May 01, Colombo (LNW): The Wages Board has recently issued a gazette notification announcing an increase in the minimum daily wage for tea estate workers, raising it to Rs. 1700.

The gazette was issued by Commissioner General of Labour H.K.K.A. Jayasundara.

This decision marks a development in the labour landscape of the tea industry, aiming to address longstanding concerns regarding wage levels and living standards among tea plantation workers.

May 01, Colombo (LNW): In his message commemorating Labour Day, President Ranil Wickremesinghe extended an invitation to all political parties to unite in shaping a prosperous future for the nation.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Labour Day Message

On the 138th observance of World Labour Day, born from a historic struggle for rights, our nation stands at a pivotal moment. Regardless of political affiliations, it falls upon each of us to shoulder the unshakable duty of fortifying our economy and propelling our nation onward.

During the recent economic downturn, our working class bore the brunt of the hardship. I extend heartfelt appreciation to all who laboured diligently, driving the engine of our economy forward amidst adversity.

The fruits of our collective dedication are evident today. Sri Lanka’s economy is on an upward trajectory, underscored by significant achievements in curbing inflation and stabilizing the currency, credited to governmental efforts.

Let us not forget the government’s commitment to uplift the working class from poverty and secure their rights. Initiatives like the “Aswesuma” and “Urumaya” programmes stand as pillars of this endeavour, particularly benefiting plantation workers.

Moreover, amidst economic challenges, the salary increments of the public sector were increased, while the private sector too rendered their utmost commitment.

Instead of a conventional May Day celebration, let us seize this opportunity to forge consensus, acknowledging contemporary trends and challenges. I extend an invitation to all political parties to join hands in charting a path towards a prosperous future for our nation.

May 01, Colombo (LNW): Out of the 5,308 Headquarters Police Inspectors (HQIs), Station Officer In-Charges (OICs), and Sectional OICs (Crimes, Administration, etc.), a total of 1,106 officers, calculated to be a 7.2 per cent of the total, permanently reside within the Police divisions in which they are stationed, a study revealed.

The study was conducted by Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of the Northern Province Priyantha Weerasuriya, under the directive of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon.

The report was recently handed over to the IGP and sheds light that a significant number of Police officers, particularly in divisions such as Mannar, Anuradhapura, and Matara, chose to reside in the same areas where they perform their duties.

This phenomenon has stemmed the reporting of higher number crime rates in these divisions over the past three years.

The study identifies challenges such as limited housing availability and high transportation costs as influential factors driving officers to work in their residential areas.

Moreover, it raises concerns about the potential biases in their actions, which could impact their impartiality in carrying out duties and hinder crime prevention efforts.

To address these issues, the report offers short, medium, and long-term recommendations, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate biases and enhance the performance of police officers in crime prevention.

The Police Headquarters has indicated that necessary actions will be taken by the IGP, in response to the findings of the study.

May 01, Colombo (LNW): Tourism Minister Harin Fernando has committed to resolving technical challenges within the new visa system by May 7th, responding to concerns over potential losses in tourist arrivals and earnings for the year, estimated at 230,000 arrivals and US$ 425 million, respectively.

The transition to a platform managed by IVS-GBS and VFS Global earlier this month marked a shift from the Department of Immigration & Emigration’s electronic travel authorisation system.

The new system introduced a multiple-entry visa at a cost of US$ 75, with stays limited to a maximum of 60 days, omitting the previously available single-entry visa option.

Additionally, an extra service fee of US$ 18.5 was implemented.

Expressing disappointment over the situation, Fernando reiterated his commitment to addressing the issue, acknowledging the collective responsibility of his role as a Cabinet Minister.

He clarified that his Ministry was not consulted regarding the decision to remove the single-entry visa option.

Speaking at a press briefing in Colombo to unveil the ‘Southern MICE Expo 2024,’ Fernando assured that while a long-term tourist visa was introduced based on industry requests, there were no plans to eliminate the 30-day single-entry visa, particularly crucial for shorter visits.

According to SLTDA Chairman Priantha Fernando, Sri Lanka anticipates a decline of 25,000 tourist arrivals in April due in part to the visa issue.

Looking ahead to the global promotion campaign set for the third week of May, Minister Fernando pledged to address technical issues by early May through necessary changes to the gazette notification in parliament.

However, the US$ 18.5 service fee would remain, as it is charged by the operator, albeit at a relatively low rate compared to fees in other countries, the Minister emphasised.

May 01, Colombo (LNW): The Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its maiden visit from the cruise ship ‘Serenade of the Seas’ on Monday (29), marking a significant moment for the port.

Carrying a total of 1,950 passengers and 890 crew members, the luxury liner is the tenth cruise ship to dock at the Hambantota port in 2024.

Launched in 2003, ‘Serenade of the Seas’ is a member of the Radiance Class vessels, designed by the esteemed global shipping company Royal Caribbean International for voyages to distant and exotic destinations.

The port extended a warm welcome to the ship, commemorating the occasion with a plaque presentation ceremony held on board.

Officials from the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), the HIP, and representatives from local vessel agents graced the event.

Reportedly, the liner’s next destination is the Colombo Port, continuing its journey through the region’s maritime hubs.

May 01, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe is set to engage in two May Day rallies on the occasion of International Labour Day, today (01).

The first rally, organised by the Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) to commemorate the significance of International Labour Day, will commence at 10:00 am at the Kotagala Public Grounds.

The President’s Media Division (PMD) confirmed President Wickremesinghe’s participation in response to an invitation from the Ceylon Workers’ Congress.

This event is expected to draw a substantial number of upcountry plantation workers, with the Ceylon Workers’ Congress representing the largest trade union and political party for the upcountry community.

Later in the afternoon, President Wickremesinghe will lead the United National Party’s (UNP) May Day Rally, commencing from the vicinity of the Maligawatta Police in Colombo.

By: Isuru Parakrama

May 01, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts after 2.00 p.m., with showers or thundershowers being expected to occur at a few places in North-western province and in Mannar district during the afternoon or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (01).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces during the morning, the statement added.

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

Marine Weather:

Meanwhile, heat index, the temperature felt on human body is expected to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern and North-Western provinces and in Gampaha, Colombo, Hambantota and Monaragala districts.

The public, therefore, is urged to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible, check up on the elderly and the sick, never leave children unattended, limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated, and wear lightweight and white or light-coloured clothing.

April 30, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CEYPETCO) has announced a reduction in fuel prices effective from tonight (30).

The adjustments are as follows:

• The price of a litre of Lanka Petrol 92 Octane Euro 4, previously at Rs. 371, has been reduced by Rs. 3, bringing the new retail price to Rs. 368.
• For Lanka Petrol 95 Octane Euro 4, previously priced at Rs. 440 per litre, the reduction is Rs. 20, resulting in a new retail price of Rs. 420.
• The price of Lanka Auto Diesel, previously at Rs. 363 per litre, has been decreased by Rs. 30, with the new retail price set at Rs. 333.
• Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star Euro 4, previously priced at Rs. 386 per litre, has seen a reduction of Rs. 9, bringing the new retail price to Rs. 377.
• Finally, the price of Lanka Kerosene, previously at Rs. 245 per litre, has been reduced by Rs. 30, resulting in a new retail price of Rs. 215 per litre.