News
Over Rs 3.3 bn wasted: BoI unions urge govt. to act on COPE revelations
SLPP, SJB and UNP workers unite
The government cannot turn a blind eye to the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) disclosure of waste, corruption and irregularities at Sri Lanka’s premier investment agency, trade union sources say.
The Communication Department of Parliament Thursday afternoon issued a damning report on the Board of Investment (BoI) following a meeting the parliamentary watchdog committee had with the BOI’s top management headed by its Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala on the same day.
The COPE underscored the urgent need to take remedial measures, a senior spokesperson for the Progressive Workers’ Union Commercial and Industrial Services told The Island yesterday (12).
In spite of making representations to the government at the highest level, the union affiliated to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) couldn’t prompt immediate intervention, the union official said.
According to him, altogether six trade unions including those affiliated to the SLPP, Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) and the United National Party (UNP) have pledged their support at a meeting held on Sept 19.
The BoI comes under President Gotabaya Rajapaksa whereas State Minister D.V. Chanaka is responsible for site development.
Trade Unions representing the BoI recently discussed ways and means to address the embarrassing profligacy at the state agency, relating to various projects, sources said. The COPE exposure couldn’t have come at a better time, they said.
The trade union collective called for urgent intervention pointing out that the all-party group chaired by Prof. Charitha Herath, also of the SLPP questioned the rationale in the BOI decisions to spend over Rs 3 bn on two Export Processing Zones (EPZs) at Milleniya and Bingiriya, under controversial circumstances.
COPE should act on its findings, the trade unions said, urging political parties represented in the watchdog committee to push for remedial measures, the trade union collective said. However, they expressed concern over the government ignoring the important Parliamentary Committee’s findings.
Trade unions said that the report issued by the Communications Department of the Parliament hadn’t dealt with some crucial matters, though from time to time they took up contentious issues with the government. Referring to the recent recruitment of 29 management level persons at a much higher salary scale at a monthly cost of Rs 20 mn and allocation of about Rs. 76 mn to refurbish available offices at the World Trade Centre for the newcomers’ use, trade unions alleged even the basic infrastructure development and repairs had been neglected.
The trade unions also questioned the outsourcing of work currently undertaken by the BoI to outsiders at a very heavy cost to the state enterprise. As part of their overall strategy, the unions have launched a campaign to educate the BoI workers of the developments and what they alleged were attempts to enter into agreements with private organisations for the benefit of the latter.
Trade unions pointed out that unlike many other state enterprises, the BoI hadn’t asked for Treasury assistance as it was financially stable. But, relentless and reckless spending could cause a catastrophe, trade unions said, calling for urgent action.
They also alleged manipulation of the cabinet of ministers by those managing the BoI now.
The Colombo High Court has sentenced former Chief Minister of the North Central Province, S.M. Ranjith and his Private Secretary Shanthi Chandrasena to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 200,000 each after they were found guilty of corruption charges.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery Or Corruption (CIABOC) had filed the case alleging that the former Chief Minister had illegally obtained Rs. 2,080,500 as fuel allowances during his tenure.
Parliamentary staff members are contemplating trade union action in protest against what they describe as a downward revision of their allowances.
The salary revision, as detailed in a circular numbered DMS/Salary Revision/2025-1 (Management Services Circular 04/2025) dated March 25, 2025, has resulted in a reduction of Parliament workers’ allowances, and the decreases which vary, based on staff grades, range from 70% to 39%, raising concerns among Parliament staff, according to sources.
The 32-page circular, addressed to Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadheera, has been signed by Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development K. M. Siriwardhana.
Following the announcement of those revisions, parliamentary employees have expressed dissatisfaction, with their unions planning industrial action in the coming days. Sources confirmed that the staff members had already registered their protest with the parliamentary authorities.
The new salary revision has sparked widespread discontent among staff members.
Our attempts to contact General Secretary of Parliament Kushani Rohandheera were not successful.
By Saman Indrajith
Japan has funded a project to strengthen Sri Lanka’s commitment to tackling GBV (gender-based violence) and ensuring that survivors were not left without access to critical services.
As part of this project, six more Emergency Waiting Areas (EWAs) will be established in the coming weeks in Dharmapuram (Kilinochchi district), Murunkan (Mannar district), Uppuveli (Trincomalee district), Opanayake (Ratnapura district), Walapane (Nuwara Eliya district), and Modera (Colombo district).
Recently, Japanese ambassador in Colombo Akio Isomata and UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Kunle Adeniyi, handed over the newly constructed Japan-funded EWA at the Kalutara South Police Station. The Japanese embassy said that this initiative was meant to ensure that survivors received the protection, dignity, and support they deserve when seeking assistance from law enforcement authorities.
The embassy said that there was a growing network of operational EWAs across Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mirihana, Pudukuduirippu, Nuwara Eliya, Mundalam, Batticaloa, and Kandy, where over 4000 women and children received support last year. These safe spaces serve as temporary resting areas, providing survivors of GBV with protection, psychosocial support, medical referrals, legal aid, and a survivor-centered approach to justice, the embassy said.
The establishment of the Kalutara South EWA was made possible with the generous funding of USD 34,000, from the People of Japan, and the construction was supported by World Vision Lanka.
Ambassador Isomata reaffirmed Japan’s continued dedication to supporting women and children in Sri Lanka and emphasized the role of safe spaces in ensuring a future free from violence. “Japan has been promoting the protection of women and children in Sri Lanka since Sri Lanka became a partner country for Japan in 2018 in promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This project also includes training for police officers handling victims, especially female officers, so that victims would feel safer in seeking refuge and counseling. I hope this project will be expanded by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Public Security and Police in order to strengthen the mechanism to protect women and children in vulnerable situations. It is also essential for Sri Lanka to ensure the legal measures against the violence and support for the self-reliance of women and children who seek refuge.”
Speaking at the ceremony, UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative, Kunle Adeniyi, underscored the significance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. “For a survivor, the decision to seek help is often fraught with fear: fear of judgment, disbelief, or retaliation. When they walk into a police station, they should not only find protection but also compassion and care. A survivor’s first interaction with law enforcement can shape their entire journey toward healing and justice. If they are met with understanding, respect, and support, they are more likely to pursue the help they need.”
US attacks kill 4 in Yemen as second aircraft carrier sent to Middle East
Former chief minister of North Central Province, SM Ranjith sentenced to 16 years RI
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in Central, North-western and North-central provinces and in Mannar and Vavuniya districts
-
Sports3 days agoSri Lanka’s eternal search for the elusive all-rounder
-
News2 days agoBid to include genocide allegation against Sri Lanka in Canada’s school curriculum thwarted
-
News4 days agoGnanasara Thera urged to reveal masterminds behind Easter Sunday terror attacks
-
Business5 days agoAIA Higher Education Scholarships Programme celebrating 30-year journey
-
News3 days agoComBank crowned Global Finance Best SME Bank in Sri Lanka for 3rd successive year
-
Features3 days agoSanctions by The Unpunished
-
Latest News1 day agoIPL 2025: Rookies Ashwani and Rickelton lead Mumbai Indians to first win
-
Features3 days agoMore parliamentary giants I was privileged to know