News

KDU to host 18th International Research Conference

Published

2 weeks ago

July 5, 2025

editor

The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) proudly announces the 18th edition of its prestigious International Research Conference (KDU IRC-2025), set to take place on the 30th of September and 1st of October 2025 at the university premises.

Themed “Bridging Frontiers: Interdisciplinary Research for Sustainable Progress,” this flagship academic event has established itself as a premier platform that unites researchers, academics, professionals, and policymakers across diverse disciplines. The conference aims to foster meaningful dialogue and present cutting-edge research addressing pressing global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

The KDU IRC 2025 welcomes submissions across a broad spectrum of fields, including Defence and Strategic Studies, Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Built Environment and Spatial Sciences, Computing, Engineering, Medicine, Basic and Applied Sciences, and Allied Health Science.

Researchers are invited to submit extended abstracts or full papers that align with the designated conference tracks, contributing to the vibrant academic discourse.

Academic staff and researchers from universities and institutions are encouraged to participate actively in this forum by submitting their papers by the deadline of 7th July 2025.

Participation from universities and research institutions will play a pivotal role in the success of the conference, strengthening ties between academia and professional sectors. KDU looks forward to welcoming scholars and professionals from Sri Lanka and around the world to engage in this collaborative effort toward sustainable development.

For more information and submission guidelines, interested researchers are encouraged to visit the official KDU website, www.kdu.ac.lk.

News

SJB establishes control of Seethawakapura UC

Published

5 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has established control of the Seethawakapura Urban Council.

At the council’s inaugural meeting held today (July 15), SJB candidate Sunil Jayaratne was elected Chairman through a secret ballot.

Ajith Wijayamuni Zoysa, who ran as an independent, secured the post of Deputy Chairman.

News

SL delegation leaving for US this week for tariff talks

Published

5 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

A Sri Lankan government delegation is scheduled to leave for the United States this Friday (July 18) to negotiate a further reduction in the tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports to the US, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said.

The Foreign Minister made this statement while speaking to the media following an event held in Colombo today (July 15).

A recent announcement made by the US President on July 09 saw the reduction of reciprocal tariff tariffs to 30% from the initially imposed 44%.

The new 30% tariff is scheduled to take effect on August 1, 2025.

Related News :

Sri Lanka hit with 30% US tariffs

US trade tariffs : GoSL to continue talks

News

Laws against shooting of wild jumbos, to be tightened

Published

11 hours ago

July 15, 2025

editor

A meeting was held today (July 15) at the Ministry of Environment with officials from the Department of Wildlife Conservation, aimed at tightening laws against the shooting of wild elephants.

The discussion was chaired by the Minister of Environment – Dr. Dammika Patabendi, along with the Deputy Minister of Environment – Anton Jayakody.

Noting that incidents of elephant shoots are regularly reported to the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Minister instructed the Director General of the Department to take the necessary steps to strictly enforce the law against such acts.

The discussion also focused on strengthening the process of punishing offenders by updating laws related to the killing of wild animals. It also emphasized enforcing strict laws against the illegal construction of electric fences on private lands, which often harm elephants.

To help reduce human-elephant conflict, the Ministry and the Department are working together on long-term, positive solutions. Accordingly, elephant fences are being built in districts with frequent elephant encounters.

Furthermore, multi-purpose officers have been recruited for the maintenance of these fences and the involvement of civil defense personnel is also being considered.

The Department of Wildlife Conservation announced that a special media briefing will be held in the coming days to inform the public on these initiatives.