News
Irate teachers urge SLFP to leave govt.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
A teacher activist of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) representing the teachers and principals engaged in the ongoing union action demanding the resolution of the teachers’ salary anomalies issue based on the Subodini Committee recommendations, yesterday, urged State Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara to leave the government if the SLFP MPs in the current administration could not support the teachers’ struggle.
The SLFP activist made these remarks, on behalf of the protesting teachers and principals, at a meeting held in Kurunegala to establish a teachers’ association affiliated to the SLFP where Sate Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara was the chief guest.
“We campaigned for you at the election time going door to door, and got you elected to parliament. If you can’t speak out on our behalf in Parliament, there is no point in being in the alliance. Represent us or just quit,” he said amidst a thunderous applause.
“We started teaching online during the pandemic before the government had even thought of it. We paid from our own pocket for data used for the online classes, and now the government is trying to have the public believe that we are sabotaging school education. So, please speak out on behalf of us,” he added.
State Minister Jayasekara said that he was pleased that the teacher gave vent to his feelings by saying what he said.
“Yes, I agree with you. The salary issue of the teachers and principals was not handled well by some government ministers. Joseph Stalin and Mahinda Jayasinghe were made unique characters because of the way the government handled the issue from the beginning. If they had negotiated without arrogance the issue could have been resolved.”
Latest News
China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.
During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake; Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong; and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, Majintha Jayasinghe, were also present at the event.
Business
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
During President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s four-day state visit to China, Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone by securing the largest foreign direct investment to date. This significant achievement was formalized this morning (16) with the signing of an agreement between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec, a leading Chinese international petroleum corporation.
Under this $3.7 billion investment, a state-of-the-art oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels will be constructed in the Hambantota region. A substantial portion of the refinery’s output is planned for export, further enhancing the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
This major investment from China is expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic growth while uplifting the livelihoods of low-income communities in the Hambantota area. Moreover, the benefits of this project are anticipated to positively impact the overall Sri Lankan population in the near future.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake and Director General of Government Information H. S. K. J. Bandara, alongside other dignitaries were present when the agreement was signed.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake extended an invitation to Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the nation’s stable governance and transparent economy.
He made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the “Investment Forum” held today (16), jointly organized by Chinese state and private enterprises.
The forum was a significant event during President Disanayake’s third day of his four-day state visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Prominent Chinese corporations, including China Tianying Inc. (CNTY), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., China Communications Construction Company Ltd., China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd., China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Energy International Group Company Ltd., Guangzhou Public Transport Group and Huawei BYD Auto participated in the event.
President Disanayake also engaged in cordial discussions with the leadership of these corporations.
The forum was attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Majintha Jayasinghe, among others.
Dozens killed as Israeli strikes continue ahead of Gaza ceasefire
China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
-
News3 days agoSri Lanka’s passport third strongest in South Asia
-
Features3 days agoBackstreet Boys’ Nick Carter to perform in Colombo!
-
Opinion4 days agoTribute to late Commander (MCD) Shanthi Kumar Bahar, RWP Sri Lanka Navy
-
Sports5 days agoDialog celebrates Chamari Athapaththu’s ICC nominations and outstanding achievements
-
News5 days agoBritish conductor at Khemadasa anniversary concert on Jan. 25
-
Editorial4 days agoJekylls and Hydes
-
News3 days agoElectricity regulator contradicts Minister; tariff reduction certain
-
Features4 days agoA murder that shook British India and toppled a king