News
Labour Dept calls for representation on Central Bank’s Monetary Board for EPF decision-making
During a recent session of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Foreign Employment and Labor in parliament, Department of Labor officials raised concerns about the exclusive decision-making authority of the Central Bank’s Monetary Board over the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). Emphasizing the need for the Labor Department’s representation on the Monetary Board, parliament sources said.
The Committee, convened at the parliamentary complex, primarily addressed the significant contribution of informal sector employees to the EPF. Discussions highlighted that approximately 60% of individuals employed in the service sector operate within the informal economy. The committee underscored that channeling contributions to the EPF from this sector could substantially enhance social security provisions for these workers.
Committee revelations unveiled that presently, around eighty thousand organizations are registered with the Department of Labor for EPF payments. However, the Committee Chairman expressed concerns over the insufficient number of registered companies and directed the Department to establish a comprehensive system to identify unregistered entities liable for employee welfare fund contributions.
Under the leadership of SJB MP Hector Appuhami, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Foreign Employment and Labor convened at the Parliamentary complex. Labor Department officials informed the committee about the initial steps taken towards digitizing their operations. They disclosed plans for implementing a digital platform known as the National Labor Market Information System to collect labor market-related data efficiently.
Discussions within the committee highlighted challenges arising from discrepancies between the Department of Labor’s and the Central Bank’s methodologies. Members recognized potential obstacles in accessing funds and stressed the necessity of devising a more accurate system for inputting membership information.
The session was attended by MPs including Gamini Lokage, Faisal Kasim, Kapila Athukorala, SM Marikkar, Ishaq Rahman, Sahan Pradeep Withana, and Vadivel Suresh.
The High Court has convicted 14 of the 24 men accused of being directly involved in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, which killed 279 people.
The three-judge bench read out its decision on Tuesday after a five-year trial and said sentencing would take place later, the AFP news agency reported.
The charges included murder and conspiracy to commit terrorism.
Nine others were acquitted, while another defendant was found guilty of only some of the charges, the court said.
[Aljazeera]
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The ruling NPP yesterday (21) dismissed claims of a widening rift, within the government, over the proposed 22nd Amendment. Asked whether the NPP was concerned over a section of the Opposition alleging Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and two dozen MPs taking a view contrary to that of the party in this regard, authoritative party sources said some persons were propagating speculation for their own interest.
Declaring that there was absolutely no issue regarding the controversial Amendment, sources emphasised once it was tabled in Parliament, it would be passed with 2/3 majority.
Sources dismissed claims that out of its 159-member parliamentary group a section of NPPers was opposed to the government move. According to an influential Opposition activist, there are 57 JVPers and 66 NPPers in the government group and the rest contested the last parliamentary polls, having aligned with the JVP.
Ministerial sources told The Island that the government was confident of going ahead with the 22nd Amendment and Judicature (Amendment) Bills. Sources said that the NPP was not bothered about the Opposition protests in and outside Parliament.
Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickremaratne is expected to disclose the confidential ruling that he received from the Supreme Court in respect of more than 65 petitions for and against the 22nd Amendment and Judicial Amendment Bills. The enactment of the 22nd Amendment would pave the way for extending the retirement age of Supreme Court judges, from 65 to 67 years, and Court of Appeal judges, from 63 to 65 years.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has appointed Court of Appeal Judge Mayadunna Sri Mevan Anthony Edirimannasuriya Corea as the Acting President of the Court of Appeal.
The appointment has been made as President’s Counsel Nalin Rohantha Abeysuriya, who currently serves as President of the Court of Appeal, will be overseas until the 24th.
Accordingly Justice Mayadunna Corea was sworn in as Acting President of the Court of Appeal before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential secretariat last morning (21).
Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake was also present at the occasion.
High Court convicts 14 over deadly Easter bombings
Mandhana, Shafali and Ghosh lead dominant India to Asian Games gold
Fatima Sana and Umm-e-Hani secure bronze for Pakistan in Asian Games
India bat first in Asian games womens cricket final
Showers about 100mm will occur in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-western provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts
Govt. confident of 2/3 majority despite NPP split speculation
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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