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Reports of possible terror attack: ACJU requests Muslims to pray for Sri Lanka
The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) says it is alarmed over media reports warning that Sri Lanka may face another terrorist attack similar to the Easter Sunday bombings on April 21, 2019.
The ACJU has, in a media statement, encouraged the Muslim community to pray and make Du’a to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Sri Lanka and all its people from all forms of tragedies and disasters.
It has also appealed to the Muslim community to be very cautious and vigilant as the claims of an attack have not been verified.
“We appeal to the community to be wary of the ISIS and similar terrorist organizations which are misleadingly and falsely representing themselves as protectors of Islam while they are widely perceived as being orchestrated by elements hostile to Islam and all religions,” ACJU said.
Full text of the ACJU statement titled ‘ ‘: The All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) is alarmed at the several media reports claiming that Sri Lanka may very soon face yet another terrorist attack similar to the Easter Sunday Bombings of 21st April, 2019. While encouraging the community to pray and make Du’a to Almighty Allah (SWT) to protect Sri Lanka and all its people from all forms of tragedies and disasters, the ACJU requests, particularly the Muslim community to be very cautious and vigilant in this regard as we are not certain of the reliability of the above claims.
We appeal to the community to be wary of the ISIS and similar terrorist organizations which are misleadingly and falsely representing themselves as protectors of Islam while they are widely perceived as being orchestrated by elements hostile to Islam and all religions.
Islamic Scholars around the world have unanimously stated that these organizations are anti-Islamic terrorist groups, whose handlers are yet to be fully investigated. It is noteworthy that the ACJU, and all Muslim Civil society organizations have collectively issued a Declaration on 2015.07.23, declaring that such organizations are completely against the teachings of Islam.
We are deeply saddened by the fact that the innocent civilian lives were lost and many suffered injuries in the brutal attacks carried out by terrorists on the Easter Sunday of 21st April 2019.
We need to emphasize that our community has made innumerable contributions and sacrifices in the national interest of our country. Our forefathers have contributed immensely to preserve the sovereignty and security of this country throughout history. Similarly, they have been in the forefront of developing and strengthening beneficial foreign relations with our country. Whenever our country was threatened with invasion by external forces, our forefathers had supported the reigning kings of our country in protecting our Motherland. Since gaining independence and becoming a democratic republic, our leaders have made admirable efforts to forge religious harmony and communal amity.
It is however disappointing to note that a situation has arisen, where vested interests are continuing to instigate distrust and hatred on grossly false basis against the Muslims, following the cowardly and brutal terrorist attacks carried out by a few misguided elements with Muslim names, while overlooking the invaluable contribution of the community towards this nation.
It is sad that false allegations are being circulated against Islam and Muslims by certain elements who are intent on disrupting communal unity. We, the ACJU strongly urge the Muslim community not to be provoked by such conspirators and to practice restraint.
The ACJU requests its District and Divisional Branches, Masjid Trustees and all civil organizations to pay attention to these matters and all Muslims to be vigilant and cautious in this regard and strive towards building closer relationships with all communities.
Furthermore, we request all Muslims to read the below mentioned booklet published by ACJU and to circulate it among others as well: Tamil: ‘Madaththin Peyaraal Theeviravaadam Vendaam’, Sinhala Translation: ‘Anthawaadayeku Nowanna’.
We urge all Muslims to ensure that our brothers and sisters are not influenced by extremist or un-Islamic ideologists.
We pray that Almighty Allah bestows protection, justice and solace to all those who are suffering in our country and around the world and bless our Motherland with lasting peace, unity and prosperity.”
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
