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WPC proposes to develop effective investigative mechanism to tackle gender-based violence
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus (WPC) proposes to develop a more effective and efficient investigative mechanism to regulate gender-based violence on digital platforms, in order to safeguard the well-being and dignity of women and girls.
In a statement issued by the Chairperson of the WPC, Dr. Sudarshini Fernandopulle, on the occasion of the International Women’s Day which is marked today (March 08), states that it is necessary to build awareness, on digital gender-based violence, and safer means of using digital platforms, among the general public.
Full text of Dr. Fernandopulle’s statement:
On the 8th of March 2023, we commemorate the International Women’s Day which is observed with an overall objective of promoting the understanding of issues faced by women striving for greater gender equality and women’s empowerment, while celebrating the progress so far made towards achieving such goals.
Whereas an international day, dedicated towards women, might appear inconsequential, the observance of this day is crucial in creating public awareness on women’s rights, and issues, faced by women, and, above all, it is a powerful advocacy tool to mobilize political will, and resources, to realize gender equality and women’s empowerment.
With the advancement of technology and globalization, the challenges that women face have altered. However, prejudices and stereotypical beliefs still stand in the way of women realizing their full potential, even in the 21st century. In order to cater to the changing world, and the problems that come hand in hand with it, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.
In the light of the global pandemic, and the resultant movement restrictions imposed, life on earth drastically changed with many activities, ranging from professional work, education and social activities, being transformed and transferred to the online digital world. Online education, and working from home, have now become the norm in many post-pandemic societies, including Sri Lanka. Therefore, the use of digital spaces, and devices, drastically increased, particularly among children, as parents permitted children accessing the internet and using smart-phones in order to facilitate online education.
While the overall usage of online, and digital spaces and devices have increased, a considerable part of the country is prevented from accessing the internet, altogether, due to problems, ranging from connectivity issues to the inability to purchase digital devices, due to economic constraints. This is particularly detrimental to children, whereas online education has become the new norm. It also appears that in instances where a family could afford just one device, the male child is given preference over the female child to use the device due to prejudicial beliefs. It is reported worldwide that the digital literacy is lower for women than for men due to the limitations faced by women in their access to devices, networks and data.
However, if it is also not used correctly, the internet could very easily become a medium propagating violence and harassment. Complaints made to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) and National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) by distressed individuals, and parents, reached a record-high in the pandemic-hit society. The victims of most such instances were women and girls.
Therefore, building awareness on digital gender-based violence and safer means of using digital platforms among the general public is an imperative.
In view of the above, the Caucus has strengthened its efforts to initiate discussions to mobilize resources for improved accessibility to the internet and to improve regulations to prevent digital gender-based violence. While acknowledging there is yet a long way to go, the Caucus is determined to stay committed to its undertaking to empower women, and create an enabling environment that promotes, protects and supports the digital rights, well-being and dignity of women and girls.
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
