Pathfinder Foundation hosted a high-level delegation from the China Centre for South Asian Studies of Sichuan University at its headquarters in Peliyagoda, last week. The Foundation’s association with Sichuan University dates back to 2017, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation and joint studies. Both parties met once again to evaluate the progress of the MoU renewed in November 2023 and discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions.

The delegation was led by Prof. DING Zhongyi, Dean of the School of International Studies and Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies. Chief Expert and Vice Director of the Center, Prof. (Ms.) QIU Yonghui, Associate Professors Ms. XIAO Jianmei and Ms. LIU Siwei comprised the delegation that attended the meeting with the Pathfinder team of experts.

During the meeting, both sides discussed several important proposals, including strengthening relations between the two institutions, leveraging China’s economic power, critically exploring the successes and failures of the BRI, and the idea to hold a series of events in Colombo, bringing in scholars from the region. Development, economic empowerment, and maritime trade were three subject areas identified for further consideration in conferences and joint publications.

Pathfinder Foundation also briefed the delegation on its continued relationship with China vis-à-vis joint programs, visits by Chinese organizations, and close association with the Chinese Embassy in Colombo. The Foundation will host another delegation from Shanghai this month, representing the Office of the Counsellor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.

The Ministry of Higher Education in a statement said that stringent action would be taken against those found to be involved in the sudden death of a Sabaragamuwa University second year student, if it is proven to be due to ragging.

It said that an investigation team has been appointed to inquire into the student’s death.

The ministry said that after receiving the investigation report, necessary action will be taken together by the University Administration and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The investigation has focused attention on allegations of ragging being circulated in the media, and that if proven, stringent action will be taken against those responsible, it said.

The Ministry said that its attention has been drawn to the posts being shared and circulated in social media and called on general public to refrain from sharing such posts as a police probe and an internal investigation were in progress.

The statement has been issued following the sudden death of the student of the Faculty of Technical Engineering of the University of Sabaragamuwa.

The student is reported to have died by suicide at his residence in Gampola on 29 April after having returned home from the university’s New Year celebrations.

The YMCA Moratuwa, in collaboration with the Rotary Club recently celebrated the Sinhala and Tamil New Year with the School children attending evening classes at the premises of the YMCA.

While the children enjoyed traditional Ayurudu games such as ‘ Kanaa muttiya bindeema’, ‘Aliyata esa thabeema’ and ‘Banis kema’ , the main attraction was, ‘Avurudu Kumariya ‘ contest. The winners were awarded with mementos, and the Rotary club gifted them with School bags, Shoes and Caps.

The Children were treated with breakfast, soft drinks and lunch at this event with active involvement by the teacher in charge of the school children and the staff and officials of both the YMCA and Rotary institutions.