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WNPS partners with HFS on scientific research for habitat conservation of SL’s Knuckles World Heritage Site
The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) on a project to help habitat conservation of Sri Lanka’s Knuckles World Heritage Site, a WNPS news release said.
Mr L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe is an ecologist, herpetologist and well-known wildlife photographer. He formed the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) in 2007, to pursue independent research on Sri Lanka’s herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians of a particular region, habitat, or geological period) and also provide a platform for young herpetologists to initiate research. He is credited with the discovery of no less than 34 novel species.
This new project will comprise three main components specifically Research, Education and Advocating Policy Planning, aligning well with WNP’s goal of biodiversity conservation through education, research and policy.
The Knuckles Conservation Forest is part of Sri Lanka’s central highlands and part of the region considered to be a super biodiversity hotspot, comprising the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest.
These montane forests, where the mountains rise to 2,500 metres above sea-level, are home to an extraordinary range of flora and fauna, including several endangered species. The Knuckles landscape is home to 29 endemic species of fauna and flora, of which 23 are herpetofauna. Research indicates that there is a vast number of new species yet to be discovered!
Most of the habitats of these species are under severe anthropogenic pressures. Some may even be hyperendemic, any adverse effect which might change or destroy their habitats and even result in complete extinction. Hence, these species are classified as threatened, according to IUCN Red List criteria. Therefore, there is a great urgency to publish these species to sustainably manage our ecosystems and conserve their habitats and biodiversity.
The Society is funding the Herpetological Foundation of Sri Lanka (HFS) to help conduct the research which spans several months, with the project results to be published in peer reviewed international scientific journals as well as WNPS’s Loris Magazine. The rights of the intellectual property arising from the MOU will be shared equally amongst both 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
