News
Japan honours two Lankans with Order of the Rising Sun
On November 3 2023, the recipients of “The Order of the Rising Sun” (Gold and Silver Rays) were announced by the Government of Japan. For the Spring Conferment this year, “two highly acclaimed individuals from Sri Lanka have been honoured with this esteemed decoration in recognition of their distinguished contributions to enhancing the Japan-Sri Lanka relationship,” the Japanese Embassy in Colombo announced.
They are: Ikebana artist Ms. Shiromi Soosaipillai, President of the Ikebana International Sri Lanka Chapter for her contribution to promoting Ikebana in Sri Lanka and friendly relations between Japan and Sri Lanka and Mr. Dharshan Munidasa, CEO and Owner of the Restaurant “Nihonbashi” for promoting Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka
A news release from the embassy said Ms. Soosaipillai has long been a champion of Japanese ikebana culture in Sri Lanka. Beginning her journey with Sogetsu-style ikebana in 1983, Shiromi’s passion and expertise in ikebana led her to aspire to hand it down to the next generation. Certified as an instructor in 2011, she’s since played a pivotal role in popularizing ikebana in Sri Lanka, teaching its essence and techniques to many. Shiromi has also graced international ikebana exhibitions worldwide, showcasing her works of art and promoting ikebana’s global appreciation.
“Beyond teaching, she’s made it her mission to introduce ikebana to the broader Sri Lankan public. Through interviews and articles in Sinhalese television and print media, she’s endeavored to familiarize her compatriots with this beautiful art form.
“Shiromi’s works seamlessly meld traditional Japanese ikebana with her unique touch. From carefully chosen flowers and vases that resonate with Sri Lankan vegetation, to the exquisite shapes and expressions she crafts, her distinctive ikebana style has garnered praise both locally and internationally.”
Mr. Dharshan Munidasa was described as a distinguished figure in the culinary world, known for his exceptional contributions to the promotion of authentic Japanese cuisine in Sri Lanka. Since the establishment of his renowned restaurant “Nihonbashi” in 1995, he has been a trailblazer in introducing the intricacies of Japanese gastronomy to the Sri Lankan palate.
“Through his dedication to sourcing the highest quality Japanese ingredients and his commitment to upholding traditional Japanese culinary techniques, Mr. Munidasa has elevated the dining experience for patrons, furthering the cultural exchange between Japan and Sri Lanka.
“As a testament to his relentless efforts in promoting Japanese food and dietary culture globally, Mr. Munidasa was recognized by the Japanese government, receiving the Japanese Ambassador’s Special Commendation 2013, the Eighth Minister’s Awards for Overseas Promotion of Japanese Food in 2015. Moreover, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) appointed his as its ‘Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador’ in 2021.
“Beyond his culinary endeavors, Mr. Munidasa has actively contributed to the facilitation of Japanese-Sri Lankan relations through his unwavering commitment to cultural exchange, which further solidified the bond between the two nations.”
The Embassy of Japan expressed its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Soosaipillai and Mr. Munidasa on the decoration of the Orders, with sincere appreciation for their remarkable dedication to the cause of promoting friendly relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
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
