News
Immigration and Emigration officers to boycott handling of VIP passports
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers Association (SLIEOA) stated yesterday that they would not process passports of Sri Lankan VIPs and withdraw from Silk Route facilities from midnight yesterday (05).
This action is taken in support of the hartal held today, organised by over 1,000 trade unions.
“Sri Lanka is facing a severe economic crisis. Successive governments have fulfilled the aspirations of selected individuals while ignoring the well-being of the public,” Chairman of the Association, K.A.A.S. Kanugala said.
The people of the country have risen up against the policies that have led the country to a crisis. However, the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration is not listening to the people and is taking actions that are making matters worse, Kanugala said.
“We are aware of the damage caused to tourism and the attitude of the foreign workers by the actions of the government. We condemn the fact that the so called VIPs are living in luxury, while the masses suffer. We have decided not to serve Sri Lankan VIPs and not to operate facilities such as the Silk Route until the government provides concrete solutions to the issues faced by Sri Lankans,” he said.
Kanugala said that other passengers and foreign VIPs will not be affected by the union action.
The Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri LankaDewi Gustina Tobing, met Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya at the Parliament of Sri Lanka to discuss strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, tourism, technology, and education, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to fostering diplomatic and economic ties for mutual benefit.
A key area of focus was expanding tourism exchanges, including religious tourism, which holds significant potential for growth.
The two delegations also explored opportunities in trade, particularly the importation of palm oil and the introduction of organic liquid fertilizers to support Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.
Collaboration in the IT industry was highlighted as another promising area of partnership, alongside discussions on integrating electric vehicles into Sri Lanka’s public transport system.
The Sri Lankan delegation, led by Additional Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sagarika Boghawatta, included officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Indonesian delegation was represented by Deputy Ambassador . Fiki Oktanioand Minister Counsellor Mrs. Lailal K. Yuniarti.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Matara Magistrate’s Court today [20], ordered that former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon be further remanded until April 03..
The Election Commission of Sri Lanka has announced that the upcoming Local Authorities Poll will be held on Tuesday 06th May 2025
The acceptance of nominations for the poll concluded at 12.00 noon today (20).
Ambassador of Indonesia to Sri Lanka calls on PM
Former IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon further remanded until April 03.
Local Authorities poll on 6th May
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