News
EducationUSA to host US University Fair in Colombo, Galle, and Matara
The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in partnership with the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission on Friday announced that EducationUSA, the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, will host a U.S. university fair in Colombo, Galle, and Matara from March 20-22, 2025. Students seeking admission in undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctorate programs will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from nine accredited universities and colleges from across the United States.
Students, parents, and school administrators are all encouraged to attend. There is no participation fee, but registration is required. For more details and for registration, please visit: bit.ly/EducationUSARoadshow2025.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said: “American universities are unmatched – leading the world in technology, innovation and groundbreaking research. Our campuses are homes to the brightest minds and cutting-edge labs that shape the future. To the students in Sri Lanka: come study in the United States where top talent and innovators are cultivated, and our universities drive discovery. We were thrilled to see a 10 percent increase in the number of Sri Lankan students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities for the 2023-2024 academic year, and we look forward to seeing even more growth in the future. EducationUSA’s upcoming fair helps Sri Lankan students start this journey toward studying in the U.S., paving the way for connections that will contribute to a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for both America and Sri Lanka.”
The discussions with U.S. universities and the EducationUSA adviser will provide valuable resources, covering academic programs, admission procedures, scholarships, and financial aid. These sessions aim to help students make informed decisions about U.S. higher education and offer a deeper understanding of studying and living in the United States. Staff from the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission will explain scholarship opportunities available to Sri Lankan citizens.
Schedule of EducationUSA 2025 Fairs: March 20 at the Winchester Room, Kingsbury Hotel, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, March 21 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galle, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM and March 22 at the University of Ruhuna, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, highlighted the importance of strengthening the educational ties between Sri Lanka and the United States: “We are delighted to welcome these top U.S. universities to Sri Lanka. Their representatives will connect directly with students and encourage them to explore further study opportunities in the USA which strengthens our binational collaboration and shared commitment to higher education.”
EducationUSA provides free counseling services to prospective students in Sri Lanka who wish to pursue higher education in the United States and is an integral part of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, an autonomous, bi-national organization established in 1952. Over the past seven decades, the Fulbright Commission has facilitated educational exchanges for more than 2,000 Sri Lankans and Americans, fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.
Ratnapura District SJB MP Hesha Withanage yesterday tabled several documents in Parliament to substantiate his allegations against Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). He presented an Executive Committee meeting minute, claiming that according to it, payments to IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon had been approved.
The MP said that the SLC Executive Committee had appointed Tennakoon, the then Senior Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Western Province, as an Advisor to the Security Consultant of Sri Lanka Cricket.
The contract, effective from August 16, 2021, included a monthly allowance of Rs. 150,000, 200 litres of fuel per month, a Rs. 5,000 mobile phone allowance, a laptop, a mobile phone, and medical insurance, MP Withanage told Parliament.
The MP tabled the document in the House in response to SLC’s recent denial of his claims. The SLC had previously dismissed allegations that Tennakoon had been paid or provided with perks, calling them baseless and false.
The SLC denial came after Withanage, commencing the Committee Stage budget debate under the Head of Expenditure of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, claimed on Tuesday (18) that IGP Tennakoon had been on the payroll of SLC.
MP Withanage criticised the government, stating it had no intention of preventing the accused group from contesting the upcoming SLC election on 31 March. He also accused the current Sports Minister of supporting a corrupt faction within SLC and announced plans to take legal action over the matter.
“This denial by SLC is irrelevant,” Withanage said. “We have a copy of the report approved by the Executive Committee.”
By Saman Indrajith
Election Commission (EC) Chairman R.M.A.L. Ratnayake yesterday announced that the Local Government (LG) elections would be held on 6 May 2025.The date was revealed during a special media briefing following the conclusion of the submission of nominations for LG polls.
Nominations for 336 LG institutions, which began on 17 March, were officially closed at 12:00 noon yesterday. Additionally, the deadline for placing deposits ended at midnight on 19 March.The EC said 17,296,330 persopns were eligible to vote in this year’s LG elections.
by Ranil Dharmasena
The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a successful shipwreck expedition from 10 to 17 March focusing on historically significant shipwrecks located in the sea area off the coast of Colombo.
The expedition was carried out to document the current state of numerous shipwrecks lying beneath the waves, off Colombo. The survey included the Coal Wreck, Chief Dragon Car Carrier, MV Astoria, MT Nilgiri, Thermopylae Sierra, MV Pecheur Breton, Taprobane East Wreck, SS Worcestershire, Toilet Barge, SS Perseus and some other unidentified wrecks, according to the Navy.
Navy divers explored a series of shipwrecks, including the historically significant SS Worcestershire and SS Perseus, both sunk during World War I. Beyond their historical value, the wrecks of the Chief Dragon Car Carrier and Thermopylae Sierra are now functioning as thriving artificial reefs, providing habitats for a variety of marine species.
A total of 14 diving officers and 15 diving sailors participated in this intensive shipwreck expedition. They used both atmospheric air and nitrox air mix as breathing agents, depending on depth and dive duration. This enhanced safety and efficiency, particularly for deeper and more complex dives.
Showers above 50 mm can be expected at some places in Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.
‘Deshabandu is on SLC payroll’; Hesha tables documents
LG polls on 06 May
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