Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe defended his recent remarks in Parliament, claiming that his comments about the term “buddy” were based on content found in the Grade 11 ICT textbook, not personal expertise.

“I’m not an expert on this subject,” Jayasinghe said. “I was referring to a lesson on page 77 of the textbook, which explains how to send messages. It includes a mention of the word ‘buddy’ as one of the tools used.”

He said he had referenced what appears online when searching for the word “buddy” and listed several results for the search query “buddy”.

He said that one of these links directed to the controversial website which had been included in the Grade 6 English module.

“There’s a group outside, including YouTubers and social media teams of around 25 to 30 people, who questioned my technical knowledge. I don’t have much technical expertise, but after teachers pointed it out, I searched the term online,” he added.

Jayasinghe cited a Forbes article claiming that another link found in the Grade 11 ICT textbook had been flagged as a potential connection to child abuse, particularly involving children aged 3 to 12. He said that the textbook was published during the tenure of the Ranil-Maithri-Sajith government.

“For more than 10 years, no one noticed this link in the Grade 11 textbook,” he said.

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe came under scrutiny for linking content from two different school textbooks during a parliamentary session, commenting on controversial web links in educational materials.

Jayasinghe claimed that the Grade 11 ICT textbook from 2015 included a link related to the term “buddy,” and said the book was introduced under the Maithri–Ranil–Sajith administration and is still in use.

However, opposition MP Rohini Wijerathna clarified that he had confused two separate cases: the ICT textbook contains the link “ebuddy.net,” which refers to a messaging app, while the Grade 6 English module includes a different link that leads to an adult chat site, she said.

The controversy centers on the inclusion of inappropriate web links in school materials, with Jayasinghe associating the link from the English module with the Grade 11 textbook.

However, the Minister’s public speech detailing the web links has drawn criticism, with critics saying it unnecessarily promoted inappropriate and potentially harmful content. (Newswire)

The post ‘Buddy’ saga deepens as Deputy Minister defends remarks appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has incorrectly cited information while addressing Parliament on the controversial web link issue in school textbooks.

Speaking in Parliament, Jayasinghe said the Grade 11 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) textbook published in 2015 contained the same controversial weblink, noting that the textbook is still in use.

“Page 77 includes a number of links. One of those links is this ‘buddy’- the one you referred to as obscene. This was introduced during the Maithri–Ranil–Sajith government. This is the textbook that is still being used. Nobody saw this,” he said.

Opposition MP Rohini Wijerathna, however, rejected the claim, saying the deputy minister had confused links appearing in two separate textbooks.

“The 2015 ICT textbook contains the link ‘ebuddy.net’. The English module carries a different URL. These should not be mixed up,” she said.

The exchange followed controversy over the inclusion of a link to an adult chat website in the Grade 6 English module. 

During his speech, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe referred to a messenger application titled “eBuddy.” 

“Ebuddy” is a messaging application, while the controversial link included in the English module is a gay chat website (Newswire)

The post Deputy Minister accused of Ebuddy mixup appeared first on Newswire.

Sri Lanka’s enduring commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of its migrant workforce is underscored by a comprehensive system of protections, including mandatory insurance, contributory pensions, grievance redress mechanisms, and reintegration support, according to Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe.

Addressing the Second World Summit for Social Development held in Doha, Qatar, last week, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe outlined some of the policy and institutional initiatives taken by Sri Lanka to strengthen the governance of migration and enhance protection for workers abroad. 

Referring to the National Policy on Migration for Employment and its Action Plan (2023–2027), Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Labour outlined four core policy areas, stating that Sri Lanka firmly believes that labour migration should take place under transparent, government-to-government frameworks, ensuring that both workers and destination countries benefit through fair, safe, and dignified employment relationships.

He also stated that Sri Lanka was exploring ways to strengthen social security, particularly retirement benefits for workers, as this remains one of the major challenges, adding, “By working together with destination countries, we could address this issue.”

The Second World Summit for Social Development was held in Qatar from 4 to 6 November 2025. The Summit, which was held thirty years after the landmark 1995 World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, served as a pivotal platform for dialogue, cooperation and joint solutions and bringing together governments, international organizations, the UN, civil society, cooperatives, academia, the private sector and experts to strengthen international cooperation for inclusive social development.

