News

Lankan women victimized during multiple crises: Deputy minister

Published

2 years ago

2025/03/9

By Nisheni Atapattu

ECONOMYNEXT –Sri Lanka’s women have suffered disproportionately due to several crises, Deputy Minister of child and women affairs, Namal Sudarshana said at the launch of a public awareness installation called ‘SamaTheevu’.

“The status of Sri Lankan women has stagnated against several indicators on gender equality, owing to multiple crises,” Sudarshana said.

SamaTheevu, by UN Women Sri Lanka, brings to life a vision of a gender equal world ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8.

The interactive installation offers visitors a glimpse into an island where everyone, regardless of gender has equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

“In Sri Lanka, we continue to face significant challenges across these areas, impacting the very foundation of our society,” Sudarshana said.

In crises and disasters, the risk of exploitation and harassment rises sharply, further endangering women and girls who already face disproportionately high rates of sexual and gender based violence, UNFPA Sri Lanka has said.

“At UN Women, our goal is to uphold human rights and sustainable development for all,” said Ramaaya Salgado, Head of Office at UN Women Sri Lanka.

“Global data shows us that societies where everyone – regardless of gender – is equally valued, given equal opportunities, and supported by just institutions – will flourish, and achieving these goals requires collective efforts”.

“Women’s rights organisations, especially in conflict-affected areas, face increasing bureaucratic and funding restrictions, limiting their ability to support vulnerable women,” Marc-André Franche, Resident Coordinator of the UN in Sri Lanka said.

The interactive installation offers visitors a glimpse into an island where everyone has equal rights and opportunities in all aspects of life.

It serves as a reminder that gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a driver of social and economic progress.The installation is open to the public from 6th – 12th March from 9:00am – 8:00pm at the Lionel Wendt, Art Centre, Colombo 7.

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UN Delegation Meets Chief of Staff to the President

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.

Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.

The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.

Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.

Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.

[President’s Media Division]

News

Afghanistan to host Zimbabwe, Bangladesh in ODI tri-series

Published

10 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe will lock horns in a tri-series [Cricbuzz]

Afghanistan will host Zimbabwe and Bangladesh in an ODI tri-series in UAE from October 17 to 23. This comes as a precursor to the T20I series and the two Tests between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in the same country. The three T20Is will be played on October 27, 29 and November 1, and will be followed by the two Tests – the first commencing on November 5 and the second from November 13.

Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will get the tri-series going on October 17, with Zimbabwe then facing Afghanistan on October 19. The hosts will meet Bangladesh on October 21 before the summit clash on October 23.

Before Zimbabwe reach UAE for the tri-series and the subsequent bilateral matches, Afghanistan and Bangladesh will also contest in a one-off Test from October 9 to 13.

“This is an important tour for Zimbabwe, offering our players high-quality competition across all three formats,” Zimbabwe Cricket Managing Director Givemore Makoni said.

“The ODI tri-series will test us against two strong sides, while the two Tests are especially valuable as we continue seeking more regular opportunities in the longest format. We sincerely appreciate the Afghanistan Cricket Board for hosting this programme and the Bangladesh Cricket Board for their cooperation. We look forward to a competitive and exciting tour.”

The Afghanistan Cricket Board too welcomed the prospect of playing matches in all three formats in the series.

“Playing Bangladesh and Zimbabwe across different formats will provide our players with valuable competitive opportunities and offer our supporters an exciting period of international cricket,” Afghanistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Officer Naseeb Khan.

“The Afghanistan Cricket Board remains committed to providing our national team with regular, high-quality international cricket. We highly value our relationships with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and Zimbabwe Cricket and appreciate their cooperation in making these important assignments possible,” he added.

[ Cricbuzz]

Latest News

INS Udaygiri makes port call in Colombo

Published

15 hours ago

2026/09/8

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.

INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.

Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.

The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.

Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.