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Diploma grads in waste management enhance local service efficiency
Recognising the important role government systems play in contributing to building environment-friendly sustainable cities, is an integral part of supporting efficient and effective local governance while contributing towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this vein, a one-year ‘Diploma Programme in Technology of Waste Management’ by the University of Colombo was introduced in 2022. The graduation ceremony of the first batch of Diplomates was held on Monday, with 41 graduates being awarded the Diploma, with the participation of multi-stakeholders including District and Provincial Level Local Government Authorities, Academics, and development partner organizations.
The ‘Diploma in Technology of Waste Management’, is a UGC-approved diploma programme. It was initiated through the European Union (EU) funded Capacity Development for Local Governments (CDLG) project implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka, in partnership with the University of Colombo, Uva Provincial Council and the Western Province Waste Management Authority.
Commenting on the programme, A.J.M. Muzammil, Governor of Uva Province stated, “The capacity-building initiative, focused on enhancing waste management practices within the local authorities of the Uva Province was led by the CDLG project, and has played a pivotal role in initiating a range of waste management initiatives. These endeavours have not only fostered a proactive response to the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and tourism development in the province, but they are also crucial to our commitment to environmental preservation, specifically in safeguarding our invaluable water sources for long-term sustainability.”
Speaking on UNDP’s role, Malin Herwig, Officer-In-Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka said: “The graduation ceremony today not only celebrates the academic excellence of the 41 Diplomates but also recognizes the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing some of the most pressing challenges that exist in our society. This programme is a testament to the remarkable partnership between the EU, UNDP, the Uva Provincial Council, the University of Colombo, and the Western Province Waste Management Authority. Such collaborative efforts are not only essential for environmental protection but also to advance the broader agenda of sustainable development.”
The Diploma is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka and is designed to build the capacity of local Government officials to enhance their technical knowledge in solid waste management to support innovative action in controlling waste, thereby supporting environmental sustainability, sustainable revenue generation and greener cities in future.
Speaking to their role in supporting better service delivery that promotes sustainable development, Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives said: “The EU is happy to support the development in war affected and lagging behind provinces, improve coordination in local service delivery, and promote economic opportunities, inclusiveness, and social cohesion in Sri Lanka. We are therefore pleased to see that our Strengthening Transformation, Reconciliation and Inclusive Democratic Engagement (STRIDE) Programme, implemented by UNDP is delivering important results. We see some of the results delivered by this program today: enhanced technical knowledge and support innovative action in controlling waste. We believe these results are important to ensure that economic recovery in the country protects the environment and natural resources.”
Reflecting on the initiative, Bhagya Kodithuwakku, Director, Department of Rural Development of Uva Province said: “I was deeply inspired by the innovative concept of the ‘Kasala Pola’ (Garbage Market) introduced by the students of the Diploma in Technology of Waste Management. This initiative not only provides people with an opportunity to earn income from various types of waste but also prevents the indiscriminate dumping of garbage in our environment. Currently, I am collaborating with rural development societies under my department to replicate this successful initiative in our villages.”
“I received my first appointment as the Technical Officer for Rideemaliyadda Pradesiya Saba, with oversight responsibilities for the Mahiyangana Pradesiya Saba. Upon receiving this appointment, I was tasked with leading waste management operations. Given my background in civil engineering, I initially had no knowledge of waste management. Obtaining this Diploma has been a significant privilege for me, as it has allowed me to learn the fundamentals of waste management from scratch,” noted Dimuthu Nirantha, Technical Officer and a graduate of the Diploma Programme.
The programme has contributed to developing a nationally accepted curriculum and training module on waste management for the first time, which has contributed to local authorities having reported an increase in the adoption of scientific waste management practices and improving service delivery.
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
