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Hindi Chair established at Sabaragamuwa campus

Published

1 year 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

Man arrested over selling overpriced Vadai to tourist

Published

7 hours ago

April 18, 2024

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The Tourist Police in Moragolla has arrested a man over selling an overpriced Vadai and tea to a foreign tourist in Kalutara.

Footage of the incident had sparked public ire after going viral online.

It has been revealed that the suspect is a 60 year old residing in Kalutara and is usually seen loitering near the eatery.

Police say that investigtations have revealed that he had duped foreigners visiting the eatery many times.

He is to be produced before the Kalutara Magistrate Court tomorrow (April 19).

It is also reported that officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) and the Moragolla Tourist police have also arrived at the eatery, and sternly advised the owner after questioning him.

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NPP’s 7-point statement on Easter attacks, presented to the Cardinal

Published

7 hours ago

April 18, 2024

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The National People’s Power (NPP) today (April 18) presented to Archbishop of Colombo – Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, their 7-point statement pledging to mete out justice to the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks.

The statement included key points such as implementing law against those responsible for the attacks so as to mete out justice to those who lost lives in the attacks and family members of the victims and to take action against those who were directly or indirectly involved in the attacks.

NPP members Professor Krishantha Abeysinghe, Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala, President’s Counsel Upul Kumarapperuma, Rohan Fernando and Aruna Shantha Nonis participated in the occasion.

News

IMF ready to support Sri Lanka’s discussions with bondholders

Published

8 hours ago

April 18, 2024

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) stands ready to support Sri Lanka’s discussions with international bondholders and will provide a formal assessment after the parties reach a tentative agreement-in-principle, an IMF spokesperson said on Thursday.

“We hope an agreement consistent with the parameters of the IMF-supported program and official creditors’ Comparability of Treatment requirements can be reached soon, ahead of completing the second review under the program,” the spokesperson said.

Sri Lanka said it failed to reach an agreement with bondholders to restructure about $12 billion debt earlier this week, raising concerns there could be a delay in the island nation receiving a third tranche of its $2.9 billion IMF program in June.

The government said one of the main stumbling blocks had been that the “baseline parameters” of the bondholders’ plan had not matched those embedded in its IMF program.

“We encourage both parties to continue their discussions swiftly,” the IMF statement added.

Sri Lanka will consult with the IMF to assess if the latest proposals discussed with bondholders were within the parameters of its bailout program.
The island nation defaulted on its foreign debt in May 2022 and kicked off negotiations with bilateral creditors several months later, eventually securing an agreement in principle with China, India and the Paris Club last November.

Sri Lanka plunged into its worst financial crisis since independence from the British in 1948 after its foreign exchange reserves fell to record lows in early 2022, leaving it unable to pay for essentials including fuel, cooking gas, and medicine.

(Reuters)