News
National Archives signs Universal Declaration on Archives
The National Archives of Sri Lanka (SLNA) will celebrate International Archives Day on 09 June by declaring its support for the Universal Declaration on Archives and committing to its dissemination. The declaration underscores the role that archives play in modern societies and promotes improved understanding and awareness of archives.
The occasion will be marked at a celebration on 09 June (Friday) at 2 pm at the auditorium of the National Archives. The chief guest at the event is Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayaka and the guest speakers are Nalaka Gunawardene, Tanuja Thurairajah and Nigel Nugawela. The National Archives welcomes the public to attend the event. Details for registration can be obtained by calling 0112696917 or visiting the Facebook and Twitter pages of the National Archives.
The Universal Declaration on Archives, which was developed by the International Council on Archives (ICA) and endorsed by UNESCO at its 36th General Conference in Paris in 2011, outlines the significance of archives in society and offers guidance on the efficient management, preservation, and access of archives. The Department of National Archives holds institutional membership of the ICA.
As the leading institution entrusted with the preservation and accessibility of Sri Lanka’s documentary heritage, the National Archives recognises the importance of the declaration in underlining the role of archives in society. By supporting the declaration, the National Archives reaffirms its dedication to preserving the nation’s history and ensuring that it is accessible to all. The declaration has been officially translated to Sinhala and Tamil and will be released on June 09.
“The Sri Lanka National Archives is proud to support the Universal Declaration on Archives,” stated Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe, Director General National Archives. “The principles espoused in the declaration epitomise our fundamental values of preserving and making accessible the historical records of our nation. By endorsing the declaration, we are reiterating our commitment to these values and demonstrating our solidarity with the global archives community.”
“The National Archives Act No. 48 of 1973 identified as a core function of the National Archives of Sri Lanka the preservation of evidential records in public authorities and private collections. Ensuring they remain trustworthy and accessible in accordance with the highest international standards continues to be key priorities for the National Archives,” she further said.
The Sri Lanka National Archives encourages other organisations and individuals to join in supporting the Universal Declaration on Archives and promoting the value of archives in society. Interested parties can sign the register on June 09 at the National Archives or sign the online register on www.ica.org.
The Sri Lanka National Archives is the official repository for archives of public authorities and significant private collections. It safeguards and preserves records of Sri Lanka’s administrative, legal, and cultural heritage dating back almost 400 years.
The United Nations has pledged US$4.5 million (LKR 1.38 billion) from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to strengthen Sri Lanka’s response to Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on 28 November.
The funds will enable the UN to rapidly scale up emergency food assistance, shelter support, and water, sanitation and hygiene services for the communities most severely affected by the floods and landslides that have impacted the country, the UN stated.
“This funding comes at a critical moment for Sri Lanka,” said Marc-André Franche, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka. “Cyclone Ditwah has upended lives across the country, and many families are still struggling to meet their basic daily needs. The UN was quick to provide support with urgent relief items and equipment.
We are working closely with the Government, civil society partners and the humanitarian community in Sri Lanka to ensure a coordinated response, guided by evidence and priority needs. This emergency funding will help us reach those most severely affected with the support they urgently need”, he said.
Communities across Sri Lanka are continuing to grapple with the widespread impacts of the cyclone,with thousands of families still displaced after extensive damage to housing and infrastructure.
Even as response efforts are underway, latest assessments indicate that the effects of the cyclone are broader and more severe than initially understood, leaving many communities in urgent need of sustained support to fully recover from Cyclone Ditwah.
The UN’s global emergency fund CERF enables rapid funding to humanitarian responders to help support life-saving, humanitarian activities in the initial stages of a sudden-onset crisis.
As the full scale of the devastation becomes clearer, the UN will expand its life-saving assistance to the hardest-hit communities through a broader Humanitarian Priorities Plan, expected to be announced this week.
The Navy headquarters yesterday announced that 2,086 personnel, including 17 officers and 2,069 senior and junior sailors, had been promoted and advanced to their next respective ranks and rates, on the occasion of the Sri Lanka Navy’s 75th anniversary, which fell yesterday (09 December).
The Navy said the promotions had been made on the recommendation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, in recognition of the dedication and service of those personnel.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said yesterday deaths due to Cyclone Ditwah had reached 638, and 191 disaster victims had gone missing.
Showers above 100 mm are likely at some places in the Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces
UN pledges US$4.5 mn for post-Ditwah relief
Over 2,000 SLN officers and men promoted to mark 75th anniversarymark 75th anniversary
Disaster death toll rises to 638
COPF examines NMRA regulations, NAO annual work programme, etc.
India-based Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre issued weather warning on 13 Nov.
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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