News
Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony empowers Buddhist Scholars in Sri Lanka
In a groundbreaking initiative for Buddhist scholarship, Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, has empowered over 75 deserving candidates with scholarships to pursue postgraduate studies in Buddhism. The historic Shinso Ito Scholarship Awarding Ceremony marked the first postgraduate scholarship programme of its kind within the university’s 43-year history, fostering the next generation of researchers dedicated to preserving and promoting Buddhist philosophy.
Shinnyo-en is a Buddhist tradition that originates from Japan which emphasizes the potential for enlightenment within each individual. Founded by Buddhist Masters Shinjo Ito and Tomoji Ito, the tradition focuses on simple altruistic practices in our daily lives that nurture and bring out our natural goodness and foster harmony in the relationships we share with others. Embodying this spirit, their daughter Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito carries forward and expands their work as the Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order.
The scholarship programme underscores the deep ties between Shinnyo-en Japan and Sri Lanka. Most Venerable Dr. Shinso Ito, Head Priest of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist order, was honoured with a Doctorate of Philosophy by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka in 2022 for her lifelong dedication to Buddhist leadership. Shinnyo-en’s commitment is further evident in initiatives like the Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool which was established in 1988 by Master Shinjo Ito to provide free, high-quality preschool education to the children of Sri Lanka. In 2013, representatives from the three main orders of Sri Lankan Buddhism—the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siam Nikaya, the Amarapura Nikaya, and the Ramanna Nikaya—all jointly conferred on Dr. Shinso Ito titles that are given to “the most knowledgeable and venerable in the field of Mahayana Buddhism” in honour of her achievements as a master of Mahayana Buddhism and leader of Shinnyo‑en’s philanthropic activities in Sri Lanka.
“Shinnyo-en’s relationship with Sri Lanka is one of deep respect and shared values. We are filled with hope and anticipation for the achievements of these talented scholarship recipients.” said Ikeda Mikinori, Director of Shinnyo-en Lanka Preschool. “Through their research and leadership, may the teachings of the Buddha continue to resonate and bring benefit to Sri Lanka and beyond.”
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives of both Shinnyo-en Japan and the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, emphasizing the deep collaboration and respect between the organisations.
Shinnyo-en Sri Lanka envisions a future where the knowledge and insights cultivated by these scholars extend beyond Sri Lanka’s borders. Their contributions promise to enrich the global Buddhist community and strengthen the understanding of Buddhism’s transformative potential for individuals and societies alike.
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