In addition to attending the Plenary, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe met with Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour, Qatar, Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, and discussed ways and means of strengthening cooperation between Sri Lanka and Qatar in the area of labour migration and initiatives to further enhance the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant workers in Qatar. 

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe also met with Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development of the Republic of the Philippines, Adonis Sulit, and explored areas of possible cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines in the area of labour and migrant workers’ welfare.

During his participation at the Summit, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe also attended sideline events as a panelist in the “Pathways out of Poverty: India’s Experience in Empowering the Last Mile” on the invitation of India and “Advancing Social Protection for Workers Across the GCC, South Asia & Africa Labour migration corridors” on the invitation by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe was joined by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the State of Qatar, Sithara Khan, Ministers of the Mission, Kashyappa Ukwatte and Dharmasiri Wijewardhane, B. Vasanthan, Senior Assistant Secretary (Foreign Relations), Ministry of Labour and Third Secretary (Employment and Welfare), A.M.M. Umarath at the Summit, the bilateral meetings and the sideline events. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka highlights migrant worker protections at global summit appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe will represent Sri Lanka in the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025, held in Qatar this week.

In a statement on social media, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said he will be accompanied by the Senior Assistant Secretary (Foreign Affairs) of the Ministry of Labour, B. Vasanthan.

The Second World Summit for Social Development was established through a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly. The first World Summit for Social Development was held in 1995 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This second summit, built on 10 core commitments and responsibilities, will focus on key global issues, including poverty eradication, full employment, and the challenges posed by rapid technological and environmental change.

Additional objectives include promoting decent work, advancing social inclusion, ensuring no one is left behind, reaffirming global commitment to social development, and injecting new momentum into the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

The Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 will be held in Doha from today until November 06. (Newswire)

The post Deputy Labour Minister at Social Development Summit in Doha appeared first on Newswire.

The National Labour Advisory Council reconvened on Thursday (30) at the Labour Secretary’s Office in Narahenpita, during which a discussion was held on proposing amendments to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Lanka Employers’ Federation and various trade unions.

During the discussion, key suggestions were made regarding the amendments to the Employees’ Provident Fund Act, including:

• Updating the surcharge mechanism to make it more beneficial for EPF members
• Introducing direct loans to members from the EPF itself, rather than through banks
• Addressing and discussing gender-based disparities in provisions within the EPF Act

Commenting on the meeting, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe said this marks the sixth meeting of the Council since the current government came into power, following several years of inactivity under previous administrations.

The discussion was attended by Minister of Labour Anil Jayantha Fernando, Ministry Secretary S.M. Piyatissa, Labour Commissioner General Nadeeka Wataliyadda, and several other officials. (Newswire)

The post Labour Advisory Council reconvenes, focuses on amendment to EPF Act appeared first on Newswire.

Acting Minister of Labour, Mahinda Jayasinghe, says they expect to engage in a discussion with various stakeholders today over the closure of the NEXT garment factory in Katunayake’s Free Trade Zone, which has left over 1,400 workers unemployed.

Addressing the Parliament yesterday, Mahinda Jayasinghe said it is expected to engage in a discussion with the factory’s administration, trade unions, and representatives of the Board of Investment (BOI) on the matter.

“2825 employees are working in four units of the company. They have made a decision under which 1416 employees will lose their jobs. However, 1409 employees will retain their jobs,” the acting minister said. 

Mahinda Jayasinghe further said that the Labour Department must be informed prior to a factory closing down and that the NEXT garment factory had not informed the department of their decision until Tuesday (20 May). 

“Since being informed, the Labour Ministry and Labour Department promptly started looking into the matter. We intend to meet with the company’s administration, trade unions, and the BOI for further discussions on the matter,” he added. 

It was reported yesterday that the NEXT garment factory in Katunayake’s Free Trade Zone has announced its decision to close its factory, resulting in over 1,400 workers becoming unemployed.

Employees said they were informed of the sudden closure via a WhatsApp message on Monday night that the factory would cease operations, with immediate effect.

