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SJB asks govt. to allow female state employees to work from home

Published

5 months ago

2026/01/12

MP Kiriella

The SJB has called on the government to amend existing laws to enable female employees in the public sector to work from home, arguing that such a move would significantly boost women’s participation in the national economy.

Participating in the debate on regulations under the Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act in Parliament last Friday, SJB Kandy District MP Chaimndranee Kiriella said last week the concept of working from home had been successfully introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be practised by many private sector institutions. However, she pointed out that public sector employees, particularly women, are currently unable to avail themselves of this facility.

“If public sector female workers are allowed to work from home, it would be a great relief for them and would undoubtedly increase their contribution to the national economy,” MP Kiriella said. She said that although women account for 51 percent of Sri Lanka’s population, their contribution to the national economy stands at only 34 percent, according to the latest statistics. Enabling flexible work arrangements, she said, would be a positive step towards accelerating economic growth.

MP Kiriella welcomed the regulation under debate to permit night work shifts for female workers in the tourism sector, describing it as a progressive move by the Government. She also expressed satisfaction over the Government’s assurance that it would proceed with the ratification of the International Labour Organization’s Violence and Harassment Convention, 2019 (No. 190), along with its accompanying Recommendation (No. 206). These instruments, she said, clearly affirm the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment, including gender-based violence.

Meanwhile, the SJB MP urged Government members, particularly female parliamentarians, to take cognisance of the serious social impact arising from the recent removal of female street vendors from pavements in Kandy. While acknowledging that the initiative to clear pavements was aimed at enhancing the city’s appearance in line with its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, she said the move had adversely affected the livelihoods of many women.

“Kandy is frequented by a large number of foreign tourists throughout the year. Many women earned their living by selling fruits, vegetables and handicrafts to visitors,” MP Kiriella said, noting that the vendors now had no place to continue their trade.

She called on the Government to urgently address the issue and provide these women with suitable alternative locations to conduct their businesses. Drawing comparisons with cities such as Delhi, which hosts three World Heritage sites alongside vibrant market areas like Chandni Chowk, MP Kiriella said heritage conservation and livelihoods could coexist if properly planned.

“The Government must think seriously about this and act swiftly to rescue these women from their present plight,” she said.

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The government is implementing a comprehensive programme to restore the livelihoods of fishermen and businesses affected by Cyclone Ditwah – PM

Published

33 mins ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the Government has implemented a comprehensive programme to assist the fishing community and micro, small, medium, and large-scale entrepreneurs affected by Cyclone Ditwah in rebuilding their livelihoods.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday (09) regarding the relief measures introduced for those affected by the disaster.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated:

“The Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources has initiated a special assistance programme for both marine and inland fishermen affected by Cyclone Ditwah. Under this programme, new fishing vessels will be provided to replace those that were completely destroyed, while partially damaged vessels will be repaired. The distribution of fishing nets to eligible fishermen has also commenced.

To support the recovery of businesses damaged by the cyclone, the Government has introduced a concessional loan scheme carrying an annual interest rate of 3 per cent. The programme, with a total allocation of Rs. 10,000 million, is being implemented through 15 banks. As at 28 April 2026, loans amounting to Rs. 3,812 million had been disbursed to 2,800 entrepreneurs. The scheme offers a repayment period of up to three years, including a six-month grace period, with the objective of enabling businesses to resume operations without delay. Applicants are required to obtain recommendations from the Grama Niladhari and the Divisional Secretary certifying that the business was operational before the cyclone and that it was affected by the disaster.

The Prime Minister further stated that, on the instructions of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, licensed banks have granted a moratorium on loan repayments and waived penalty interest until 31 January 2026. The Prime Minister also emphasized that compensation payments to affected entrepreneurs are continuing in accordance with the relevant ministerial circulars and disaster relief guidelines.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

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Formulation of a Draft Economic Development Bill to expedite the process of Digital Transformation and Digital Economic Development

Published

10 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

It is essential to establish an institutional framework with legal powers to ensure the effective implementation of national digital policy and guidelines.

Quality human capital should be attracted to this institutional framework for the compilation of policies, implementation of policies, regulation, and empowerment of operations. The continuous participation of the private sector should also be considered in establishing a strong institutional framework.

It has been further identified that attention should also be
drawn to new fields of digital innovation, including support for artificial intelligence and related activities.

Taking into consideration the aforementioned matters, a concept paper has been formulated to prepare a Draft Economic Development Bill for the establishment of a new institutional framework.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Digital Economy to instruct legal draftsman to formulate a Draft Economic Development Bill based on the aforementioned concept paper.

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Cabinet approval for Sri Lanka Community and Health Survey – 2026/2027

Published

10 hours ago

2026/06/10

Priyan

The Sri Lanka Community and Health Survey is the main data source for obtaining necessary information for reviewing progress toward achieving the national health development goals, as well as the expected sustainable development goals by 2030.

The last survey was conducted in the year 2016, and the Sri Lanka Community and Health Survey should be conducted to obtain updated data to enable the collection of related data and indicators concerning the health and well-being targets of the Global Sustainable Development Objectives.

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to take necessary steps to conduct the aforementioned survey.