The Pathfinder Foundation has established the Entsuji Room, a Japan-themed space at its headquarters at Riverpoint, Peliyagoda, as the first step toward setting up a Japan Studies Centre.

The Entsuji Room will house an important collection of books on Japan, donated under the READ JAPAN Project, administered by the Tokyo Foundation and financed by the Nippon Foundation, under the leadership of Yohei Sasakawa.

The collection was formally presented by the Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, at a ceremony held yesterday (18) at Pathfinder Headquarters, at Riverpoint, and received by Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation.

The establishment of the Entsuji Room marks a significant step in strengthening intellectual and cultural engagement between Sri Lanka and Japan.

Sri Lanka on Tuesday (17) signed a letter of intent to join a growing global initiative of 35 countries that are part of the Global Charter for Children’s Care Reform, marking a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable children, the British High Commision (BHC), in Colombo, said.

Saroja Paulraj, Minister for Women and Child Affairs, signed the letter during a visit to Colombo by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy, who launched the Global Charter in early 2025. The Charter seeks to strengthen families, prevent unnecessary separation, ensure safe family-based care, and end the use of institutions for children’s care worldwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Lammy met President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss economic cooperation, reconciliation, and humanitarian priorities, including the UK’s ongoing support to communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah. He also met with Tamil political leaders and civil society. The UK remains committed to supporting meaningful reconciliation, transitional justice and a peaceful future for all Sri Lankans.

The UK provided £1 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, delivered through trusted partners on the ground. This funding supported life-saving interventions and early recovery, including emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation and essential relief items for affected families.

The BHC statement quoted the Deputy Prime Minister as having said: The UK is working with countries across the world to spearhead the urgent and united action that is needed to fundamentally improve children’s care and transform the lives of vulnerable children.

Today Sri Lanka has taken meaningful steps towards that shared goal – joining us on our mission to ensure every child has the chance to grow up in a safe and supportive family environment. This is a cause I care deeply about and I was proud to be here in Colombo today to progress this vital agenda with Minister Paulraj.

Preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families, ensuring the provision of safe, family-based care and ending the use of institutions the world over have the power to change lives, restore hope and give our next generations the opportunity to thrive.”

Gamapaha District SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna told Parliament early this week there was a conspiracy to remove the incumbent Parliament Secretary General.

Speaking during Tuesday’s (17) debate on the Bill, seeking to abolish the parliamentary pension scheme for MPs, Rajakaruna asserted that the removal of Deputy Secretary General Chaminda Kularatne was the first step in a broader plan targeting the top administrative post in Parliament.

He said that Kularatne had already been removed from office and alleged that the government was now planning to oust Secretary General Kushani Rohanadeera. According to Rajakaruna, the final paragraph of the preliminary investigation report into Kularatne recommends that Rohanadeera be temporarily removed from her position and subjected to a disciplinary inquiry. The report, he said, cites procedural irregularities in Kularatne’s appointment and an alleged financial loss to the State.

Rajakaruna further charged that the government was exerting pressure on the Attorney General and the Auditor General and was now attempting to interfere with the affairs of Parliament. He accused the administration of seeking to run the country, according to the dictates of Pelawatte [JVP headquarters].

He said that the Opposition would go all out to defeat the government’s plan.

By Saman Indrajith