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US, Lanka Partnership Dialogue: Two nations focus on maritime cooperation, defence links
SLN expected to take delivery of third US vessel
Sri Lanka and the United States have resolved to continue cooperation on maritime security and work together to ensure a safe maritime domain in the Indian Ocean, through the rules-based international order, the US and Sri Lanka stated in a joint statement issued yesterday (23) following the Fourth Session of the Sri Lanka – United States Partnership Dialogue held in Colombo.
In this context, the U.S. strategy towards a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, which promotes freedom of navigation and overflight, was noted as an important initiative, the statement added.
The meeting was co-chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Prof. G.L. Peiris and the Under Secretary for Political Affairs of the U.S. Department of State Victoria Nuland.
The joint statement: “Sri Lanka welcomed the impending arrival of the third High Endurance U.S. Coast Guard Cutter transferred through the U.S. Excess Defence Articles programme. The United States noted the recently announced King Air programme to strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime monitoring capacity and respond to humanitarian and post-disaster needs. Sri Lanka welcomed U.S. support in the prevention of smuggling and other illegal activities.
Both delegations welcomed ongoing bilateral defence and security sector cooperation, including U.S. support for humanitarian demining and disaster relief, joint military engagements, human rights training for Sri Lankan officers, and exchange of visits, including by U.S. ships and military officials.
Both delegations reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral relationship, firmly rooted in shared values as fellow democracies, and their intent to work together to further strengthen the partnership.
Sri Lanka expressed its deep appreciation to the United States for the donation, in partnership with COVAX, of 3.4 million vaccines, and the provision of over $18 million in health equipment and other relief to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the past year.
Acknowledging that the U.S. is already the largest market for Sri Lankan exports, both delegations reiterated their intent to explore new opportunities to enhance market access, bilateral trade, investment, and tourism. The United States expressed its commitment to enhancing opportunities for the economic empowerment of women. To that end, Sri Lanka welcomed the role of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which has increased its portfolio to $265 million in loans designed to support Sri Lanka’s small and medium enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses. Sri Lanka also appreciated the provision of U.S. funding to launch the first business accelerator in Sri Lanka, specifically aimed at women entrepreneurs.
Both countries committed to working together to address climate change and other environmental challenges. The United States welcomed Sri Lanka’s goal to produce 70 percent of electricity from renewable energy by 2030, and to attain carbon neutrality by 2050. Ongoing U.S. grant assistance to help meet these goals, including a five-year $19 million Sri Lanka Energy Programme and support towards a floating solar plant, were noted with appreciation.
The United States informed its intent to continue supporting the sustainable development of Sri Lanka through the U.S. Agency for International Development. The U.S. delegation reaffirmed its commitment to promote school nutrition and literacy among Sri Lankan children, in consultation with the Sri Lankan Government. Sri Lanka appreciated the successful nutrition campaign conducted by Save the Children in 2021 which benefited over 106,000 primary grade students.
The United States resolved to explore opportunities to further expand counter-terrorism cooperation with Sri Lanka. The United States welcomed action taken by Sri Lanka to promote reconciliation and human rights in pursuit of development and prosperity. Sri Lanka outlined its progress in reconciliation, in promoting and protecting human rights, and in strengthening democracy, democratic institutions and practices, good governance, justice and the rule of law. The United States acknowledged progress in these areas, including efforts to reform the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), the release of long-term PTA detainees, the justice reform agenda, and engagement with civil society representatives. The United States encouraged Sri Lanka to continue making progress on its commitments to reconciliation and human rights.
Both delegations expressed strong support for ongoing cooperation between the two countries in education and culture. The United States emphasised the value of educational exchanges, highlighting the 70th anniversary of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Programme and its contribution to Sri Lanka’s development. The United States expressed interest in working together to further expand opportunities for university partnerships and overseas study for Sri Lankan students that would benefit both countries. Both delegations welcomed ongoing efforts to preserve and celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through cultural heritage funding received from the U.S. over the last 17 years. The delegations decided to continue collaboration to provide English Language teaching, teacher training, curriculum development, and other support to strengthen Sri Lanka’s education sector.
Sri Lanka and the United States emphasised the importance of the bilateral relationship, and decided to continue cooperation on a broad range of areas to further strengthen the partnership for mutual benefit.
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
