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Sri Lanka seeks Canadian help to win over Tamil Diaspora
Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Ottawa, Harsha Kumara Navaratne has sought Canadian support to make peace with overseas Tamil brothers and sisters in spite of the challenges.
High Commissioner Navaratne at a diplomatic reception hosted at his residence to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 6th February, 2023, while acknowledging Canada’s concerns of Sri Lankan Tamil Canadians, stated that the new government of Sri Lanka was making meaningful progress towards economic recovery, reconciliation and stability, while simultaneously addressing multiple challenges posed by the ongoing economic crisis.
The former civil society activist further stated that “we need to make peace with our overseas Tamil brothers and sisters despite challenges” and that “we cannot do this without the support of Canada.”
He also stressed the need to sign the MoU on bilateral consultations as it would provide a structured basis in the form of annual consultations to discuss all concerns bilaterally so that Canada and Sri Lanka could mutually resolve any concerns.
Replying to the High Commissioners address, chief guest, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Cindy Termoshuizen stated “as one of the first nations to recognize Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, we are also celebrating 75 years of Diplomatic relations in 2023. Canada values its bilateral cooperation with Sri Lanka, including in the context of our recently launched Indo – Pacific Strategy. This strategy reaffirms what we already know as Canadians. That the Indo-Pacific region is playing and continues to play a significant and growing role in Canada’s future and that our relationships in the region are vital in addressing the issues that matter most to all of us”.
She also stated “indeed the contributions of over a quarter million Sri Lankan heritage have served to enrich Canada’s cultural mosaic. At a time when the international community is facing a period of considerable turbulence, we need to work together to address global issues, such as climate change. We recognize that Sri Lanka’s 75th anniversary of independence coincides with a historically pivotal moment underpinned by a significant economic crisis. Canada has contributed to the humanitarian needs of those hardest hit by the effects of the crisis and welcome Sri Lanka’s efforts thus far in pursuit of economic recovery. Our hope is that these efforts may soon bear fruit paving the way for a return to growth and prosperity. At the same time, the significance of this moment could provide an opportunity to foster genuine change. So that Sri Lanka emerges from this crisis as a renewed reconciled and an inclusive society. Canada remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka through this reform process.”
Members of Parliament Chandra Arya, Rachael Thomas and Heads of Diplomatic Missions and their representatives together with officials of Global Affairs of Canada, community leaders and well-wishers were among the special invitees.
The guests were treated to flavourful Sri Lankan food including hoppers, kottu, rice and curry and authentic Sri Lankan desserts. Executive Chef Chaminda Ambagaspitiya explained to the guests the making of the food and so that they could enjoy each item at the specially created food stations together with Dhruvesh Restaurant team headed by Donald Wingell.
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
