News
SJB blames huge losses on failure to complete storage complex
Waste of perishables during ‘lockdown’
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says substantial waste of vegetables due to the ‘lockdown’ imposed last Thursday night, to control the spread of the raging Covid-19 pandemic, could have been avoided if the incumbent government had completed the construction of Sri Lanka’s first temperature and humidity controlled warehouse complex for perishables, at Dambulla, launched in April 2019.
The change of government, in Nov 2019 following the presidential election, had adversely impacted the project, the former UNP non-Cabinet Minister said, adding that he had requested Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane to expedite the project as it benefited the farmer community.
The previous government undertook the construction of the warehouse complex capable of storing 5,000 metric tonnes of vegetables and fruits. The then Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Minister de Silva and Indian Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Shilpak N. Ambule initiated the project on land adjoining the Dambulla Economic Centre.
At the time of the launch, the government announced the agro cold storage complex was to be constructed with Rs 300 mn Indian financial grant and completed within six months. It was reported that the facility would consist of six separated sections of different temperature and humidity levels. The government intended to provide farmers an opportunity to store their excess harvest or in case of an emergency at a concessionary price.
Dr. de Silva said that the country couldn’t allow post-harvest losses and waste to continue not only during peak season but during emergency situations as well. The recent reportage of massive waste of vegetables and fruits due to the lockdown was shocking, the MP said, the failure to finish such a farmer friendly project couldn’t be justified under any circumstances.
The previous government planned similar agro-storage complexes at Keppetipola covering the Central Province, Jaffna covering the Northern Province, Embilipitiya covering the Southern Province.
MP de Silva said that when he pointed out the failure on the part of this government to address the issue, SLPP supporters questioned the rationale in my criticism demanding to know what the previous administration did in that regard. The former UNPer said that the Dambulla, project located in a three-and-half-acre land adjoining the Dambulla Economic Center was meant to revolutionize the food storing strategy. The MP said the government shouldn’t have played politics with the Dambulla project.
Lawmaker de Silva said that the contentious issue of post-harvest losses had been discussed both in and outside Parliament. Leaving aside serious shortcomings in the government’s Covid-19 response, the top SJB spokesperson said that addressing the country’s requirement for proper facilities to store perishables should be met. The ongoing epidemic deteriorated the situation, the MP said, pointing out the country lacked required basic facilities to store excess harvest.
Meanwhile, Matale District SJB MP and Dr. de Silva’s colleague, Rohini Kaviratne, flayed the government over the crisis caused by the farmers’ failure to sell large stocks of vegetables brought to the Dambulla Economic Centre. MP Kaviratne told The Island that having requested the farmers to bring their harvest there, the government imposed travel restrictions thereby preventing buyers coming to the Dambulla Economic centre. According to her, 2.6 mn kilos of perishables had been brought and allowed to go waste. The former UNP MP alleged that a certain politician and some businessmen manipulated the entire process for their benefit.
Dr. de Silva said that in addition to the Indian grant, his own Ministry provided Rs 225 million and proceeded with the project regardless of severe objections. Responding to another query, he said some objected to the project as it was meant to free the farming community from the clutches of the middlemen who brazenly exploited those who toiled in the fields.’
The project suffered a major setback in the wake of the declaration of 2019 presidential polls. “Overnight, the situation changed. Inordinate delays caused a chaotic situation,” the former Minister said, appreciating an opportunity given to him by Trade Minister Bandula Gunawardane to brief ministry officials of the Dambulla project as well as overall plans in that regard.
MP de Silva said that they adopted novel construction methods to control expenditure as conventional building of the structure would have cost as much Rs 1 bn. According to the SJB MP, the government should give priority to the Dambulla project and ensure the implementation of the original plan. If it was simply placed under ‘Sathosa’ the government couldn’t achieve the original objectives to make the farming community part of the decision-making process in a bid to give them a say in their own affairs.
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
