&nbsp;<ul><li>Hundreds still await placements after lottery rejection</li><li>SLBFE seeks Israeli reconsideration for excluded applicants</li><li>Protest staged outside Presidential Secretariat over delays</li><li>Agriculture sector opportunities limited by qualification gaps</li></ul> Hundreds of qualified Sri Lankan job seekers bound for Israel are still without placements after being dropped through a lottery-based recruitment scheme, with authorities now seeking urgent reconsideration from the Israeli Government.&nbsp;Additional General Manager (Acting) -- Local Affairs of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), A K U Rohana, told The Daily Morning yesterday (18), the recruitment process was carried out under bilateral agreements between the two countries. Rohana also said that 400 to 500 applicants in the restaurant, hotel, housekeeping, and related sectors are still waiting for opportunities despite earlier intervention by the Sri Lankan Government seeking reconsideration for the rejected job seekers.He explained that under the existing recruitment mechanism, Israel follows a lottery system in which only around 75 per cent of submitted applications are selected, while the remaining 25 per cent are excluded.He said the system was intended to ensure transparency and avoid allegations of favouritism or bribery in the recruitment process. “For example, if we send 100 applications, around 75 per cent pass the lottery while 25 per cent are considered unsuccessful,” he said, adding that the applicants themselves are aware of the process.He noted that around 900 applicants who had initially been excluded from restaurant, hotel, and housekeeping sector jobs were reconsidered following a special request made by the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister. However, even after that intervention, several hundred applicants remain without placements.The affected applicants are now seeking another opportunity, while the Sri Lankan authorities have formally requested the Israeli Government to either reconsider the rejected group or permit them to reapply after a break period.Rohana further noted that discussions have already been held with the relevant Israeli authorities and a response is expected within the coming weeks.He said that agreements for the agriculture sector are currently limited, partly due to applicants not meeting the qualification standards required by Israeli farms.Sri Lanka currently has one main labour agreement with Israel alongside seven implementation protocols covering sectors including caregiving, agriculture, hotel housekeeping and cleaning, manufacturing, restaurants, and commerce and services, a category introduced recently.A group of Sri Lankan job seekers for Israel staged a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat on 15 May, demanding Government intervention over long delays in their deployment.

Israel Jobs in Limbo 

<ul><li>Monaragala DS pledges disciplinary action if any official is found guilty&nbsp;</li></ul> In the wake of allegations of fraud and commission-taking linked to the distribution of cyclone Ditwah disaster compensation payments, Monaragala District Secretary (DS), A G Nishantha, said that any State official found to have involved in wrongdoing would face necessary disciplinary action, stressing that there is no political interference in the related investigations.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (18), he said that various allegations had been reported and that investigations are already underway. He added that compensation payments were credited directly into recipients’ bank accounts and that the authorities also monitor whether the relevant work corresponding to the compensation had been carried out properly.&nbsp;“We are looking into all incidents reported during this process and action will definitely be taken where necessary. If any Government official has committed wrongdoing, the required action will be taken against them. There is no political interference in these matters,” he said. The remarks came after residents of Monaragala alleged that several officials attached to the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat had engaged in fraudulent practices during the process of distributing Ditwah disaster compensation payments, including forcibly taking portions of compensation money from recipients.Some residents claimed that they had been asked to pay commissions in order to receive compensation that had already been approved for them. One female recipient accused a Disaster Relief Services Officer attached to the Disaster Relief Services Division of taking Rs 100,000 as commission from her compensation payment. She had received a Rs&nbsp; two million cheque on 20 April and had gone to the bank accompanied by an official and another individual connected to the office.&nbsp;She alleged that the official later took Rs 100,000 from the cash bundle, claiming it as his commission. Separate allegations have also surfaced against a Grama Niladhari (GN) attached to the Maduruketiya area under the Monaragala Divisional Secretariat. Residents alleged that individuals seeking compensation had been asked to pay commissions in order to secure approval for higher compensation amounts. The Disaster Relief Services Officer accused of seeking a commission from a Ditwah victim had already been suspended from duty. The Maduruketiya GN accused of demanding commissions had also been transferred to another division to facilitate the investigation.

