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CCC launches online marketplace to promote export amid growing demand
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in a bid to support companies to promote exports from Sri Lanka, entered into a partnership agreement to integrate an “Online Market Place”, developed by Epic Lanka Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. The platform will be integrated to Chamber’s e-commerce portal https://bizinfosrilanka.lk
During the signing ceremony, Manjula de Silva, Chief Executive Officer of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, emphasized that with the introduction of this initiative, priority will be given to promote organizations manufacturing sustainable products that would in return provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
“As our global economy grows, it is critical that local businesses can compete in this marketplace. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to bring solutions forward that expand opportunities for businesses to participate in the global economy,” said Manjula De Silva, CCC/CEO.
“By choosing Doxpro Shopex online marketplace model, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is truly distinguishing itself and Epic Lanka Technologies is honoured to be working alongside them on this journey,” said Thareendra Kalpage, CEO, Epic Lanka Technologies. “By fully utilizing the capabilities of the Doxpro Shopex Marketplace Platform, CCC is set up for marketplace success.” According to figures collected by the International Trade Centre (ITC) – Geneva from EU countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Spain, it was found that sustainable product sourcing has become a top priority for retailers in these key European Union markets. The emphasis on environmentally-friendly products, fair and ethical trade, and decent jobs in supplier companies have strong consumer support and it is expected that such businesses will increase significantly in the next five years.
In addition, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka will also be encouraged to register with the Online Market Place to promote their products to Exporters as partners of the value chain. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce recently established a Centre for SMEs in a bid to play a more active role in building this dynamic sector of the economy.
Local exporters will be able to source products required through the proposed online system and the Chamber will work closely with the Regional Chambers of Commerce and Product Trade Associations to attract suppliers from various parts of the country. The platform is expected to be launched in October 2020.
Product details uploaded to the Online Market Place will be promoted via social media in addition to the Sri Lankan Diplomatic Missions based overseas, Foreign Diplomatic Missions in Sri Lanka and across 130 Overseas Trade Promotion Organisations.
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
