News
Japan offers SL special vessel to help compile maritime charts
… reminds the need for anti-corruption measures in line with agreement with IMF
Sri Lanka will take delivery of a vessel equipped with a sonar (echo sounder) to be used in the compiling of maritime charts.Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko made this announcement at a joint media briefing held with her counterpart Ali Sabry, PC, at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo on Saturday (04).
Minister Kamikawa said Sri Lanka was an important partner situated in a strategic location on the sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and Japan would like to actively work with Sri Lanka, the Chair of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) to achieve inclusive growth for the entire Indo-Pacific region. In this regard, Minister Kamikawa conveyed that Japan intends to further strengthen cooperation in the maritime field with Sri Lanka, and Japan has decided to offer a vessel equipped with a sonar to be used for compiling maritime charts. Minister Sabry stated that Sri Lanka is committed to continue contributing to the peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
At the onset of the briefing, Foreign Minister Sabry welcomed Minister Kamikawa’s visit to Sri Lanka, and expressed his condolences to the victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Minister Sabry expressed his gratitude for the support from Japan so far, and stated that he would like to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
In response, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude for Foreign Minister Sabry’s message of sympathy for the damage caused by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and stated that the recent increase in the number of high-level visits is proof of the deepening of bilateral relations between the two countries and that she would do her utmost to strengthen the relationship between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Minister Sabry welcomed the ongoing high-level visits between the two countries including two visits by President Wickremesinghe, and reiterated his appreciation for Japan’s contribution to the discussions on debt restructuring.
Minister Kamikawa commended the Sri Lankan government’s efforts in addressing the debt issues and promoting reforms. At the same time, Minister Kamikawa stated the importance of early signing of the memorandum of understanding on debt restructuring with the Official Creditor Committee and swift implementation of debt restructuring with all creditors in a transparent and comparable manner, as well as the need to work on anti-corruption measures and transparency in the policy making process in accordance with the agreement with the IMF.
Minister Kamikawa also expressed Japan’s intention to further support Sri Lanka’s development by swiftly resuming yen loans for existing projects once the MOU on debt restructuring is signed and the Sri Lankan government’s intention to swiftly conclude a bilateral agreement is confirmed. Minister Sabry explained the recent economic situation in Sri Lanka, and stated that although the situation is gradually improving, Sri Lanka would continue to promote debt restructuring in a transparent manner. Minister Sabry expressed his appreciation for the policy of swift resumption of yen loans for existing projects.
Regarding national reconciliation, Minister Kamikawa commended the Sri Lankan government for making various efforts, and said Japan would also support such efforts. Foreign Minister Sabry explained the Sri Lankan government’s efforts aimed towards national reconciliation, and expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation.”
Japan donated two patrol boats for the Sri Lanka Coast Guard five years ago. The two 30-meter vessels that had been built at the Sumidagawa Shipyard Co. Ltd in Tokyo and were delivered to Sri Lanka on a grant extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) based on the Grant Agreement signed by the Sri Lankan Government and JICA in June 2016 under the project for Maritime Safety Capability Improvement in 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
