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Japan seeks Lanka’s backing for its Indo-Pacific strategy
Japan has sought Sri Lanka’s backing for its Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy. Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has taken up this issue with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, PC, when they met on 29th July.
According to a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy, in Colombo, Minister Yoshimasa has also briefed Minister Sabry regarding Russia terminating an international agreement that allowed grain exports from Ukraine through the Black Sea to various parts of the world.
The following is the text of the Embassy statement: “At the outset, Minister Hayashi welcomed the increasing exchanges of dignitaries between Japan and Sri Lanka since the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, including President Wickremesinghe’s two visits to Japan, and expressed his desire to continue to actively cooperate with Sri Lanka, which is located at a strategic juncture along the sea lanes of the Indian Ocean and is an important partner in realizing a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”.
Minister Hayashi explained the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, including the maintenance and strengthening of a free and open international order, based on the rule of law, and the new plan for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”. He also stated Japan would place importance on cooperation with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) that Sri Lanka will chair from October. Foreign Minister Sabry as the IORA chair conveyed his hope for Japan’s active involvement.
Minister Hayashi expressed his expectations for further progress in the debt restructuring process and the importance of a transparent and comparable debt restructuring that involves all creditor countries. Foreign Minister Sabry stated that Sri Lanka is committed to a transparent and comparable debt restructuring process, and again expressed his gratitude for Japan’s contribution to the discussions on debt restructuring.
Minister Hayashi commended Sri Lanka’s efforts in promoting anti-corruption measures and transparency in the policy making process in accordance with the agreement with the IMF, and expressed his hope that Sri Lanka will bring itself back on track for development as soon as possible. Regarding national reconciliation, he commended Sri Lanka’s efforts in amending the Prevention of Terrorism Act and in establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and conveyed to Foreign Minister Sabry that Sri Lanka has Japan’s support in this endeavor. Foreign Minister Sabry expressed his appreciation for Japan’s cooperation.
The two ministers exchanged views on international issues including nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Minister Hayashi highly commended and welcomed Sri Lanka’s ratification of the CTBT.
Minister Hayashi presented Japan’s position on ALPS treated water, to which Minister Sabry responded that Sri Lanka is a member of the IAEA and trusts the IAEA process.
The two ministers also had a frank exchange of views on the regional situation, including the situation in Ukraine and East Asia. In this context, Minister Hayashi reaffirmed the importance of the efforts of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), which has enabled grain exports from Ukraine through the Black Sea to various parts of the world, and then confirmed that Russia’s termination of the initiative completely runs counter to the international community’s efforts in addressing food insecurity and is deeply regrettable and that the international community must be united and strongly urge Russia.”
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
