Business

The National Action Plan on UNSCR1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children

Published

3 years ago

2023/08/1

Francesco Perale, Simona Lanzellotto and Laura Guercio

The Universities Network for Children in Armed Conflict and the Institute of Political Studies “S. Pio V”, supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation have organised a conference within the framework of the project ‘The National Action Plans (NAP) on UNSCR1325 and the impact of armed conflicts on children: a study and analysis of the International Universities Network”. The project aims to carry out qualitative and quantitative research and produce an insightful report, by geographical area, of the serious violations against children by armed conflict situations. The research also makes a valuable analysis of post-conflict reform, rehabilitation and reintegration of children affected by armed conflict and this is the critical path where UNSCR1325 can and should play a pivotal role.

Speaking about the objectives of this conference Laura Guercio, Professor of Sociology of Human Rights & International Cooperation to Development at the University of Perugia and a Professor of International Relations at the University Cusano Rome. A member of the Council of the European Law Institute in Vienna said, ” The NAP is to create a narrative and collate ideas on how Resolution 1325 can impact and support the global movement to reduce the direct and indirect impacts of armed conflict on children. To achieve this, we must expand the understanding and impact of Resolution 1325 from its gender perspective to reach children affected by armed conflict as well as create a wider umbrella of sustainable peacebuilding via the four pillars of Resolution 1325 – Participation, Protection, Prevention, and Relief and Recovery. The impact of armed conflict on children needs to deep dive into the areas.”

Participation – how can we create a dialogue from a gender perspective to mutually include the protection of children under Resolution 1325 and how should the National Action Plans reflect this?

Protection – how does the jurisdiction of the national and international communities work together to create a system of sustainable protection of children from armed conflict under the umbrella of Resolution 1325? (Considering that internal civil wars create a jurisdictional question for international community intervention)

Prevention – what specific areas of direct and indirect impacts of armed conflict on children can Resolution 1325 address?

Relief and Recovery – can Resolution 1325 play a larger role in the relief and recovery of children affected by armed conflict (as this is a critical impact point that tends to see a lot of children fall through the cracks)?

Accountability – how do we improve accountability measures to support children and women affected by armed conflict?

Armed conflict causes severe direct and indirect consequences for children and most often the indirect consequences are not addressed due to the grave nature of the direct consequences, which are broadly defined as death, injury, recruited as child soldiers and violence against children. The dire consequences of the indirect harm caused to children during the armed conflict have a lasting impact on these children due to the double-barrelled trauma such as gross violations of being abducted, forced removal from their families, illegal detention and recruitment as child soldiers. In addition, these children are also deprived of their fundamental rights to education, shelter, and the right to build a fruitful and holistic life.

Laura Guercio

The project will also include videos and a photo exhibition by two Italian photo reporters, Marzia Ferrone and Vittorio Alonzo, on the condition of children living in armed conflict and post-conflict.

This conference provides the opportunity to build a comparative analysis of NAP’s of selected Asian countries vis a vis the IV Italian Action Plan in accordance with Resolution 1325.

Background to Conference and Research Topic

The charter of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is the maintenance of international peace and security. Security must be present, and its presence must be realised – this is a critical indicator of peace. As the popular saying goes, “The absence of war doesn’t necessarily mean the presence of peace”.

In 2000, The UNSC Resolution 1325 recalled 1261 (1999), 1265 (1999), 1296 (2000) and 1314 (2000) and;

expressed concern about the fact that the majority of people affected by armed conflict are women and children,

reaffirmed the role of women as “agents of lasting peace”: their equal participation in peacebuilding, maintaining and promoting peace and security and the increase in decision-making for conflict prevention are crucial for peace and security,

reaffirmed the need for humanitarian and human rights laws that protect the rights of women and children during and after conflicts.

The Beijing Declaration (1995) states the hard reality of women and children being most vulnerable during conflict and further states that women and girl-children are even more at risk due to their social status and sex.

In the presence of conflict, it is observed time and time again that women assume the key role of ensuring family livelihood amid armed conflict and destruction. Women are also seen as being active in cultivating peace and collaboration in their communities at a grass root level. A strong example of this is; during the armed conflict and post-conflict in Sri Lanka, we saw the transformation of battle-hardened women into successful entrepreneurs. What started as a desperate shift for survival has now mainstreamed and evolved into a community of businesswomen that challenged the patriarchal gender norms and changed the socio-cultural landscape. Therefore, the narrative must begin to reflect the strong agency women are competent, capable and willing to carry forward with the global community looking beyond the umbrella of protection of women per se. This is the narrative that will make UNSCR 1325 stronger and able to reach further to the protection of children.

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BOC Maldives Celebrates 45 Years of Banking Excellence and Unveils New Digital Banking Initiative

Published

23 hours ago

2026/07/5

Thilina Walpola

Established in 1981, BOC Maldives has grown steadily over the years, building a reputation as a trusted banking partner. BOC Maldives forms an important part of Bank of Ceylon’s international network, connecting the bank’s operations in London, Chennai, Seychelles, Malé and Hulhumalé. Within this network, BOC Maldives occupies a unique position due to its presence in a tourism-driven economy and its role in facilitating banking relationships associated with trade, investment, foreign currency transactions, and broader regional business activities.

