News
Ceylon Business Appliances bridges Lanka’s digital divide
Ceylon Business Appliances (CBA), in partnership with Geekom, has launched a CSR initiative to provide under-resourced Sri Lankan schools with access to modern digital tools. The programme aims to support students and teachers by creating opportunities for digital learning in communities where access to technology remains limited.
On 22 July, CBA and Geekom donated Mini PCs to Baptist P.V. and Nelum Wessa Model Primary School in Kadawatha. A similar donation was later made to Ananda P.V. in Yabaraluwa, Malwana, equipping classrooms with technology that will support digital education.
For many students, this was their first direct interaction with a computer. The new resources are expected to transform both learning and teaching, introducing digital literacy to schools that previously lacked such facilities.
Speaking at the official handover, CBA Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ruwath Fernando said: “At Ceylon Business Appliances, success is not measured only by profit margins, but by the lives we are able to touch. These young students represent the future of our nation, and if we want a stronger tomorrow, we must start by empowering them today.”
He added: “For over 55 years, we have upheld the values of responsibility and community. CSR is not an obligation for us, it is part of who we are. Our role is to walk alongside our communities, not apart from them.”
CBA Head of Sales, Harshika Fernando, also noted: “This initiative is not just about providing equipment, it is about giving children the belief and confidence to explore the digital world and build the skills they will need for the future.”
The initiative received strong support from the Kelaniya Zonal Education Office, which identified schools that were eager to integrate digital learning into their curriculum. Zonal Director of Education, Nilmini Perera, attended the ceremony and commended CBA for its commitment to bridging the digital divide.
Addressing the students, Fernando encouraged them to make full use of the new resources:
“May these Mini PCs help you learn, explore, and grow. One day, give back to your communities just as we try to do. To the teachers and parents, thank you for guiding these children and shaping their futures.”
CBA extended its gratitude to Geekom for its support, which helped turn this initiative into reality.
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
Kalutara is the worst affected district due to the prevailing adverse weather conditions. According to the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of approximately 200 houses partially damaged so far, about 90% are in the Kalutara district.
DMC said that 22 houses had been damaged in the Ratnapura District, 14 in the Galle District, 4 in the Moneragala District, 25 in the Batticaloa District, 5 in the Colombo District, 4 in the Jaffna District, 25 in the Gampaha District, 2 in the Hambantota District, 2 in the Anuradhapura District, 5 in the Mannar District, and 2 in the Trincomalee District..
One house was destroyed in the Ratnapura District.
The DMC further stated that 1,582 families had been affected by the inclement weather.
The affected families are in 66 Divisional Secretariat divisions across the country.
Accordingly, a total of 5,267 individuals from 1,582 families have been impacted by adverse weather, according to the statement issued by the Centre.
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