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.
Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Sindurala arrived at the port of Visakhapatnam in India on 17 September 2026, to participate in the bilateral naval exercise ‘SLINEX – 2026’.
The Indian Navy formally welcomed the SLN vessel upon its arrival, adhering to naval traditions.
The joint exercise will take place on 20 and 21 September in the seas off the east coast of India. On 18 September, the Commanding Officer SLNS Sindurala, Captain Sunanda Appuhamy, held official discussions with Commander Suraj Aiyappa, Commanding Officer Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kavaratti, aboard both vessels.
The annual exercise aims to enhance cooperation, interoperability, and professional exchange between the two navies. During the exercise, crew members from SLNS Sindurala will also participate in several professional and cultural exchanges organized by the Indian Navy.
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal deep sea areas
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 05.00 p.m. 18 September 2026, valid for the next 24 hours.
PLEASE BE AWARE!
The atmospheric disturbance to the North of the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, is likely to develop into a low pressure area within the next 24 hours.
Due to its influence, wind speed over the Bay of Bengal sea areas will increase during the next few days starting from
tomorrow (19th).
The wind speed in the sea areas marked under the “Advisory” category on the map below will increase to 55-65 kmph at times and those sea areas will be rough or very rough at times.
Navel and fishing communities engaging the activities over this sea area are advised to be vigilant and be attentive to the future forecasts and bulletins issued by the department of Meteorology in this regards.
Text and Pic by Priyan de Silva
Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption (CIABOC) Ranga Dissanayake has questioned whether some promises contained in the National People’s Power (NPP) manifesto, A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life, could be fulfilled even if the government wanted to implement them.
Dissanayake raised the issue during a discussion following the release of the third biannual report on manifesto monitoring by the March 12 Movement, at the BMICH, on Wednesday.
He questioned whether the report had taken into account legal and institutional constraints affecting the implementation of certain pledges.
Citing the proposal to establish Anti-Corruption Investigation Offices in each district, Dissanayake said such offices could be established only with the agreement of CIABOC and that amendments to the Anti-Corruption Act would be necessary.
He also referred to the pledge to abolish the Executive Presidency, noting that successive governments had made similar commitments since 1994. He questioned whether there had been adequate consideration of where the powers vested in the Executive President would be transferred if the system were abolished.
On the proposal to establish a Public Prosecutor, Dissanayake questioned whether the Government intended to maintain the office alongside the Attorney General, who currently performs prosecution-related functions.
Executive Director of the Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) Manjula Gajanayake said Dissanayake’s remarks should be regarded as his personal views and not as Government policy.
Monitoring and Evaluation Consultants M. Thilakarajah and D.D. Mataharaarachchi presented the third-phase findings, covering January to June 2026.
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SLNS Sindurala arrives in Visakhapatnam for SLINEX 2026
Advisory for strong winds and rough seas for Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal
Showers in the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces and in Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya Districts
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