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LSU demands justice for wronged undergraduates of Peradeniya University
The Law Student Union (LSU) of the Sri Lanka Law College expressing its solidarity with the Law undergraduates of the University of Peradeniya demands that authorities immediately investigate the recent violent incidents at the university and ensure that justice will prevail.
A statement signed by President of the LSU Osura Vindula and LSU General Secretary Senel Ratnayake says: The Law Student Union (LSU) of the Sri Lanka Law College is deeply concerned by the recent events that had taken place in the University of Peradeniya and vehemently condemn such acts of violence while strongly believing that no violence, either physical or verbal should be allowed to stand. We clearly condemn the acts of such wrongdoers and believe that such wrongdoers who do not uphold moral standards, values while contravening the law must be brought under the light of justice.
As per reports on the incident in question, a mob of violent students have assaulted 12 students who were dining peacefully at the ‘Gemba’ canteen premises at the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, while four students who retained physical injuries consequent to the assault had been hospitalized. It is believed that this premeditated attack was made on the law students at the University of Peradeniya, who had supported and has actively implemented a strict no-ragging policy. Hence this was an attack on the diligent effort put forward by the students to create a violence-free/no-ragging environment.
Ragging had been and still is a subject of great discussion over the nation since a couple of decades earlier, and this matter was addressed with the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No.20 of 1998 which strictly prohibits the practice of violence or any form of ragging. By section 2(1) thereof, any person who commits or participates in ragging, within and/or outside, an educational institution shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to rigorous imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years. Further, it is a non-bailable offence under the said Act, and a gross violation of the Fundamental Rights enshrined under the 1978 Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The LSU stands with the Faculty of Law, University of Peradeniya as we believe that these students are innocent and have stood up for justice. Every individual has the right to liberty and security. All persons have dignity. No person has the right and ability to commit violence, and if done so, it must be addressed as per the Law of this land. Education should not only be limited to books. Real education is where one is filled with compassion, ability to understand a person, ability to accept people for who they are. University undergraduates must not engage in such blatant and gross acts of violence hiding behind the name of equality and equity.
We urge the relevant authorities of law, and esteemed panels of higher education authorities and institutions to investigate the matter diligently and with utmost attention and take necessary measures against such violence. These violent students have clearly violated the Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act No.20 of 1998. Hence we respectfully request and believe that this matter will be given the utmost attention as this is a clear abuse of the Law of the nation.
Fiat justitia ruat caelum – Let justice be done though the heavens fall!
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
