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Reactivation of abandoned tanks and paddy lands can boost agricultural sector– SLLDC Chairman
There are numerous written and epigraphic sources related to the ancient water harvesting, water management and agriculture system implemented in Sri Lanka. Basically, water harvesting, water management and agriculture are interrelated activities especially in an agro-based country like Sri Lanka.
Chairman, Sri Lanka Land Development Corporation (SLLDC), Maj. Gen. (Rtd) MRW De Zoysa, in a discussion on the importance of promoting the agricultural sector in the country with the President Rajapaksa, emphasized that reactivation of abandoned paddy lands can play a vital role in this regard.
Studies have revealed that there are more than 14,000 village tanks that remain abandoned or not fully functional. Due to this snag, many farmers have moved away from paddy cultivation or from cultivation of crops altogether, he noted.
“As a developing country, we must move with agriculture rather than go for industrialization as we are far behind in that segment compared to other countries. Therefore, it is a mandatory requirement to reach self-sufficiency in an agro economy at primary level of our development program”, the Chairman outlined.
This drive should begin from the smallest societal level and subsequently expanded to villages, Divisional Secretariats and districts at national level, where the country as a whole could then reach self-sufficiency, De Zoysa explained.
He said that with the blessings of the President, he wants to implement this rehabilitation program for abandoned village tanks and cultivate abandoned paddy lands, which has also been mentioned in ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’, the 2019 presidential election campaign manifesto.
Although, it is the responsibility of the Ministries of Irrigation and Agriculture, the SLLDC Chairman voluntarily intervened in the program as he is aware of the impact and magnitude of the project. While working on the presidential and parliamentary elections campaign, he said he received many requests from farmers and their respective organizations for the restoration and rehabilitation of village tanks.
The Ministry of Irrigation is implementing the ‘Wari Saubagya’ project to rehabilitate 5,000 tanks island-wide beginning February 2021 with the annual budgetary allocation. After discussions with relevant ministers and the approval of the President, Chairman De Zoysa stepped in to execute the project from Uva province, where the poverty rate has remained high since independence.
Initial plans are to rehabilitate 47 tanks in Badulla and 16 tanks in Moneragala districts under the first stage without seeking any funds from line ministries.
Preparation of estimates for the selected tanks began on October 26, 2020 and will be completed by the first week of November by the staff of SLLDC, Army and Navy officials attached to the institution.
In the meantime, the procurement process for goods and services has already begun to expedite the project after approval for submitted estimates is received from the respective line ministry.
The time is opportune to fast track this initiative, especially at a time the country needs to be self-sufficient with the outbreak of Covid-19, where health and safety are of paramount importance. Moreover, traditional industries with a scientific and technical approach need to be implemented to enhance the efficiency of the agriculture industry.
People will then have access to safe and fresh agri-based food within their community. This will lead to waste at minimum level or perhaps at zero level. It will also generate more interest among farmers as they will have the opportunity to sell their produce without third party interference and an assurance to improve their economic status, the Chairman noted.
This kind of people–centric economic policy will move forward from community level to national level. It will pave the way to create job opportunities and the rate of unemployment could also be reduced to a low level, he further said.
In the past, there was a well balanced eco-system as small communities managed their village tanks. They considered it their prime responsibility to protect nature, they loved it and managed well. No proposals were necessary for the sustainability of environment. Water Harvesting, Water Management and Agriculture need to play a vital role to achieve ‘A Vision for a Prosperous Nation’ with deliverables such as water harvesting, safe and sufficient water in the area, safe and fresh food, secured income for the farmers, financial benefit for customers, job opportunities, a healthy and pleasant environment and no additional expenditure on environment improvement. Healthy people will reduce expenditure in the health sector and less transportation will reduce pollution.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo welcomed the U.S. Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, former National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) players Stephen Howard and Astou Ndiaye, from June 8 through 14.
