Steps have already been initiated to look into the ratification of the ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work for Sri Lanka, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, (Dr.) Anil Jayantha Fernando said. 

Further elaborating on the matter, Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando emphasized that the government is committed to creating a world of work free from violence and harassment. 

He stated that discussions regarding this had taken place during two prior meetings with the representative of the International Labour Organization in Sri Lanka. 

The minister underscored the expectation of everyone’s support in eliminating violence and harassment in the workplace.

He expressed the views in Parliament, while responding to the Motion at the Adjournment Time moved by MP Rohini Kumari Wijerathna representing the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus on 08 March, in line with International Women’s Day.

During this debate, several Members of Parliament expressed their views on the significance of ILO Convention 190.

Recognizing the right of all individuals to a work environment free from violence and harassment based on gender equality, ILO Convention 190 on eliminating violence and harassment in the world of work was adopted on June 21, 2019, during the 108th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

Every member state that ratifies this convention is obligated to commit to ensuring a work environment where all individuals can operate without violence and harassment. 

The ratification of this convention further affirms the government’s responsibility to uphold a world of work free from violence and harassment and requires necessary legal enforcement mechanisms to be implemented accordingly.

During the debate, it was highlighted that Sri Lanka’s failure to take the necessary steps to ratify this convention has deprived all individuals, including women in Sri Lanka, of the opportunities and protections provided by it. (Newswire)

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Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage has refuted claims of using unparliamentary language against opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne in Parliament recently.

A clash erupted in Parliament when the Deputy Minister referred to Rohini Kaviratne as Rohini Lama Kaviratne.

Providing a clarification, Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage told the media that MP Kaviratne had claimed that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was paying special attention to his home town Tambuttegama.

“MP Kaviratne said, like Mahinda Rajapaksa developed Hambantota and Maithripala Sirisena developed Polonnaruwa, the President was taking special care of Tambuttegama. She also claimed that compared to the funds allocated to railway stations across the country, a large sum has been allocated to the Tambuttegama Railway Station. These are all false allegations,” he said. 

Stating that the government has been given serious responsibility, the Deputy Minister explained that the government intends to use the railway network to transport essential goods instead of the roads, with the aim of reducing the prices of goods and that the Tambuttegama Railway Station is the closest to the biggest economic centre. 

Deputy Minister Nalin Hewage said MP Kaviratne had made a false statement against the government’s efforts, claiming that the President was developing his home town. 

“Therefore, I said she was behaving like a child and referred to her as Lama Kaviratne. Only children don’t understand major political decisions. That is why I referred to her as Lama Kaviratne. I had no other intentions. However, she is diverting it into another issue. I would like to say the public cannot be misled by such incidents,” he added. 

Soon after the Deputy Minister’s remarks in Parliament, Chief Government Whip Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said the comment would be expunged from the Parliament’s Hansard. 

Several Parliamentarians, including Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, also condemned the comment by the NPP Deputy Minister. (Newswire)

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The National Peoples’ Power (NPP) has won four (04) seats in the Matale District under the Preferential voting system.

The preferential votes for the Matale District are as follows;

• NPP – 04 seats

Gamagedara Dissanayake – 100,618 votes

Sunil Biyanvila – 56,932 votes

Deepthi Wasalage  – 47,482 votes

Dinesh Hemantha Perera – 43,455 votes.

• SJB – 01 seat 

Rohini Kavirathne – 27,945. (Newswire)

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Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha has extended his apologies to opposition MP Rohini Kaviratne for the alleged use of obscene language directed at her during a speech in Parliament on 24th February 2023.

Addressing the Parliament today, Minister Premajayantha said he regrets if he had caused any hurt to the MP via his speech, clarifying that he had not intended to make any such statements during his speech.

Responding to his apology, MP Kaviratne questioned if the Speaker and Prime Minister accepted such obscene language in Parliament and if the matter has been removed from the Hanzard.

In a letter to the Speaker, MP Rohini Kaviratne has also requested that disciplinary action be taken against Minister Susil Premajayantha for insulting her using obscene language.

MP Kaviratne also requested that the Speaker submit this issue to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges to take appropriate action. (NewsWire)

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