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Building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of local and global labor markets is a key objective of the government’s development vision – Prime Minister

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Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the needs of both local and global labor markets is a key objective of the government’s development vision.

The Prime Minister made these remarks on 27th December at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall [BMICH] during the certificate awarding ceremony for students who completed diploma programs under the Sri Lanka Vocational Training Authority.

At the event, certificates were awarded to 761 young individuals who successfully completed diploma courses across thirteen subjects.

Speaking further, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated: “For a country, a nation, or a society to develop, it requires individuals with diverse skills. Our government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the education system. Youth must acquire skills that are directly relevant to achieving full employment, and we must foster a workforce with entrepreneurial capabilities. This approach will help bridge the skills gap between the labor market and the youth community.

Our policy statement emphasizes providing technical and vocational education from school to tertiary levels, allowing broader access to education and training opportunities that align with labor market needs.

Every profession should be valued, and individuals entering any profession should feel recognized and important as members of society. Instilling confidence that they can thrive in their chosen careers is essential.

The youth of Sri Lanka possess immense potential to shape a better future for the country. To utilize this, we must prioritize the development of vocational and technical education, improve training infrastructure, enhance training quality through capacity development, and create diverse pathways for youth to pursue vocational education.

The government is dedicated to expanding opportunities for young people in the vocational and technical education sector to build a skilled workforce aligned with local and global demands.”

The Acting Chairman of the Vocational Training Authority Samanthi Senanayake, Director General Major General Priyantha Weerasinghe, and diploma recipients attended the event.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]



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Ignorance of free health care available in SL may have cost two tourist lives

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Ebony McIntosh

Lack of medical insurance deterred victims seeking early medical help

By Norman Palihawadane and Chaminda Silva

The tragic deaths of two young foreign tourists in Colombo could have been avoided had the tourists known they could access free emergency medical care in Sri Lanka’s government hospitals, tourism industry and hospital sources said.

Buddhika Hewawasam, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), expressed regret over the tragic incident, emphasizing that tourists are regularly informed about their eligibility for free medical care. However, he acknowledged that this message may not have reached all visitors, leading to a delay in medical attention that worsened their condition.

The victims, a 24-year-old British woman, Ebony McIntosh, and 26-year-old German national, Nadine Raguse, both died after falling seriously ill during their stay at the Miracle Colombo City Hostel in Wellawatte, raising questions about the role of toxic chemicals in their deaths.

McIntosh and Raguse, who were staying at the hostel, exhibited symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing, and were only hospitalized after their conditions worsened over a two-day period.

Doctors said that if the tourists had sought medical help earlier, their chances of survival would have been much higher. The two women, along with their two German male friends, had reportedly refrained from seeking medical treatment due to the lack of medical insurance, unaware that Sri Lankan hospitals offer free care to all visitors, including foreigners.

The situation has sparked outrage, with experts describing the lack of communication as “criminal negligence.” Had the tourists been aware of their right to receive medical care at any of the 555 government hospitals nationwide, this tragedy could have been avoided, they argued. The hostel where the tourists stayed is located just 2.5 kilometers away from Colombo’s General Hospital, further highlighting the preventable nature of the deaths.

Police investigations into the incident suggest that toxic fumigation chemicals used to rid the hostel of bedbugs may have played a role in the women’s deaths. The room adjacent to theirs was fumigated with Phosphine gas on Jan 30, and police are probing whether the exposure contributed to their symptoms. The hostel has been closed pending further investigation, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted on McIntosh after her family arrives in Sri Lanka.

Hewawasam assured the public that steps would be taken to increase awareness of this critical information, particularly for those in emergency situations.

UK media said that the deaths of McIntosh and Raguse have left their families devastated. Tributes have poured in for McIntosh, described as a kind, funny, and determined person with big dreams. Her younger sister, India, wrote an emotional message on social media, expressing her heartbreak and vowing to seek justice for her sister. McIntosh’s family has also launched a fundraising campaign to bring her body back to the UK.

The British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that they are providing support to the McIntosh family and are in contact with local authorities regarding the investigation.

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SLAS senior to be HC in London, several new dpl appointments

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(by Sujeeva Nivunhella in London)

Senior Sri Lanka Administrative Service (SLAS) officer and former Senior Consultant at the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), Nimal Senadheera, has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Senadheera, who took leave in 2023 to pursue higher studies at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, completed his Master of Science (MSc) in Public Policy in January 2024.

This is not his first tenure in the foreign service. He previously served as a Director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from June 2010 to March 2014 beforebeing posted to the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa. He held the position of Minister Counselor there before being promoted to Minister.

Senadheera’s nomination follows the recall of former High Commissioner to London, Rohitha Bogollagama. Until Senadheera officially assumes duties, Deputy High Commissioner Manori Mallikarachchi is serving as Acting High Commissioner.

Meanwhile, several other diplomatic appointments have been made by the Sri Lankan government. Maheshini Colonne has been named Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India, while former Air Force Commander Udeni Rajapakse will go as High Commissioner to South Africa.

Also, Prof. Arusha Cooray has been named as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, and Prof. Nirmala Rathnayake has been nominated as the country’s envoy to Japan. Former Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya has been selected as Sri Lanka’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, while journalist Sonali Samarasinghe, widow of the late Lasantha Wickrematunge, has been nominated as Minister Counsellor to the same mission.

A former journalist from Ravaya has been nominated as Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Cuba.

The new diplomatic appointments come as part of the NPP government’s efforts to revamp Sri Lanka’s foreign service and strengthen international relations.

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New STF chief, shake-up of police hierarchy

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DIG Samantha de Silva

Public resist transfer of northern police chief

By Norman Palihawadane

DIG Samantha de Silva has been appointed as the new Commandant of the Special Task Force (STF), with the National Police Commission approving the decision, sources at Police Headquarters confirmed.This marks a significant shift in leadership as de Silva takes over from Senior DIG Waruna Jayasundara, following a series of upcoming changes within the Police Department, Headquarters sources said.

DIG de Silva, a veteran of the STF, has had a distinguished career, having also served as the head of the Ministerial Security Division and the Judicial Service Security Division. He has been wounded several times in the line of duty, including during the tragic bomb explosion that claimed the life of former Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle whom he served as a Personal Security Officer.

Headquarters sources said that the reshuffle within the police force is part of broader organizational changes, with key leadership positions expected to be rotated in the coming days. They indicated that Senior DIGs overseeing several provinces, including Western, Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern, are also set to be transferred.

Among the most discussed transfers is that of SDIG Tilak Dhanapala, currently responsible for the Northern Province. Dhanapala is slated for a transfer to a province in the Western region. However, his proposed reassignment has faced strong opposition from the residents of the Northern Province, who have voiced their support for his leadership. Public petitions and requests to retain Dhanapala in his current position have delayed the transfer, highlighting his popularity and the trust placed in him by local communities.

The proposed transfers, including those of SDIG Dhanapala, had been recommended by the previous Acting IGP C.D. Wickramaratne to the NPC for final approval.

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