The Public Diplomacy section of the U.S. Embassy said that it would launch a weeklong basketball program intended to harness the unifying power of sports, made possible through collaboration with Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab.
While in Sri Lanka, Howard and Ndiaye, both retired professional basketball players, will conduct a weeklong program, Hoops for Hope: Bridging Borders through Basketball. The Sports Envoys will lead basketball clinics and exhibition matches and engage in leadership sessions in Colombo and Southern Province for youth aged 14-18 from Northern, Uva, Eastern and Western Provinces, offering skills and leadership training both on and off the court. The U.S. Envoys will also share their expertise with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, national coaches, and players, furthering the development of basketball in the country. Beyond the clinics, they will collaborate with Sri Lankan schoolchildren to take part in a community service project in the Colombo area.
“We are so proud to welcome Stephen and Astou as our Sports Envoys to Sri Lanka, to build on the strong people-to-people connections between the United States and Sri Lanka,” said U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung. “The lessons that will be shared by our Sports Envoys – communication, teamwork, resilience, inclusion, and conflict resolution – are essential for leadership development, community building, equality, and peace. The U.S. Sports Envoy program is a testament to our belief that sports can be a powerful tool in promoting peace and unity.”
SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman in parliament demanded to know from the government the reasons for CEB suspending the leave of all its employees until further notice from Thursday.
MP Rahuman said that the CEB has got an acting General Manager anew and the latter yesterday morning issued a circular suspending leave of all CEB employees with immediate effect until further notice.
“We demand that Minister Kanchana Wijesekera should explain this to the House. This circular was issued while this debate on the new Electricity Amendment Bill was pending. There are many who oppose this Bill. The Minister must tell parliament the reason for the urge to cancel the leave of CEB employees,” the MP said.However, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena prevented Minister Wijesekera responding to the query and said that the matter raised by MP Rahuman was not relevant.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM) successfully concluded the 8th Annual CIPM Symposium, which took place on 31st May 2024. Themed “Nurturing the Human Element—Redefining HRM in a Rapidly Changing World,” the symposium underscored the pivotal role of human resource management (HRM) in today’s dynamic global landscape. Since its inception in 1959, CIPM has been dedicated to advancing the HR profession through education, professional development, and advocacy, solidifying its position as Sri Lanka’s leading professional body for HRM.
Ken Vijayakumar, the President of the CIPM, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The symposium commenced with the welcome address by the Chairperson, Prof. Arosha Adikaram, followed by the Web Launch of the Symposium Proceedings and Abstract Book by the CIPM President. The event featured distinguished addresses, including a speech by Chief Guest Ken Vijayakumar, President of CIPM, and an address by Guest of Honor Shakthi Ranatunga, Chief Operating Officer of MAS Holdings Pvt. Ltd., Sri Lanka.
The symposium also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Mario Fernando, Professor of Management and Director of the Centre for Cross Cultural Management (CCCM) at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
Vote of Thanks of the inauguration session was delivered by Dr. Dillanjani Weeratunga, Symposium Co-chair.
The symposium served as a comprehensive platform for researchers to present their findings across a wide range of critical topics in HRM. These included Cultural Diversity and Inclusion, Talent Development and Retention, Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility, Adapting to Technological Advancements, Mental Health and Well-being at Work, Global Workforce Challenges, Employee Empowerment, and Reskilling and Upskilling.
The plenary session was led by Prof. Wasantha Rajapakse. Certificates were awarded to the best paper presenters during the valedictory session, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Kamani Perera, Manager of Research and Development.
The annual symposium of CIPM was a truly inclusive event, attracting a diverse audience that spanned undergraduates, graduates, working professionals, research scholars and lecturers. This widespread interest highlights the symposium’s significance in the field of HRM, offering a unique opportunity for everyone to network and learn from scholarly brains.The CIPM International Research Symposium was sponsored by Hambantota International Port, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), E B Creasy & Co. PLC, and Print Xcel Company.
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
