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Dialog Merit Scholarship Programme Enters 20th Year in Collaboration with MOE & UGC
In their shared vision of driving equitable access to education by offering scholarships to students who have become district first at the GCE O/L’s and GCE A/L’s, Dialog Axiata PLC, together with the Ministry of Education and University Grants Commission announced the renewal of their agreement on the Dialog Merit Scholarship programme, marking its 20th year in effect.
The renewal ceremony, held under the patronage of Dr. Susil Premjayanth, Minister of Education, took place at the Ministry of Education. In 2023, 81 high achieving students in G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations and 77 high achieving students in G.C.E. Ordinary Level examinations were were inducted into the prestigious scheme based on their exceptional performance. The induction ceremony, held at the Education Ministry Auditorium, celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of these students. Since its inception in 2002, the Dialog Merit Scholarship scheme has awarded scholarships totalling over Rs. 120 million, fostering academic excellence.
Speaking on the initiative, Hon. Susil Premajayantha, Minister of Education said, “Dialog and the Ministry of Education recently renewed their agreement for the provision of merit-based scholarships awarded to the highest achievers in the G.C.E. O/L and A/L examination. Originally limited to students proceeding to follow the Physical Science Stream for their A/L studies, the scheme has now been expanded to include students from other streams. This agreement, along with initiatives such as the Nenasa distance education program, demonstrates Dialog’s steadfast dedication to supporting education.”
Commenting, Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC said, “As we renew the Dialog Merit Scholarship program agreement with the Ministry of Education for its remarkable 20th year, we reaffirm our shared vision of fostering equitable access to education. By offering scholarships to exceptional students in-need, we aim to empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Together, we will continue to create transformative opportunities that pave the way for a brighter future.”
In line with its commitment to facilitate equitable access to quality education for children, Dialog has invested over Rs. 1 Billion in the education sector to date, encompassing initiatives such as Nenasa TV, Nenasa Smart Schools and Dialog Merit Scholarship programme. Beyond recognising academic brilliance, the Merit Scholarship programme aims to provide transformative opportunities, aligning with Dialog’s broader vision to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education. This comprehensive approach reflects Dialog’s dedication to ensuring inclusive, equitable access to education, and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all, thereby shaping a brighter and more sustainable 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
