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Govt. response to Covid-19: JVP questions Sports Minister’s high-profile role
Minister Namal Rajapaksa briefing State Ministers of the government’s response to Covid-19 epidemic, at Temple Trees recently (pic courtesy Sports Ministry)
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Former JVP MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa says the government owes an explanation as regards the role played by Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in the ongoing efforts to bring the rampaging Covid-19 epidemic under control.
Dr. Jayatissa, who represented the Kalutara District in Parliament during 2015-2020 period, failed to retain his seat at the last general election, conducted in August 2020.
The JVPer asked whether the government had created a special position for Minister Rajapaksa in the apparatus tasked with battling the epidemic.
Referring to a spate of press releases issued by the Sports Ministry in the past two weeks, Dr. Jayatissa questioned the rationale behind Minister Namal Rajapaksa chairing a meeting of State Ministers at Temple Trees where the focus was on the ongoing national inoculation project.
The Media Unit of the Sports Ministry, in a statement issued on June 4 stated that Minister Rajapaksa had briefed State Ministers on the previous day how they could contribute to the vaccination programme. The Ministry said that a consensus has been reached as to how the resources could be pooled to carry out the vaccination project effectively.
Dr. Jayatissa said that, in addition to Health Minister Pavitradevi Wanniarachchi, there were three State Ministers handling various aspects of the health portfolio – namely State Minister of Production, Supply and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof. Channa Jayasumana, State Minister of Primary Health Care, Epidemics and COVID Disease Control Dr Sudarshini Fernandopulle and State Minister of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurveda Hospitals Development and Community Health Sirira Jayakody.
The ex-lawmaker asked whether the government at least bothered to seek the opinion of SLPP National List MP Prof. Tissa Vitharana widely believed to be an expert on the subject.
Responding to another query, the former MP said that no one would question Namal Rajapaksa receiving the sports portfolio. However, Minister Namal Rajapaksa’s role in Covid-19 counter-measures was questionable, Dr. Jayatissa said.
The JVPer said that the SLPP repeatedly assured that the cabinet would be appointed on a scientific basis.
Dr. Jayatissa said that Minister Rajapaksa following a meeting at the Temple Trees recently assured the public of the second dose for those who have received the first Sinopharm vaccine.
The government will commence the second round today (8).
The Sports Ministry, in another statement issued on June 4 quoted Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa as having said that five special centres would be established for those living within the Colombo city limits but so far failed to receive the vaccination. These centres would be open till 10 pm, the Minister said, assuring that all Sri Lankans would be inoculated.
The Sports Minister recently visited Jaffna to oversee the launch of the inoculation drive there. Minister Rajapaksa on behalf of the government received a large stock of items donated by Australia in support of Covid -19 controlling efforts. Australian Air Force delivered the consignment to the Mattala airport.
Dr. Jayatissa said that the battle against Covid-19 was at a decisive stage with the health sector struggling to cope up with the deteriorating situation.
Appreciating the efforts made by the government, the JVPer said that the epidemic couldn’t be defeated by propaganda efforts. The disruption of the inoculation drive caused by Moratuwa Mayor Saman Lal Fernando, Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge’s interference in directives issued by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) pertaining to Covid-19 controlling efforts in the Piliyandala area were grim reminders of the failure on the part of the government to prevent political interference, Dr. Jayatissa said.
Dr. Jayatissa said that so far there were over 1,700 reported deaths but the actual figure could be much higher. Paying a glowing tribute to the health sector, the armed forces and the police, the former lawmaker said that the country would have been in a much better position to fight Covid-19 if the government followed proper procedures. Unfortunately, they promoted bogus syrups and followed the advice of faith healers. “See what has happened today. There were over 205,000 positive cases and over two dozen deaths almost on a daily basis,” Dr. Jayatissa said.
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.
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