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Karu blames weak governance for economic crisis
Weak governance, the polticisation of the public service and their ill-effects had led to an economic crisis, Chairman of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya says.
Jayasuriya said yesterday that competent administrative officers had been sidelined and retired military officers appointed to top positions in the state service. Excerpts of his statement:
“This is why government decisions are constantly changing. Public administration requires experience,” Jayasuriya said.
“We listened to the address by the President on the country’s Independence Day with great interest. I wish him the strength to fulfil his promises to the country. Even though the current plight of the people, especially that of the farmers has been raised before, it is imperative to once again remind that it is the duty of the President to address these issues and provide solutions to their woes. We must accept that the people are suffering and acknowledge their pain and anger.
“We believe weak Governance, a politicized public service and its ensuing collapse has led to this economic crisis faced by the country today. One key reason identified is the decision to disregard talented administrative officers and appointed retired military officers Instead. It is for this reason that government decisions are constantly changing and then reversed. Administration requires experience.
“The government must acknowledge that the 20th Amendment and the two-thirds majority no longer benefit the people. The government must correct these shortcomings. Even though this year’s Independence Day celebration was held with great pomp and pageantry, it was evident that public interest in the event was lacking. This must be taken as a message from the people to the government.
The Forex Crisis
“The hit taken by the foreign exchange reserves was also the result of administrative failures. Local and foreign economists say this has been caused by large scale corruption in the country, lack of a long term plan and large scale looting of assets. This is more commonly known as Plundering National Wealth.
“If the Bribery Commission had sprung into action and law enforcement officials took the necessary steps this day light robbery could have been averted. However, the Bribery Commission is withdrawing certain cases filed against powerful people.
The Prevention of Terrorism Act
“Currently there is an ongoing discussion on the possible amendment of the PTA. The international community has continuously voiced their dissent at the gross misuse of the PTA in Sri Lanka while the UN Human Rights Council has also mentioned this on various occasions. In Sri Lanka, this act is used to take revenge on opponents. Many similar cases have been reported to us.
“We appreciate the steps taken to change this Act after 43 years and we feel that it would be more appropriate to bring in the most appropriate legislation or to make the necessary amendments to suit the developing world, as seen in the world’s democracies. We believe a broader discussion on the issue will be fruitful. It also must be noted that certain proposed amendments may be taken into consideration at the upcoming UNHRC sessions in Geneva.
Levying of taxes on the EPF
“A significant number of Sri Lankans not serving in the public service are members of the EPF. Their only hope is to use the fund to either build a home, fund their children’s education or spend on their child’s marriage at the end of their retirement.
“Therefore, it is the view of the National Movement for Social Justice that the attempt to steal from the Employees’ Provident Fund, the only asset of helpless workers, is an inhumane act. We know of many instances where certain powerful individuals have used this fund to make money in the stock market. There are many instances where millionaires were born out of the money of these helpless people. Therefore, we request the government to refrain from imposing a tax on the EPF.
The ‘One Country, One Law’
policy and granting a pardon to Ranjan Ramanayake
“The people of this country had hoped MP Ranjan Ramanayake would receive a Presidential pardon on Independence Day. We are saddened that it was not to be. As crime bosses, drug dealers and murderers are set free while a popular artistes such as Rajan Ramanayake continues to languish in prison, it is evident that the government’s so-called ‘One Country, One Law’ policy is not a reality in Sri Lanka.
“I hope that the authorities will pay attention to these facts we have raised today in good faith for the betterment of the country and the people.”
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
