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 official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).
‘Bar Association must reveal its stand’
Civil society group ‘Free Lawyers’ has requested Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to probe whether political pressure was brought on a Magistrate, or a High Court Judge, in respect of an ongoing high profile case.
Speaking to The Island on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said that they felt the urgent need to seek the CJ’s intervention, following the May Day declaration by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the verdict of a case that was heard on 30 April would be given on 25 May. Tennakoon said that addressing the NPP’s main May Day rally at Maharagama, the President asked the people to be ready to celebrate that verdict. The President couldn’t have said so if he hadn’t been aware of the impending verdict, Tennakoon said, while emphasising the responsibility on the part of the Bar Association to state its position on the issue.
‘Free Lawyers’ recently captured pubic attention following its exposure of the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
Responding to a query, Tennakoon said that on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Maithri Gunaratne, PC, on Monday, 4 April, wrote to both CJ Surasena and President of the Bar Association Rajeev Amarasuriya.
Alleging that President Dissanayake’s declaration caused immense harm to the independence of the judiciary and raised controversy over the judgement that would be given on 25 May, ‘Free Lawyers’ organisation also asked the CJ to inquire into whether the entire judicial process was under political pressure.
Tennakoon said that they expect the Bar Association to reveal its position on President Dissanayake’s statement. Tennakoon pointed out that during the May Day address, President Dissanayake made reference to 15 cases that were to be taken up during this month, whereas Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister, as well as Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, mentioned nearly 10 names of politicians, both sitting and former lawmakers, to be summoned beginning, May.
Tennakoon said that the NPP appeared to have used May Day to counter growing accusations over the Colombo port container controversy, coal scam, Rs 13.2 bn NDB fraud and theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury and USD 625,000 from the Sri Lanka Postal Service.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
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