News
Sirisena remains defiant; SLPP-SLFP ties deteriorate
GL frowns on SLFP leaping to Susil’s defence
By Shamindra Ferdinando
The stage is set for a major clash between the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and its second largest constituent, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).
SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (10) flayed the SLFP for the latter’s backing for Colombo District SLPP MP Susil Premjayantha, who was stripped of his portfolios following his criticism of the government.
Prof. Peiris told the regular weekly media briefing at the SLPP office at Battaramulla that the former President and the SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena’s position that instead of disciplinary measures the government should rectify its mistakes and shortcomings, was not acceptable at all.
The SLFP group in Parliament consists of 14 members, including one National List MP. Of them, 12 members, including party leader Sirisena, have contested the last general election on the SLPP ticket and one (Dr. Suren Raghavan) accommodated on the SLPP National List.
While acknowledging the right to dissent, Prof. Peiris emphasised that public criticism wouldn’t be tolerated. The FM declared that those who had taken a different stand on a particular issue could raise such a matter at the government parliamentary group meeting, cabinet and party leaders’ level.
Polonnaruwa District MP Sirisena has repeatedly declared his support for Premjayantha, who was unceremoniously removed on 04 January, two days after his outburst at the Delkanda fair. One-time SLFP General Secretary Premjayantha lambasted Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane and Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage for having made disastrous policy decisions.
In addition to Premjayantha, several other lawmakers have strongly criticised the government. Three ministers, Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Wimal Weerawansa and Udaya Nanayakkara have even backed petitions against the controversial Yugadanavi deal, while State Minister Vidura Wickremanayake has lambasted the entire Cabinet of ministers. Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakse, PC, recently levelled corruption allegations against the Chinese and the current political leadership.
Senior SLFP Vice President Prof. Rohana Lakshman Piyadasa said that the SLPP was not in a position to dictate terms to its constituents. Having behaved in unjustifiable manner and caused irreparable damage, the SLPP was now struggling to regain control, Prof. Piyadasa said. The warning issued to constituent parties looked silly as a section of the Cabinet had moved the Supreme Court against the Cabinet of ministers, Prof. Piyadasa said.
Responding to another query, Prof. Piyadasa declared that the SLFP wouldn’t succumb to pressure. Prof. Piyadasa who had served as the SLFP Chairman during the last presidential election campaign said that it would be a grave mistake for the SLPP to believe it could consolidate its position by threatening other political parties.
Prof. Piyadasa pointed out how two dozen lawmakers representing several political parties had taken a common stand against the Yugadanavi deal though only three lawmakers moved the court.
Prof. Peiris asserted that the failure on the part of the government to speak with one voice caused turmoil not only locally but internationally as well. The Foreign Minister explained how dissenting views could undermine government efforts to attract foreign investments.
Prof. Peiris asserted that those in the government couldn’t play double roles simultaneously. How could they perform the role of government and Opposition MPs at the same time? Prof. Peiris asked.
At the onset of the briefing Prof. Peiris countered the assertion that the government had been isolated internationally as a result of being ignored by some sections of the international community. Referring to the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visit to Colombo over the weekend, Prof. Peiris briefed the media on his recent visit to Dubai and Seoul where the focus was on South Korean assistance and more employment opportunities to Sri Lankan workers there.
Prof. Peiris expressed confidence that as promised South Korea would increase the number of Sri Lankan workers employed there soon. He said that South Korea would make an announcement in that regard next month.
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