Errant Ditwah officials to face the music 

<ul><li>Says EGL is a direct fuel consumer&nbsp;</li></ul> Even as talks continue over fuel supply terms for electricity generation, a dispute between the Electricity Generation Lanka (Pvt) Ltd and the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation over dealer margins remains unresolved, with the latter maintaining that the charges cannot be waived because EGL functions as a direct fuel consumer.Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (18), Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka said the disagreement centred on dealer margins linked to fuel prices.“The electricity entity says that the dealer margin should be removed. But there is a problem because it is a fuel consumer. The CPC’s position is that the charge cannot be removed because the electricity entity is a direct consumer,” he said.He added that discussions between the two parties were continuing, with authorities now exploring an alternative mechanism to ensure a fair arrangement instead of altering the standard dealer margin structure.“We may have to look at another option. Instead of dealer margin-related changes, we need to create a fair mechanism for the electricity entity through a different method. We are currently studying the matter,” he said.The remarks came in the wake of allegations that the electricity generator has continuously failed to enter into fuel procurement agreements with the CPC. Electricity Consumers’ Association General Secretary Sanjeewa Dhammika recently alleged that although the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) had repeatedly instructed the power generator over the past three years to sign an agreement with the CPC regarding fuel purchases, those directives had not been implemented. He further claimed that the PUCSL had even issued written orders on the matter but had failed to pursue legal action despite having the authority to do so. However, PUCSL Director – Communication Jayanath Herat said that the Commission had acted within the required timeframe and followed the necessary procedures regarding the issue. He added that legal action could not be taken immediately and that a specific process had to be followed before action could be pursued under the relevant legal provisions. He further noted that conditions requiring the relevant companies to enter into fuel procurement agreements had been included during the latest electricity tariff revision process.

CPC rejects request to remove dealer margins 

A writ petition was before the Court of Appeal yesterday (18) seeking an order directing the Excise Commissioner General (CG) and others not to grant approval for the use of rice and sugar as primary raw materials in beer production.The petition, filed by a group of licensed liquor retailers, has named the Excise CG, officials of the Excise Department, the Standards Institution, the Attorney General, the Inspector General of Police and several others as respondents.The petitioners state that under Section 2 of the Excise Ordinance, beer is defined as a fermented alcoholic beverage made from malt. However, they allege that most current manufacturers use rice and sugar as the main ingredients in beer production, which they claim is contrary to the provisions of the Excise law. They further argue that rice, which is produced with significant public subsidies from State funds, is being diverted into commercial industries such as beer production, thereby causing adverse effects on the national economy. They also claim this practice is creating a situation where Sri Lanka may struggle to achieve self-sufficiency in rice production. The petitioners additionally point out that the Standards Institution has not updated its regulatory framework to suit current requirements for monitoring alcohol production standards. They have requested the Court to issue an order preventing the approval of rice and sugar as primary ingredients in beer production by the Excise CG and other respondents.

Case filed against rice-sugar for beer 

A three-wheeler buried under a landslide near the Maspanna Town in Uva Paranagama during Cyclone Ditwah was recovered after 171 days.The landslide occurred near the Maspanna Town bus stand, burying several parked buses, motorcycles, three-wheelers and a number of nearby shops under massive amounts of soil and rock. The authorities said the removal of debris had to be carried out slowly due to the continuing risk at the site. Clearance operations are still underway.The three-wheeler was discovered during the ongoing excavation work and is believed to belong to a conductor attached to the Walapane Depot. According to reports, the conductor had parked the vehicle near the bus stand on the night of the disaster before it was swept away and buried in the landslide.

