News
PUCSL upgrade plumbers with NVQ-3 qualification at no cost to them
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the regulator of the electricity industry and the designated regulator for water services industry, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC), Vocational Training Authority (VTA) and National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) recently to provide free National Vocational Qualification level three and four for plumbers in Sri Lanka.
“Regulation of the Water Service Industry of Sri Lanka assigned to PUCSL by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Act No.35 of 2002 or PUCSL Act. Although we have drafted the framework to regulate the Water Services Industry and the Industry Act, we are yet to be empowered with amendments to the acts. But as the designated regulator and with the ambition to uplift the industry, we always seek opportunities on how our contribution can be made to protect the interest of consumers of the Water Services Industry and to promote safety, reduce waste, promote conservation, and service quality in Water Services Industry,” Janaka Ratnayake, Chairman of Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said.
He notes that Sri Lanka has approximately 10,000 plumbers and most of them do not hold any qualification. “So, empowering plumbing technicians engaged in the water service industry to achieve the NVQ3 under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system, will promote safety, reduce waste, promote conservation, increase service quality, and value for money for the pipe-borne water consumers,”
“This programme is fully sponsored by PUCSL and the plumber technician does not need to pay for the exam fees, the course fee, materials and other requirements of gaining the qualification,” Ratnayake added.
Under the RPL programme, the PUCSL will access the knowledge of the plumbers, fill the knowledge gap and hold the exams within four days and award the certification at no cost to the plumbers. The PUCSL launched the first programme of awarding the NVQ3 qualification to plumbers in the Kalutara District with the participation of 100 plumbers.
Earlier this year, PUCSL introduced a similar programme for electricians in Sri Lanka and more than 5000 electricians have obtained the qualification. NVQ3 is the minimum qualification for obtaining an electrician license. Also, PUCSL launched a programme to upgrade the knowledge of Solar Technicians in Sri Lanka and more than 1000 solar technicians have obtained the qualification so far.
News
We aspire to build a nation where all citizens coexist in peace and resilience for the future generation -PM
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that the government is ready to listen to the people and aspire to ensure a peaceful and united nation for future generations.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing public gatherings on April 20 at the Manik Farm Community Development Centre in Settikulam and the Ukkulankulam Ground in the Vanni electoral district.
The current Parliament has the highest number of female representation in its history. Previously, women constituted less than 5% of Parliament out of the total number of 225 However, 52% of the country’s population are women.
Women play a significant role in sustaining the economy, maintaining family structures, and upholding society yet their representation in decision-making bodies has been limited. Therefore, we urge you to elect not only male representation to Parliament but also more female representatives from the Vanni district.
Vavuniya is currently developing into a thriving city. Therefore, essential services expected from provincial councils must be effectively delivered. Local government bodies should actively participate in the development of the rural sector.
We recognize that education holds significant value for the people of the North. You place great importance on education. However, the country’s education system has deteriorated and weakened. Specifically, the lack of necessary attention to the education sector in the North has made it more challenging compared to other regions. Moreover, I have learned of a more alarming issue that the diminishing value placed on education by young men and women. Clandestine Drug Distribution and alcohol are now readily visible in everywhere. There are no avenues for youth to find joy while avoiding these substances. The underdevelopment of fields such as science, arts, and drama has left them without means to find happiness. Therefore, significant interventions must be necessary.
If you elect a group that is free from corruption and fraud, we can allocate funds without hesitation, ensuring they reach the appropriate hands. These funds can then be directed towards the development of your village. That is why your choice is important.
The events were attended by Deputy Minister of Co-operative Development, Upali Samarasinghe, Vavuniya District MPs S. Thileepan and M. Jegatheeswaran, along with the local government candidates and residents.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
The Sri Dalada Maligawa has announced that due to the large number of devotees coming to Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic, the time of exposition of the sacred tooth relic has been extended by an hour.
Accordingly the public can pay homage from 11.30am upto 05.30pm from today [21]
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88, the Vatican has announced.
His Eminence, Cardinal Farrell, announced with sorrow the death of Pope Francis, with these words: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.” “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.”
Farrell adds: “With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Francis’s papacy heralded many firsts and while he never stopped introducing reforms to the Catholic Church, he remained popular among traditionalists.
He was the first Pope from the Americas or the southern hemisphere. Not since Syrian-born Gregory III died in 741 had there been a non-European Bishop of Rome.
He was also the first Jesuit to be elected to the throne of St Peter – Jesuits were historically looked on with suspicion by Rome.
Francis’s predecessor, Benedict XVI, was the first Pope to retire voluntarily in almost 600 years and for almost a decade the Vatican Gardens hosted two popes.
As Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina, he was already in his seventies when he became Pope in 2013.
[BBC]
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