Lanka, Romania discuss protection of 26,000 Lankan workers

Sri Lanka and Romania have discussed measures to strengthen the welfare and protection of around 26,000 Sri Lankans living and working in Romania, including through Government-to-Government recruitment arrangements.

The issue was discussed during the sixth round of bilateral political consultations, held in Bucharest, where the two countries explored greater cooperation in foreign employment, social security, pension protection and the recognition of professional qualifications.

The Sri Lankan delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister and Foreign Employment Minister Arun Hemachandra, who co-chaired the talks with Romanian State Secretary for Strategic and Global Affairs Ana-Cristina Tinca.

The two sides also discussed difficulties faced by Sri Lankan workers in having their driving licences recognised in Romania.

Expanding trade and investment, tourism and educational exchanges, and people-to-people contacts were also among the areas discussed.

The delegations further explored improving maritime connectivity between the Port of Colombo and Romania’s Port of Constana to strengthen economic ties.

Regional and global developments were also reviewed.

Sri Lanka and Romania are due to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and translating longstanding relations into practical benefits for their peoples.

The Matara Magistrate’s Court has released, on bail, the Chairman of the National People’s Power (NPP)-controlled Kirinda Puhulwella Pradeshiya Sabha, and four others, arrested over allegations of unlawfully detaining and subjecting a retired female teacher and her son to physical and mental harassment.

The five suspects, including Pradeshiya Sabha officials, were arrested by Thihagoda Police on Thursday (22) following a complaint made by the teacher and her son, an engineer.

The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the construction of a wall along Wadigawatta Road, in Kirinda.

According to reports, the dispute arose after a technical officer, attached to the Pradeshiya Sabha, who resides on a neighbouring property, constructed part of a wall that allegedly obstructed the engineer from taking his vehicle out of his residence.

The Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman had subsequently allegedly summoned the retired teacher and her son to the Council premises to discuss the legality of the construction and prepare a report for the Human Rights Commission.

However, the two were allegedly confined to a room at the Pradeshiya Sabha premises and subjected to physical and mental harassment.

Following the complaint, Thihagoda Police launched an investigation and arrested the five suspects on allegations, including the misuse of legal and political authority.

The suspects were produced before the Matara Magistrate’s Court, where the Magistrate, after considering submissions from both sides, ordered their release on personal bail.

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court yesterday rejected a motion seeking to withdraw an order prohibiting a group of Buddhist monks from occupying the area near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park, while staging a Satyagraha, demanding the release of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama refused the request after considering submissions made by a group of lawyers, including President’s Counsel Maithri Gunaratne, appearing for the monks.

Gunaratne requested court to withdraw the existing order or amend it to allow the monks to remain at the location while continuing their Satyagraha.

However, the Chief Magistrate rejected the request and upheld the order restricting the monks from gathering near the Buddha statue.

The Magistrate also rejected a request by the police to issue arrest warrants against several individuals, allegedly involved in violating the court order.

Bodaragama observed that sufficient facts had not been placed before court, at this stage, to justify issuing the warrants.

He further said that, if necessary, the police could take appropriate action under the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

A religious ceremony, organised to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), was held at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, in Kandy, on October 22 and 23, with the participation of Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe and Chairperson of the SLAF Seva Vanitha Unit Krishanthi Edirisinghe.

On October 22, the Air Force Commander visited the Malwathu and Asgiri Maha Viharayas and received blessings from the Mahanayake Theras of the two chapters of the Siyamopali Maha Nikaya.

He later visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, where he offered Gilanpasa to the Sacred Tooth Relic and received blessings. He also met the Chief Custodian of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Dr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

A Sanghika Dana was held the following day for 75 Buddhist monks, with SLAF personnel presenting the Ashta Pariskara, the eight requisites of Buddhist monks.

During the visit, Edirisinghe also inspected the SLAF firefighting team, vehicles and equipment deployed to ensure the safety of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.

The ceremony, organised by the SLAF Directorate of Welfare, included religious observances to commemorate Air Force personnel who sacrificed their lives for the country and invoke blessings for serving personnel and their families.

Members of the SLAF Board of Management, senior officers, other ranks and families of fallen war heroes attended the ceremony.