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UNFPA launches new interactive learning material supporting ‘Happy Family’ initiative
The health and happiness of a family unit – is a good indicator of a prosperous society. In 2020, keeping in line with this concept, the Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) of the Ministry of Health, together with UNFPA, Sri Lanka launched the “Happy Family” Initiative; a communications program aimed at training healthcare providers. The adult learning training exercises consisted of roleplays, and case studies, exploring challenges faced within the family unit and how assertive communications and interactions could help overcome these issues. The training addressed misconceptions on gender-based violence, adolescent health, alcohol and drug abuse, maternal and child health, women’s health, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and nutritional habits. In 2022, men’s health was also added to the list.
Sri Lankan health providers in 2022 needed a new framework to cater to the needs of the family unit within the context of COVID-19 and the ensuing economic and political instability. Daily life in Sri Lanka had changed dramatically and the family unit and its needs together with that.
To cater to this requirement, a series of new communication materials were developed by the Health Promotion Bureau with the technical support of the Family Health Bureau and professional colleges. The areas addressed are:
* Life skills development for adolescents: Alcohol and drug use, exam anxiety, responsible use of new technology
* Happy life promotion: Love, understanding, and assertiveness at different life stages
* Men’s health: Men’s mental health, prostate disease and sexual dysfunction
* Subfertility management: Awareness and combating myths on subfertility
* The promotion of Well-Woman Clinics via social media to encourage testing for cancers
Speaking of the new communications material, S. Janaka Sri Chandraguptha, Secretary of Health, said that “We have seen how effective these tools have worked in sending the accurate message to communities; developing and disseminating these communication tools are crucial in addressing health issues”. Kunle Adeniyi, Representative, UNFPA Sri Lanka further elaborated that “UNFPA believes that by strengthening the capacities of health workers we can better understand and respond to the critical sexual and reproductive health issues of women and girls and communities in order to reduce the negative impacts of the current crisis”.
The additional secretary of Health, Dr. Lakshmi Somathunga, The Deputy Director General Public Health II Dr. Susie Perera, The Director of FHB Dr. Chtramali de Silva, and Director HPB Dr. Ranjith Batuwanthudawe expressed their vision and way forward with this project.
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
