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Profood Propack and Agbiz Exhibition in Colombo from Aug 05-07
Text and Pic by Jude Denzil Pathiraja
Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition will open its doors to the general public and trade visitors from Aug 5 to 7 for the 19th consecutive year at the BMICH Exhibition Center, Colombo, it was announced on Thursday.
The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition is supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Industries.
Secretary to the Ministry of Industries Gen Daya Ratnayake guest of honour of the Thursday’s event said that the exhibition is expected to provide a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.
Outgoing President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association (SLFPA) Nishan Perera said that more than 200 stalls have been allocated for the local and foreign exhibitor. Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022 is the biggest event in the country in relation to the food, beverage, packaging and agriculture sector.
SLFPA President elect Delano Dias said that the exhibition has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “farm to the fork” denoting the entire chain of the food industry. Which includes the revolve around farms, to the processing, packaging, transport and finally, consumption.
The expo could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. The organizers this year have taken a decision to organize the expo under strict health regulations and conditions. No one will be allowed to enter the premises without a mask and temperature check.
The exhibition and consumer fair scheduled to be held within a span of three days, will attract a large audience. The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also understand the new technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and the meticulous processes that are required, to make food products available to the consumer. The National Agri Business Council join hands with the organizers to provide an insight to the agri business sector and Industry.
The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.
This year’s expo has a separate pavilion from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 40 companies from India will participate at this year’s event. The event is set to attract stakeholders from many South East Asian countries as well. The Ministry of Industries will sponsor the SME and micro sector entities pavilion. The Organizing committee has taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for University students to display their innovation.
A highlight at this year’s event will be the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio. The street food fiesta and cooking studio will take place on all three days of the expo. The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.
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
