Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma launching the Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting Project in Colombo yesterday. The project to digitalize Sri Lankan television broadcasting is carried out by the Ministry of Mass Media in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Former Media Minister and now Health Minister Dr.Keheliya Rambukwella and Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka MIZUKOSHI Hideaki too were among the gathering. Pictures by Rukmal Gamage
50,000 graduate trainees will be made permanent from the 3rd of January on the instructions of Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon. Steps were taken to recruit 60,000 graduates to the public service as soon as President Gotabhaya Rajapakse came in to power. Accordingly they have been sent for training. 50,000 out of them who underwent training for one year will be made permanent from the 03rd of January while the rest will be made permanent from the 1st of April in the public service
On the golden artificial beach in Colombo’s Port City, the Sri Lankan SanjeewaAlwis was earnestly “building” a sandcastle model similar to the financial center building that will be built in Port City.
Noticing Alwis’ “masterpiece” on the beach, three Sri Lankan kids playing by the sea rushed to him to jointly build the sandcastle.
While listening to Alwis, who talked about the sandcastle that was “piled up” from the sea, one curious girl asked: “Can a city be ‘piled’ in the sea? What will this city rising from the sea look like in the future?”
Alwis, who is a project engineer working at China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC)’s Port City Colombo project, has been working here for five years.
The Port City Colombo project, located near Colombo’s central business district, is a large-scale investment project jointly developed by the CHEC and the Sri Lankan government. It is regarded as a model of cooperation between China and Sri Lanka in jointly building the Belt and Road.
Alwis has witnessed the construction of the project since it began. He went to China to study electrical engineering and automation for six years at Tsinghua University in the 1980s.
“I am very proud to be working as part of a Port City project, to (help) build my home country with the knowledge I have got from China,” said Alwis.
In the early stage of construction, one of his tasks was to coordinate with relevant departments of the Colombo government.
To ensure the smooth progress of the project, the construction site needed at least two water sources. With Alwis’ efforts, the project finally got the sources. “Whatever we are doing now will be a sample of Sri Lanka’s future,” he said.
In January 2019, the reclamation project was completed.
“The completion of the reclamation project not only marks the progress made in the overall construction of the Port City project, but is also a demonstration of Chinese solutions and technologies on the world stage,” said ZhengHao, deputy project manager of CHEC’s Port City Colombo project.
With the completion of land reclamation, a series of new facilities have been built, including a central park, an artificial beach, a sports training center, a marina and a footbridge.
“Port City Colombo is the most promising project for our country,” said SonalaGunawardana, chairman of the National Library of Sri Lanka.
TharakaSamarasingha, a young Sri Lankan photographer, said that “I am proud of the expansion of our territory after land reclamation, which will be one of the most important parts of our children’s future.” Enditem
A massive digitalization project to transform Sri Lankan television into the world’s most advanced technology will be launched in Colombo tomorrow (28).
There is an urgent need to launch the Digital Broadcasting Project, a major revolution in the transformation of the current television broadcasting system (Analogue) in Sri Lanka through outdated technology into the world’s most advanced technology.
The Health Minister has taken measures to make vaccination card mandatory. The health ministry said the COVID vaccine card will be compulsory for people who visit public places from the 1st of January.
The ministry added the decision was taken to make the vaccine card compulsory due to people not adhering to COVID health guidelines and acting unwisely. Ministry said the people should keep the COVID vaccine card with them or should keep a copy or keep a copy of the digital vaccine card with the QR code from the date.
316 More SLMA-Groomed Officers for Nation-Development Tasks Receive Commissions as 2nd Lieutenants from President
The Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa on Sunday (19) wore ceremonial garbs one more time and adorned the shoulders of 316 more brave sons and daughters of the country with insignia of the President’s Commission when they proudly passed out in a glittering spectacle after completion of their military training amidst greetings and best wishes of the highest security arsenal of the island, HE the President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva and the cream of Senior Tri Service Officers.
The day’s itinerary for the 96th Passing out Parade (POP) commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, HE the President, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces who was accorded a drive past Guard Turnout at the entrance to the SLMA premises.
Afterwards, HE the President was invited to the SLMA War Memorial for wreath-laying in the company of the Commander of the Army and the SLMA, Commandant, Brigadier Nalinda Niyangoda before the Parade honoured the President in conformity with military traditions. Not forgetful of invaluable past sacrifices of fallen War Heroes, the Chief Guest for the occasion laid a floral tribute to the SLMA war memorial in the premises at first and paid his solemn respect to their memory after he was warmly received by the Secretary Defence and Commander of the Army on arrival, together with the SLMA Commandant.
