Pic and Text by SK Samaranayake

Central Province Governor Dr. Harsha Suranga Fernando and Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam attended a cultural exhibition held at the Vietnam Temple in Ambakote, Digana, Kandy, as chief guests.

The exhibition was organised under the guidance of Ven. Phap Quang Dhammaloka Thera.

The event, which featured cultural activities, was attended by a large number of schoolchildren from the surrounding area.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has organised a community engagement programme to promote artificial intelligence (AI) awareness, digital literacy and knowledge-sharing among students in Sri Lanka.

Held at K-Tec on October 15, 2026, the programme brought together members of the KOICA CIAT Fellowship Alumni Association, World Friends Korea (WFK) volunteers, students and staff members.

The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between professional knowledge and community-level engagement by encouraging the exchange of expertise and exploring the role of emerging technologies in education, innovation and community development.

J. A. S. S. Jayasinghe, Assistant Director (ICT) of the Election Commission of Sri Lanka, conducted a session on artificial intelligence, highlighting its growing significance and potential applications.

The session introduced students to the opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies and underscored the importance of digital awareness in an increasingly technology-driven world.

KOICA volunteers also conducted interactive activities exploring the links between artificial intelligence and Korean culture. Students were encouraged to develop business ideas inspired by Korean culture and examine how AI tools could help transform those ideas into practical initiatives.

The programme brought together Sri Lankan government officials who had undergone professional training and academic programmes in South Korea under the KOICA CIAT Fellowship scheme, and WFK volunteers engaged in knowledge-sharing and community-based activities.

The initiative also sought to strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding between Sri Lanka and South Korea, while demonstrating how knowledge, innovation and technology could contribute to inclusive community development.

Text and Pic by SK Samaranayake

The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Kandy Hill Capital, in collaboration with Christ Church Kandy, collected 90 blood donations at a blood donation drive held at Christ Church on October 9.

The organisers said about 100 people came forward to donate blood, exceeding the target of 50 donations set by the Kandy Hospital Blood Bank.

Although some of those who volunteered were unable to donate, the turnout contributed to the success of the humanitarian initiative, they said.

The project was chaired by Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Kandy Hill Capital Rasika Baskaran, who represented the three participating organisations.

The organisers thanked the donors, volunteers and members of the public who supported the campaign and helped raise awareness about the importance of blood donation.

Several celebrities also supported the initiative by appearing in promotional videos encouraging the public to donate blood.

The organisers also acknowledged the support extended by Ashan of Arena Laserplex Theatre, Kandy, towards the programme.

They said the success of the campaign demonstrated the impact of community collaboration in addressing the need for blood supplies and expressed hope that it would encourage more people to become regular blood donors.

The Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Kandy Hill Capital and Christ Church Kandy said they would continue to support humanitarian and community welfare initiatives.