News
‘Military Assistance Protocol’ signed, Chinese backing at Geneva appreciated
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Defence Secretary retired General Kamal Gunaratne has greatly appreciated the stand taken by China on behalf of Sri Lanka at the recently concluded 46th sessions of the Geneva-based United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), during talks with the high powered Chinese delegation led by State Councillor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe.
The delegations led by Minister Fenghe and Defence Secretary Gunaratne met at the Shangri-La Hotel, Wednesday (28). Minister Fenghe is the highest foreign dignitary to visit the hotel overlooking the mega China investment Colombo Port City since it was attacked by two suicide bombers on April 21, two years ago.
UN Security Council member China on behalf of Sri Lanka called for a vote on controversial draft resolution titled ‘Promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka,’ after the UK led Core Group targeting Sri Lanka insisted on a punitive text and the setting up of a new inquiry at a cost of USD 2.8 mn. The UNHRC adopted the latest resolution on March 23 with 22 countries voting for, 11 including China against and 14 abstaining.
Having condemned the resolution as typical example of politicization of human rights, Chinese Permanent Representative in Geneva Ambassador CHEN Xu alleged Western attempt to interfere in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs and undermine its development and stability under the pretext of human rights.
China and Sri Lanka also signed what the Defence Ministry called ‘Military Assistance Protocol.’ The Defence Ministry statement quoted General Fenghe as having said: “We are looking forward to work together with Sri Lanka to enhance practical cooperation and to promote bilateral relations to a greater extent.” The Chinese Minister highlighted the existing military ties between the two countries. China remained a primary supplier of arms, ammunition and equipment to the Sri Lankan military throughout the war.
Chinese Ambassador in Colombo, Qi Zhenhong, Foreign Secretary Admiral (ret) Prof. Jayanath Colombage and Tri-Forces Commanders were also present.
The Chinese delegation comprised Deputy Chief of Joint Staff Department of PLA Lt. Gen. Shao Yuanming, Director General of Office for International Military Cooperation of Central Military Commission (CMC) Maj. Gen. Ci Guowei, Deputy Director General of General Office CMC Maj. Gen. Shen Fangwu, Assistant Chief of Staff of Southern Theatre Command of PLA Maj. Gen. Hu Xianjun and Chinese Defence Attaché Senior Colonel Wan Dong.
General Fenghe also launched the official website of the Chinese National Defence University Alumni Association of Sri Lanka at the invitation of Gen Gunaratne and the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs and the Chairman and founding member of the Alumni Association Maj. Gen. Vijitha Ravipriya (Ret).
The Chinese delegation arrived in Colombo Tuesday (27) night and left yesterday (29) morning. The delegation met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and defence delegation led by Gen. Gunaratne.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met the Chinese delegation along with Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera whereas Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena joined Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s delegation that included several ministers.
Over a decade after the conclusion of the war, Sri Lanka maintains close relations with major regional powers, including members of Quad the US, Japan, India and Australia. Interestingly none of them backed Sri Lanka battling unsubstantiated war crimes allegations paving the way for Western powers to include Sri Lanka on the Geneva agenda.
Sri Lanka re-entered into high profile ACSA (Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreement) with the US in August 2017 though talks on MCC (Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact) and SOFA (Status on Forces Agreement) failed. Sri Lanka first signed ACSA in March 2007 during Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure as Defence Secretary.
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
