News
Hightech platform unlocks new paradigm in multi-regional leopard research
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) together with LOLC recently embarked on The Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Sri Lankan Leopard Project, to engage in the research and conservation of an iconic, yet vulnerable species that adds immense value to the nation’s economy and its wildlife.
The project’s initial phase is built on gathering information on the lesser-known aspects of the Sri Lankan leopard, particularly by identifying leopard distribution outside of protected areas, understanding the nature of human-leopard interactions, and classifying areas with heightened levels of human-leopard conflict, a news release on the initiative said.
“To facilitate and streamline the project’s efforts, the Society recently received a donation of two licenses for ArcGIS Pro Software platform for a period of five years. The platform is armed with cutting edge capabilities to transform these spatial data into maps and enable the effective visualization of the project’s data. The ArcGIS Pro Software platform is designed with built-in tools and apps to collect data, and navigate, coordinate, and monitor projects to deliver improved outcomes,” the release said.
“The donation was made with the support of the world’s largest GIS company, The Environmental Systems Research Institute USA (Esri), and the software’s local distributor GIS Solutions Private Ltd, which together have successfully deployed the greatest number of GIS technology implementations in Sri Lanka. At present, a significant number of leading environmental agencies rely on the ArcGIS Software platform in their conservation and sustainability efforts.”
“GIS Solutions Private Ltd together with Esri is proud to support this initiative as we firmly believe in supporting conservation efforts by utilising the best and most effective GIS technology available in the market today. Our principal founder Jack Dangermond himself is an environmentalist and conservationist, and underpinned by these values, our objective lies in deploying the ArcGIS Software platform to conserve our environment and its species. As a responsible organisation, we remain deeply committed towards supporting efforts to safeguard endemic species like the Sri Lankan leopard for our future generations,” stated GIS Solutions.
“To date, very little information is known on leopards outside of protected areas. By understanding the distribution and habits of this enigmatic species, we can take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of the human-leopard conflict which has continued to plague our nation. The scientific analytical tools that are incorporated within the ArcGIS Software platform will undoubtedly contribute towards identifying key focus areas, and thereby strengthen accurate decision-making for conservation efforts.
“The donated licenses provide access to these invaluable tools, which will in turn enhance the research component of this vital project to a considerable degree. We are extremely grateful towards GIS Solutions Private Ltd and Esri for their support towards this vital project,” said Prof Enoka Kudavidanage from the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society.
The Sri Lankan leopard has long been susceptible to a range of threats including habitat loss, illegal trade and snares that are prevalent within high human-leopard conflict zones across the nation. It is envisioned that through The WNPS – LOLC Multi-Regional Monitoring System for the Sri Lankan Leopard Project and the help of its partners, that the future of these apex predators will be guaranteed in the years to come.
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
