News

USAID & Open Uni. collaborate to offer 1st certificate program in Migration Law & Policy

Published

4 weeks ago

December 23, 2024

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The United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces the successful completion of the first certificate program in migration law and policy in Sri Lanka by 69 professionals who now have the tools and knowledge to take the fight against human trafficking back to their communities.

The six-month course was a joint effort between USAID’s “Empowering Civil Society to Combat Human Trafficking” project (ECCT) and the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). The SAFE Foundation implements ECCT. This course on migration and law marked the first ever collaboration between a civil society organization and a leading Sri Lankan university to provide a structured academic course.

The students, who included government officials, journalists, youth, volunteers, and members of civil society, studied migration laws and policies at the national level via the online course. Fifty of the students took the course in Sinhala and the remaining studied in Tamil. The students received their certificates on December 20 in a ceremony at the OUSL Department of Legal Studies in Nawala

“Human trafficking is a global problem but the fight against it starts locally, in every community,” said USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives Mission Director Gabriel Grau. “The United States is proud to partner with Sri Lankan institutions and local professionals on migration law and policy so they can work in their communities to encourage safe migration and stop human trafficking.”

The course covered topics that included migration and state responsibility in the context of international migration; the international legal framework to address human trafficking and smuggling; prevention of irregular migration practices; and the rights of victims, returnees, and reintegration. In addition to bringing the battle against trafficking to their communities, certification will increase the graduates’ confidence, enabling them to engage with government officials, private sector officials, and communities at divisional, district and national levels.

The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP) recognized progress in Sri Lanka toward fighting TIP, keeping the country at its Tier 2 status. But the report also urged the government of Sri Lanka to strengthen its efforts in prosecuting and investigating TIP crimes, and identifying TIP victims among migrant workers, among other actions.

News

SJB appoints committee for talks on working together with UNP

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

The Working Committee of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) has approved a proposal for discussions to work together with the United National Party (UNP).

Accordingly, a five-member committee, headed by SJB General Secretary – Ranjith Madduma Bandara, has been appointed for the discussions.

News

China pledges to back sovereignty, territorial integrity & independence of SL (Video)

Published

9 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (Jan. 16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.

During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation – Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China – Majintha Jayesinghe, were also present at the event.

(President’s Media Division)

BIZ

SL President holds talks with globally renowned Chinese companies (Pics)

Published

10 hours ago

January 16, 2025

editor

During his four-day state visit to China, President Anura Kumara Disanayake held a series of strategic discussions with several globally acclaimed leading Chinese corporations following his participation in an investment forum organized by both public and private sector entities in China.

Among the prominent companies involved in these discussions were the China Communications Construction Company Ltd (CCCC), China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd (MCC), Huawei and BYD Auto.

President Disanayake highlighted the investment opportunities available in Sri Lanka and assured these corporations that the government is committed to providing all necessary facilities and support to investors to foster a business-friendly environment.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath and Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake also participated in these significant engagements.

(President’s Media Division)