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India announces awarding of Gold Medal in name of Tagore to top academic performer at Sri Palee Campus of Colombo University each year
Acting Indian High Commissioner Vinod K. Jacob has announced that New Delhi recently institutionalised a Gold Medal in the name of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to recognise the highest academic record holder in the Sri Palee Campus of University of Colombo.
Jacob said so when he attended the Annual Research Symposium 2021 of the University of Colombo on 23 November 2021 on the theme: ‘Impactful Research through an Interdisciplinary Approach’ which was also joined by Prof. G. L. Pieris, Minister of Foreign Relations, Sr. Prof. Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, Vice Chancellor of University of Colombo, Distinguished Alumni, Scientists, Faculty Members and Students.
Speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion, the Acting High Commissioner recalled the historic academic linkages between the two countries, including the visits of Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore to Sri Lanka.
Highlighting the education reforms undertaken by the Government of India in the last few years, including New National Education Policy 2020, the Acting High Commissioner said that the contemporary challenges require innovative solutions which could be achieved through interdisciplinary approach. In 2015, the Indian Department of Science and Technology (DST) under its Cognitive Science Research Initiative has developed a new research programme – Science and Technology of Yoga and Meditation (SATYAM) which provides interface with Neuroscience, Medicine, Psychology, Philosophy, so on as an interdisciplinary approach.
He mentioned that owing to its immense knowledge capital, strong interdisciplinary approach, vibrant start-up ecosystem and public-private partnerships, India has moved to rank 46 in the Global Innovation Index in 2021, a significant jump from rank 81 in 2015. He also spoke about India’s ambition and commitment for combating climate change through concrete actions as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP26. These future steps called “Panchamrit” or the five nector elements was a highlight at Glasgow in particular the target of net zero by 2070 and emphasis of renewable energy in the overall energy mix.
The Acting High Commissioner said that with the establishment of Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) at the University of Colombo, a multidisciplinary research centre, both the countries have successfully conducted several programmes through an institutionalised network between the two countries. Recalling the robust bilateral cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, climate change, disaster management and sustainable development, he invited all the scholars and academics to fully avail the opportunities put forward by both the countries for the advancement of research, innovation and betterment of society.
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
