News
Overhauled AN 32s re-join operational service
Efforts underway to operationalise one, more AN 32, two C-130s
The Air Force headquarters says efforts are underway to repair one AN 32 and two C 130 Hercules transport aircraft as part of the overall measures to increase the SLAF capacity. Air Force headquarters has made the announcement in the wake of three overhauled AN 32s rejoining operational service.
Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe has sent The Island the following statement: ” With the intention of improving the heavy air lift capacity of the Sri Lanka Air Force, three (03) Antonov-32 aircraft from the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron departed the island in August 2020. On completion of the overhaul process in the Ukraine the three (03) aircraft returned safely back to the No 02 Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake Friday evening (11 June 2021).
The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, was present at the SLAF Base Katunayake to welcome the three Antonov-32s and their crew on arrival after a five-day journey from the Ukraine to Sri Lanka. The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management and the Southern Air Commander and Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake were present on the occasion as well. General (Retd) Gunaratne and the Commander congratulated the crew of 28 led by Group Captain Pradeep Piyaratne, the Commanding Officer of the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron which returned safely after covering a distance of 5078 Nautical Miles over a period of approximately 22 flying hours. The three aircraft that returned yesterday bear the tail numbers SCM 860, SCM 863 and SCM 869.
These aircraft which were inducted to the Sri Lanka Air Force in the year 1995 are the largest operational heavy transport aircraft at the moment. These aircraft played a vital role during the 30- -year-war by transporting military personnel, civilians, casualties, essential goods and munitions to and from the Northern and Eastern Theaters. These aircraft which are now in a serviceable operational condition have not been contributing to air lift requirements from November 2014 and as a result the SLAF has had to use transport helicopters to meet those requirements. However, with the return of these three aircraft the transport capabilities of the SLAF will increase by 75%.
These large aircraft are not only used for transport purposes but are also used for training missions as well. Further, these aircraft which are capable of trans continental travel become vital when providing assistance to our friendly neighbors.”
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
