Deputy Minister Ranjan Ramanayake has made an appointment to consult Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya, at Navaloka Hospital in Colombo, this evening.

Padeniya leads the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) which has launched an island wide strike in state hospitals today, against SAITM.

Padeniya, a pediatric neurologist, came under severe criticism from social media circles this morning for working in private hospitals while the GMOA is on strike.

In the wake of this controversy, Ramanayake made an online payment of Rs.1925 and secured an appointment to consult with Padeniya. 

However, when contacted by Asian Mirror, Navaloka Hospital said Dr. Padeniya was on leave today. 

Shortly after that, the official website of the hospital indicated that Padeniya was not available today. However, the same website two hours ago said he was available.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, in Parliament yesterday, rejected the rumours that Regional Development Minister Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka would be appointed to a top role in the defence establishment.  

The Prime Minister, responding to questions raised by JVP MP Vijitha Herath said the Cabinet had only discussed matters relating to essential services.

“The Cabinet of Ministers suggested that a Committee is set up to ensure essential services in the country are not crippled. We are still discussing that matter. If a Committee is set up, it is possible that Minister Fonseka will be appointed a role in it,” the Premier said.

He said both the President and himself had high regard for Regional Development Minister Field Marshal Fonseka, but rejected the news that he would be appointed to an ‘overall commander’ position, in charge of the tri-forces.

“Every appointment is made in accordance to the law in this country. Under the Constitution, The President is the Commander-in-Chief – this will not change,” he said.

The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in a statement today, said it is encouraged by the prospects of regaining GSP+ trade preferences and is hopeful that the final vote at the EU Council of Ministers will be favorable.

‘The granting of GSP Plus to Sri Lanka once again will have a significant positive impact on the country’s exports to the European Union. It comes at a good time for the country as overall exports have been flagging and has affected the country’s external payments position,’ the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said.

It commended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Commerce for being instrumental in the victory saying the ‘process that led up to this vote was no doubt arduous, but has reiterated the importance of international diplomatic engagement for Sri Lanka.’

‘The regaining of GSP Plus at this time is welcome also because EU economies are showing signs of economic recovery, which would hopefully improve demand condition in key European markets. Apparels, fresh and processed food products, seafood, toys, ceramics and porcelain, are some of the sectors that will benefit from the additional tariff concession under GSP Plus. Given that most orders have already been finalized for the year 2017, the real boost is likely to be seen from 2018. Nevertheless, several Chamber member companies noted that they are already in contact with EU buyers who are keen to place new orders as soon as the GSP Plus is reinstated,’ the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce said.

‘The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce now calls on the government to launch a targeted and accelerated programme to support sectors capable of expanding their exports to the EU. This can range from funds for technology upgrading and innovation; targeted support for market development; addressing labour shortages; and fast-tracking approvals and certifications. The government’s trade and export agencies, together with the exporter community, can collectively embark on a focused competitiveness programme, using the GSP Plus period as ‘breathing space’ rather than a ‘comfort zone’. Since the country approaches ‘Upper Middle Income’ status and will thereafter not be eligible for GSP Plus, building export competitiveness beyond the GSP Plus concession is crucial,’ it said in the statement.

President Maithripala Sirisena said the largely attended and successful May Day rally at Gatambe in Kandy has given a boost to the victorious forward march of the SLFP-led leftist progressive forces in the country.

He vowed to transform the SLFP into a pure, corrupt-free, progressive and democratic political force that could emerge victorious. He pointed out that the SLFP was burdened with corruption and malpractices and faced electoral defeats in 2015.

“You placed your trust in me as the President of the SLFP. The people placed their trust in me as the common candidate at the Presidential Election in 2015’’.

“I did not take the chairmanship of the SLFP by force. The central committee of the party invited me. In the last two years, I succeeded in gradually transforming it to a pure democratic party and I thank the senior leaders who extended support to me in this endeavor.”

He said that as the trade union leaders pointed out the working class received many benefits and privileges during the last two years and added that the SLFP is a political party that always listen to the genuine demands of the workers as a party that represents the working class of the this country. “The SLFP policy is to strengthen indigenous producers, workers, peasants, fishermen and other sections of the working class,” he said.

“Today the word labourer is not used. Instead, we call them skilled workers. Today the skilled workforce is an important asset of any developed country,” he said. The government is fully aware of the importance of the people who serve the nation with their labour and is fully committed to ensure their welfare, he said.

Emphasizing the need for communal amity and harmony, President Sirisena said “We cannot build a peaceful country by suppressing other communities. If somebody thinks about his own community, forgetting the other communities, this country cannot be built as a prosperous and peaceful country. How much of our unique Sri Lankan feeling was beautifully displayed in the 1940s when we fought for independence? Our Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim leaders fought against the British rule and won the freedom with unity with each other. But after that they separated for power”.

He pointed out that intelligence, knowledge, ability, creativity and skilled workforce needed to develop a country and stated that “our country has all these elements which needed to develop a country.”

Even though some section of the society blamed that the politicians and the political parties are using the May Day, I believe that the workers and the politicians are not two separate entities, and always the politicians should listen to the voices of the working class.

“Today, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party’s Youth Front could fulfill its duties and responsibilities in an independent and free environment,” he said and added that there are no ‘princes’ or ‘madams’ and all are equal.

