News
Canada and Sri Lanka sign MoU to implement a Volunteer Cooperation programme
Canada and Sri Lanka, on Monday (15), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to implement the WUSC Volunteer Cooperation Programme 2020-2027.
The MoU was signed by High Commissioner of Canada to Sri Lanka David McKinnon, and Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies K.M. Mahinda Siriwardana, at the Ministry of Finance, the Canadian HC said.
After signing the MoU, McKinnon said “The programme will contribute to sustainable economic growth in Sri Lanka and foster closer relations between our two countries. IGNI+E will bring valued technical assistance and create opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the Canadian and Sri Lankan participants.”
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Innovative Global Networks for Inclusion & Equality (IGNI+E) Project is a volunteer programme, spanning over nine countries, including Sri Lanka. This seven-year initiative (2020-2027) is implemented by the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). It will support local partners to implement initiatives and provide services for poor and marginalised youth, particularly young women, in a sustainable, innovative and inclusive manner. WUSC brings more than three decades of participation in Sri Lanka’s development, as part of Canada’s enduring commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka.
The IGNI+E project, in Sri Lanka, will support government, non-governmental, private and social enterprise sectors, by engaging and harnessing the knowledge and expertise of qualified Canadian volunteers.
Eighteen Sri Lankan volunteers will also be selected to support local partners in the project. Two of the Sri Lankan volunteers will participate in a workshop, in Canada, on green entrepreneurship and gender lens investment. Their visit will include meetings with think tanks and exposure to business incubators/accelerators supporting women entrepreneurs working on climate initiatives in Canada.
News
First Friends Campus provides essential school supplies to students of Peradeniya Junior School
First Friends Campus, Kandy, came forward on Wednesday (21) to provide essential school supplies and stationery to students of Peradeniya Junior School who were affected by the recent devastating floods.
The donation program saw 100 students receiving school equipment to help them resume their studies. Following the distribution, the students and staff members gathered for a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.
The event was attended by the Managing Director of First Friends Campus, Rohan Wijeratne, along with the Principal of Peradeniya Junior School, P.S. Samarasinghe , and the Head of its Primary Section, L.K. Wanninayaka. Members of the academic staff from First Friends Campus and students were also present at the ceremony.
By S.K. Samaranayake ✍️
The Next English Dhamma Panel Discussion of the Colombo YMBA will be held on Sunday 25th January 2026 from 9.30 am to 11.05 am in the Conference Room of the Association at the Third Floor of its Borella Building. Facility available to participate via zoom.
Subject – The Characteristics of Existence”
Part I – Anicca (Impermanence)
The Panelists are – Venerable Suriyawewa Wijayawimala Thero and Consultant General Physician Dr. Randula Samarasinghe. The Moderator of the Discussion is Ranjan de Silva Hon. Treasurer of the Colombo YMBA. Please join through zoom with the under mentioned zoom ID or contact the following phone numbers [0112-695786]
Join through zoom –
Meeting Id – 83967083997
Pass code – 333444
All are Welcome
Government doctors’ annual transfers would resume from the first week of February 2026, Health Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa told Parliament yesterday, noting that the process had not been properly implemented since 2013.
The Minister said so while responding to a question by Trincomalee District NPP MP Roshan Akmeemana, who said the lack of regular transfers had created shortages of doctors in rural hospitals. He also pointed out that doctors were currently assigned only as replacements.
“These doctors assigned as replacements stay for only a year. Under annual transfers, doctors should be posted to a hospital for at least five years,” Dr Jayatissa said.
The Minister said that the upcoming transfers would include all pending assignments and assured that the shortage of doctors in rural hospitals will be addressed once the annual transfer system is implemented.
‘Building Blocks’ of early childhood education: Some reflections
A tale of two AGs and dirty politics
Where stone, memory and belief converge: Thantirimale’s long story of civilisation
First Friends Campus provides essential school supplies to students of Peradeniya Junior School
Coaching legend Susantha calls time on storied career
Business of funerals, and demise of commonsense
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
Editorial5 days agoIllusory rule of law
-
News6 days agoUNDP’s assessment confirms widespread economic fallout from Cyclone Ditwah
-
Editorial6 days agoCrime and cops
-
Features5 days agoDaydreams on a winter’s day
-
Features5 days agoSurprise move of both the Minister and myself from Agriculture to Education
-
Features4 days agoExtended mind thesis:A Buddhist perspective
-
Features5 days agoThe Story of Furniture in Sri Lanka
-
Opinion3 days agoAmerican rulers’ hatred for Venezuela and its leaders