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NIRDC, ADB and JICA discuss enhancing youth entrepreneurship in Science, Research and Development
Several discussions were held in recent days between the National Initiative for the Commercialization of Research and Development (NIRDC), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the aim of strengthening Sri Lanka’s research, development and innovation sectors.
These discussions highlighted the importance of empowering the youth as the next generation of leaders in entrepreneurship, particularly by promoting start-ups and Small and midsize enterprises (SMEs) in the fields of science, technology and research to evolve into sustainable and stable businesses.
Aligned with Sri Lanka’s new National Science and Technology Policy, these on-going discussions seek to leverage partnerships with other stakeholders to position the country as a regional hub for science-driven entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, NIRDC aims to facilitate interventions that will foster an economy based on innovation, youth leadership and international collaboration.
The discussions included key representatives such as Mr. Kuronuma Kenji Chief Representative and Ms. Ide Yuri Senior Representative of JICA, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, ADB’s Sri Lanka Resident Representative, Professor Lerwen Liu from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Mr. Rajendra Mootha Head of New Initiatives at IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation, Representing NIRDC were: Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya, Presidential Senior Advisor on Science and Technology and Founder of NIRDC, Dr. Muditha D. Senarath Yapa, Director General and Mr. Indunil Gunathilake, Director Investments.
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Cabinet nod for MOU between Sri Lanka and Romania on the cooperation in the Labour Field
Romania, a country that has maintained diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka for several decades in various fields, has become an increasingly popular destination among Sri Lankan skilled and semi-skilled Labour categories, especially in the fields of construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and services sectors.
At present, the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers to Romania is carried out by licensed private employment agencies under the
supervision of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau. However, since both parties have recognized the need of establishing a more organized and sustainable recruitment method due to increasing demand, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of Romania regarding cooperation in the field of the labour sector with the following objectives.
• Establishment of proper mechanism for recruitment and management of workers.
• Promotion of ethical and transparent recruitment practices.
• Protection of rights and welfare of the migrant workers.
• Facilitation of regular discussions between the formal and relevant authorities ofboth countries.
• Improvement of technical cooperation, skills recognition, and capacity building in the labour sector.
News
New circular to replace Management Services Circular No. 01/2019
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance,
Planning, and Economic Development to repeal Management Services Circular No. 01/2019 , dated 15-03-2019, issued regarding the implementation of development projects, and to issue a new management services circular including updated provisions instead.
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Four Chief Prelates urge President to appoint NAO official as Auditor General
Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiriya, Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas, in a joint letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has expressed concern over the protracted delay in appointing a permanent Auditor General.
The Chief Prelates have said that the appointment of an outsider as the Head of the National Audit Office (NAO) responsible for ensuring transparency and accountability in public finances will be inappropriate.
The Chief Prelates have said that they are of the view that Dharmapala Gammanpila, a senior officer with extensive experience within the Auditor General’s Department, is the ideal candidate for the top post. They have also emphasised that his appointment will strengthen the government’s efforts to promote economic prosperity.
Chulantha Wickramaratne, who served as AG for a period of six years, retired in April 2025. Following his retirement, President Dissanayake nominated H.T.P. Chandana, an audit officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, as the AG. The CC rejected that nomination. Subsequently, President Dissanayake appointed the next senior-most official at the NAO Dharmapala Gammanpila as Acting Auditor General for a period of six months. Then, the President nominated Senior Deputy Auditor General L.S.I. Jayarathne to serve in an acting capacity, but her nomination, too, was also rejected. Many an eyebrow was raised when the President nominated O.R. Rajasinghe, the Internal Audit Director of the Sri Lanka Army for the top post. That nomination too was rejected. As a result, the vital position remains vacant since 07 December, 2025.
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