News
Sri Lankan students in US increase by 10%
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo yesterday (19) said there had been a 10% increase in the number of Sri Lankan students studying at US colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The embassy made this declaration on the basis of the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange. The embassy statement: “This reflects a growing trend of Sri Lankan students seeking world-class education in the United States and underscores the robust educational ties between the two nations, as well as the global appeal of U.S. higher education institutions.
The Open Doors Report, celebrating its 75th year, is a comprehensive census of international student mobility trends. This year, the report revealed that the United States welcomed an all-time high of 1.12 million international students from more than 210 countries and territories, reaffirming its position as the leading destination for higher education. The United States also marked 25 years of EducationUSA, the global educational advising network that provides resources for students worldwide, including in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s contribution to this number demonstrates the continued appeal of U.S. higher education as a destination of choice for students seeking cutting-edge academics, research opportunities, and vibrant campus experiences.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung commented on the growing interest among Sri Lankan students in studying abroad: “The 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying in the United States demonstrates the power of international education in building strong connections between our people. U.S. universities offer Sri Lankan students access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and lifelong networks, equipping them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. This growth reflects the strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and our shared dedication to education and innovation. Through programs like EducationUSA, we remain committed to supporting students interested in this cross-cultural exchange, and I encourage even more Sri Lankan students to consider the transformative opportunities that studying in the United States can provide.”
Sri Lankan students are drawn to U.S. institutions for their renowned STEM programs, research facilities, and practical training opportunities. Many pursue graduate-level studies, becoming part of a global network of professionals with deep ties to both countries.
The release of the Open Doors Report coincides with International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. IEW celebrates the benefits of international education and promotes opportunities for students to engage in global academic and cultural exchanges.
Sri Lankan students interested in studying in the United States can access free resources through EducationUSA, including one-on-one advising and guidance on finding the best academic fit. To learn more, visit EducationUSA or the U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA advising center in Colombo.”
News
Karu argues against scrapping MPs’ pension as many less fortunate members entered Parliament after ’56
Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya has written to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressing concerns over the proposed abolition of MPs’ pensions.The letter was sent in his capacity as Patron of the Former Parliamentarians’ Caucus.
In his letter, Jayasuriya noted that at the time of Sri Lanka’s independence, political participation was largely limited to an educated, affluent land-owning elite. However, he said a significant social transformation took place after 1956, enabling ordinary citizens to enter politics.
He warned that under current conditions, removing parliamentary pensions would effectively confine politics to the wealthy, business interests, individuals engaged in illicit income-generating activities, and well-funded political parties. Such a move, he said, would discourage honest social workers and individuals of modest means from entering public life.
Jayasuriya also pointed out that while a small number of former MPs, including himself, use their pensions for social and charitable purposes, the majority rely on the pension as a primary source of income.
He urged the President to give due consideration to the matter and take appropriate action, particularly as the government prepares to draft a new constitution.The Bill seeking to abolish pensions for Members of Parliament was presented to Parliament on 07 January by Minister of Justice and National Integration Dr. Harshana Nanayakkara.
Five suspects, including former Minister Johnston Fernando and his two sons, who were arrested by the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), were further remanded until 30 January by the Wattala Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
The former Minister’s , sons Johan Fernando and Jerome Kenneth Fernando, and two others, were arrested in connection with the alleged misuse of a Sathosa vehicle during Fernando’s tenure as Minister.
Investigations are currently underway into the alleged misuse of state property, including a lorry belonging to Lanka Sathosa, which reportedly caused a significant financial loss to the state.
In connection with the same incident, Indika Ratnamalala, who served as the Transport Manager of Sathosa during
Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade, was arrested on 04 January.
After being produced before the Wattala Magistrate’s Court, he was ordered to be remanded in custody until 09 January.The former Sathosa Transport Manager was remanded on charges of falsifying documents.
The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) yesterday informed the Colombo Magistrate’s Court that indictments had been filed in the Colombo High Court against former Minister and NDF Badulla District MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake over a corruption allegation.
The Bribery Commission notified the court when the case, in this regard, was taken up yesterday before Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama.
At the hearing, the CIABOC notified the court that indictments had been presented before the Colombo High Court against the accused.
Accordingly, concluding the proceedings before the Magistrate’s Court, the Magistrate ordered MP Dassanayake to appear before the High Court once a notice was issued.
Tanzid Hasan’s ton, Binura Fernando’s four-for power Rajshahi Warriors to BPL title
U – 19 World Cup: Bangladesh ease past USA
U – 19 World Cup: Australia top Group A after bowling SL out for 58
Alleged drug kingpin and ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding arrested after years on the run
Showers above 50 mm are likely at some places in the Northern, North-central, and North-western provinces and in Trincomalee district
Karu argues against scrapping MPs’ pension as many less fortunate members entered Parliament after ’56
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Editorial6 days agoIllusory rule of law
-
Features6 days agoDaydreams on a winter’s day
-
Features6 days agoSurprise move of both the Minister and myself from Agriculture to Education
-
Features5 days agoExtended mind thesis:A Buddhist perspective
-
Features6 days agoThe Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka
-
Opinion4 days agoAmerican rulers’ hatred for Venezuela and its leaders
-
Features6 days agoWriting a Sunday Column for the Island in the Sun
-
Business2 days agoCORALL Conservation Trust Fund – a historic first for SL