 Ditwah-buried tuk found after 171 days 

The Government is moving to fully operationalise the Hambantota Elephant Management Reserve, nearly five years after it was first gazetted, as part of a broader effort to introduce a structured policy framework to address human–elephant conflict, manage domesticated elephants, and strengthen conservation planning, Environment Minister Dr&nbsp; Dammika Patabendi said.Addressing the media at the Government Information Department yesterday (18), he said the Reserve, gazetted in 2021, had remained without the necessary supporting regulations until recently. Those regulations were finalised and issued through a Gazette notification on 30 January.He said a management committee will now be appointed to oversee implementation, with future development approvals and conflict mitigation measures to be guided by its recommendations.He acknowledged that there had been no consistent national policy framework on elephant management, noting that although an action plan prepared in 2020 existed, “it was not fully enforced through legal mechanisms.” He said the current process aimed to correct that gap through updated regulations and a more structured decision-making system.A broader policy review is also under way covering the use of domesticated elephants, including their deployment in cultural and religious processions during the annual perahera season. He said this area had remained “challenging” for a prolonged period due to the absence of a stable and enforceable national policy.He said several Cabinet papers related to elephant management had been reconsidered, and some earlier proposals had been annulled with Cabinet approval, paving the way for a revised policy approach.A committee comprising experts and relevant stakeholders is expected to be appointed to develop comprehensive recommendations on conservation, cultural use, and conflict mitigation strategies.The Government also plans to strengthen institutional capacity in elephant conservation. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is expected to be developed into a dedicated research and breeding centre, shifting towards a more science-based conservation model.Responding to questions on allegations that predecessors of the Ministry and the Department of Wildlife Conservation had allowed development along elephant corridors, he said unauthorised or policy-deviating projects had taken place within elephant movement routes in the district, contributing to conflict pressures in the past. However, he said the Government is now working to address these issues and restore regulated land-use practices within sensitive corridors.Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody said the elephant management reserve concept was introduced in response to longstanding concerns raised by farming communities in the region. He noted that formal regulations governing the Reserve were only recently gazetted in January, enabling its operational phase to begin.The Hambantota Reserve forms part of a wider elephant corridor linking Yala, Bundala and Udawalawe National Parks, making the area a critical zone for both elephant movement and human settlement and agricultural activity.

Five years after being gazetted: H’tota elephant reserve to be fully activated  

Following discussions with Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya yesterday (18), the group of university students occupying the disputed Malwana residence agreed to vacate the property.The Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) said that Dr Amarasuriya has agreed to transfer the land and house located in Malwana, currently under the authority of the Dompe Divisional Secretariat, to the University Grants Commission (UGC).&nbsp;Speaking to the media following discussions held with the Premier at the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday, IUSF Convenor Sasindu Perera stated that a decision had been reached to hand over the property to the UGC as soon as possible.&nbsp;He further noted that, in light of the agreement reached during the discussions, the group occupying the premises had decided to vacate the property immediately. ‘‘Dr&nbsp; Amarasuriya has assured us that the Malwana property will be transferred to the UGC as soon as possible. The Government has responded positively to our request. In view of that response, we have decided to leave the Malwana premises at this moment,’’ he said.The Malwana property, which has recently been the subject of public discussion, will be transferred to the UGC, Dr Amarasuriya has announced. She made this statement during a meeting held yesterday with representatives of the IUSF.&nbsp;According to her, a feasibility study will be conducted on the property, after which it will be allocated for suitable purposes in the higher education sector. Emphasising the decision-making process, she noted that all major decisions are taken only after discussions with the relevant stakeholders and through a comprehensive review.&nbsp;Dr Amarasuriya further highlighted that, after several years, budgetary allocations have been made for the development of university student accommodation facilities. She added that Budget implementation in the higher education sector had increased from 60 per cent in previous years to 80% last year (in 2025), which she attributed to improved responsiveness to student welfare needs and active Government engagement.&nbsp;The Malwana property will be handed over to the UGC, followed by a feasibility assessment, before being assigned to an appropriate higher education institution, she added.

Undergrads vacate Malwana residence 

<ul><li>NTC to submit amendments including to fares for gazetting</li></ul>The National Transport Commission (NTC) has announced that regulations concerning three-wheeler drivers and amendments to three-wheeler fares will be submitted by early next month (June), following which measures to gazette them will commence.Speaking to The Daily Morning, NTC Chairperson, engineer P A Chandrapala said the regulations have now been drafted, taking into account variables related to three-wheeler drivers across the country. When contacted, a source from the Transport Ministry said the drafting also considers the needs and practical issues of three-wheeler operators. “For instance, in the Colombo area, if you go for a hire from one place to another, the possibility is that they might get another hire also. In suburban areas, the chance is less. On the other hand, in hilly areas like Kandy, the fuel consumption is higher. Hence, there can be slight changes in the drafted fares as well,” the source said.He also noted the regulations are intended to curb arbitrary price hikes by three-wheeler drivers, which have raised concerns among consumers.The All Ceylon Three-Wheeler Drivers Association had raised concerns earlier over the NTC taking over the authority to decide three-wheeler fares. They noted that with the surging cost of living, drivers are facing adversity as they cannot increase fares themselves.

3-wheeler regulations by June?