The Passing out Parade (PoP) ceremony of those 316 Officer Cadets, including Ladies, considered as the most eagerly event of their career after sustained training according to their intakes assumed greater significance with the presence of the Head of State as the Chief Guest and was dignified by the presence of the top brass of the country's security apparatus.
As the Chief Guest was entering the parade square, precisely by colourfully-dressed Army bands with their rhythmic beats and associated formalities, heralded the formal inauguration of the most central segment of the commissioning ceremony where new Cadet Officers, received their symbolic and ornamental swords as graduation from the day’s Chief Guest, HE the President and other dignitaries, symbolizing the official commissioning.
The climax of the day’s event got underway then with the presentation of the salute to the Chief Guest by new graduates in the colourful parade.
The parade, commanded by Major R.A.A Ranawaka, together with Captain B.A.P.D.A Bamunusinghe as the Parade’s Second in Command and the Academy Sergeant Major (ASM), Warrant Officer-1 W.P.D.R Weerasinghe was staged in a spectacular setting, cooled by salubrious climatic conditions. Sunday’s ceremony at Diyatalawa saw 73 Officer Cadets in the Regular Intake 89, 13 Officer Cadets in the Regular Intake 90, 150 Officer Cadets in the Regular Intake 89 Bravo (Intake 32,33,35 of Kotelawala Defence University), 1 Lady Officer Cadet in Regular Lady Officer Cadets Intake 18 (A), 60 Officer Cadets in the Volunteer Officer Cadet Intake 61 (V), 15 Lady Officer Cadets in the Volunteer Lady Officer Cadet Intake 17 thus received their prestigious commissions before they are formally deployed for service across the island as 2nd Lieutenants.
Those Cadet Officers who underwent the SLMA training upon receipt of their commissions in the formal PoP will take up duties around the country to serve as dedicated sons for nation-building challenges and tasks as true protectors and defenders of the nation.
A brief address by the Chief Guest to the occasion a few minutes later culminated the first leg of the day’s ceremony.
All the graduates had the rare distinction of posing for a group photograph with the Chief Guest, HE the President, Secretary Defence and the Commander of the Army on the same occasion. HE the President added memories of his visit to this military academy by planting a sapling in the compound. Before his departure from the SLMA premises, HE the President was honoured awarding a special memento and inviting him to leave his compliments in the Visitors' Book at the SLMA Cadet Mess.
The First Lady, Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa, Chairperson, Ministry of Defence - Seva Vanitha Unit (MoD-SVU), Mrs Chithrani Gunaratne, Major General Vikum Liyanage, Chief of Staff, Major General Sampath Kotuwegoda, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Channa Weerasuriya, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Sujeewa Nelson were also among the invitees. Retired military veterans, Senior Officers, parents and well-wishers, relatives of Cadet Officers and distinguished invitees witnessed the day's colourful main highlights.
Following are the Best achievers in respective Intakes :
Regular Officer Cadet Intake 89 :
Award for the First in Order of Merit : Battalion Under Officer C.M.M Rukshan
Award for the Sword of the Honour : Battalion Under Officer C.M.M Rukshan
Regular Officer Cadet Intake 89 B:
Award for the First in Order of Merit: Platoon Under Officer R.T.L.A Silva
Award for the Sword of the Honour : Company Under Officer H.E.A Ranjula
Regular Officer Cadet Intake 90:
Award for the First in Order of Merit: Company Under Officer T.R.C.D Ratnayake
Award for the Sword of the Honour : Company Under Officer T.R.C.D Ratnayake
Volunteer Officer Cadet Intake 60 :
Award for the First in Order of Merit: Officer Cadet A.M.D.T.N Perera
Award for the Sword of the Honour : Officer Cadet A.M.D.T.N Perera
Volunteer Lady Officer Cadet Intake 17 :
Award for the First in Order of Merit: Platoon Under Officer H.A.T Prabashwari
Honoury Stick for the Best Foreign Officer Cadet Award :
Platoon Under Officer A Adam of Republic of Maldives
- SL Army
Press Release Controlled relaxation of public and work activities from 16 Dec to 31 Dec 2021
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait, in collaboration with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL)and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), organized a webinar on 6 December, 2021 with the objective of enhancing trade and investment between the two countries.
