News
District Leaders appointed for District 82, Toastmasters International for 2022 – 2023

Toastmasters International is a worldwide non-profit educational organization that empowers individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. At the Annual Business Meeting in May 2022, District 82 of Toastmasters International announced leadership appointments for the 2022 – 2023 program year. Distinguished Toastmaster Nisal Weerakoon was been named District Director. Distinguished Toastmaster Mahinda Karunakara was appointed as the Program Quality Director and Distinguished Toastmaster Ganga Fernando was appointed as the Club Growth Director.
Nisal Weerakoon, DTM was the Charter President of Voice of Colombo Toastmasters Club. In 2020 – 2021, Nisal assisted District 82 in becoming ‘Smedley Distinguished’ as Club Growth Director, as well as receiving the ‘Excellence in Club Growth’ and the ‘Resilience Award’. Subsequently, as the Program Quality Director of District 82 from 2021 – 2022, he received the ‘Excellence in Program Quality’ Award. He completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Computing from Staffordshire University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s in Information Technology from the University of Colombo School of Computing.
Mahinda Karunakara, DTM from BCIS Toastmasters Club will oversee District 82’s educational and training initiatives, driving support for efforts to provide high-calibre club programming and promoting the Distinguished Club Program. He served as the District’s Club Growth Director for the 2021 – 2022 program year. Mahinda graduated from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and holds an MBA from the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in addition to a PhD in Business Management from the University of Swahili, Panama.
Ganga Fernando, DTM from Serendib Toastmasters Club will be in charge of all District marketing, club-building, and member and club retention efforts. Ganga was the Most Outstanding Area Director of the District in 2018 and the Most Outstanding Toastmaster of the District in 2017. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with first-class honours from the University of Colombo and an MBA in Finance from the same university.
“Mahinda and Ganga bring experience and passion for supporting the District mission and continuing the District 82 legacy. And 11 Division Directors and 44 Area Directors, along with the top 7 officers and extended team, are the enablers driving District 82 to the pinnacle through the challenging times while keeping the focus to double the value we give to our members”, said Nisal Weerakoon.
District 82 also announced the remaining Officer Positions completing the Top 7 positions and Division Directors hailing from a variety of Toastmasters Clubs.
* Administration Manager: Hashini Silva, DTM – Central Colombo Toastmasters Club
* Finance Manager: Jeewana Pradeep, DTM – AATSL Toastmasters Club
* Public Relations Manager: Asel Karunasingha – KDU Toastmasters Club
Srianthie Salgado, DTM, will serve ex officio as the Immediate Past District Director.
* Division A Director: Ruwani Wimalasena, DTM – Nations Toastmasters Club
* Division B Director: Shiham Ali – Wednesday 7 Toastmasters Club
* Division C Director: Imalee De Silva, DTM – Sampath Bank Toastmasters Club
* Division D Director: Dinuk Silva, DTM – Ralph Toastmasters Club
* Division E Director: Mario De Silva – Ragama Toastmasters Club
* Division F Director: Ruwan Jayasooriya, DTM – Siyane Toastmasters Club
* Division G Director: Mazin Hussain – Voice of Colombo Toastmasters Club
* Division G Director: Arshad Nizam, DTM – Innovative Minds Toastmasters Club
* Division I Director: Buddhima Subasinghe, DTM – NIBM Toastmasters Club
* Division J Director: Zamani Nazeem, DTM – Dialog Toastmasters Club
* Division K Director: Lakmali Ranatunga, DTM – Kandy Toastmasters Club
News
Govt. plan to boost revenue with taxes on vehicle imports unrealistic, warns Harsha

By Saman Indrajith
SJB Colombo District MP Dr. Harsha de Silva told Parliament yesterday that vehicle imports would be affected by unusually high prices. Commencing the Second Reading debate from the Opposition side, Dr. de Silva said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had, in his Budget speech, projected a substantial portion of tax revenue from vehicle imports. “What is the feasibility of such expectations, given the current price surge,” the MP queried.
“Who can afford to import vehicles at these rates? I do not believe there are enough affluent individuals in Sri Lanka to sustain vehicle imports at these exorbitant prices.”
Providing examples of the dramatic price increase, Dr. de Silva pointed out that a Toyota Raize now cost Rs. 12.2 mn, a Toyota Yaris Rs. 18.5 mn, and a Toyota Prius a staggering Rs. 28.9 mn.
“Someone mentioned that a Toyota Vitz could be available at Rs. 1.4 mn.”
Dr. de Silva said that the government aimed to increase tax revenue by 1.6% of GDP with a significant portion expected from vehicle imports. However, he warned that achieving that target was unrealistic under current circumstances. The government must reassess its reliance on this sector for increasing tax revenue,” he said.
News
SLN receives shallow water multi-beam echo sounder from Australia

Giving a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s hydrographic capabilities, the government of Australia handed over a state-of-the-art Shallow Water Multi-Beam Echo Sounder to the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) during a ceremony held at SLNS Rangalla today (18 Feb 25). The formal ceremony was held under the auspices of the High Commissioner of Australia to Sri Lanka, Paul Stephens and the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, marking new chapter in the discipline of hydrography.
The Australian government provided the Sri Lanka Navy with this Multi Beam Echo Sounder to enhance its hydrographic capabilities. This advanced equipment will enable the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service (SLNHS) to conduct precise hydrographic surveys, essential for creating nautical and electronic charts for international use. The device will also facilitate the production of high-precision nautical charts, ensuring safer maritime navigation.
News
Japanese Ambassador visits women entrepreneurs in North

Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata this week visited women entrepreneurs in the Mullaitivu district, Northern Province, supported by the project ‘Pathways to Peace’. The visit highlighted the impact of the business development and entrepreneurship trainings conducted by UN Women and Chrysalis with funding from the Government of Japan, the Embassy said.
Implemented across four districts – Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Mannar, and Mullaitivu -– this initiative has empowered over 460 women entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in business planning, financial literacy, and product development. These trainings have enabled participants to refine their business strategies, improve market access, and upscale their businesses.
At the event, Ambassador Isomata observed a variety of products manufactured by the women entrepreneurs and interacted with them, learning firsthand about their experiences and achievements. Ambassador Isomata stated: “Japan has been actively supporting women entrepreneurs and their families in vulnerable communities. This project goes beyond skill-building by sustaining women-led businesses, fostering peacebuilding, and strengthening social cohesion. By becoming economically active, women gain greater influence in decision-making and leadership roles within their communities, driving lasting and transformative change”.
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