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Maldives recently celebrated its 45th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the bank’s longstanding contribution to the Maldivian banking sector and its commitment to fostering economic growth and financial inclusion in the Maldives. A special customer felicitation ceremony was held to recognise long standing relationships with key customers and business partners with the participation of Bank of Ceylon’s Chairman Mr. Kavinda de Zoysa, General Manager/CEO Mr. Y.A. Jayathilaka, Acting Senior Deputy General Manager/Head of Global Markets Mr. G.A. Jayashantha, and Chief Manager of the Overseas Branches Division, Mr. Harischandra Hewage together with Country Manager Ms. Manjula Herath and the staff of BOC, Maldives.

The ceremony reflected the bank’s appreciation for the trust and confidence placed in BOC Maldives over the years and underscored the importance of maintaining strong and mutually beneficial partnerships. Addressing the gathering, senior representatives of the bank highlighted the institution’s journey over the past 45 years and emphasized the branch’s contribution towards strengthening economic ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives. They also acknowledged the invaluable support extended by customers, stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and employees who have contributed to the branch’s success throughout the years.

One of the key highlights of the event was the announcement of the upcoming launch of Internet Banking services in the Maldives. This initiative represents another significant step in the bank’s digital transformation journey and its ongoing efforts to enhance customer convenience and accessibility. The branch has consistently embraced advancements in banking technology to improve customer service and operational efficiency. Notably, BOC was the first bank in the Maldives to introduce Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), demonstrating its pioneering approach to banking innovation within the country.

The anniversary also offered an opportunity to reflect on the legacy built by BOC Maldives since its establishment. Over the years, the bank has been associated with financing and supporting projects in government, infrastructure, tourism, resort development, construction, real estate, wholesale and retail trade, housing, fisheries, and aviation. Earlier milestones in the bank’s Maldivian operations have also recognized its role in supporting major national and sectoral projects, including airport-related development, government sector financing, and the Hulhumalé Reclamation Project Phase II.

Business

Blue Lanka Tours launches employee mental health and wellness programme

Published

23 hours ago

2026/07/5

Thilina Walpola

Participants of the event

Blue Lanka Tours recently launched a mental health and wellness initiative aimed at promoting employee wellbeing and fostering a healthier workplace culture.

The programme, titled Compass, was held at the ITC Ratnadeepa in Colombo, bringing together employees for a series of sessions focused on mental health awareness, healthy living and personal development.

Addressing the event, Blue Lanka Tours Founder and Managing Director Dinesh N. Perera said the company’s responsibility extended beyond serving international visitors to ensuring the wellbeing of its employees.

“When we say we are a responsible company, it also means we are a responsible employer who recognises workplace pressures, personal responsibilities and the demands of modern life,” he said.

Wellness Facilitator and Mindset Coach Tanuja Perera Raymond conducted a session on building confidence, emotional balance and workplace performance through practical daily habits. Counselling Psychologist and Mind Leap Counselling Services Founder Dulari Ranasinghe discussed strategies for managing stress, overcoming emotional challenges and developing healthier personal relationships.

Fitness and Nutrition Coach Shane Ramenaden led the final session, highlighting the relationship between physical health and workplace productivity through posture improvement, mindful decompression, nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices.

Business

ICAO Asia-Pacific Director joins NGAP aviation awareness programme in Kandalama

Published

23 hours ago

2026/07/5

Thilina Walpola

A winner of the art competition receiving her certificate

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka (CAASL) conducted the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Sri Lanka Programme at D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya, Kandalama, recently bringing together around 400 school students to promote awareness of aviation-related careers.

The programme, organised through the CAASL Civil Aviation Promotion Unit under the leadership of Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer Captain Daminda Rambukwella, aimed to inspire students to explore opportunities in the aviation sector.

ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Director Tao Ma attended the event as chief guest, reaffirming the International Civil Aviation Organization’s support for initiatives that encourage youth participation in aviation and contribute to the sustainable growth of the global industry.

Students from D.S. Senanayake Maha Vidyalaya and several schools in the Galewela Education Zone participated in the programme, which featured interactive sessions, presentations by aviation professionals, and educational activities designed to enhance knowledge of the sector.

The programme commenced with a model aircraft flying display, which drew significant interest from students while demonstrating basic principles of flight and aircraft operations.

An aviation-themed art competition was also held, with ICAO officials and CAASL representatives reviewing student artwork and commending their creativity and enthusiasm.

Speaking at the event, Tao Ma praised Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote aviation awareness among youth, noting the importance of developing the next generation of aviation professionals.

Director General of Civil Aviation and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Captain Daminda Rambukwella highlighted the role of the NGAP initiative in building a future-ready aviation workforce and encouraged students to consider careers in the expanding sector.