News
Minister proposes pay cuts for selected employees during lockdown
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Minister of Tourism Prasanna Ranatunga in a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has proposed several steps that parliamentarians, public and private sector employees can take as the country is facing the consequences of the pandemic.
Minister Ranatunga says dedicated frontline workers of the health and defence services can be treated on a special basis while parliamentarians should donate 75% of their salaries, public and private sector employees 50% of their salaries and minor workers 30% of their salaries to contribute to the initiative during the period of the lockdown and he is ready to make his own contribution to it.
This proposal has been made by the minister in a letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa titled ‘Future strategy against spread of the COVID-19 pandemic’.
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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