News
Young journalists’ training programme
Annual ‘Young Journalist training programme series’ of the Nemandala web newspaper organized by the Communication and Media Unit of the University of Kelaniya with the aim of enhancing the practical knowledge and skills of young journalists, was held at the university from Aug 22 to 26 in the Boardroom of the Faculty of Science.Another specialty of this training programme series was that it provided the opportunity for undergraduates of the Department of Mass Communication as well as undergraduates of other faculties who are interested in media, for exposure to the media.
Editor-in-Chief of Mawbima – Thivanka Baragama, Deputy Editor of Mawbima – Susil Suraweera, Deputy Features Editor of Dinamina – Iroshini Deepika, Deputy Chief Sub Editor – Senarath Pushpananda, Features Editor of Divaina – Jagath Kanahera Arachchi, Director and Deputy Director (Current Affairs) Channel I of Jathika Rupavahini – Sanjaya Indrakumara, News Director of Ada Derana-Yuwaraj Athukorala, News Editor of Lankadeepa – Ranjan Kasturi, General Manager of Ada Derana – Wasanthi Nanayakkara, Director of Sinhala Services of the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation – Indika Jayaratne, Channel Head of News 1st – Suranga Senanayake, a set of senior journalists who serves in the electronic and print media sector of the country conducted the seminars of the ‘Young Journalist 2022’ training programme series. The first-hand experience of the involved journalists was shared with the students and the seminars were held very cordially.
This series of training programmes were organized by the Communication and Media Unit under the supervision of the Director of the Communication and Media Unit, Senior Lecturer Saman Rajapakshe, under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva. Many undergraduates from various faculties of the university participated in this programme both online and physically.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a high-level dialogue titled “Tourism as Soft Power and Diplomatic Capital” held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin Davos, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum on January 20.
The session explored how tourism functions as a strategic instrument of diplomacy by strengthening international trust, cultural exchange, and regional cooperation through mobility and people-to-people engagement. The Prime Minister shared the panel with Mr. Kuban Omiraliyev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and Mr. Meshari Alnahar – CEO Aseer Investment Company, Saudi Arabia.
Addressing global trends, the Prime Minister emphasized that Sri Lanka is an example of hope, recovery and resilience in a world of conflict demonstrating how tourism can play a critical role in a changing global environment particularly amid climate shocks, geopolitical instability, and uneven economic recovery. She noted that tourism is not only an economic sector but also a vital diplomatic bridge that supports livelihoods, builds relationships and connects people.
Drawing on Sri Lanka’s recent experience, she highlighted the country’s strong tourism recovery despite multiple crises, including the impact of Cyclone Ditwah. Transparent crisis management and strategic engagement with international partners helped sustain visitor confidence, resulting in record tourist arrivals even in challenging circumstances.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of green and climate friendly tourism infrastructure and underlined that Sri Lanka welcomes long term investment in tourism. She pointed out that tourism supports millions of jobs worldwide and that inclusive policies are essential to ensure fair opportunities, particularly for women and vulnerable communities.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
During an operation conducted in the dark hours of 20 Jan 26, the Sri Lanka Navy seized two (02) Indian fishing boats and apprehended seven (07) Indian fishermen while they were poaching in Sri Lankan waters, off Kovilan, Jaffna.
The seized boats and Indian fishermen was to be handed over to the Fisheries Inspector of Myliddy, Jaffna for onward legal proceedings.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya participated in a series of high-level bilateral meetings on January 20 on the sidelines of the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
The Prime Minister attended a productive bilateral meeting with Mr. Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships. During the discussion, both sides focused on strengthening Sri Lanka–EU cooperation and advancing mutual interests.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Mr. Masato Kanda, President and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), at the WEF Congress Centre. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss ongoing engagement and future collaboration between Sri Lanka and the ADB.
In addition, the Prime Minister held discussions with Mr. Hassan El Houry, Chairman of Menzies Aviation, where opportunities for collaboration in aviation services and connectivity were explored.
The Prime Minister also participated in a high-level dialogue at the Global Tourism Forum held at the Euronews Hub, Piz Buin, Davos, as part of the World Economic Forum engagements.
Dr. Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour, and the Deputy Minister of Finance were also present at these meetings.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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