News

Japan & UN Women support women entrepreneurs in Mannar

Published

3 months ago

March 24, 2025

editor

In a continued effort to foster women’s economic empowerment, Mr. Kamoshida Naoaki, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, visited women entrepreneurs in Mannar district who have been supported through the project ‘Pathways to Peace: Realizing the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security in Sri Lanka’.

The project, implemented by UN Women in partnership with Chrysalis and with generous support from the Government of Japan, has been making significant progress in strengthening women-led businesses across conflict-affected areas, namely Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar and Mullaitivu.

With the assistance of 1.7 million USD by the Government of Japan, approximately 500 women entrepreneurs have successfully enhanced their capacity through a series of trainings in business planning, financial literacy, and product innovation. These targeted trainings have enabled them to refine their business models, further complemented by trainings to increase access to markets, and technology transfer to promote sustainability in their operations.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Kamoshida Naoaki, Minister / Deputy Head of Mission stated, “By equipping women with necessary skills and by unleashing their potentials, we could catalyze positive changes that reverberate across communities and could create a new driving force for economic growth. Japan remains committed to empowerment of women and sustainable, inclusive development of this country”.This collaboration builds on Japan’s longstanding commitment to gender equality and inclusive development and reflects shared priorities under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Women, Peace and Security Agenda. By creating pathways to economic empowerment, the initiative contributes to sustainable peace and development in Sri Lanka.

News

Tenders called for e-NIC project

Published

1 hour ago

July 2, 2025

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The Ministry of Digital Economy Affairs in Sri Lanka has said that Tenders have been called from Indian companies to develop Sri Lanka’s new digital National Identity Card (e-NIC).

Deputy Minister – Eranga Weeraratne stated that a 04 month period will be given for this process.

The Deputy Minister added that the new digital NIC is expected to be issued by mid-2026.

In January, Weeraratne had clarified that the government has decided to cover half of this cost through assistance from India to meet the financial burden.

News

Public consultation on renewable energy sector kicks off today

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) announced that a public consultation will be held today (July 02) to identify challenges faced by renewable energy developers in Sri Lanka.

The Commission stated that oral submissions from stakeholders will be gathered from 8.00 am – 4.00pm at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The public consultation is being held under the powers granted to the Commission by Section 17 of the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission Act, No. 35 of 2002.

Meanwhile, President of the Solar E P C Association (SEPCA) – Dr. Shyam Pathiraja has said that many stakeholders are expected to present their views on the crisis in the renewable energy sector.

On a related note, National People’s Power (NPP) MP – Ravindra Bandara claimed that the current government has not imposed any restrictions on renewable energy production.

Entertainment

Court order issued against ‘Eh Yaye’ song

Published

2 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The Commercial High Court has issued an interim injunction order, preventing popular artistes Romaine Willis and Mass Ramli Miskin (DJ Mass) from performing, reproducing and distributing the song ‘Eh Yaye’.

Colombo Commercial High Court Judge Priyantha Fernando issued the order after the Plaint filed under the Intellectual Property Act by popular singer Corrine Almeida.

The case also alleges that the musical composition and the lyrics of the song ‘Eh Yaye’ were substantially similar to the song ‘Api Natamu’.

Naming Willis and DJ Mass as defendants, the plaintiff Corrine Almeida had also stated that she is the owner of the copyright and economic rights to the musical composition and lyrics of her song titled “Api Natamu”.

The plaintiff instituted action in terms of the Intellectual Property Act, No. 36 of 2003 alleging that the musical composition and the lyrics of ‘Eh Yaye’ were substantially similar to the ‘Api Natamu’ song.

(Source : Dailymirror.lk)