Beginning the meeting, Musab Al-Nisf of the KCCI, who moderated the event, briefed the participants on the general business environment in Kuwait and explained the process of
entering the Kuwait market.
Addressing the participants, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Kuwait Mohammed Jauhar highlighted the importance of trade relations between the two countries, noting that the
relations predate the establishment of formal diplomatic relations. He urged the Kuwaiti business community to help to train Sri Lankans for employment in unskilled and semi-
skilled categories, while commending the Sri Lankan workforce in Kuwait for being efficient and trustworthy employees. The Ambassador also took the opportunity to promote Sri
Lanka’s touristic attractions, which are ranked among the top travel destinations worldwide, and invited the participants to visit Sri Lanka.
President of the NCCSL Buddika Nandipala expressed hope that the webinar would enhance relations between the business communities of both countries, following the signing of
the MOU between the two chambers in January, 2020.
Chairman & Chief Executive of the SLEDB Suresh De Mel enlightened the gathering on products and services available for export. The SLEDB has been working with the
Embassy to promote Sri Lanka’s exports to Kuwait and helped host the webinar.
Executive Director of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka Prasanjith Wijayatilake presented, in detail, investment opportunities in Sri Lanka as well as the benefits Sri Lanka
provides to potential investors.
Fidah Homoud Alrashidi of the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition of Kuwait informed the participants on the opportunities available for the Sri Lankan community in the
food and nutrition sector.
Over 60 participants from the private sector in both the countries took part at the event, while arrangements were made for simultaneous B2B meetings. Counsellor of the Embassy
of Sri Lanka Kethma Rajapaksha Yapa coordinated the organization of the webinar.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Kuwait
“Born in Sri Lanka – Ceylon Cinnamon” was the title of a virtual event conducted last week in Melbourne, with the participation of a panel of experts and businessmen in the field, for the promotion of Ceylon Cinnamon in the Australian states of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
The purpose of the event was to reinvigorate market enthusiasm for Ceylon Cinnamon in Australia by bringing forth new information on various export products of Ceylon Cinnamon manufactured in Sri Lanka, and the process of their export to Australia, with special focus on Australian regulations and market dynamics.
The presenters provided an array of information and insights on the topic. It was noted that Sri Lanka, as the largest producer and exporter of ‘true cinnamon’ to the world with more than 80% of world cinnamon production, has earned 56% of the total earnings of $335Mn from spices in 2020 solely from cinnamon. The current cinnamon production capacity of 21,000Mt, with export quantity of 19,000Mt, has the potential for expansion up to 25,000 - 30,000Mt a year. The nation branding of Sri Lankan spices, with a focus on cinnamon, provides a significant impetus in this direction. Cassia, which is inferior in quality and is produced by other countries, has become the major competitor for Ceylon Cinnamon in the international market. Presentations were made by Assistant Director of EDB Inoka Wanasinghe and General Manager of HDDE Sumith Ponnamperuma, while Consul General Kapila Fonseka and the Director of Market Development of EDB Anoma Premathilaka delivered the opening remarks.
It was revealed that only a quarter of cinnamon consumption in Australia is from Ceylon Cinnamon, and that there is a tremendous potential of growth for Ceylon Cinnamon in the Australian market. Speaking about the Australian standards and regulatory requirements, the International Business Development Manager of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eddie Zhao explained Australia’s strict bio-security rules. He stated that some products may be subjected to import conditions or may require the submission of supporting documentation to relevant Australian authorities, while some may even require import permits. The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, which is the responsible authority in this regard, can be reached through its website www.awe.gov.au.
Proprietor of Citro Essential Australia Upul Kularatne briefed the audience on his personal experience in importing cinnamon products from Sri Lanka to Australia. He advised potential new importers and exporters to obtain consultations from custom clearance agents in Australia and to further their knowledge on the Australian bio security requirements prior to commencing trading with Australia.
The highlight of the event was a demonstration by the Sri Lankan singing chef in Australia Don Sherman during which he prepared traditional Sri Lankan cuisine using Ceylon Cinnamon as an ingredient.
Importers in Australia, exporters in Sri Lanka, members of the Consular Corps and the Sri Lankan media fraternity participated in the webinar, which was jointly organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Melbourne and the Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Australia-Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and the Australia-Sri Lanka Business Council. This event was the most recent from a series of trade promotional events organized by the Consulate General.
