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“BLOSSOMS OF HOPE 2024” an exhibition of Ikebana arrangements
To experience and learn about the rich cultural diversity and aesthetic beauty of Japan, one must visit the exhibition “Blossoms of Hope 2024” by the members of Ikebana International Sri Lanka Chapter #262. It will be held at the Ivy Room of the Cinnamon Grand Hotel on May 10.
This elaborate exhibition of Japanese floral design, known as Ikebana, will feature many stunning flower arrangements, all created by members of the Chapter. Those attending can expect to see flowers arranged in many kinds of containers, using both natural elements and some surprising sculptural components. Look for innovative uses of wire, plastic, paper and, of course, flowers and branches.
It’s thought that Ikebana has its roots in the sixth century, when Chinese Buddhists, who traveled to Japan as missionaries, created floral offerings as part of their religious practice, although a deep appreciation of flowers and plants was already entrenched in Japanese culture and the Shinto faith, where God resides in everything.
In Japan, teachings of Zen declared that the universe is contained in everything, even the smallest detail, and so the Japanese find this particular reason to depict plants and flowers in containers in their homes. Japanese people know how to choose combinations of flowers and foliage, which speak their own special language; a language which is sweeter and more understandable than the language of words.
In Japan, there are several schools, each with its own style with special vases, but in Sri Lanka most members follow the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, established in 1927, which is a less formal form of traditional Ikebana. Members express their feelings through the meditative art of Sogetsu Ikebana, spreading peace and harmony and friendship through flowers. There are universal principles of a sense of harmony and balance, that is intrinsic in all good designs.
What makes Ikebana especially poignant and potent at this time, is its direct and personal connection to nature, its awareness of and emphasis on decay in an era in which our own ecological and environmental ruin feels more vivid than ever.
A visit to the exhibition, one slows down and in that moment looking at the arrangements, one sees nature in a more beautiful way, as the flowers and foliage are showcased in interesting ways. It is very therapeutic and making friends with nature guarantees that one will live a long life!
Entrance to the exhibition is Rs.500.00. This exhibition “Blossoms of Hope 2024” has a twofold purpose, one to showcase the talents of its members and the other, to bring hope to the lives of children in the Paediatric ward of Apeksha Cancer Hospital, Maharagama. Part sponsor Midaya Ceramic Company Limited.
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
