News
MP Shanakiyan replies to PM’s criticism of his apparent stand on violent attacks on politicians
TNA Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanikkam yesterday said that he had always been vocal about the needs and aspirations of all Sri Lankans, whilst advocating peace, harmony, and inclusiveness.
MP Rasamanikkam said so in response to a recent statement by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe pertaining to him in Parliament.kThe Prime Minister had revealed that in an earlier speech, MP Rasamanikkam endorsed the attacks on Parliamentarians’ properties by unruly mobs on 09 May.
The PM called on MP Rasamanikkam to issue an apology for making such a statement and to withdraw the statement before the end of this week.
Responding to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, MP Rasamanikkam said: “I am sure you would have observed that I have never condoned, supported, or encouraged any violence, nor subscribed to any thoughts that could instigate violence.”
Full statement of MP Rasamanikkam’s response: “In the backdrop of your comments on my recent parliamentary speech, on the 20th of May 2022, I felt that it is imperative to provide clarity on my speech.
I am sure you would have observed that I have never condoned, supported, or encouraged any violence, nor subscribed to any thoughts that could instigate violence. Despite me representing a community that has been subjected to appalling conditions for over 3 decades, I have been vocal towards the needs and aspirations of all Sri Lankans, whilst advocating peace, harmony, and inclusiveness.
I have been steadfast with my views in stating that the diversity of the Sri Lankans should be our strength in being together, rather than being divided.
In my recent speech in Parliament, with regards to the May 9th public rage, the inference I made was that the people reacted in a violent manner because they felt that their elected representatives failed to bring about their grievances, needs, and aspirations in the lawmakers’ assembly. They perhaps felt that their elected representatives failed in their mandatory obligation in securing the interest of the people who voted them in. This statement of mine has either been misunderstood or misconstrued, to appear as though I have been supportive of the arson and the related incidents.
The Hon. Prime Minister’s condolence speech on parliamentarian, late Amarakeerthi Athukorala, a mention was made that within the Parliament, one single member has condoned this incident whilst others have been deeply grieved. I am of the opinion, that this was suggestive of me, and parallels were drawn on reactions subsequent to the assassination of Lakshman Kadirkamar and Amarakeerthi Athukorala.
Hence, I felt that it is my moral obligation to enlighten my stance, to the Hon. Prime Minister and all my parliamentary colleagues.
Further, I am flabbergasted and shocked by the statement of the Prime Minister has made in Parliament, alleging me, having connivance with the present parliamentarian Sivanesathurai Chandrakandan (Pillayan), in the massacre of 600 policemen in 1990. I categorically deny any association with any militant organizations, since birth, to date. The irony of the matter is, that when this incident took place, I was not even born. I am sure the Prime Minister has been grossly misinformed in this regard. As such, I earnestly request the Prime Minister to check the veracity of my statements and issue a clarification in this regard.
As you are aware, a very serious statement of this nature, and when it emanates from the Prime Minister of the country, and especially from a person of your stature, the general public could blindly accept that as undoubted truth. This would cause irreparable damage to my reputation, whilst posing a possible threat to my life as well. As such, all corrective measures taken in this regard are greatly appreciated.
At this juncture, I would like to state, that the priority and the need of the hour expected from the legislators, is granting relief to the people of this country, addressing their grievances, assuring all three meals, and relieving them from this distress. I would be supporting any measure taken, which would render solace to the people of this country, whilst providing them immediate, as well as sustainable relief, towards meeting their present grievances and future wellbeing.
Hope this communication provides the required clarity and demonstrates my stance to the Hon Prime Minister. I am available to clarify any questions in this regard.
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
