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CPSL Secretary highlights BRI’s potential for global prosperity and unity
Dr. G. Weerasinghe, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka (CPSL), has recently emphasised the immense potential of the Belt and Road Initiative for global economic growth and prosperity. Speaking at the International Think Tank Forum on Building a Global Community of Shared Future in Wuhu, China, Dr. Weerasinghe highlighted that this initiative could address common global issues through a mutually beneficial approach.
He noted that the influence of G-7 countries is diminishing, while BRICS nations are on the rise. The G-20 summit in Delhi, for example, exhibited a more independent stance from Global South countries, diverging from the preferences of the Global North.
Dr. Weerasinghe also pointed out the emergence of new multilateral financial institutions like the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, signifying a shift away from reliance on the U.S. dollar.
The world faces interconnected challenges such as climate change, international terrorism, the refugee crisis, poverty, and social inequality, all of which demand global cooperation for effective solutions. Dr. Weerasinghe stressed that economic growth is integral to addressing these issues, and the future of humanity is intertwined and shared. Therefore, the people of the world must collaborate to overcome these challenges, and the Belt and Road Initiative presents a substantial opportunity for economic growth and the resolution of common global problems.
It is evident how the concept of a community with a shared future aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative and other complementary initiatives. Over the past decade, the Belt and Road Initiative has made significant strides across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eurasia, including Europe, with remarkable achievements. According to a recent World Bank report, this initiative has lifted 40 million people out of poverty between 2015 and 2030. By the end of 2022, it has successfully implemented over 3,000 projects in 150 countries and involved 30 organizations, generating 421,000 local jobs worldwide. These projects are aimed at enhancing global trade and addressing practical quality-of-life issues. By 2030, the Belt and Road Initiative is projected to generate $1.6 trillion in annual revenue, benefiting the Global South and the entire world.
While it is acknowledged that some nations or groups pursue their own agendas in addressing global challenges, Dr. Weerasinghe cautioned that a confrontational approach deviating from the contemporary trends of social development could lead to conflicts rather than cooperation.
The interconnected common future of humanity is a shared heritage, and global collaboration is vital to tackle the common challenges faced by all. In this context, the Belt and Road Initiative offers the world a significant opportunity to foster economic growth and prosperity through increased connectivity, trade, and investment, ultimately leading to the creation of a global community with a shared future.
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
