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Effigies burnt to hamper organic fertiliser drive – prelate
Prof Peiris says regardless of differences constituents should abide by govt. decision
Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris says in spite of difference in opinion as regards contentious matters constituents of the government should abide by decisions taken collectively.
Prof. Peiris said so after having met the Chief prelates of the Asgiriya and Malwatte Chapters, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanaratne thero and Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala thero, respectively, on Saturday (6).
SLPP National List lawmaker who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP was referring to a simmering crisis caused by several constituent parties over cabinet decision to finalize agreement with New Fortress Energy. Several political parties, including the SLFP, the second largest group in the government, have demanded that it be rescinded. The same group took a stand contrary to that of the SLPP on several issues, including the Indian and Japanese investment in the East Container Terminal (ECT).
Prof. Peiris emphasized the responsibility on the part of the government to take a common stand regardless of problems and disputes. Referring to his recent visit to the UK, Minister Peiris said that Sri Lanka could attract significant investments from there.
A statement issued by the Foreign Minister’s Office quoted Most Ven. Madagama Dhammananada thero, Registrar of Asgiriya Chapter as having told Prof Peiris that the farmers weren’t used to set fire to effigies of people. The monk was referring to continuing protests in various parts of the country demanding that farmers be given agrochemicals required for the Maha season. Ven. Medagama Thero said that the protests where effigies were set on fire seemed to be part of an overall campaign to undermine the government’s efforts to encourage farmers to use carbonic fertiliser.
The Minister’s Office also quoted, Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana as having appreciated the government’s decision to do away with agro chemicals.
Deputy Registrar of the Asgiriya Chapter Ven. Narampanawe Ananda Thero has underscored the need and the responsibility on the part of the government to rectify shortcomings. The Thero has said that the same mistakes, shortcomings and failures shouldn’t happen in the remaining three years of the SLPP-led government’s parliamentary term. The monk has alleged that some political parties exploited the decision to do away with agrochemicals to enhance their influence. The thero also criticised those who acted as if the global epidemic Covid-19 was not an issue that affected Sri Lanka as well. (SF)
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
