Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has instructed the removal of trees near depots and bus stops that pose a potential falling hazard.
The decision was made in light of a recent event where a tree fell onto a bus in Colpetty, SLTB Chairman Lalith de Alwis said.
All depots have been directed not to operate buses in flood-prone areas unless they adhere to guidelines provided by the Sri Lanka Police and Disaster Management Units, he added.
The cultural arm of the High Commission of India, Colombo, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre will organise the first ever India-Alumni Art Exhibition titled “Chitralekha” at JDA Perera Art Gallery in University of Visual and Performing Arts, from 10 to 12 October 2023.
2. The exhibition marks the Year of India Alumni, observed by Indian Council for Cultural Relations. The unique Art Exhibition also commemorates other significant milestones such as 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka and 25 years of establishment of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (erstwhile Indian Cultural Centre).
3. The exhibition which is being held in collaboration with the National Gallery of Arts will feature special works of eminent Sri Lankan artists who studied in India. Nearly hundred paintings by Indian Alumni artists from all over Sri Lanka shall be on display at the Exhibition. This includes veteran artists like Ananda Samarakoon, Somabandu Vidyapathi, Ven. L.T.P. Manjusri Thero, George Keyt, Harry Pieris and Upasena Gunawardena, among others.
4. The exhibition is a testament to the enduring friendship and cooperation between two nations as also the universal appeal of Arts, transcending boundaries. A total of 25 contemporary Sri Lankan artists studied in different universities in India like Visva-Bharati of Santiniketan, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Rabindra Bharati University of Kolkata during the last five decades on various scholarship programs.
Colombo (LNW): In a recent interview with the “Desaya” newspaper, MP Dhammika Perera expressed his willingness to contest in the forthcoming presidential polls.
However, he pointed out that he would only enter the race if he is assured of securing at least 51 per cent of the total votes.
MP Perera, who is a lawmaker of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) the Ruling Party, highlighted that endorsement from the major parties would significantly bolster his presidential campaign.
When queried about his political alignment for the upcoming presidential run, he asserted that he is already a MP of the SLPP.
PMD: President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasising the importance of unity and development for the country’s future stressed that unity among Sri Lankans was the foundation for resolving ethnic and religious issues.
The President made this statement while delivering a speech during the 150th-anniversary celebration of St. Michael College in Batticaloa, yesterday (07).
The president commended the school for its diverse student body and its role in promoting harmony among different communities.
In his speech, the President further stressed that unity among Sri Lankans is also the progress for the development, highlighting the need for all Sri Lankans to come together as one people, regardless of their differences, to move forward and rebuild the nation after years of division and turmoil.
He noted that the country had faced significant hardships that divisions had taken the country to the brink of collapse, referencing times when essential resources like petrol and food were scarce and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a poignant moment during his speech, President Wickremesinghe highlighted the power of unity when the choir of St. Michael’s sang “Namo Namo Matha” in Tamil. He emphasised that regardless of the language it’s sung in, the message remains the same – that all Sri Lankans are children of one mother. President Wickremesinghe stressed the need to overcome ethnic and religious differences, acknowledging that such divisions have hindered progress in the past. He pledged to engage with leaders to address these issues and urged everyone to come together to find solutions, emphasising the importance of resolving these “small things” for the greater good of the nation.
The president encouraged dialogue and political discussions as a means to resolve issues within the country, asserting that Sri Lankans must work together to find solutions rather than seeking external intervention. He emphasised the need for maintaining high standards and addressing human rights issues within the country.
Concluding his speech, President Wickremesinghe commended St. Michael’s for its ability to bridge cultural and societal barriers, where students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Tamils, Sinhalese and others, had studied together. He highlighted the school as an example of how national unity can be achieved, emphasising that it can serve as a model for resolving differences and moving the country forward.
The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, State Ministers Mr. S. Viyalanderan and Mr.Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, as well as the school’s Principal Mr. Anton Benedict, past and present students, and other attendees.
Colombo (LNW): HE Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, met with HE Udaya Indrarathna, Ambassador of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka to the UAE, and his accompanying delegation at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation of the United Arab Emirates wrote on its official website.