<ul><li>Suspect sustains gunshot injuries in scuffle with cops&nbsp;</li><li>Chinese national nabbed with contraband&nbsp;</li><li>Massive Kendu leaves stock seized&nbsp;</li></ul> Two Sri Lankan passengers have been arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with a consignment of ‘‘Kush’’ narcotics valued at over Rs&nbsp; 140 million. The suspects were taken into custody by the Customs Narcotics Control Unit while attempting to exit through the ‘Green Channel at the BIA. They had arrived in Sri Lanka at around 9.30 a.m. yesterday (18) onboard a SriLankan Airlines flight from Bangkok, Thailand.&nbsp;Officials report that a total of 14 kilograms (kg) and 562 grams of ‘‘Kush’’ narcotics were concealed in two pieces of luggage carried by the suspects. The drug consignment had been carefully hidden inside 28 packages among clothing items, which were subsequently detected by the Customs officials. The two suspects, residents of Dematagoda, have been identified as a 23-year-old employee of a liquor store and a 30-year-old labourer. Further investigations into the incident have been handed over to the Airport’s Police Narcotics Bureau.A shooting incident has been reported in the Ampara Police Division during a Police operation to arrest an individual involved in an illicit liquor racket. The incident had occurred on 17 May night (17), when the Police Special Task Force carried out a raid. During the operation, the suspect had reportedly obstructed officers in the line of duty and attempted to assault them. Police subsequently arrested the suspect and admitted him to hospital. However, he had later escaped from the hospital. Thereafter, an officer on a mobile patrol had attempted to re-arrest the suspect, during which the suspect allegedly tried to snatch the officer’s firearm. The suspect had sustained a gunshot injury during the scuffle that ensued, and was then admitted to hospital for treatment. A police officer was also injured in the incident and has been hospitalised.Elsewhere, a foreign national was arrested in Kollupitiya, near Nimalka Gardens, with 540 sticks of foreign cigarettes allegedly brought into Sri Lanka illegally. The arrest was made during a raid conducted by officers of the Colombo South Divisional Criminal Investigation Unit. The suspect has been identified as a 35-year-old Chinese national.&nbsp;The Navy seized a massive haul of smuggled Kendu leaves weighing over 830 kg during separate search operations conducted in Mannar on 15 and 16 May. The operations were executed by the Sri Lanka Naval Service (SLNS) Thammanna and SLNS Gajaba of the North Central Naval Command in the Northern seas of Mannar and the Nadukuda coastal belt. The operation led to the discovery of 12 suspicious sacks, stuffed with Kendu leaves, believed to have been abandoned by the smugglers&nbsp;

Israel Jobs in Limbo

Errant Ditwah officials to face the music

Errant Ditwah officials to fac ...

CPC rejects request to remove dealer margins

CPC rejects request to remove ...

Case filed against rice-sugar for beer

Case filed against rice-sugar ...

Ditwah-buried tuk found after 171 days

Ditwah-buried tuk found after ...

Five years after being gazetted: H’tota elephant reserve to be fully a ...

Five years after being gazette ...

Undergrads vacate Malwana residence

Undergrads vacate Malwana resi ...

3-wheeler regulations by June?

3-wheeler regulations by June?

Crime: Lankan duo at BIA with Rs 140 m Kush

Crime: Lankan duo at BIA with ...

Errant Ditwah officials to face the music

Errant Ditwah officials to fac ...

CPC rejects request to remove dealer margins

CPC rejects request to remove ...

Case filed against rice-sugar for beer

Case filed against rice-sugar ...

Ditwah-buried tuk found after 171 days

Ditwah-buried tuk found after ...

Five years after being gazetted: H’tota elephant reserve to be fully a ...

Five years after being gazette ...

Undergrads vacate Malwana residence

Undergrads vacate Malwana resi ...

3-wheeler regulations by June?

3-wheeler regulations by June?

Crime: Lankan duo at BIA with Rs 140 m Kush

Crime: Lankan duo at BIA with ...

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Errant Ditwah officials to face the music

Errant Ditwah officials to fac ...

CPC rejects request to remove dealer margins

CPC rejects request to remove ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Case filed against rice-sugar for beer

Case filed against rice-sugar ...

Ditwah-buried tuk found after 171 days

Ditwah-buried tuk found after ...

Five years after being gazetted: H’tota elephant reserve to be fully a ...

Five years after being gazette ...

Undergrads vacate Malwana residence

Undergrads vacate Malwana resi ...