News
Fresh comprehensive review of PTA underway
Govt. briefs international community ahead of Geneva sessions
The government has assured the Colombo-based diplomatic community that the restoration of the provisions in the 19th Amendment, by the enactment of the 21st Amendment, would strengthen parliamentary democracy, enhance oversight of the executive branches of government and ensure independence of key institutions.
The government also said that comprehensive review of the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) was underway.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Attorney General Sanjay Rajaratnam, PC, Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane, and Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana, on Monday (15), briefed the diplomatic community on current developments. The Foreign Ministry said that the briefing was organized in view of the forthcoming 51st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Minister Sabry outlined the current developments in Sri Lanka, including the democratic transition of the office of the President, in accordance with the Constitution. He outlined several areas of progress, already visible, in addressing some of the immediate challenges which has led to a greater degree of stability for the people. On the political front, the Minister briefed, regarding the work underway towards forming an All-Party Government. He also recalled that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution which effectively restores the 19th Amendment, has been gazetted and is before Parliament. This measure will contribute towards strengthening parliamentary democracy, oversight of the executive branches of government and the independence of key institutions. He also explained the progress that has been initiated towards a comprehensive review of the PTA. The government is taking focused measures to mitigate the adverse impact of the current economic situation on the vulnerable sectors of the population, in order to ensure the economic and social rights of the people and to prevent further disparities. The Minister also noted that despite the unprecedented situation in the country, in recent years, including in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, advancements have been made in the area of human rights and reconciliation, through domestic processes. The government is in the process of building consensus so that further progress can be made on matters, related to human rights, justice and equity. The Foreign Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka will continue its constructive engagement with the Human Rights Council at the upcoming 51st session.
Finance Secretary Siriwardana made a presentation on the current economic situation, focusing on the social safety measures that the Government has adopted for vulnerable groups, with a view to mitigating adverse impacts. The Attorney General elaborated on the legal framework related to the Government’s response to the recent incidents, related to protests, and the imposing of the State of Emergency. Foreign Secretary Wijewardane highlighted Sri Lanka’s continuing and extensive engagement with several procedures and processes of the United Nations Human Rights framework.
During the discussion, that followed the presentations, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, expressed appreciation for the consistent efforts of the Government in facing the challenges and expanding the social safety net of vulnerable groups. She also acknowledged the review of the PTA. The UN Resident Coordinator announced that the UN will be partnering with the Government of Sri Lanka on a five-year framework of cooperation which will include areas of social and economic rights and social cohesion amongst others.
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
