express concern over the surge in fly numbers, heightening the risk of diarrhoea outbreaks and the spread of contagious viral fevers.

Flooded areas, rich in organic matter, accelerate the hatching of fly eggs, leading to a swift rise in fly populations as waters recede, Consultant Dr. Deepal Perera explained.

These newly emerged flies, in search of sustenance, are drawn to faeces, rubbish, and contaminated surfaces, worsening the health crisis, he pointed out, warning that the consequences of this increase in fly populations are severe.

Flies are notorious carriers of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses responsible for diarrheal diseases and viral fevers,” the specialist emphasised.

Consumption of contaminated food and water sources can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea, he added.

Moreover, he highlights a heightened risk of contracting contagious viral fevers, characterised by symptoms like fever, headache, and nausea, particularly in areas with a high fly density.

To address the escalating fly numbers and curb associated health hazards, the public is urged to dispose of garbage in sealed containers and uphold clean water sources.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): The Constitutional Council has delayed granting approval for the President’s recommendation to extend Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam’s tenure by six months.

This decision was made after a council meeting held yesterday (10), where it was decided to postpone the discussion for further consideration.

Rajaratnam’s current term is due to end at the close of this month, and the President had suggested prolonging it for an additional six months.

However, the proposal necessitates approval from the Constitutional Council, which has been postponed.

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana has confirmed that the Constitutional Council is slated to reconvene on the 18th of this month.

It is anticipated that a final decision regarding the extension of Attorney General Rajaratnam’s service will be made during this session.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): During his visit to New Delhi, President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions yesterday (10) with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar.

Jaishankar addressed the swift resumption of development projects in Sri Lanka, which had been paused midway due to Indian investments.

He expressed his intention to visit Sri Lanka soon to oversee the progress of these activities.

Moreover, Minister Jaishankar assured that he would visit Sri Lanka imminently to coordinate the Prime Minister’s visit and expedite the commencement of development projects funded by Indian investments.

Discussions also encompassed India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, with Jaishankar promising plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, facilitated by the Indian government, to attract Indian and potentially other foreign investors.

President Wickremesinghe disclosed that the new Economic Transformation Act would decentralise powers in agriculture, health, education, and economic management to the Provincial Councils.

Additionally, Wickremesinghe announced the forthcoming submission of the Truth and Reconciliation Bill to Parliament by next July.

The meeting also addressed the agricultural modernisation programme in Sri Lanka and ongoing issues among fishermen from both nations, aiming for a swift resolution.

Furthermore, President Wickremesinghe revealed plans to designate estate line rooms as estate villages through a gazette notification, facilitating their development under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Warm congratulations were extended to Minister S. Jaishankar on his reappointment.

The President also reiterated his invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka in the near future.

Amongst those present were President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Foreign Ministry Secretary Ms Aruni Wijewardene, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Ms Kshenuka Senewiratne, and President’s Private Secretary Ms Sandra Perera.

June 11, Colombo (LNW): A notable surge in computer literacy is evident in Sri Lanka, reaching 39 per cent in 2023, provisional data from the Census and Statistics Department disclosed.

The Computer Literacy Rate in the country stands at 39.0 per cent, with the Digital Literacy Rate slightly higher at 63.5 per cent, according to report.

The ownership of desktop or laptop computers in households registers at 20.2 per cent, with urban areas demonstrating higher proficiency in both computer and digital skills.

When examining household computer ownership, approximately one in every five households possesses either a desktop or laptop computer.

In urban areas, this figure rises to 34.0 per cent, while rural and estate sectors show lower ownership at 18.1 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively.

Regional disparities are evident, with the Western Province reporting the highest computer availability at 33.5 per cent, contrasting with the Eastern Province’s lowest rate of 8.6 per cent.

The percentage of households owning computers has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 20 per cent and 23 per cent from 2021 to 2023.

Individuals aged between 5 and 69 are classified as computer literate if they can independently use a computer, encompassing activities such as playing computer games.

The gradual increase in computer literacy is reflected in the overall rate of 39.0% in 2023, marking a rise of 4.7 percentage points from 2021.

Urban areas exhibit the highest computer literacy rate at 52.9 per cent, contrasting with rates of 37.1 per cent in rural areas and 17.9 per cent in estate sectors.

Amongst provinces, the Western Province leads with a computer literacy rate of 49.9 per cent, while the Uva Province lags behind at 26.5 per cent.

In 2023, males display a higher computer literacy rate (40.9 per cent) compared to females (37.2 per cent), with the youth aged 15-19 exhibiting the highest rate at 79.4%.

Moreover, education level and proficiency in English correlate positively with computer literacy.

Among the employed population, the awareness and proficiency in computers reach 72.4 per cent in 2023, with senior officials, managers, professionals, technicians, and clerical support workers boasting higher rates.

Even individuals engaged in elementary occupations demonstrate a computer literacy rate of 39.0 per cent.

Digital literacy among individuals aged 5 to 69 stands at 63.5 per cent in 2023, surpassing computer literacy levels. Notably, 51.2 per cent of this age group used the internet at least once in the past year, with urban areas exhibiting higher usage rates compared to rural and estate sectors.

Data further reveals that individuals aged 20-24 have the highest internet and email usage, with 18.6 per cent of the household population using email at least once in the past year.