The Government has declared as a policy to introduce 84 days of maternity leave which is currently given to public servants should also be extended to the private sector as well as female shop employees, the President said.

Minister Dr. SarathAmunugama presented the ‘Economic Policies’ of the government at the rally. He said the government is totally committed to protect, preserve, strengthen and sustain local agriculture, strengthen local industries, minimize the import of products that could be locally produced and ensure knowledge based, innovative economy and sustainable development. He thanked President Sirisena for the efforts taken to reduce poverty by declaring 2017 as the Year of Alleviation of Poverty and implementing programmes to ensure every citizen is a stakeholder of the economy by opening new opportunities to all.

Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa presented the Environment Policy and two other policies were presented by Ministers Susil Premajayantha and S B Disanayake. President of the SLFP Youth Organization, Shantha Bandara presented the youth policy. The policy with regard to women was presented by Ms Sumedha Jayasena. All of them were unanimously approved.

(PMD)

President Maithripala Sirisena, in his message for May Day, saluted the working class for the victory of the ‘glorious power of human labour’ that ‘defeated the superior structures of civilization.’

‘With a salute for the comrades of the working class celebrating May Day all over the world, I am greatly pleased to end this message for the International Workers’ Day which symbolizes the historic victory of the glorious power of human labour that defeated the superior structures of the civilization,’ he said in his message.

‘The International Workers’ Day reminds us of the arduous path in which the workers trod, sacrificing blood. Sweat and tears from an era in which the iron-chained workers were considered as the property of the employers to the present day when the employers and employees could thrash out issues at a round table discussion.’

‘The May Day gives an opportunity to mark the victories achieved by the Sri Lankan workers from the day when S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike declared May 1st a holiday.’

‘I wish to remind the working class that has become a powerful force over the years through struggles has played a major critical role in the recent campaign to won back democracy in Sri Lanka,’ the President further said.

‘They also have the responsibility to play a major role in the struggle to face the challenged of establishing reconciliation in Sri Lanka and achieve economic prosperity for the people. I believe the working people will act as a responsible social force while strengthening their career rights, benefits and privileges while being sensitive to the entire gamut of the economic process of the country, as well as new global trends.’

‘This year’s May Day gives us more vigour as it is celebrated at a time when the Great Russian Revolution of 1917 marks its centenary celebrations. I join the working people who celebrate May Day today all over the world with warmth and encouragement,’ the President said in his message.

‘I also salute all the working comrades who sacrificed their lives, who raised their voices and shed blood and sweat for human freedom and labour rights.’

President Maithripala Sirisena refuted allegations any deal would be signed with India during Indian Premier Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Sri Lanka.

At an event in Batticaloa the President said, “The Indian Prime Minister is arriving in Sri Lanka on my invitation to attend the UN Vesak Day celebrations. He will not sign agreement, any document on his visit to Sri Lanka.”

The president said that those with the motive of destabilising the country were spreading false reports about the visit on the Internet and on social media sites, “Don’t be fooled by false reports,” the President further said.

Former Minister and UPFA MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage will tie the nuptial knot for the second time, today. 

His bride is Senani Jayaratne, the daughter of former Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, sources close to the family said. 

Senani Jayaratne was previously married to SLFP General Secretary Duminda Dissanayake. She is also the sister of Deputy Minister Anuradha Jayaratne who represents the SLFP. 

Aluthgamage, a father of two, was previously married to Asha Vijayani, who later filed a divorce case against the former Minister. 

Some details revealed during the divorce case resulted in a bribery commission investigation against  him.

Former Army Commander Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has agreed to become the "Overall Commander" of the defense forces. 

The former Army Commander had expressed willingness to accept offer following a request made by President Maithripala Sirisena. 

However, Fonseka had said he needed "necessary powers" to operate in the position and discharge his duties. 

He has expressed the same sentiments at the Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Sirisena, yesterday. 

Highly placed government sources said the President and the Prime Minister would have to make final decisions on the scope of Fonseka's new role. 

Addressing the Cabinet briefing this morning, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Rajitha Senaratne said the President made the request to restore discipline in the country, especially in the wake of recent trade union actions. 

Fonseka is likely to step down from his Parliamentary seat and the ministerial portfolio to take up the new position, government sources added. 

Petroleum trade unions attached to the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) last night called off the strike they began at midnight on Sunday night.

The petroleum trade unions called off their strike after discussion with the Prime Minister late last night.

The trade unions said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had promised he would not sign any document relating to the Trincomalee harbour on his trip to India which begins today. 

The trade unions are protesting Sri Lanka’s deal with India to develop the oil tanks in Trincomalee.

Sri Lanka currently jointly manages 15 of the 99 oil tankers together with India.

The proposed deal would extend to the other 84 oil tanks at Trincomalee.

The Japanese team of experts, in Sri Lanka to offer solutions to waste disposal, yesterday visited the Karadiyana garbage dump.

The team that arrived on Thursday had previously inspected the Meethotamulla site and pronounced the area to contain very high methane levels.

The Japanese team of experts is in Sri Lanka on the request of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was in Japan on a state visit, at the time of the Meethotamulla tragedy.

They are expected to hand over an initial report on Monday.

On Friday (April 14th) a section of the Meethotamulla garbage dump collapsed on residents, killing 32 and injuring several others.

At least 8 are still missing and tri-forces troops continue to search for bodies.