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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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Fuel prices upped

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The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has announced a revision of fuel prices, effective from midnight today (June 30).

The price of Petrol 92 Octane has been increased by Rs. 12 to Rs. 305 per litre, while the price of Kerosene has been increased by Rs. 07 to Rs. 185 per litre. The price of Auto Diesel has also been increased by Rs. 15, bringing it to Rs. 289 per litre.

However, the prices of Petrol 95 Octane and Super Diesel remain unchanged, according to Ceypetco.

The new fuel prices are as follows:

• Petrol Octane 92 – Rs. 305 (increased by Rs. 12)
• Auto Diesel – Rs. 289 (increased by Rs. 15)
• Kerosene – Rs. 185 (increased by Rs. 7)
• Petrol Octane 95 – Rs. 341 (not revised)
• Super Diesel – Rs. 325 (not revised)

Meanwhile, Lanka IOC has also revised retail fuel prices to match Ceypetco prices.

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“Sri Lanka, only Asian country currently holding talks to revise Trumps’ tariffs”

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Sri Lanka is the only country in the Asia region currently holding discussions with officials in the United States to revise the tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.

Joining the Parliamentary debate today (30), where MPs are debating the fiscal strategy statement of the government, the Deputy Minister of Economic Development stated that they are hopeful the government will be able get a better deal from the US regarding the 44% tariff imposed earlier this year.

A Sri Lankan delegation last month held discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

The reciprocal tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump has been paused for 90 days at present.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando in Parliament stated that the government will take all steps within their powers to reduce the tariffs imposed by the US which will have a major bearing on many local industries.

The Deputy Minister while the government is taking such important steps to safeguard local companies, the opposition is only focused on jeopardizing the work of the present administration

(adaderana.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Indian officials extend US visit to iron out trade deal, sources say

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Officials from India will extend their Washington visit to try to reach agreement on a trade deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration and address lingering concerns on both sides, two Indian government sources said on Monday.

Trade talks between India and the U.S. have hit roadblocks over disagreements on import duties for auto components, steel, and farm goods, ahead of Trump’s July 9 deadline to impose reciprocal tariffs.

The Indian delegation had been expected to conclude discussions by last Friday, but was staying on until at least Monday evening to iron out differences and move towards an agreement, officials said, declining to be named as the discussions are private.

“There are certain disagreements over opening up the agriculture and dairy sectors, though India has offered tariff concessions on 90% of tariff lines. A final call will be taken by the political leadership of the two countries,” one of the government sources said.

“The Indian delegation could stay for another one to two days if discussions continue,” the second source said.

India’s commerce ministry and the U.S. Trade Representative Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Agriculture and dairy are “big red lines” for India in its ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told the Financial Express newspaper in an interview published on Monday.

“Yes, I’d love to have an agreement, a big, good, beautiful one; why not?” Sitharaman said, adding that an early conclusion of the trade deal would serve India better.

Trump said last week that America was going to have a “very big” trade deal with India, but gave no details.

(Reuters)

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