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Expert consultation held to review LKI’s research programme
The Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies (LKI) conducted an expert consultation on 24 August 2023, to review the proposed ‘LKI Research Programme’. Senior academics and practitioners covering areas of research that fall within the scope of the ‘LKI Research Programme’ were invited to provide observations – in person – during a collective session, and also through written inputs.
Opening the discussion, Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, Executive Director of LKI, stated that in addition to the LKI flagship events, such as ‘the LKI Foreign Policy Forum’ inaugurated earlier this month, a structured ‘Research Programme’ is being developed to establish a strong framework at LKI for research on contemporary issues of relevance to Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy. Highlighting the need for a multidisciplinary approach to address some of these issues, he said that LKI was keen to engage with Foreign Policy scholars and practitioners, as well as to draw within its expert network those with relevant knowledge in the legal, socio-economic, sustainable development, science and innovation, communication, and cultural dimensions of modern diplomacy.
The attendees highlighted the need for LKI to produce independent, timely and evidence-based research that aims primarily to address contemporary issues relevant in shaping Sri Lanka’s Foreign Policy postures. Noting that identifying clear research areas with focus topics will enable LKI to continuously contribute to Foreign Policy discussions, they encouraged that LKI find a balance between depth and breadth in its research. They also noted that LKI should bring together experts who could create an interdisciplinary network, and that it must serve as a bridge connecting academics, practitioners and civil society as well as providing a forum for an open discussion and pre-stage research.
Among those who contributed to the consultation were former Foreign Secretary H.M.G.S. Palihakkara, Professor Emeritus Amal Jayewardena, Prof. Ajith de Alwis, Project Director, Coordinating Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Harinda Vidanage, Director, International Relations, KDU, Prof. Maneesha S. Wanasinghe Pasqual, Dr. Pavithra Jayawardena, Dr. Menik Wakkumbura, and Dr. George Cooke from the University of Colombo, Dr. Nishara Mendis, Founder, Centre for Smart Future Anushka Wijesinha, and former Deputy Director, SAARC Cultural Centre Mrs. Kishani Jayasinghe-Wijayasekara,.
The focal points for LKI at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, General/Performance Review and Implementation Director O. L. Ameer Ajwad. and E. A. Director General (Actg.)/Human Resources Development, Research & Training S. Wijayanthi Edirisinghe, LKI Research Fellows, Research Assistants, Research Interns and Director/Administration of LKI were also associated in the discussion.
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
