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Stalin reads riot act to govt. over proposal to allow schoolchildren to work part time

Published

3 years ago

2022/08/13

By Rathindra Kuruwita

The Alliance of Trade Unions and Mass Organisations yesterday warned that the government’s decision to allow schoolchildren, between the ages of 16 and 20, to work part time, would have disastrous consequences.Addressing the media on 11 Aug., General Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers’ Union, Joseph Stalin, said that the government was planning to amend laws, allowing schoolchildren to work in the private sector for 20 hours a week.

“Now, this may look like a progressive idea. A lot of families are

struggling and if another family member can chip in, it would be a great help. I am sure a lot of children feel the same way. It is also true that there may be children who will find great jobs and horn their skills,” he said.However, these proposals have come at a time when education is in crisis and the schools are on the verge of collapse.

“During the last two and a half years, most children have learnt nothing. But children who go to elite schools are doing better. These schools have systems in place, but most others don’t. Children who do not go to tier one schools have suffered and most children who do not go to such elite schools will not find part time work that will prepare them for the jobs of the future,” he said. “It’s not easy to balance school work with vocation training, especially physically intensive work. Most people will drop out and social mobility will further stagnate. Fix the education system first and create a more level playing field,” Stalin said.

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IGP Deshabandhu Tennakoon informed to be present before the Committee of Inquiry on 19th May

Published

4 hours ago

2025/05/8

Priyan

[file pic]

IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed to be present before the ‘Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power’ on the 19th of May 2025.

This Committee met in the Parliament premises on several occasions as of now, and accordingly, for the first time, IGP T.M.W. Deshabandhu Tennakoon has been informed by the Committee, to appear before it, for future investigations.

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UNESCO Director General candidate Dr. Khaled El Enany meets Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka

Published

4 hours ago

2025/05/8

Priyan

Dr. Khaled El Enany – the UNESCO Director General Candidate of the Arab Republic of Egypt met with the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Sri Lanka Dr. Risvie Salih at the Parliament premises recently (May 05).

During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed the long-standing and cordial bilateral relationship between Egypt and Sri Lanka, emphasizing their shared commitment to further strengthening ties in areas of mutual interest. Dr. El Enany outlined his vision as a candidate for UNESCO leadership, highlighting his dedication to fostering cultural collaboration and understanding among nations. Dr. Risvie Salih also highlighted Sri Lanka’s non-aligned foreign policy and long-standing relationship with Egypt.

The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, and Chaminda Kularatne, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary General of Parliament of Sri Lanka.

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Samantha Ranasinghe sworn in as a Member of Parliament

Published

5 hours ago

2025/05/8

Priyan

Samantha Ranasinghe was sworn in today (May 08) before the Speaker, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, as a Member of the Tenth Parliament.

Following the oath and affirmation before the Speaker, he signed the Members’ Roll placed before the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

Member of Parliament Samantha Ranasinghe has been thus appointed to fill the vacancy created due to the demise of Kosala Nuwan Jayaweera, who served as a Member of Parliament from the Kegalle District representing the National People’s Power.