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CDRD presents an array of inventions to the state-run systems
An array of innovative products produced by the Centre for Defence Research and Development (CDRD) was handed over to the Military and respective State Departments under the direction of Defence Secretary and National Security and Disaster Management State Ministry Secretary Gen. (retd.) Kamal Gunaratne at the CDRD Head Office in Pitipana on Nov 8.
Among the items, Digital Mobile Radio, GPS Tracking Device for Special Operations, Smart Target System for Jungle Lane Firing, BTR – BDA Armoured Personnel Carrier Simulator, 81 mm Mortar Simulator, B-Vehicle Simulator and High-Tech Soldier Project were the innovations handed over to the Sri Lanka Army (SLA).
Army Commander General Shavendra Silva officially received those projects from the day’s Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne. Meanwhile, Ten Digital Mobile Radio units each were handed over to the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) during the session.
Electronic Prosthetic Limb was handed over to Private D.W.M.K. Fernando of the Ranaviru Sevana of SLA and the Department of Wildlife Conservation received the Handheld Device to Repel Wild Elephants which was developed under the project to thwart wild elephant intrusions and attacks.
During the session, National Cadet Corps (NCC) received an Officers’ Database for NCC use.
The Document Management System, Land Acquisition and Management System, Mobile Phone and Drone Jammers were also showcased under the programme.
The respective CDRD sectional heads briefed the Secretary on its progress, discoveries and its future plans following the main function.
CDRD is an institution functioning under the purview of State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management headed by CDRD’s Director General Maj. Gen. (retd) Renuka Rowel which is pioneering in providing much-needed cost effective innovative solutions to the country.
The country’s premier research arm, CDRD is a brainchild of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he was the Defence and Urban Development Secretary.
The CDRD was created with a vision to establish a world-class science and technology base providing the military a decisive edge, by equipping them with internationally competitive systems and solutions.
CDRD is now focusing on developing and delivering the ground-breaking defence related products to meet future needs.
During the session, CDRD’s Director General presented a memento to the Defence Secretary to mark the special occasion.
Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva, SLN Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathne, SLAF Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Prasanna Payoe, officers of the Defence Ministry, Department of Wildlife Conservation, NCC and State Ministry of National Security and Disaster Management were also present.
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
