News
Navy brings problem of poaching by Indian fishing fleet to new Governor’s attention

The Navy has briefed the new Governor of the Northern Province Jeevan Theagarajah on the continuing problem of poaching by the Indian fishing fleet. The briefing had been given during the Governor’s visit to Jaffna islands on 20 Nov., Navy headquarters said.
The Governor of the Northern Province visited the islands of the North to solve the economic, social and health issues and improve the quality of life of islanders. The Northern Naval Command facilitated the visit providing sea passage, enabling the Governor to reach Eluvaitivu, Analathivu, Palaithivu, Kakaraithivu and Kachchathivu. He was also accompanied by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera.
During the visit, Commander Northern Naval Area also briefed the Governor on poaching by foreign fishing trawlers in Sri Lankan waters off the Delft and Kachchativu Islands through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), efforts by the Navy and Coast Guard to prevent poaching, and protect Sri Lankan fishers
During his visit, the Governor very keenly assessed the potential of the islands to help contribute to the development of the North. Divisional Secretaries, other state officials and senior officers of the Northern Naval Command and Sri Lanka Coast Guard were present on the occasion.
News
Cabinet approval to prepare new Act for securing the rights of plant species

Although there are legal provisions for the right to publish, technical planning, right of patent, trademarks and enterprises etc, in the Intellectual Property Act No. 36 of 2003, there are no provisions for securing the rights of plant species (relevant to breeders, researchers and farmers).
In addition, no patents can be issued for flora and fauna according to the provisions of the intellectual rights act. Therefore, approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 22.05.2024 to introduce a new act for securing the rights of plant species.
Wherefore, the Legal Draftsman has pointed out that policy approval of the new Cabinet of Ministers should be taken to complete the drafting of the new flora species rights securing act.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation for the preparation of the said draft bill.
Latest News
National minimum monthly salary for private sector employees raised to Rs. 27,000/-, minimum daily wage to Rs. 1080/-

Parallel to salary hike of public sector officers by the budget proposals 2025, it has been proposed to increase the salaries of private sector employees as well.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Labour to revise the national minimum monthly salary and national minimum daily wage and follow other legal actions as follows:
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 9,500/- from rupees 17,500/- to rupees 27,000/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 380/- from rupees 700/- to rupees 1,080/- with effect from 01.04.2025
• To raise the minimum national monthly salary by rupees 3,000/- from rupees 27,000/- to rupees 30,000/- with effect from 01.01.2026
• To raise the minimum national daily salary by rupees 120/- from rupees 1,080 /- to rupees 1,200/- with effect from 01.01.2026
News
Draft bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals – Sri Lanka to be completed

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to grant policy approval of the current Cabinet of Ministers for completion of formulating the draft bill to establish the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals – Sri Lanka
Establishment of the Chartered Institute of Media Professionals of Sri Lanka has been recognized in order to accomplish the requirement of a training institute for carrying out relevant studies with the objective of presenting media intellects fortified with skills for the uplifting quality and standards of media society of this country while creating chartered professional journalists.
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