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SL’s first-ever certificate course in Hindi via open & distance learning, launched

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In a historic step toward promoting Hindi education in Sri Lanka, the country’s first certificate course in Hindi through open and distance learning was launched yesterday (Jan. 10).

The event  took place during the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan, organized by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, to mark the 50th-anniversary celebrations of World Hindi Day.
The certificate course, a collaborative initiative between the Open University of Sri Lanka and the SVCC, aims to make Hindi learning more accessible nationwide through the University’s Study Centers. The programme reflects the increasing demand for Hindi as an international language and marks a new milestone in academic cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

The course was launched by Mr. Santosh Jha – High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Dr. Madhura Seneviratne – Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education of Sri Lanka, Professor Kapila Seneviratne – Chairman of the University Grants Commission in Sri Lanka and Professor P. M. C. Thilakarathne -Vice-Chancellor of the Open University of Sri Lanka. 

The Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan was presided over by Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest, alongside High Commissioner. In his remarks, the Deputy Minister emphasised Hindi language as a “communication bridge” between the two countries. He also lauded the role of music and entertainment industry of India in popularising the language across the world.

The Hindi Sammelan saw over 400 scholars, teachers, and students from India, Sri Lanka and Nepal participating. The day-long event included three plenary sessions with 25 distinguished speakers, a poetry recital, cultural performances celebrating shared heritage, and an open forum on the role of Hindi in modern education. The celebrations concluded with the screening of the Bollywood film English Vinglish, marking the finale of the Indian Film Fest 2025.

World Hindi Day, observed annually on January 10, commemorates the language’s global recognition when Hindi was first spoken at the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. In Sri Lanka, Hindi is now taught in 88 schools and nine public universities, reflecting its growing popularity. The launch of the Hindi certificate course signifies a milestone in promoting Hindi learning in Sri Lanka, creating opportunities for linguistic exchange and strengthening ties between the two nations.

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No strike on the coastal railway line (Update)

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The Locomotive Operating Engineers Union has temporarily suspended its decision to withdraw from coastal train operations from 12 noheon today (June 06), following a discussion with the Railway General Manager this morning.  

The union, which was demanding a solution to the faulty signaling system on the coastal line, said it received a positive response during the meeting.  

 


(Previous news 2025 June 06 – 10.53.a.m.)

Train drivers to suspend coastal line operations today

Train drivers have decided to suspend coastal line operations from 12 noon today (June 06), citing unresolved issues with the signaling system between Panadura and Moratuwa.

According to Locomotive Operating Engineers Union General Secretary – Chandana Wiyanduwa, the decision follows a near-accident involving the Sagarika train yesterday (June 05), which was halted near Moratuwa, due to a broken rail track.

An individual had managed to alert the driver in time, preventing a possible tragedy.

The faulty signal system also led to a slow train from Panadura proceeding with a green light, unaware that another train was already on the same track and heading in the same direction, posing a serious safety risk.

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Mervyn Silva Indicted, subsequently bailed

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The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today (June 06) formally handed over an indictment to former Minister of Labour and Public Relations, Mervyn Silva, before the Colombo High Court.

The charges allege that Silva violated provisions of the Bribery Act by possessing assets – including properties, vehicles, and bank accounts – worth several crores of rupees, which are suspected to be disproportionate to his declared lawful income.

The indictment was presented before Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendi. Following the submission, the court ordered that the accused be released on bail.

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‘Aswesuma’ granted to 400,000 more families while another 420,000 families lose it

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The Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment says that an additional 400,000 families will receive the ‘Aswesuma’ relief allowance next month.

Minister Dr. Upali Pannilage stated that the selection process is at its final stages.

He also noted that benefits for 420,000 families in the transitional category have been suspended since last April.

Currently, 1.38 million families are receiving “Aswesuma” welfare benefits.

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