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Constitutional reforms process should be sustained regardless of corona epidemic – Gevindu
By Shamindra Ferdinando
SLPP National List MP and Convenor of civil society group Yuthukama, Gevindu Cumaratunga yesterday (7) told The Island that the sudden eruption of corona cases compelled them to indefinitely postpone planned series of seminars to discuss the proposed 20th Amendment as well as the need for a new Constitution.
The first seminar was previously scheduled to be held on Friday, Oct 9 from 3 pm at the Public Library, Colombo.
Lawmaker Cumaratunga said that the proposed Yuthukama initiative was meant to enhance awareness among the public about proposed constitutional reforms against the backdrop of diverse views, including within the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). In addition to Cumaratunga, Kalutara District MP Anupa Pasquel represents Yuthukama.
Assuring that the project would be launched once the epidemic was brought under control, MP Cumaratunga said that Yuthukama invited the Most Ven Medagama Dhammananda, of the Asgiriya Chapter, SLPP MP attorney-at-law Udayana Kiridigoda, Kushan de Alwis PC, Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya and Prime Minister of Youth Parliament Pathum Ranasinghe.
MP Cumaratunga was also scheduled to address the Colombo Public library gathering.
Acknowledging the growing challenge faced by the government in the face of the pandemic eruption, MP Cumaratunga emphasized the pivotal importance of maintaining the momentum on constitutional reforms. The epidemic couldn’t be allowed to derail the SLPP’s primary objective to bring in the 20th Amendment as a temporary measure before a new Constitution could be introduced.
Responding to a query, lawmaker Cumaratunga said that he was among those members of the government parliamentary group, who suggested changes to the proposed 20th Amendment. Acknowledging the need for speedy consensus on the 20th Amendment, lawmaker Cumaratunga underscored the importance of finalizing the now disputed piece of legislation ahead of the budget 2021 presentation in November.
Asked whether he submitted recommendations in writing in respect of the 20th Amendment, MP Cumaratunga said that he on behalf of Yuthukama handed a set of proposals. According to the newcomer to parliament, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, at a meeting of the SLPP parliamentary group on Sept 21 advised them to submit proposals, if they were really necessary. The President according to MP Cumaratunga pointed out that as their primary task was a new Constitution, those proposals made in respect of the 20th Amendment should be most essential.
The SLPP parliamentary group is expected to meet at Temple Trees on Friday (9) to further discuss the matter. At their last meeting on Oct. 5, State Minister Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera emphasized the need to address contentious matters.
Cumaratunga alleged that some interested parties made despicable attempts to discourage them from pushing for improvements to the 20th Amendment. The National List MP said that among those who had called for changes to the 20th Amendment were Dr. Gunadasa Amarasekera, Manohara de Silva, PC, and Dr. Anula Wijesundera on behalf of the National Joint Committee, Dr. Anuruddha Padeniya on behalf of the National Professionals Front and several leading Buddhist monks.
As part of a strategy to silence them, attempts had been made to confuse the public by describing those critical of some aspects of the 20th Amendment as NGO operatives, he charged.
Responding to another query, Cumaratunga said that President’s Counsel Manohara de Silva was not included in the list of speakers as he represented 9 member committee tasked with formulating a new Constitution. Romesh de Silva, PC heads the committee.
In addition to Yuthukama, the National Freedom Front with six members in current parliament and SLPP Colombo District MP Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa called for alterations to the 20th Amendment.
Cumaratunga assured that they were committed to bringing in a new Constitution and realized the 20th was meant to neutralize the 19th until a permanent solution could be found. The lawmaker insisted that the public shouldn’t link their initiative whatsoever with those who introduced the 19th aimed at weakening the Sri Lankan state.
With nearly a two-thirds majority in parliament, the SLPP had the wherewithal to bring the new constitution making process to a successful conclusion.
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