Issuing a statement, the factory, which had operated for nearly 40 years, cited rising operational costs and continued financial losses as reasons for the decision, while also offering a severance package, including two months’ salary. (Newswire)

The post NEXT factory closure : Govt responds appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe says nearly 22,450 companies have failed to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).

The Deputy Minister made the remarks during the event to mark the newly appointed Commissioner General of Labour, H.M.D.N.K. Wataliyadda assuming duties today. 

Mahinda Jayasinghe further disclosed that the unpaid EPF contributions amount to nearly Rs. 36 billion.

Stating that the Ministry of Labour will provide its utmost support for the Labour Department to recover the funds, he expressed confidence that the newly appointed Commissioner General of Labour will fulfil her duties in this regard.

Deputy Minister Mahinda Jayasingeh also said that steps are being taken to amend the Labour Laws to improve the welfare of workers. (Newswire)

The post Rs 36 billion in unpaid EPF contributions – Minister appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has informed Parliament that a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probe has been requested into land deals involving former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa in Gampaha. 

Addressing the Parliament today, Mahinda Jayasinghe said a request has been made from the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) in this regard.

The Deputy Minister said the lands in the Imbulgoda and Makola areas had been purchased in 2012 and sold in 2023.

He revealed in Parliament that a plot of land purchased in Ihala Imbulgoda in 2012 under the Mahinda Rajapaksa Spiritual Foundation for Rs. 500,000 has been sold for Rs. 10 million, adding that the owner of the land is one Shiranthi Wickramasinghe Rajapaksa of Carlton House Tangalle.

Mahinda Jayasinghe further said that another plot of land in Makola that was purchased for Rs. 01 million has been sold for Rs. 12 million, of which the owner was Shiranthi Wickramasinghe Rajapaksa of Carlton House Tangalle.

The Deputy Minister of Labour said inquiries into the land deals have revealed that the deeds had been drawn up and signed at the Temple Trees and had been transferred in 2023 to a person residing in Nugegoda.

Addressing recent media reports that he had forcibly entered lands belonging to Buddhist Temples and monks, Mahinda Jayasinghe Jayasinghe produced documents to claim that the lands belonged to ordinary citizens. 

The Deputy Minister said that he had visited the lands to inquire about the ownership as issues had been raised by the original owners and area residents. (Newswire) 

The post CID to probe lands involving former First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe says the government intends to strengthen laws to protect women and eliminate violence and harassment in the workplace in Sri Lanka.

Speaking to the media, Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said as such, the government hopes to ratify the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work.

Stating that even though Sri Lanka is yet to ratify this convention, the Deputy Minister said steps will be taken to look into the ratification of the convention and introduce related laws. 

“We will introduce this as a law and ensure the safety of women in workplaces and also prevent all forms of abuse, be it mental or physical, faced by women,” he added.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe made the remarks in response to the recent incident of a female doctor being raped while on duty at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital. (Newswire)

The post Govt to strengthen laws to ensure safety of women at workplace appeared first on Newswire.

The Global Labour Market Conference commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday (Jan 29).

Sri Lanka is represented by Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe at the event, which has drawn more than 5,000 participants, including 180 speakers and over 70 labour ministers from around the world.

The conference focuses on modern labour market trends, national policies, and economic conditions. Discussions also cover labour market challenges, wage disparities, and youth employment.

Deputy Minister Jayasinghe said the event will address ways to empower small and medium-scale entrepreneurs and strengthen national labour forces.  (Newswire)

The post Deputy Minister Mahinda in Saudi for Global Labour Market Conference appeared first on Newswire.

Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe has objected to the recent circular prohibiting school teachers in the Western Province from conducting paid tuition classes for students from their own schools.

This ban applies during school hours, after school, and on weekends or public holidays.

Minister Jayasinghe said that the Governor has instructed the circular to be suspended, pending a review of the issue and a policy decision on the matter.

The circular, signed by the Western Province Secretary of Education, K.A.D.R. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, has been sent to the Director of Education, Regional Directors, Divisional Directors of Education, and all school principals in the province.

It instructed all teachers be informed of the regulations and warns that disciplinary action will be taken against those who violate them. (Newswire)

The post WP teachers own school tuition ban : “Circular suspended” appeared first on Newswire.