Consulate General of Sri Lanka
Melbourne
The advisory committee on vaccines has given its approval to give Pfizer Vaccine to children between 12 and 15 years. Health Ministry said a decision has been taken to give the second dose for children between 16 and 18 years. Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath said that vaccination program will commence soon.
Meanwhile, State Minister Channa Jayasumana said the third dose of Pfizer vaccination will commence today in Colombo for those who are over 20 years of age. Therefore, the relevant age group should make maximum use of this opportunity and get the vaccination at the first instance. The third dose vaccination will protect the people from Omicron virus.
The pregnant mothers are also advised to get the third dose vaccination as soon as possible. This will not only protect them from Corona virus but also reduces the severity of the other complications.
Making a reality of the Government’s Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, the Ministry of Mass Media implements the ‘AsiDisi’ Accidents and Medical Insurance Scheme’ with the intention of making a fit and healthy Media Professional as part of government’s responsibility to create a undisturbed environment for their profession.
The insurance coverage named 'Journalists' Protection of Prosperity', which is the first such insurance schemes implemented in Sri Lanka, will be presented to the selected beneficiaries at a ceremony headed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and with the participation of Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma at Temple Trees at 10.00 a.m. on December 2, 2021.
This premium-free insurance scheme covers hospitalization, OPD treatment, critical illnesses, accidents, hearing aids and spectacles and Covid-19 related treatments.
Out of all the 3,000 selected beneficiaries, only 98 will be symbolically presented with insurance coverage on this occassion.
Hon. Ministers, Hon.Parliamentarians, Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Jagath P. Wijeweera and several other media officials will be present on this occassion.
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Russia organized the “Sri Lanka Day- 2021" jointly with the Russian State Library (RSL) at the conference hall of the Center for Oriental Literature of the RSL on 23 November 2021 with a view to promote Sri Lankan culture, Ceylon tea, tourism and a range of Sri Lankan products.
The event featured insightful presentations on the culture, history, traditions and distinctive customs of Sri Lanka, Ceylon tea, amazing sights and attractions of the island delivered by the staff of the Embassy. A representative of SriLankan Airlines highlighted the ease of travel from Russia to Sri Lanka with the resumption of direct flights and relaxation of Visa process. The audience also treated with a colourful collection of traditional Sri Lankan dances, Sinhala songs performed by the Russian youth and students of the Sinhala course conducted by the Embassy and a fashion show including batik dresses and Sri Lankan wedding costumes.
The event was attended by around 50 guests representing culture, trade, tourism, tea – related spheres as well as Russian media, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Russia Prof. Janitha A. Liyanage, Deputy Director of the RSL Natalya Samoilenko and Deputy Director of the Center for Oriental Literature of the RSL Mikhail Milanyin. Since due to the pandemic restrictions the admission to the site was restricted, those who could not visit the event were able watch it online through the Embassy social media.
In the course of event, the Embassy donated a number of cultural items, which were received from the National Crafts Council, to the State Museum of Oriental Arts and to the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera). Russian books translated to Sinhala to Russian were also donated to the State Library and the Center for Oriental Literature of the RSL.
The exhibition included books of the Russian State Library collection of Sinhala, Tamil, Russian and English, published in Sri Lanka, in the USSR, Russia and other countries of the world. The exhibition is open for the readers of the library from 23 to 30 November 2021, It includes more than fifty publications, including novels and stories by the outstanding Sri Lankan writer Martin Wickramasinghe.
The Embassy provided for the exhibition numerous objects of culture and everyday life of Sri Lanka: traditional dresses, wooden masks used in rituals and theatrical performances, musical instruments, jewelry and boxes, brass items, batik paintings, etc.
The Embassy highly appreciates the input of everyone who helped to bring the initiative of the “Sri Lankan Day – 2021” to a reality.
− Administration of the Russian State Library and the Center for Oriental Literature;
− Students of the Folk vocal studio «Azure sapphire» from the Marfino Center for Leisure and Culture;
− Sri Lankan students, who performed traditional and national dances and model show of batik dresses;
− Interns of the Embassy who supported for the model show of batik dresses;
− Russian students of the online Sinhala course, who performed a song in Sinhala;
− All Sri Lankan and Russian volunteers;
− All sponsors of the event, etc.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Moscow
163, Asi Disi Medura, Kirulapone Mawatha, Polhengoda,
Colombo 05. Sri Lanka
011-2513 459, 011-2513 460,
011-2512 321, 011-2513 498
