News
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society inaugurates first computer lab and IT training centre for marginalised children and youth
Sri Lanka Red Cross Society (SLRCS), Kandy Branch, recently inaugurated the first computer lab and Information Technology (IT) training centre with the generous support from UK-based Dr. Suresh Lopez, an IT professional, and in partnership with the Skill Development and Training International Institute (STDI). The inauguration session was held at the Kandy District Branch office premises.
Speaking at the Inaugural Ceremony, the First Vice-President of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society, Jagath Abeysinghe, remarked, “In challenging times, empowering the most vulnerable is imperative. The IT Training Centre stands as a testament to our dedication to uplift marginalised youth and children, arming them with essential skills for a brighter future. Our gratitude extends to Dr. Suresh Lopez and STDI for their vital role in bringing this impactful project to life.”
The SLRCS’s IT Training Centre/Computer Lab project, conceived to counter the effects of the economic crisis, offers complimentary IT training to the marginalised youth from low-income families across urban, rural, and plantation sectors of the Kandy district.
The primary mission of the centre is to provide education in computer and digital literacy, offering a wide array of courses that span across various sectors of IT. These sectors include Office Applications, Networking, Graphic Design, Audio and Video Editing, Software Engineering, Programming, Data Analytics, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Computer/Cyber Security, Digital Marketing, Social Media, eCommerce, Web Technologies, etc. The comprehensive curriculum at the centre is meticulously designed to equip students with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the evolving IT job market. It will further be focusing on practical, industry-relevant training, aiming to prepare our students for rewarding careers in their chosen IT disciplines, ensuring they are well-positioned to secure competitive employment and achieve successful professional growth.
The Committee of the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s Kandy Branch shared, “This initiative transcends immediate challenges, setting a foundation for long-term development. By offering free IT education, we aim to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for these deserving individuals’’. Their enthusiasm towards the project reflects a commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
The Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development has recommended the establishment of Sri Lankan Standards, i.e. the import testing methodology for imported tires used for passenger cars and pneumatic tires for three-wheelers with the aim of ensuring a fair competitive environment for local
manufactures and ensuring consumer safety and security.
Taking into the said recommendations, “Import and Export (control regulations N0.08 of the 2026)” has been enacted to amend the existing regulations by means of the Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2508/27 dated 2026-10-01, prescribing Sri Lanka standard 1212 for the import of passenger types (HS Code 4011.10.90) and Sri Lanka standard 1347 for the import of
pneumatic tires for three – wheeled vehicles (HS Code 4011.90.10).
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development to submit the aforementioned regulations to Parliament for approval.
Approval of the Cabinet of Ministers was granted at their meeting held on 02.06.2025 to introduce a new act to promote and providing legal provisions for facilitating the Public Private Joint Enterprises within Sri Lanka as well as the establishment of the National Agency for Public Private Partnership Joint Enterprises.
Accordingly, the Legal Draftsman has formulated the relevant draft bill and the Attorney General has given his clearance to the said draft bill.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the resolution furnished by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to publish the said
draft bill in the government gazette notification and thereby submit it to the Parliament for its concurrence.
Regulation, development and control of indigenous medical sector in Sri Lanka comprised of Ayurvedha, Sidhdha, Unani, Local Therapies are carried out under the provisions of Ayurvedha Act No. 31 of 1961.
Although amendments were made to the act from time to time as per the requirements, the necessity of further amending the Ayurvedha Act has been identified to enable efficiently maintaining all activities of local medical field productively, further formalizing the regulation of the sector, taking actions to providing licenses applicable to export of local medicines, and achieving the progress and sustainable development goals in the local medical sector.
Based on the said factors, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the resolution furnished by the Minister of Health and Mass Media to direct the Legal Draftsman to formulate a draft bill to amend the Ayurvedha Act No. 31 of 1961.
Import and Export (Control) Regulations No. 08 of 2026
Draft Bill of the Public Private Partnership Enterprises Act to be gazzetted
Amendment of the Ayurvedha Act No. 31 of 1961
Cabinet nod to amend the Sri Lanka Development Administration Institute Act No. 9 of 1982
Establishment of the National Higher Performance Centre
State patronage for the cremation ceremony of the late deputy prelate (Anu Nayaka Thero) of the Sri Laka Ramangya Maha Nikaya, Gatambe Rajopawanramadhipatha, Siri Chandawimala Wanshalankara, Chandrakeerthi Sri Amarawansha, Sadhdharmawageeshwara, Shasanashobhanna Most Venerable Keppetiyagoda Siriwimalabhidhana Thero
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