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FMM calls on govt. to stop using CID to suppress media
The Free Media Movement yesterday called on the government to immediately stop what it called the suppression of journalists using the CID.
In a statement issued to the media the FMM said: Tharindu Uduwaragedara, a journalist, media activist and human rights activist, has been summoned to appear before the CID on 28 June 2022. The Free Media Movement, considers this as an extension of the ongoing anti-democratic movement implemented through the CID to crack down on media activists and free-thinking activists, and vehemently opposes and strongly condemns these actions.
When conducting further inquiries regarding this summons, it was reported that the summons has been made in connection with a complaint lodged by the Air Force Intelligence regarding an investigation on a YouTube channel called ‘Satahana’ maintained by Tharindu. No specific news item was indicated on the complaint, while the majority of the videos posted on the channel were reported to be under investigation stating that there was a discrepancy between their content and the headlines used.
It is clear from the explanations provided that this is an arbitrary investigation carried out without any basic understanding of journalism. Special units such as the ‘Criminal Investigation Department’ are operated at the expense of public funds in a country, not for such ridiculous purposes but for serious criminal investigations that require specific expertise. Over the past 18 months, the Free Media Movement has continued to monitor activities against journalists, social activists and citizens who have exercised their right to freedom of expression of police units, including the Criminal Investigation Department and the Terrorism Investigation Unit (TID). It has been clear that most of these actions against journalists have been without any justifiable reason and a clear violation of media freedom and their fundamental right to freedom of expression. It needs to be stated specifically, that these divisions failed to provide clear evidence even in the few instances in which legal action was initiated. The case against the poet Ahnaf Jazeem is the closest example of an incident that has brought disrepute to Sri Lanka even internationally.
In the past two months, activists of the public agitation against the President and the current government, as well as several journalists and social media activists who have been active contributors, have been summoned to the CID for questioning, and even lawyers representing the rights of the protesters have been questioned. The Free Media Movement has repeatedly pointed out that this seriously threatens freedom of expression, including media freedom of journalists.
At a time when international assistance is essential to save Sri Lanka from its unfortunate situation, the violation of fundamental rights by the CID is a serious matter.
Therefore, we urge the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Security, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, the Inspector General of Police and other authorities to immediately stop this arbitrary action of the CID of summoning and interrogating those who use their freedom of expression through the media or any other medium.
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
