News
KOICA upgrades Korean medical clinic at Ayurveda Hospital
Korea International Cooperation Agency, (KOICA) has upgraded and renovated the Korean clinic attached to the National Ayurveda Hospital of Sri Lanka (Teaching). KOICA said that the clinic that has been set up in 2003 was meant for the advancement of the indigenous medicine sector in Sri Lanka.
According to a press release issued by KOICA about 150 patients receive treatment on a daily basis for diseases such as muscular vascular disease, disc collapse, shoulder pains, neck pain, lower back pain, osteolysis, multiple back pains, knee pains and knee joint pains…etc.
KOICA in collaboration with the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (NITM) initiated an Acupuncture Certificate Course, where Ayurvedic practitioners and students have an access to obtain professional qualifications for their career development enabling them to disseminate various treatment methods towards the community.
As an initiative to mark its 20th anniversary, the newly renovated Korean Clinic was handed over to the Sri Lankan Authorities at an opening ceremony held in the hospital premises on 13th September 2023, equipped with new facilities for improved service delivery for the community.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon LEE, KOICA Country Director Ms. Myung Jin KIM, Secretary of the Ministry of Health Mr. S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Commissioner of Ayurveda Dr. M.D.J. Abeygunawardena, President of AKOFE (Association of KOICA Fellow in Sri Lanka) Roshan Serasinghe, KOICA Global Doctor Dr. Sukhong KANG and other dignitaries representing the Ministry of Health, KOICA Sri Lanka Office, Ayurvedic Hospital and the Korean Clinic.
The Ambassador, stated that Korea considers Healthcare to be one of the key priority areas for grant aid. She further appreciated the efforts of Korean clinic functioning as a center to transfer Korean acupuncture treatment methods to Sri Lankan Ayurvedic practitioners and those who are studying Indigenous Medicine and also added that Sri Lanka and Korea can go long way in developing oriental medicine practiced in the two countries by learning from each other.
AKOFE also donated essential items to the Korean Clinic such as Pillows, Washing Machine, Polyethylene…etc. during the ceremony needed for better and efficient treatment for patients expressing that “Korean Clinic established 20 years ago, has done a remarkable service to the nation by providing free medical assistance to our needy community”
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