The two sides discussed areas of common interest and ways to enhance cooperation between the UAE and Sri Lanka in the field of work.
The meeting has also reviewed the UAE Labour Law, which safeguards the rights of both employers and employees, and the range of social protections it offers for Sri Lankan workers in the country.
The meeting was attended by HE Khalil Al Khoori, MoHRE’s Undersecretary for Human Resources Affairs; HE Shayma Al Awadhi, MoHRE’s Assistant Undersecretary for Communication and International Relations; and HE Alexi Gunasekera, Consul General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, along with other officials from both sides.
“I’m pleased to inform that High level strategic meeting was held between UAE Minster of Human resources & Emiratisation and my Team at the UAE Ministry. A Technical committee was established with a clear strategy to increase knowledge and skills,” Indrarathna commented with the media.
By: Isuru Parakrama
Colombo (LNW): Atmospheric conditions are favourable for afternoon thunderstorms in Eastern, Uva Northern and North Central provinces, whilst showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Eastern, Uva, Central, Northern and North-central provinces and in Kurunegala district during the evening or night, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (08).
Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places, and several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces and in Puttalam district, the statement added.
General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimise damages caused by temporary localised strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Marine Weather:
| Condition of Rain: |
| Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the sea areas off the coast extending from Chilaw to Hambantota via Colombo and Galle. |
| Winds: |
| Winds will be southerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-30) kmph. Wind speed can increase up to (40-45) kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil. |
| State of Sea: |
| The sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Kankasanthurai via Mannar, and from Hambantota to Pottuvil may be fairly rough at times. Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers. |
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (the First Peoples) are ‘the oldest continuing cultures in human history’. Yet, in the 122 year old Australian Constitution, the 65,000 years old cultures of the First Peoples are not recognised. This is what the ‘YES’ vote will do – Recognise the First Peoples. But recognition in paper alone will not help without a mechanism that will ensure their voices are heard. That is what the majority of the Indigenous Elders and Leaders from across the country want – a body called the ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice’ to make representations to the Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to their communities. And it is not too much to ask.
By saying YES, we are not just voting for a Voice; we are voting for empathy, justice, and a brighter tomorrow for all Australians. We will enhance representative democracy to a participative democracy that will secure better outcomes for the suffering First Peoples.
The Voice will:
Empower Communities and Enrich Lives
When government departments, agencies, and Ministers lend their ears to grassroots representatives, policies become more refined, wiser choices are made, implementation is effective, and taxpayers’ funds are spent responsibly.
Close the Gap, and Build Bridges
The journey of ‘closing the gap’ between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous people is made with dialogue, understanding, and meeting socioeconomic targets. The Indigenous Voice is a conduit for ideas, innovations, and practical solutions that can vastly improve their health, education, employment, and housing. It is a positive step toward unity, progress, and shared prosperity.
Embrace Diversity, Embody Inclusivity, and Ensure Transparency
The Voice embodies the rich tapestry of First Peoples, incorporating the wisdom of Elders and women, the vitality of youth, and the resilience of the differently abled. It would consult with regional entities and grassroots communities to ensure its representations are informed by their experience. It would also be subject to standard governance and reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability.
Pave the way for Reconciliation
With the Australian Government having apologised in 2008 for the past injustices, the ongoing inequalities can be remedied by listening to the Voice. It’s a pragmatic first step for healing the wounds, truth-telling, and working towards a Treaty.
Work alongside existing organizations and traditional structures
The Voice is all about giving independent advice, and the Parliament and Government will have the final say on its composition, functions and powers.
The Voice will help First Peoples take the rightful place in their own country.
It will take nothing away from the Australian people.
Let us think with our heart and do the right thing.
Vote ‘YES’
Dr Lionel Bopage
President
Mr Antony Gratian
Secretary
For Australian Advocacy for Good Governance in Sri Lanka
The Ministry of Technology in Sri Lanka has announced the commencement of the “DIGIECON 2030” program, a significant initiative aimed at accelerating the digital economic transformation of the country. This program, inspired by the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, is set to begin on October 11th and represents the first collaborative effort between the government and the private sector to execute a digital economy plan in Sri Lanka.
