News
National Conference on role of chemists in achieving sustainable development goals
The Institute of Chemistry has organised a National Conference on “The Role of Chemists in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals” to be held at the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI), Colombo on 1st, 2nd, 5th and 9th June, 2023.
This event will bring a common platform to share valuable experiences and knowledge of several eminent Chemists, University Academics in chemistry and related fields, Industrialists and as well as representatives of relevant Ministries, Departments and other Statutory organisations, on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), proclaimed by the UN.
Theme of Seminar One, on 1st June 2023, will be on Achieving Health and Wellness for Sustainable Development: Role of Health Sector Policymakers. Director General of Health Services, Dr Asela Gunawardena, will deliver the keynote address.
Seminar Two on the Sustainable Agriculture, Food Security and Food Safety: Role of Agriculture/Nutrition and Food Sector Policymakers will be held on 2nd June 2023. The keynote speech on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for all will be delivered by Prof. Terrence Madhujith of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.
Seminar Three on Industrial Development for Sustainable Development: Role of Industrial Policymakers will be held on 5th June 2023. The keynote speech on Sailing in the Storm: Opportunities and Challenges in Chemical-related Industry in Sri Lanka will be delivered by Dr. Piyal Ariyananda, Head, Global Innovations at Stretchline Holdings Ltd.
Seminar Four on 9th June 2023 will be on Chemical Education and Research for Sustainable Development: Role of Educational Policymakers. The keynote speech on Chemistry Education for Sustainable Development – Challenges Ahead will be delivered by Prof. Deepthi Bandara, Professor Emeritus, University of Peradeniya.
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers has been granted at their meeting held on 19.05.2025 in order to introduce amendments to the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 including the proposed tax revisions to enhance the tax structure paving way for state financial integrity based on revenue.
Accordingly, the revised draft bill has been prepared by the legal draftsman and clearance of the Attorney General has been received.
Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval for
the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Policy Planning and Economic Development to publish the aforementioned draft bill in the government gazette notification and subsequently, forward the same to the Parliament for its concurrence.
The National Mineral Policy was prepared for the first time in the year 1999, and the aforementioned policy has been amended in 2023 to cover matters such as preparing an updated data system related to mineral resources, adding value to the export of minerals, encouraging mineral-related industrialists, extracting mineral resources and managing the environment sustainably, and resolving the issues related to the ownership of the land arising in extracting mineral resources.
The revised National Mineral Policy has been reupdated in line with the manifesto “A Sustainable Resource Utilization – Generation of the Highest Benefit” under the policy statement of the current government” A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life.”
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution presented by the Minister of Industries and
Entrepreneurship to implement the so-formulated “National Mineral Policy—2026.”
The Gampaha High Court has sentenced Twelve (12) individuals to death over the 2022 murder of former Polonnaruwa District Member of Parliament Amarakeerthi Athukorala and his security officer.
Heartbreak for Gurbaz and Afghanistan as South Africa win after double Super Over
Amendment of the Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017
Cabinet nod for “National Mineral Policy” – 2026
Twelve sentenced to death by Gampaha High Court
Ten new buses with facilities for people with special needs
Ghosts of 2016 writ large as England, West Indies meet again
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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