The economic crisis in Sri Lanka -Sri Lankan government Remove the restrictions on women working at night
The Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment has decided to remove the restrictions on women working at night and increase the limit on overtime work. For that, Minister Manusha Nanayakkara has informed the ministry officials to take steps to change the existing labour laws. According to the existing labour laws, women can only work at night for ten days a month, which is proposed to be extended to fifteen days. Women can work sixty hours of overtime per month and it has been notified to increase it to 75 hours and change the necessary rules.
Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka-140,000 Sri Lankans to work abroad in this year
According to the Ministry of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, more than one hundred and forty thousand Sri Lankans have left for work abroad this year. Its secretary Mr R.P.A Wimalaweera said that the government aims to send three lakh Sri Lankans for foreign jobs this year. Sri Lanka is currently facing a huge economic crisis and living costs have increased drasticallyÂ
The egg stocks will not be released to the market until proper discussion on the price of an egg- All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen’s Association
A meeting between Poultry Businessmen’s Association and Trade Minister Mr Nalin Fernando will be held today (22). That is at the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Safety. The Trade Minister stated that the discussion will be held as per the request of the Poultry Businessmen’s Association. Meanwhile, the All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen’s AMrciation says that egg stocks will not be released to the market today. Its chairman, Mr. Ajith Gunasekara, said that he will draw the minister’s attention to the existing difficulties in today’s discussion. An extraordinary gazette notice was issued setting a maximum retail price of 43 rupees for a white egg with effect from last Friday midnight. Accordingly, the maximum retail price of a brown and red chicken egg is 45 rupees.
Don’t use the PTA against protesters! – Amnesty International
Amnesty International urges the government not to use the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) against protesters. Meanwhile, Amnesty International expresses concern over the detention of Wasantha Mudali, convener of the Inter-University Student Union, under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
Political Crisis in Sri Lanka-Use all diplomatic means to protect Sri Lankans’ right to protest – 10 US Congressmen urge Secretary of State
10 US Congressmen have asked the US Secretary of State to use all available diplomatic means to ensure that the Sri Lankan government protects the right of citizens to protest and not use violence against peaceful demonstrators and journalists. In a letter addressed to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USAID Administrator Samantha Power, the members of Congress urge Sri Lanka to provide meaningful assistance in times of need. The Congressmen pointed out that President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared a state of emergency, imposed a curfew, condemned the protests and even suggested using live ammunition to quell them. They point out that there are diplomatic mechanisms in place to ensure that violence is not used against peaceful demonstrators and journalists and that the Government of Sri Lanka protects the right of aggrieved citizens to protest peacefully. In that letter, they call for the full inclusion of measures to support the stabilization of Sri Lanka. These actions include advancing efforts to address long-standing issues of accountability and reconciliation and improving Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions to meet US foreign policy goals for the region. In the letter, they have also asked USAID to take immediate steps to provide relief to the Sri Lankan people, including increased food, medical and fuel aid. The letter further emphasizes that USAID provided $11.75 million in new humanitarian and development assistance at the end of June.
IMF staff members plan to visit Sri Lanka soon
A group of International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff members have informed the need to return to the island. That is between 24th and 31st of this month. The International Monetary Fund anto discuss visit Sri Lanka for the purpose of discussing economic and financial reforms and policies with the Sri Lankan authorities. Earlier also the staff members of the International Monetary Fund visited the island and discussed it with the Sri Lankan authorities.
A separate terminal at Katunayake airport for the rich people
A new service terminal named ‘Ran Mawatha’ has been opened for high revenue flights entering the airport. The Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Mr Nimal Siripala de Silva has opened this new terminal yesterday. High-income earners can visit this lounge without queuing to perform airport duties and quickly fulfil their immigration and customs duties as well as catering and communication needs. There is a VIP terminal similar to this in the Katunayake airport, where government officials and politicians have been given special privileges. The new terminals will be charged US$200 per passenger.
Economic Crisis in Sri Lanka-A common period for depositing and selling foreign currency in the country
The Central Bank of Sri Lanka says that it has given a general amnesty to the public for depositing and selling their foreign currency. The Central Bank mentioned that the Minister of Finance has given this general amnesty to attract the foreign currency held by the people into the banking system. Accordingly, the general amnesty period will be effective for one month from August 15. During the relevant period, the public has the opportunity to deposit the foreign currency held in a personal or business foreign currency account as well as to sell it to a licensed commercial bank.
Many deaths reported in Europe’s Strom
13 people have died due to storm conditions that have affected many countries in Europe. Foreign reports stated that many cases of falling trees have been reported from Italy, Austria and the island of Corsica in France. The storm that has affected Europe is blowing at a speed of 224 kilometres per hour. A massive storm complex has travelled a nearly 1,000-mile path across Europe. It has reportedly killed numerous people and caused devastation on the French island of Corsica and to landmarks in Venice, It has moved on to inflict major wind damage in parts of Austria and Slovakia.
A group of Chinese soldiers are about to go to Russia soon
The Chinese Ministry of Defense says that a group of Chinese soldiers will leave for Russia soon. The ministry announced that a group of its soldiers was leaving for Russia for a joint military exercise. Several countries including India, Mongolia, Tajikistan and Belarus are also going to participate in the military exercise. Russia has announced that the exercise, called Vostok, will take place from August 30 to September 5.