US denies providing intelligence on Easter attacks
Colombo: The US has said that it did not provide Sri Lanka with advance intelligence prior to the Easter Sunday militant attacks that killed over 350 people.
This comes amidst what the Sri Lankan government minister Harsha de Silva said Monday that advance intelligence had been provided by "both India and the United States."
"We had no prior knowledge of these attacks," US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina Teplitz was quoted as saying by the CNN.
At least four Americans were killed in the attacks. She said, "the Sri Lankan government has admitted lapses in their intelligence gathering and information sharing."
When asked her about de Silva's claim, Teplitz responded, "Well I can't speak for others. I don't know what other sources of information the government of Sri Lanka might have had. I can just tell you that we had no prior knowledge."
Sri Lankan authorities have started an investigation into how warnings about possible attacks were not passed to top ministers.
Nine suicide bombers, including a woman, were involved in the massive Easter Sunday bombings and 60 people have been arrested so far for their suspected links to Sri Lanka's worst terror attack that killed at least 359 people.
Suicide bombers, believed to be members of local Islamist extremist group, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through churches and luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Though the National Tawheed Jamath (NJT) blamed by the Sri Lankan government has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, the Islamic State said the bombers owing allegiance to the terror group carried out the strikes.
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Noida DM warns outsourcing agencies, workers against unruly conduct
Noida (PTI): Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate Medha Roopam has warned outsourcing agencies and contractors of strict action, including blacklisting and licence cancellation, in case of any unruly behaviour by them or their workers.
The warning comes in the wake of a large-scale protest by thousands of factory workers, including women, in Noida that turned violent on Monday.
Chairing a meeting with outsourcing agencies and contractors of various industrial units on Tuesday, Roopam stressed the need for 100 per cent compliance with government guidelines to maintain industrial peace in the district.
"All contractors must ensure 100 per cent adherence to government guidelines. If any unruly behaviour is exhibited by an agency, or by any of its employees or workers, the agency itself shall be held jointly responsible and in such instances, the agency may be blacklisted, and proceedings for the cancellation of its licence may be initiated," the DM said.
Referring to the revised minimum wage rates prescribed by the state government, the district magistrate said unskilled workers will receive Rs 13,690 per month, semi-skilled workers Rs 15,059, and skilled workers Rs 16,868.
She directed contractors to ensure full compliance with these wage standards and to transfer wages directly into workers' bank accounts.
Emphasising the interdependence of stakeholders, Roopam said industry, workers and employers are mutually complementary.
"The smooth operation of industries safeguards employment opportunities, while the stability of employers simultaneously ensures the future of the workforce," she said.
She cautioned that any disruption in industrial activity would adversely impact all stakeholders as well as the overall development of the state.
The district magistrate also appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours or misleading information and urged all stakeholders to work with mutual cooperation and trust.
She assured that the state government remains committed to protecting the interests of both workers and employers, and that the administration stands ready to act promptly to resolve any issues.
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