News
Defence Secy blames ‘revolutionary party’ for spree of violence
‘Probe underway into Galle Face mob attack’
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had been airlifted to the Trincomalee Naval Base for security reasons, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said on Wednesday (11) said at a press conference, which was also attended by the Chiefs of the Tri-Forces.
Gunaratne said the former PM would be moved to a location of his choice later.
Gunaratne mentioned that the military would provide security to Mahinda Rajapaksa, who is entitled to security as a former President.
“The military will protect Mahinda Rajapaksa as long as it is necessary. As a former President he is entitled to security,” he said.
Army Commander, General Shavendra Silva added that 6.9 million people had voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa. “There is a way to remove the President in the Constitution,” he said.
Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as Prime Minister on Monday (09), when violence engulfed the country after his supporters attacked anti-government protesters in Colombo.
Gunaratne said that Gota Go Gama protests were peaceful but due to some incidents that took place on Monday, they had changed. He added that following the attacks on protesters by the pro-Rajapaksa supporters, violence had been unleashed across the country. The Defence Secretary went on to say that they would take action against everyone involved in the violence, and that a revolutionary party was behind the violence.
“There were attacks on houses. People were killed. There was looting. Sri Lanka is becoming a Libya and we had to stop that,” he said, commenting on the decision to impose curfew and deploy the Army to assist the police in maintaining law and order. He said a police investigation was being conducted into the incidents at the Galle Face Green.
Curfew would most likely be lifted tomorrow, he said.
Gunaratne said that clashes had also taken place between Sinhalese and Muslim looters in Negombo on Tuesday.
“People were not listening to the Police. We had to resort to stern measures. I never thought I would have to witness this kind of situation,” he said.
“There have been incidents of looting and arson, but soon people will come into your house and rape your woman and children. I am not trying to scare anyone. But we will stop this from happening,” he said.
Gunaratne said that the trade unions had threatened a strike. “Teachers and principals must not go on strike. There are rumours that they will go on strike until the President resigns. Please don’t do that. Someday action will be taken against people who incited violence by livestreaming incidents.”
Gunaratne also denied media reports that India would troops here. “India is our elder brother. India is playing that role now. But for no reason will we allow foreign troops in SL,” he said.
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
