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CoPF orders officials to establish legal framework for Rs. 200 for estate workers daily attendance allowance

Published

2 months ago

2026/02/25

NDF MP Ravi Karunayake speaking at the COPF meeting

The Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance has directed officials to establish a proper legal framework for the Rs. 200 daily attendance allowance provided by the Government to estate workers.

During the Committee meeting on February 17, 2026, chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, members emphasised that while there is no objection to increasing estate worker wages, the current payment mechanism lacks a formal legal basis. The allowance is being distributed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private plantation companies without gazette notification, leaving the arrangement vulnerable to termination and excluding contributions to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF), according to parliament sources.

Officials noted that the MoU with plantation companies was valid for three years, and thereafter a policy decision would be required to continue the payments. The Committee stressed that public funds should not be used to pay salaries in private institutions without proper financial discipline, despite the allowance being approved under the 2026 Budget as a “development subsidy.” The Deputy Secretary to the Treasury suggested the payment would be more appropriately classified as a “production incentive,” though existing payments and MoUs did not specify such requirements.

The Committee also reviewed disaster relief efforts for those affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Officials reported that approximately Rs. 24.4 billion had been disbursed under various relief programs, including allowances for house cleaning, household purchases, and school assistance. Delays in housing reconstruction and rental support were attributed to damage assessments and land identification, with Committee members urging faster delivery of housing aid.

Officials from the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF) highlighted reinsurance claims of around Rs. 11 billion following Cyclone Ditwah, noting that although NITF had not reinsured its exposure internationally since 2023, it was capable of settling existing claims.

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Sri Lanka Navy seize multi day fishing craft suspected of smuggling narcotics

Published

31 mins ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

The Sri Lanka Navy has seized a local multi- day fishing trawler, it’s four man crew together with a consignment suspected to be narcotics off the Southern Coast of the island.

The vessel is presently being escorted to the Dikowita fisheries harbour for further investigations and legal proceedings.

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district

Published

18 hours ago

2026/04/16

Priyan

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 15 April 2026, valid for 16 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Eastern
and Southern provinces and in Monaragala district.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491

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Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 makes port call in Colombo

Published

23 hours ago

2026/04/15

Priyan

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 arrived at the Port of Colombo on a goodwill visit on 15 Apr 2026 and was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in compliance with time-honoured naval traditions.

The vessel’s arrival is a key highlight of the ASEAN Plus Cadet Sail (APCS) – 2026 programme , accompanying a diverse contingent of Navy cadets from 26 different nations alongside their Indonesian counterparts.

The ship is commanded by Commander SUGENG HARIYANTO. Meanwhile, Officer Under-trainees of the Sri Lanka Navy are expected to participate in various programmes aboard the
ship and naval personnel observe its operational functions during its stay in the island.

Furthermore, the ship’s crew is scheduled to take part in programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two navies, as well as visit several tourist attractions in the country.