State Minister of Technology, Mr. Kanaka Herath, highlighted the potential of digital economics policies to bolster Sri Lanka’s economy significantly. During a media awareness discussion held at the Presidential Media Center on the 5th of this month, he emphasized the importance of this digital economic plan in positioning Sri Lanka competitively on the global economic stage. He also mentioned that workshops and conferences will be organized to educate the public about this digital economy plan.
State Minister Kanaka Herath further announced that the inauguration of the “DIGIECON 2030” program, in alignment with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s vision, will take place on the 11th of this month. This event is expected to be transformative, guiding Sri Lanka towards becoming a digital economy and formulating a comprehensive digital economic strategy for the country. The digital economy policy is already in place, with Mr. Anura Dissanayake, the Prime Minister’s Secretary, playing a pivotal role as the chairman of the committee responsible for its formulation.
These digital economic plans are poised to equip Sri Lanka to meet the challenges of the global economic landscape, potentially paving the way for a strong Sri Lankan economy in the next decade.
Currently, the digital economy contributes 4% to the country’s GDP, and there are plans to increase this figure to 15% by 2030. The official launch of this program is scheduled for October 11th, accompanied by 23 conferences and workshops. Private institutions actively participating in this endeavor have been acknowledged for their support.
Prominent speakers at the event included Additional Secretary of the Ministry of State for Technology, MPNM. Wickramasinghe; Prasad Samarawickrama, the Project Director of DIGIECON 2023-2030; Jehan Perinpanayagam, President of the Sri Lanka Association for Software Services Companies (SLASSCOM); Indika de Soyza, President of the Federation of Information Technology Industry Sri Lanka (FITIS); Ajantha Athukorala, President of the Computer Society of Sri Lanka (CSSL); Professor Ranjith Dissanayake; Dr. Nilanthi Fernando, Director General of National Engineering Research & Development Centre (NERDC); and Mr. Alenzo Doll, President of the British Computer Society.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the United States of America with a grand reception featuring cultural performances and esteemed guests. The event took place on September 27, with the Chief Guest being M.U.M. Ali Sabry, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. The occasion was hosted by Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe.
The event welcomed a distinguished gathering, including special invitees from various U.S. government departments such as the White House, Departments of State, Defense, Treasury, and Commerce. Representatives from the IMF/World Bank, members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the Sri Lankan community, represented by several associations from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, were also in attendance.
Ambassador Samarasinghe, in his opening remarks, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the U.S.A. and Sri Lanka, tracing its history back to before Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. He expressed optimism about the future, hoping for the relationship to strengthen further in the coming decades.
Clinton D. White, Counsellor of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), shared insights into the history of development cooperation between Sri Lanka and USAID, dating back to 1956. He emphasized the areas in which USAID is actively involved in Sri Lanka and expressed the intention to enhance cooperation to help the country overcome its current economic challenges.
Ambassador Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, representing the U.S. Department of State, highlighted the role of young people in both societies in fostering better understanding and goodwill for future bilateral relations.
Guest of Honour Chris Van Hollen, United States Senator for Maryland and Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke about his personal connections to Sri Lanka and praised the contributions of Sri Lankan Americans to the United States. He looked forward to the continued growth of the multi-dimensional relations.
Foreign Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry delivered the keynote speech, expressing gratitude for the support provided by various U.S. government agencies to Sri Lanka. He noted that 2023 also marked the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule and outlined national priorities, including economic recovery and reconciliation, where the United States has made significant contributions over the years.
The event featured captivating cultural performances that showcased the rich cultural diversity of Sri Lanka. It was led by renowned Sri Lankan artiste Jananath Warakagoda and his team, with performances by the Natamu School of Traditional Sri Lankan Dance, Serendib Dance, and dancer Achila Perera.
The Sri Lankan Embassy expressed its gratitude to sponsors, including the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAFSL), for their support in organizing the event and producing a commemorative souvenir. Basilur Tea provided attractive gift packs to the attendees. The year 2023 has seen numerous events celebrating the special friendship between Sri Lanka and the United States, and the Embassy was able to organize these events without government funding, thanks to the generosity of various individuals and organizations, including Sri Lankan Americans.
