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Hindi Chair established at Sabaragamuwa campus

Published

2 years ago

January 13, 2023

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High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay undertook his first visit to Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka (SUSL), Belihuloya on Wednesday (11).

During the visit, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. R.M.U.S.K. Rathnayake for the establishment of ICCR Chair of Hindi Language at the University.

The MoU will pave way for deputation of professors from India to teach Hindi language courses at the University.

The High Commissioner also announced the High Commissioner’s Gold Medal for the best performing student under the newly-established ICCR Hindi Chair. He felicitated winners of Hindi Kavita (poetry) competition organized by the University in collaboration with the Assistant High Commission of India, Kandy.

The High Commissioner was also the Chief Guest at the first International Conference on Social Sciences and Languages (ICSSL) organized by the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, SUSL. ICSSL is an open forum for academics, researchers, students and professionals for presenting their research findings in the Social Sciences and Languages domains. The High Commissioner and the Vice Chancellor jointly launched the online portal of first ICSSL on the occasion.

In his remarks as the Chief Guest, the High Commissioner listed out India’s achievements in sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals. Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he underlined that important steps towards sustainability such as reuse, recycle, re-design, remanufacture etc have been a part of India’s cultural ethos. Highlighting that Sri Lanka has abundant renewable energy potential, he mentioned that India will continue to invest in Sri Lanka to generate more power from sustainable sources of energy. He also pledged the High Commission’s continued support to the University.

Education has been a key area of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Recently, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras has commenced extension of their Masters Courses in Sri Lanka Technical Campus. In addition, hundreds of fully-funded scholarships are offered to Sri Lankan students, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral studies across disciplines every year. Financial assistance schemes are separately offered to students from economically weaker sections pursuing their studies in Sri Lanka.

News

Agreement signed with Sinopec to construct oil refinery in H’tota (Video)

Published

1 hour ago

January 16, 2025

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During President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s four-day state visit to China, Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone by securing the largest foreign direct investment to date. This significant achievement was formalized this morning (16) with the signing of an agreement between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec, a leading Chinese international petroleum corporation.

Under this $3.7 billion investment, a state-of-the-art oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels will be constructed in the Hambantota region. A substantial portion of the refinery’s output is planned for export, further enhancing the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.

This major investment from China is expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic growth while uplifting the livelihoods of low-income communities in the Hambantota area. Moreover, the benefits of this project are anticipated to positively impact the overall Sri Lankan population in the near future.

The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake and Director General of Government Information H. S. K. J. Bandara, alongside other dignitaries.

(President’s Media Division)

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Two gunned down near Mannar Court

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2025

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Two persons have been killed in a shooting incident in front of the Mannar Court around 9.20 a.m. today (Jan. 16).

Two more who were injured, have been admitted to the Mannar Hospital for treatment.

According to reports, the shooting was carried out by two assailants on a motorcycle.

News

President attends “Invest in Sri Lanka” session (Pics)

Published

3 hours ago

January 16, 2025

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President Anura Kumara Disanayake, who is currently on a four-day state visit to China, participated in the “Invest in Sri Lanka – Round Table Meeting 2025” held today (Jan. 16), the President’s Media Division states.

The event was organized by both public and private sector entities with the aim of promoting investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.The session was attended by a number of prominent Chinese companies, including China Tianying Inc. (CNTY), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., China Communications Construction Company Ltd., China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd., China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Energy International Group Company Ltd., and The Guangzhou Public Transport Group, among others, the PMD adds.

President Disanayake also engaged in cordial discussions with the leadership of these corporations.

The forum was attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, among others.