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SL Embassy in Washington facilitates donation of medicines worth USD 53.9 mn from US NGOs
At a time when international aid and medicinal supplies are imperative for Sri Lanka, upon an urgent request for assistance from Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. Mahinda Samarasinghe and the Mission, the support of three renowned U.S. NGOs was generously extended on an in-kind basis to the people of Sri Lanka.
The most recent figures show that from July 2022 to date, the Mission along with the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has coordinated and facilitated a total of approx. USD 53.9 million worth (approx. LKR 17,067,973,528) of in-kind medicinal donations from the U.S. at no cost to the people of Sri Lanka. Some of the key medicines/medical supplies that were donated from the below-listed NGOs are an extensive amount of crucial pain medication and antibiotics, medicines to treat high blood pressure and other heart problems, medicines to treat mental/mood conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, etc., immunosuppressant used for organ transplants, oncology (cancer) medicines, medicines to treat symptoms of asthma and shortness of breathing, prenatal and lactation vitamins, Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for maternal mothers at risk of malnourishment, and chronic disease medications, intravascular catheters, syringes, and gloves.
The most recent consignment facilitated by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington was generously donated by Americares with the value of USD 201,208.32 (approx.LKR 63,632,131), marking another milestone in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Cleared by the Ministry of Health for distribution on 20 February 2024, this contribution among the rest of the consignments provided by the below mentioned partners advances the power of collaboration in addressing pressing healthcare needs in Sri Lanka.
Heart to Heart International (HHI) continues to be one of key partners in providing in-kind medicinal donations to Sri Lanka. To date, HHI has donated lifesaving medicines worth approx. USD 46.8 million with zero expenses to the Government and/or people of Sri Lanka. Headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, Heart to Heart International (HHI) is a global humanitarian organization focused on improving access to health. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $2.6 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States.
Americares is another key partner NGO in providing in-kind medicinal donations to Sri Lanka. Thus far, Americares has donated lifesaving medicines worth USD 4.4 million. Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Each year, the organization reaches 85 countries on average, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine, medical supplies, and emergency aid. Since its founding more than 40 years ago, Americares has provided more than $20 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States.
In addition, HOPE Worldwide donated essential medicines worth USD 2.7 million in September 2022. In response to serving the materially poor, sick, and suffering throughout the world, HOPE was established in 1991. HOPE partners with countries in need, equips volunteers, responds to disasters, and strengthens communities to inspire greater hope in our world.The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C. greatly appreciates the continued assistance provided by all these organizations.
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
