The Joint Opposition yesterday welcomed the resignation of Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody and Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala, who stepped down amid ongoing investigations into a questionable coal procurement process, while asserting that the move does not help absolve the government of responsibility for the scam.

In a statement, the Joint Opposition has said that a ministerial resignation is generally viewed as an acknowledgment of responsibility in relation to a specific matter under scrutiny.

However, it has stressed that such a resignation has no bearing on the proceedings of a Presidential Commission of Inquiry, rejecting any suggestion to the contrary as “without basis”.

The statement has further alleged that the company awarded the contested coal procurement contract had not been registered at the time the agreement was granted.

It argued that responsibility for the decision rests collectively with the government, which it said must be held accountable for awarding the contract under such circumstances.

Sri Lanka has formally ratified the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), becoming the 55th member of the International Labour Organisation to do so, the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the UN in Geneva said in a statement on Saturday (18).

The statement said: On 16 April 2026, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka deposited the instrument of ratification of the Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190) with the International Labour Office.

Sri Lanka is the 55th Member State of the International Labour Organisation to ratify Convention No.190.

In depositing the instrument of ratification, the Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Office and other International Organisations in Geneva, Sumith Dassanayake, stated that Sri Lanka’s ratification demonstrates the Government’s commitment to respect, promote, and realise the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence and harassment. He further noted that Sri Lanka will take steps to introduce necessary legal provisions by amending existing labour laws to implement the Convention.

In receiving the instrument of ratification, the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, Gilbert F. Houngbo, stated that Sri Lanka’s ratification reaffirms its commitment to dignity, equality, and respect in the world of work and marks a significant step towards a future that is free from violence and harassment, ensuring safe and healthy working environments. He also conveyed the readiness of the ILO to support the Government and social partners in aligning national legal and institutional frameworks with the Convention.

Convention No. 190 is the first international instrument to establish a clear and comprehensive framework for preventing and addressing violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment. Together with Recommendation No. 206, it provides an integrated and gender-responsive approach to protecting all workers and other persons in the world of work, setting out practical measures for implementation.

Sri Lanka is poised for a major trade breakthrough, with an upcoming global conclave set to harness the island’s strategic position between East and West and propel local SMEs onto the world stage, organisers announced last week.

Speaking at a press briefing held at Cinnamon Life, Chairman of the ICT Lawyers’ Guild, Dr Sunil Abeyratne, said the initiative would help dismantle long-standing barriers between diplomacy and trade, creating fresh opportunities for Sri Lankan businesses to scale beyond domestic boundaries.

Against a backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics, organisers said the International Trade & Economic Diplomacy Conclave—under the theme “Where Trade Meets Diplomacy”—will be held from August 20 to 22 in Colombo.

The high-profile event is being organised by the Global India Business Forum (GIBF) in partnership with the International Chamber of Agriculture, Plantation Industry and Farmer Producer Organisations and AHC Group.

Organisers said the conclave is expected to draw representatives from 20 to 25 countries, including High Commissioners and Ambassadors, who will showcase investment climates and emerging business opportunities in their respective economies.

Positioned as more than just a conference, the event aims to serve as a strategic gateway for Sri Lankan and Indian enterprises to tap into untapped global markets, forge high-value partnerships, and expand their international footprint. Policymakers, diplomats, investors, and industry leaders are expected to converge for what is billed as an intensive exchange of ideas and opportunities.

Highlights include participation from over 500 leading companies, curated B2B and B2G engagements, high-level panel discussions with global diplomats, and targeted knowledge-sharing sessions aimed at strengthening capacity and competitiveness.

The conclave will also spotlight cross-border trade opportunities and emerging alliances, particularly in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, reflecting a broader push to diversify market access.

Headquartered in Pune, India, the GIBF operates across more than 150 countries, promoting global trade and investment while supporting MSMEs through international networking and collaboration. ICAPIFPO, meanwhile, focuses on advancing agriculture and plantation industries worldwide by strengthening farmer organisations and promoting sustainable, trade-oriented practices.

The initiative is backed by a lineup of prominent figures, including Dr Jitendra Joshi, Aishwarya Joshi, Dr Nalaka Silva, Dr Sardar Ali and Darshana Abeysinghe.

Organisers expressed confidence that the conclave would serve as a catalyst for deeper economic diplomacy, equipping businesses with the networks, insights, and strategic linkages needed to unlock new growth frontiers.