News
FSP to crank up union action until govt, fulfils promises to workers
By Anuradha Hiripitiyage
The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) yesterday said it would carry out a series of trade union action this month to force the government to fulfil its promises to the workers, FSP Propaganda Secretary, Duminda Nagamuwa told The Island yesterday.
Nagamuwa said the government had promised to increase the daily wage of estate workers to Rs. 1,000, confirm the recently recruited development officers in service and increase teacher salaries. The FSP would continue labour agitation until the demands were granted, he added.
“The government makes a lot of promises. It promised to give 100, 000 jobs and increase the daily wage of estate workers in March 2020. But it has reneged on its promises. The government has also made policy blunders that have adversely affected the factory workers and farmers.
“The MCC agreement has fallen through, but the government is rapidly opening up land for large scale private companies. Land laws were being relaxed and small farmers have been reduced to penury as a result.
“Steps are being taken to sell our land to foreign companies. Successive governments have sold all our assets and now only land is left to be sold. There is no plan to extricate the country from the debt trap.”
Nagamuwa also said that the government had distracted people from its proposals to increase the retirement age of the private sector to 60. The aim of the government was to delay EPF withdrawals for a few years.
“This shows how desperate they are. EPF funds have been continuously misused to bridge budget deficits. The interest rate paid to the workers is coming down. We need to educate the people on these developments.”
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and 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.
Voting commences to elect members for 339 local government authorities
President holds talks with Vietnamese President
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
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