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.
Veteran Actress Malini Fonseka, widely revered as the “Queen of Sri Lankan Cinema,” passed away this morning (May 24) at the age of 78 while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Colombo.
Born on April 30, 1947, in Kelaniya as Wanni Arachchige Malani Senehelatha Fonseka, she later rose to fame in Sri Lankan cinema under the name Malani Fonseka.
Fonseka began her acting career on stage in 1963 and made her cinematic debut in 1968 with the film Punchi Baba.
She won the Most Popular Actress award in 1973 and has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award, Sarasavi Award, OCIC Award, and Sumathi Award, with several honors for Best Actress.
Plays such as Nidhanaya, Bambaru Awitha, Wekande Walawwa, Aradhana, and Ammawarune are regarded as outstanding works that showcased the acting talents of Malani Fonseka.
Beyond her artistic achievements, she entered politics in 2010 and served as a National List Member of Parliament until 2015.
The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has announced a 12-hour water cut from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday (May 25) in several areas, including Colombo, due to essential maintenance work at the Ambatale Water Treatment Plant.
Due to this, the public is urged to make prior arrangements and store an adequate supply of water to avoid inconvenience during the period of the suspension.
Accordingly, the water cut will affect the following areas:
The Ministry of Public Security states that investigations are underway to arrest 20 members of major organized crime gangs currently hiding overseas.
Minister Ananda Wijepala stated that Interpol has already issued red notices for their arrest and that the countries where these criminals are hiding have been identified.
He added that investigations into the group have been expanded in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Since the new government came to power, 11 members of organized crime gangs hiding abroad have been brought back to the island and produced before courts.
Meanwhile, operations to arrest members of organized crime gangs involved in various criminal activities, including murder and drug trafficking, within the country are also ongoing.
The Minister added that the Police Special Task Force and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are jointly conducting investigations into the allegations against them.