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UN & Japanese embassy supports Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference (Pics)

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The United Nations in Sri Lanka and the Embassy of Japan jointly supported the Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference, held on 27 and 28 January 2025. Commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Hill-country Tamil community’s arrival in Sri Lanka, the event celebrated their resilience and contributions while addressing pressing challenges faced by the community.

Organized by the Law and Society Trust in partnership with the Young Researchers Network, the conference brought together educators and young researchers from the Hill-country Tamil community. Over the past year, this initiative has cultivated a network of young teachers and researchers, predominantly women, who have been trained by senior academics to develop research on key issues including land rights, education access, employment, and gender equality.

The conference, which was attended by key stakeholders including the Coordinating Secretary to the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, showcased research that delves into the socio-economic challenges affecting the Hill-country Tamil community, including the ongoing impacts of Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. It served as a platform for dialogue, aiming to foster sustainable solutions and broader social change, particularly through improvements in education, housing, and working conditions.

“The Hill-country Tamil community exemplifies resilience, yet systemic barriers continue to hinder their progress. This conference is a vital step toward empowering this community through education and actionable research,” said Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka. “Through collaboration, we can ensure sustainable development that truly leaves no one behind.”

The Embassy of Japan emphasized its shared commitment with the United Nations to fostering resilience and inclusive growth. Mr. Kamoshida Naoaki, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka stressed the importance of human security and the empowerment of vulnerable communities including their access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. 

Both the United Nations and the Embassy of Japan reiterated their commitment to addressing the socio economic challenges faced by the hill country community and its sustainable development.  

“This participatory research initiative by young teachers and researchers will provide ideas for the continued development of education in the Hill Country. This includes support for educational infrastructure, training facilities for teachers, and relief to school children, particularly amidst the economic crisis,” said Dr. Ahilan Kadirgramar, a Senior Researcher supporting Young Researchers Network.The Malayaha Teachers’ Research Conference is a testament to the power of collaboration and grassroots leadership in driving sustainable development. By empowering young researchers and educators, the initiative lays the groundwork for lasting improvements within the Hill-country Tamil community.

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US embassy – NDDCB conducts training to combat synthetic drug threat

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), concluded a two-week regional training initiative focused on identifying and analyzing synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances, particularly fentanyl and its analogs – substances that have become an urgent global concern. 

The training culminated in a formal handover ceremony of drug testing equipment, where U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, and NDDCB Chairman Dr. Indika Wanninayake presided over the presentation of the Radian ASAP instrument to Sri Lankan authorities. 
As part of the U.S. Department of State-funded regional initiative, Upgrading Forensic Lab Capabilities, the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) has partnered with the Colombo Plan to strengthen synthetic drug detection across South Asia. Forensic professionals from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal participated in two weeks of intensive classroom and hands-on training in Colombo to prepare for the installation of advanced drug detection equipment in their national laboratories. 

Each country will receive a Radian ASAP drug testing machine—a compact, cutting-edge system designed for rapid, high-confidence screening of synthetic substances in under a minute. Requiring no complex sample preparation, this technology is ideally suited to detect emerging drug threats efficiently and bolster regional forensic capabilities. 

This initiative aligns with broader U.S. efforts to disrupt the supply chains of synthetic opioids worldwide, reflecting recent White House executive actions taken to combat the global spread of fentanyl. In the United States, these substances have been declared a national emergency, with focused measures to block precursor chemicals and hold illicit producers accountable. 

During the handover ceremony of the drug testing equipment, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell stated: “The United States is confronting the fentanyl crisis at home and abroad because the threat knows no borders. That’s why we’re investing in regional partnerships like this one—to stop synthetic drugs before they take hold. Through this initiative, we’re not only sharing advanced tools and training, we’re reinforcing a shared commitment to public health and regional security. This work reflects broader U.S. efforts to disrupt global synthetic opioid supply chains and protect communities across the Indo-Pacific.” 

Equipment donations to labs in Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal are scheduled to follow. The U.S. remains committed to strengthening the region’s ability to detect and disrupt synthetic drug flows through technical cooperation and capacity building.

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SLTB to recruit female drivers and conductors

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The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) is to recruit drivers and conductors on a contract basis, the state owned ‘Daily News’ reports.

According to the report, there are 425 vacancies for male drivers and 25 female drivers will also be recruited.

There are 275 vacancies for male conductors and 25 female conductors will also be recruited compulsorily, the report adds.

The report further notes : 

This endeavour aims to strengthen the public transport service, which is currently operational with over 25,000 employees in 107 depots across the country. A newspaper advertisement was published yesterday with the deadline for applications being July 31.
Applicants are required to present their original School Leaving Certificate (Student’s Progress Report) and other educational certificates at the interview.

The SLTB emphasised that incomplete or non-compliant applications will be rejected.

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Welfare Benefits Board Chairman resigns?

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The Chairman of the Welfare Benefits Board (WBB) – the body responsible for distributing the ‘Aswesuma’ benefit, has submitted his resignation to the Ministry of Finance, state owned newspaper ‘Silumina’ reports.

Retired special grade officer of Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) – Mr. Jayantha Wijeratne was recommended for the post by the then President in Aug. 2023.

Following the  approval of the Constitutional Council, the appointment was made through letter PED/S/BDA/2022 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization & National Policies.

Meanwhile, 299,532 beneficiaries have been selected for the second phase of the ‘Aswesuma’ program.

Appeals and objections will be accepted until July 21.

(Source: Silumina)

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