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SLMC condemns all forms of violence
Unreservedly condemning all forms of violence and terror committed by both parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem has asked how a world committed to a rule-based order could allow deliberate dispossession, detention and dehumanisation of the Palestinian people.
In a statement titled, Encouragement of Hatred in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Must Cease, the SLMC Leader states:
The Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) unreservedly condemns all forms of violence and terror committed by both parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Continuing loss of innocent lives, and unimaginable misery inflicted on the civil population in the Gaza strip, denial of access and right of worship at holy sites in this ancient cradle of civilisation are developments that shock all mankind.
Deliberate dispossession, detention and dehumanisation of the Palestinian people is a blatantly brutal blot on the collective conscience of the world that is committed to conduct international relations in a rule-based order as envisaged in the United Nations Charter.
While condemning all acts of terror at the root of which remain continued provocations of unprecedented intensity in recent months, we urge all parties to exercise restraint and begin negotiating in good faith with a view to realising a sustainable and pragmatic solution of two states existing side by side within pre-1967 borders, in peace and prosperity.
The New Middle East that is unilaterally sought to be achieved by current Israeli leaders who have embraced forcible annexation as state policy will only further exacerbate this century-old conflict. As long as breath remains in the human breast the people of Palestine will continue their struggle and longing for their right to breathe the air of freedom and right of worship.
We appeal to all parties in the Middle East and Arab World to be wary of the intentions of those who seek to use the façade of diplomacy to offer dubious rewards to further subjugate a population under occupation.
Hatred only begets hatred. And hatred doesn’t cease by hatred. All encouragement of hatred from all quarters, either by supporting one faction against another or one party against another in the theatre of conflict, should stop forthwith.
The double standards manifest in the policies and positions of North America and Europe vis a vis the Palestinian people, which also characterise much of the official stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, of Sri Lanka’s immediate neighbour aspiring to be the leader of the Global South, leave much to be desired. Responsible powers, whether global, regional, or leading as they prefer to call themselves, should act in a mature, prudent, and balanced manner, without prodding the occupier towards more hatred, but by exercising their responsibility delicately to help the parties move towards enduring peace with justice.
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
