FT VIEWEducating teachers
EDUCATION is the building block of the future. It needs to be supplied with the right resources to evolve with the rest of the world. However, there is a significant gap between the subjects that need to be taught and qualified teachers.
It was recently reported that there are 3,118 excess teachers in the Eastern Province, causing an additional expenditure of Rs. 45.64 million per month.
Protecting children
There is always more than one side to an issue. Last week the Tourism Board announced the latest numbers of travellers to visit Sri Lanka and even though they were the lowest this year, they nonetheless indicated that the target of 700,000 is on track. However, it was also stated by the National Child Protection Authority that the number of child abuse cases were rising due to tourism.
Promoting transparency
The increasing need for the government to be more transparent in their transactions has been highlighted by a number of stakeholders. Last week the International Monetary Fund (IMF) noted that the government needs to focus more on transparency so that investors – both internal and external would be encouraged to do business in Sri Lanka.
A call for inclusivity
THE Supreme Court of Sri Lanka recently brought into law the provision of constructing new buildings by giving access to differently-abled people. Recent reports show that about 15% of the world’s population – some 785 million people – has a significant physical or mental disability, including about 5% of children. This is according to a new report prepared jointly by the World Health Organisation and the World Bank.
Correcting excesses
Mistakes can be written off easily, especially when they are excesses by public institutions. It was revealed on Tuesday that the Trade Ministry is considering appealing to the President to write off Rs.1.8 billion in debt while the Sri Lanka Ports Authority is spending Rs.4.1 billion to retire excess labour in the organisation through a Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).
Productivity challenge
THE plantation industry is facing the challenge of productivity more than ever before. On Monday it increased the wage of a labourer to Rs. 515 – a move that will cost companies more than Rs. 6 billion each year.
The basic wage brewed by the estate sector trade unions and the Employers Federation of Ceylon, which are signatories to the collective agreement, was Rs. 380 per day, up from Rs. 285 under the previous deal. Added to this basic wage will be an attendance incentive of Rs. 105, which was earlier Rs. 90, and a price share supplement of Rs. 30, totalling Rs. 515 per day for a worker.
Protecting rights
IT was a disturbing sight when hundreds of people bearing long rods were seen converging near Lipton Circus while the JVP was staging a demonstration against the controversial Pension Bill for the private sector last week. Media reports indicated that there were around 1,000 people who had been brought to the venue in buses that were prominently parked outside the Town Hall.
Development, the Kotler way
WITH Prof. Philip Kotler in town, all events seem to be revolving around this iconic marketing guru. His visit is particularly relevant as it gives much insight into the dual but convergent roles of company and country to take Sri Lanka to the next level.
Alarm call on accidents
ACCIDENTS are rising alarmingly in Sri Lanka. As a nation that is aiming to become a developed country in record time, emphasis on the health of its citizens is important. Raising the standards of living in the country is directly linked to the physical and mental wellbeing of the people and the accident statistics of the nation prove the opposite.
Passenger woes
COLOMBO is caught amidst several strikes and demonstrations these days. While the trade unions are continuing their protests against the withdrawn Pension Bill for the private sector, monks are on protest marches and buses have gone on strike.
Trapped in the middle of this situation the average man is also wondering how to handle the increased bus fare, which is expected to hit his wallet on 1 July. At the moment private buses on the Panadura – Colombo, Moratuwa – Colombo, Kalutara – Colombo and Matugama – Colombo routes are on strike.
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