News
Seoul envoy praises Lankan teachers for promoting Korean language
On December 23, 2022, the Korean Embassy and the National Institute of Education (NIE) hosted the completion ceremony of the online capacity-building program of the Korean language for the second time at the Hilton Hotel, Colombo.The Korean Embassy said in a news release that this ceremony was held in honour and appreciation of the 55 Lankan teachers who completed the online capacity-building program for the Korean language in this country.
Present on this occasion were Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin JEONG, Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha and the Director General of the National Institute of Education Dr. Sunil Nawaratne.
Welcoming the guests and academia, Nawaratne appreciated the Korean Embassy’s continuous support and endorsement of timely initiatives to expand Korean language education in Sri Lanka, the release said.He stated, “This program was initiated in July 2020 and has now completed its second year. Last year, 58 teachers received training under it to educate advanced level students in the Korean language. In 2022, 55 teachers completed this program with great success.
“As the Education Minister once said, the Korean language is a passport to employability. Currently, more than 25,000 Lankans are employed in Korea. I am sure the Korean language will be useful in enhancing future employability for Sri Lankans.”
He elaborated on ways this program would be helpful to facilitate the decision to incorporate the Korean language as a foreign language in advanced-level classes. Ambassador Santhush delivering his congratulatory remarks to the teachers, commended their consistent efforts and determination to surpass the difficulties this year.
“In celebration of the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Sri Lanka this year, the Korean Embassy has made numerous efforts to consolidate bilateral ties especially in cultural and educational cooperation.
“In 2023, the Korean language will be introduced as a university entrance examination subject. That will be another opportunity to bring our two countries closer together. I congratulate all the Korean language teachers who have completed this program and appreciate their hard work and commitment amid many challenges like the limited supply of necessary infrastructure.
“Today, your dedication and hard work have culminated in producing wonderful results. Congratulations to all teachers who are graduating from this program. I am confident that this program helped develop your Korean language skills. I hope you contribute to a better world and a brighter future for Sri Lanka.”
Premajayantha stated that Korea-Sri Lanka ties have expanded steadily in numerous areas like labour, trade, renewable energy and education cooperation. He emphasized the support received from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea.
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
