President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his message commemorating Labour Day extends an invitation to all political parties to unite in shaping a prosperous future for the nation: set to attend two May Day rallies: Firstly, in the Ceylon Workers’ Congress rally at 10 am in Kotagala Public Grounds; then, in the afternoon, the United National Party’s rally starting near Maligawatta Police in Colombo.
Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa laments Sri Lanka, which has been deceived once by a lie, has become bankrupt, and is currently in debt of more than US$ 100 billion both domestically and internationally: adds to overcome this, information technology education and knowledge-based education should be fostered: asserts the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) is the only political party that has done work in its role as the Opposition in Sri Lanka’s 76-year history and no other opposition has done such work for the people of the country.
K.D. Lalkantha, a member of JVP’s polit-bureau and NPP’s executive committee, says the JVP is no longer socialist: advocates for ‘economic democracy’ and a ‘multi-party system,’ different from ‘traditional socialist’ ideologies: asserts their model focuses on ensuring every citizen contributes to and benefits from the economy, rejecting both socialism and capitalism: proposes economic involvement for all, including small-scale entrepreneurs, but not government control over industries: stresses their approach differs from the SJB’s ideology, emphasising economic democracy and limited government intervention in the economy.
The Wages Board raises the minimum daily wage for tea estate workers to Rs. 1,700, addressing concerns about wage levels and living standards in the industry: The decision, announced through a gazette notification by Commissioner General of Labour H.K.K.A. Jayasundara, signifies a development in the labour landscape of the tea sector.
State Minister Indika Anuruddha Herath addresses concerns about the Uma Oya Project, denying reports of major issues since its public ownership: warns against misleading information, highlighting the project’s significant delays and financial losses: asserts a team of geologists will assess reported concerns, and the government aims to increase renewable energy sources to prevent future crises: Initiatives to expedite solar and wind power projects are underway, alongside efforts to boost rooftop solar panel output.
The Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) rises to 1.5% in April 2024 from 0.9% in March: Food inflation decreases to 2.9%, while non-food inflation rises to 0.9%: Price increases in transport, education, and other categories contributed to the rise, while housing and health see decreases compared to April 2023.
CEYPETCO announces fuel price reductions effective April 30: Lanka Petrol 92: Reduced by Rs. 3 to Rs. 368/litre; Lanka Petrol 95: Reduced by Rs. 20 to Rs. 420/litre; Lanka Auto Diesel: Reduced by Rs. 30 to Rs. 333/litre; Lanka Super Diesel 4 Star: Reduced by Rs. 9 to Rs. 377/litre; Lanka Kerosene: Reduced by Rs. 30 to Rs. 215/litre.
Tourism Minister Harin Fernando aims to resolve technical issues with the new visa system by May 7th, responding to concerns over potential losses in tourism: The system transitioned to IVS-GBS and VFS Global, offering a multiple-entry visa at $75 with a maximum 60-day stay, removing the single-entry option: expresses disappointment, assuring efforts to address the issue and maintain the 30-day single-entry visa: Despite the $18.5 service fee, the Minister pledges to resolve technical challenges before the global promotion campaign in May.
Four individuals arrested in Kollupitiya for impersonating CID officers and extorting Rs. 10 million have been remanded until May 14 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court: They were apprehended by Bribery Commission officers following a complaint filed by a Dehiwala resident.
A study conducted by SDIG Priyantha Weerasuriya reveals 7.2% of HQIs, OICs, and Sectional OICs permanently reside within the police divisions they serve, posing potential biases: This phenomenon, particularly notable in Mannar, Anuradhapura, and Matara, may impact crime prevention efforts: Recommendations to address housing challenges and biases have been proposed, with the Police Headquarters pledging action.
May 01, Colombo (LNW): Power and Energy State Minister Indika Anuruddha Herath addressed concerns surrounding the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project, asserting that no landslides or major issues have been reported since its public ownership.
He cautioned against what he described as ‘misleading representations,’ urging vigilance against false information.
During a media briefing at the Presidential Media Centre (PMC), he highlighted the significant loss incurred due to the project’s nine-year delay, amounting to nearly US$ 200 billion.
Despite electricity generation not being integrated into the national grid during this period, reports linking the project to landslides persist.
To address concerns, a team of geologists will conduct an observational tour of the Uma Oya region today (01) to assess reported cracks and floods.
The government assures technical solutions based on global prevention measures, he added.
Furthermore, Herath emphasised the government’s commitment to sourcing 70 per cent of electricity production from renewable energy sources, including water, solar, and wind power plants.
Initiatives to expedite projects generating electricity from wind or solar power have been launched to prevent future electricity crises.
Moreover, efforts are underway to expedite power plant processes by implementing a point-based system for swift approval.
Additionally, initiatives to increase rooftop solar panel output have been initiated to meet energy demands effectively.
May 01, Colombo (LNW): Today (May 01) Sri Lanka joins the global community in commemorating International Labour Day, a significant occasion that pays homage to the historic struggles for workers’ rights and the establishment of the eight-hour workday.
This day serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to uphold labour rights and ensure fair treatment for all workers.
Across the nation, various political parties, independent groups, and trade unions are actively participating in a plethora of activities to celebrate International Labour Day.
With around 40 marches and rallies planned in Colombo and other major cities, as reported by the Department of Government Information, the atmosphere is filled with enthusiasm and solidarity as workers come together to voice their concerns and advocate for their rights.
These celebrations not only serve as a platform for workers to express their solidarity but also highlight the importance of addressing key issues affecting the labour force in Sri Lanka.
From fair wages and working conditions to job security and social protections, the demands of workers encompass a wide range of concerns that require attention and action from policymakers and employers alike.
As the country reflects on the significance of International Labour Day, it is essential to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of workers across various sectors.
From plantation workers to factory employees, construction workers to office staff, each individual plays a crucial role in driving the economy and shaping the nation’s progress.
Furthermore, International Labour Day serves as a moment of reflection on the progress made in advancing labour rights and the challenges that lie ahead.
While significant strides have been made in improving working conditions and implementing labour laws, there remain areas that require further attention and reform to ensure that all workers are treated fairly and equitably.
In the spirit of solidarity and unity, International Labour Day provides an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and reaffirm their commitment to upholding labour rights and promoting social justice.
By fostering dialogue and collaboration between workers, employers, and policymakers, Sri Lanka can move closer towards achieving a more just and equitable society where every worker is valued and respected.
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): The overall rate of inflation measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index (CCPI) indicates a rise, reaching 1.5 per cent in April 2024, the Census and Statistics Department disclosed.
This marks a rise from the previous month’s figure of 0.9 per cent, according to the latest data released by the Dept.
In April 2024, the inflation rate for the food group declined to 2.9 per cent from 3.8 per cent in March 2024, while the inflation rate for the non-food group increased to 0.9 per cent from -0.5 per cent in March 2024.
Contributions to the April 2024 inflation rate from the food group and non-food group were 0.9 per cent and 0.58 per cent, respectively.
The Census Department attributed this to price increases in categories such as transport, alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics, education, restaurants and hotels, miscellaneous goods and services, recreation and culture, communication, clothing and footwear, furnishing household equipment and routine household maintenance.
Conversely, price decreases were observed in categories such as housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, and health compared to April 2023.
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.
