Minister and Deputy Head of Mission – Mr. Katsuki, Embassy of Japan launched a Sewing & Training Centre with Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment – Manusha Nanayakkara in Galle District on Oct.15th October, 2022.
The Sewing & Training Centre opened through the support by the Government of Japan with approximately 1.7 million USD and jointly implemented by IOM under the “The Project for Supporting the Socioeconomic Reintegration of Sri Lankan Migrant Workers Repatriated due to the COVID-19 Outbreak,” in order to support the socio-economic development and harmonious integration of migrant returnees.
This project aims to reduce vulnerability of migrant returnees and to support them to be socially reintegrated by encouraging skill development with special focus on women and youth. This Sewing & Training Centre will be one of various components of the project which will be implemented across the country. Through this project, migrant returnees will have opportunities to develop their socio-economic skills and entrepreneurship. In addition to this centre, other 21 projects to uplift the livelihoods of migrant returnees and host communities will be set up in 9 districts of Sri Lanka.
This year, Japan and Sri Lanka mark the 70th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations. During the past seven decades, Japan has been providing extensive support throughout the islands to help enhance peace and socioeconomic development in Sri Lanka, including livelihood improvement and empowerment of the people. In this year itself, Japan has so far provided a total of approximately 36.5 Million USD as grant assistance under immediate, mid- and long-term assistance, addressing the urgent needs while enhancing capacity and potentiality of the people of Sri Lanka for further growth.
People and the Government of Japan sincerely hope that this center will provide facilities and programs to develop practical working skills that would eventually expand the future opportunities for migrant workers in Sri Lanka.
Leading expert in Allergy, Immunology and Molecular Medicine – Professor Chandima Jeewandara has recommended handwashing and mask wearing for individuals feeling unwell, stating that it would be key in mitigating the spread of Covid-19.
On a X thread, Prof. Jeewandara had shared this advice as the new COVID-19 variant – NB.1.8.1, is causing a rise in cases worldwide.
“The symptoms associated with NB.1.8.1 are broadly similar to earlier COVID-19 strains, including sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches, and nasal congestion. Notably, hoarseness has emerged as a common symptom distinguishing it from earlier variants,” Prof. Jeewandara has said.
“Current data suggests that NB.1.8.1 does not lead to more severe illness compared to previous variants. Most infections are mild, especially among vaccinated individuals,” he adds.
“While the emergence of NB.1.8.1 is notable, there is currently no cause for alarm. Continued vigilance and adhere to public health guidelines MOH,” he further notes.
The first consignment of imported coconut milk under the Government’s raw material importation programme is scheduled to undergo clearance and laboratory testing today (31), as part of a coordinated initiative by the Plantation Industries Ministry.
This initiative, approved by the Cabinet, aims to supply essential raw materials to industries linked to the coconut sector, aiming to reduce domestic coconut prices and support local manufacturers. The consignment currently under clearance includes products equivalent to 200 million coconuts. They are in the forms of frozen coconut milk, coconut milk powder and chunked coconut with testa (non-copra), imported as part of the programme initiated in March 2025. The stock will be used primarily in the coconut milk powder industry, which has been facing raw material shortages. The Plantation Industries Ministry expects this move to reduce the pressure on local coconut supplies and contribute to a drop in retail coconut prices.
(dailynews.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailynews.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)
The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development states that reports circulating on social media about the possible closure of the Sevanagala Sugar Factory are false.
The ministry adds that neither the government nor Lanka Sugar Company (Pvt) Ltd. (LSCPL) has discussed such a move.
The ministry further states that the Sevanagala Sugar Factory, which operated at a loss under the previous government, is now continuing operations under a new marketing plan and has begun implementing measures to transform it into a profitable institution.