News
Australian HC launches professional cookery by VTA towards inclusive skills development in tourism
On the invitation of the Vocational Training Centre (VTA),the High Commissioner of Australia, Paul Stephens, launched a professional cookery project in the presence of delegates, government officials, members of the Chef Guild of Lanka, VTA students, staff, and visitors at the VTA Centre, in Kandy, recently.
A press release said: The launch was designed to mark the commencement of Industry validated Professional Cookery training, now available at key Government training centres, and to support Supreme Chef – Season 3 which is a trademarked initiation of Skills for Inclusive Growth programme (S4IG), with the support of Australian Aid. The reality show experience, in the form of an organised challenge, brings under the spotlight Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, through food experience and culinary art challenges.
The development of professional cooking training acknowledges that these skills require dedication and passion to acquire and master. This is an occupation that can generate many rewards for those that complete the training requirements, enabling higher income employment, opportunities to travel, and culinary journeys that can promote the diversity and uniqueness of Sri Lankan cuisine. The three key objectives of Season 3 include the promotion of the occupation of a Chef as an aspiring profession, supporting tourism recovery and promotion by showcasing untapped tourism destinations, and the promotion of food security by highlighting local foods and ingredients to support improved nutrition and import replacement that supports inclusive economic growth.
During a time that innovative initiatives need to align itself with strategic priorities of the nation, including minimising dependence on food, commodity and ingredient imports, the focus of the launch paid special emphasis on local sourcing and creativity, using ingredients from within Sri Lanka. It was noted that VTA and S4IG had invested many years in building networks with multiple stakeholders of the public and private sector to bring to light this national initiative. Additionally, The Chefs Guild of Lanka was credited for providing masterclasses, judges, and marshals for the training and competition to give the project more industry legitimacy and to ensure industry standards are maintained. This reality show experience aligns with the Presidential declaration of 2021-2030 as the Decade of Skills Development in Sri Lanka. The show is delivered on a national scale and aired on national TV stations Rupavahini and Nethra TV.
High Commissioner Stephens said that Season 1 and 2 of Supreme Chef were limited to four districts and were open to anyone who has the passion in cooking. “Owing to the success of Season 1 and 2, we’ve designed and delivered a national programme that is supported by Training Agencies and Industry and includes an international quality curriculum developed with the leadership and support of the Chefs Guild of Lanka. This is yet another flagship initiative of Australian Aid that supports quality skills development that meets industry needs and provides employment opportunities in Sri Lanka”.
Chulangani Perera, Director General, VTA, said that television, broadcast, and publicity partners have accepted the reality show format as successful and are interested in the brand, trademark, and rights of the show in the future.
South Korean MPs have voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol as thousands of protesters on the streets of Seoul cheer the result
A total of 204 MPs approved the motion to impeach Yoon, who plunged the country into political turmoil with a short-lived martial law declaration last week
Yoon will be suspended while the prime minister will serve as acting president. The constitutional court now has six months to rule on the impeachment.Yoon survived an impeachment vote last weekend and has clung to power, despite mounting calls for him to step down He and and his allies are currently under investigation for insurrection charges, and a travel ban has been slapped on several of them
(BBC)
High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, called on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday [13].
The meeting underscored the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership between the two neighboring nations and discussions centered on the progress of numerous bilateral projects, which are currently at various stages of development.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
Asoka Sapumal Ranwala resigned as Speaker of Parliament yesterday amidst a controversy over his educational qualifications. The Opposition challenged him to prove his claim that he had a doctorate.
Ranwala has said in a statement that he never misrepresented his educational qualifications but he currently lacks documentary evidence to prove his academic credentials. He insists that he was awarded a doctorate by a research institute affiliated with Waseda University in Japan and has expressed hope of presenting the degree certificate in the future.
“However, given the confusion surrounding this issue and to avoid causing embarrassment to those who trusted and voted for this government, I have decided to resign from the position of Speaker for the time being,” Ranwala has said in his statement.
His resignation followed indications that MPs from the JVP/NPP government were preparing to make a significant decision on a no-confidence motion against him, centred on the legitimacy of his academic qualifications. The motion was prompted by ongoing doubts about the authenticity of his doctoral degree, particularly in the absence of clarification.
Sources within the NPP confirmed earlier on Friday that Ranwala was expected to address the controversy with a special statement when Parliament reconvenes on Tuesday (17). However, he announced his resignation yesterday evening (13).
Kalutara District SJB MP Ajith P. Perera told the media on Thursday that either the Speaker or the JVP/NPP government must clarify the matter regarding Ranwala’s doctorate. He asserted that if the Speaker genuinely holds a valid doctorate, there would be no issue. However, the lack of response to media inquiries and the removal of degree-related information from the parliamentary website raised further concerns.
Perera added that the Speaker should provide evidence of his qualifications within two weeks, failing which the Opposition would proceed with the no-confidence motion. He also suggested that the JVP/NPP MPs would face public scrutiny in their decision to either support or oppose the motion, testing their commitment to party lines against public expectations.
The National Democratic Front (NDF), led by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, proposed the establishment of a parliamentary committee to verify the academic qualifications of all MPs, including the Speaker and Cabinet Ministers. This initiative seeks to address increasing concerns about the credibility of MPs’ qualifications.
Meanwhile, the SLPP announced its intention to introduce a separate no-confidence motion against Ranwala. Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Hambantota District MP D.V. Chanaka criticised the Speaker, arguing that the issue undermines public confidence in Parliament. Chanaka further highlighted the Speaker’s responsibility as head of the Parliamentary Council and the Committee on High Offices, which oversees the verification of qualifications for key positions.
SLPP Secretary Sagara Kariyawasam also addressed the press, emphasising the importance of the Speaker’s academic qualifications in upholding the integrity of Parliament.
South Korea MPs vote to impeach president after mass protests over martial law
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