News
US promoting ‘sustainable solutions to local challenges’
The US embassy yesterday (16) announced the launch of what it called the Creative Catalyst Fellowship (CCF) meant to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. The embassy said that the programme sought to form a community of creative professionals capable of pioneering sustainable solutions to local challenges.
The fellowship is supported by the Promoting Positive Information (PRO-INFO) activity, funded by USAID Sri Lanka through the Civil Society and Media Strengthening Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM-STAND) mechanism, and implemented by IREX to support a more democratic and responsive media environment in Sri Lanka.
Good Life X (GLX), is an innovation and development catalyst, geared to build a new wave of life-enhancing initiatives in South Asia. The company provides critical knowledge and expertise to rapidly advance the prospects of startups, SMEs and investors focusing on regeneration and innovation through their solutions.
The following is the text of the statement issued by the US embassy: “Good Life X (GLX) announced the launch of The Creative Catalyst Fellowship (CCF) at Trace Expert City today. The program, funded by the U.S. Government’s development arm – the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), seeks innovative solutions to social issues, harnessing the power of creatives to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and advocate for positive change.
Asta Zinbo, Director of the Office of Governance and Vulnerable Populations at USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives, delivered opening remarks, highlighting, “Sri Lanka, the region, and the world are facing complex problems such as how to protect our climate and environment. We need new solutions. We are so excited to support this first group of ten fellows from different backgrounds to channel their creative energy to develop constructive solutions and raise public awareness to inspire positive change. We are eager to see the results of the Creative Catalyst Fellowship next year.”
Through a seven-month fellowship, fellows will confront norms and advocate for change. Thematic cohorts, beginning with this year’s focus on climate action and sustainability, will offer tailored opportunities for fellows to contribute to dialogue and narratives that can positively affect Sri Lanka’s future. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, the program seeks to form a community of creative professionals capable of pioneering sustainable solutions to local challenges.
CCF program manager, Emma de Silva, provided an overview of the program’s structure, which includes a residency program, intensive mentoring, and an exhibition at the end of the fellowship. Randhula de Silva, Founder and CEO of GLX, stated, “Creativity bridges disciplines, transforming abstract ideas into tangible advancements, offering us a path forward where imagination and intellect combine to address the pressing issues we have in hand and shape a brighter future for all. This is the intention of this first of a kind program.”
The launch event featured a panel discussion with Emma de Silva of GLX, Anuki Premachandra of the USAID-supported PRO-INFO project, Irushi Tennekoon an illustrator, animator and educator and Muditha Katuwawala, Founder and Coordinator of The Pearl Protectors. The panel emphasized the need for continued engagement of Sri Lanka’s creative community to positively contribute to building a climate-positive Sri Lanka.
Applications are now open for this year’s cohort. The program seeks experienced creative people from a variety of disciplines—including fine arts, digital arts, photography, film, crafts, performing arts, writing, gaming, poetry, and pottery—who are eager to drive transformative change. More information on the fellowship can be found on goodlifex.com/glx-program/ccf-climate-positive/.
Follow @inspire.with.ccf on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter, for all updates. The Creative Catalyst Fellowship will be regularly updated through the program’s dedicated social media pages.
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
IPL 2025: Sensational Priyansh Arya condemns Chennai Super Kings to another loss
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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