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Empowering Women in Science: SLAAS Women’s Day Celebration
The Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science (SLAAS) hosted an inspiring Women’s Day celebration, emphasising the contributions and challenges of women in science. The event, held in a vibrant and inclusive setting, brought together distinguished female professionals, and aspiring scientists from various institutions, namely: University Grants Commission, Advanced Technological Institute, Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka National Chapter of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (SLNC-OWSD), Fairway Biotech (Pvt) Ltd, Women in Engineering Institute of electrical and electronic engineering (WIE-IEEE), Iinstitution of Engineers Sri Lanka, Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), The Open University of Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS), and Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) to foster discussions on gender equality and empowerment in STEM fields .
The gathering was welcomed by Prof. Udeni Nawagamuwa, the General President of SLAAS, who set the stage with insightful remarks on the significance of recognising and supporting women in scientific careers.
A notable highlight of the event was the Keynote Address by Inoka Liyanagama, Director of Customer Interface Transformation at MAS Holdings. Her speech underscored the importance of leadership and innovation, inspiring many young women to strive for excellence in their respective scientific domains.
The event’s central attraction was a Panel Discussion titled Women in Science – Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Path Forward. The panel featured a lineup of distinguished female professionals, including:
· Gayani de Alwis, Chairperson of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka
· Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa, Founder & Chief Scientist of Gene labs Medical (Pvt) Ltd.
Anuradha Amarakoon, Manager of Process Excellence at MAS Legato Pvt Ltd.
The discussion was moderated by Prof. Ramanee D Wijesekera, Immediate Past General President of SLAAS. Gayani de Alwis emphasised the importance of gender equality in modern economic development and the need for more female representation in decision-making roles. She shared her journey of overcoming industry biases and provided advice on leadership and career progression for young women interested in the field.
Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa shed light on the role of women in medical research and biotechnology, detailing her experiences in leading Genelabs Medical. She highlighted the importance of fostering innovation, research collaborations, and mentorship opportunities to encourage more women to engage in medical sciences.
Anuradha Amarakoon spoke about process excellence and operational efficiency in corporate environments. She addressed challenges faced by women in achieving leadership positions and stressed the significance of continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience in professional growth.
Following the panel discussion, Dr. Charithri Yapa, Vice Chairperson of IEEE WIE Sri Lanka Section, delivered an inspiring speech, emphasising the need for continued advocacy and support for women in science and technology.
The event was sponsored by Unilever Sri Lanka, Hemas consumer brands, Pure Herb Inventions (pvt) Ltd, Reckitt Benckiser, acknowledging the contributions of organisations that support gender equality initiatives in STEM.
The formal proceedings concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Iresha Attanayake, Joint General Secretary of SLAAS. Her remarks expressed gratitude to the speakers, organisers, and attendees for making the event a success.
The celebration ended on a high note with a Networking session, where participants engaged in meaningful conversations, formed new connections, and shared their aspirations for the future. The SLAAS Women’s Day event not only recognised the incredible achievements of women in science but also served as a platform for knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and empowerment. It reinforced the importance of creating inclusive opportunities and continuing to inspire future generations of women in STEM.
A meeting was held to discuss post-disaster planning and the reconstruction process, with special focus on flood-prone areas on Monday [8 th of December] at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and attended by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of timely and systematic information and data collection to support timely and effective decision-making on a daily basis following the post disaster situations. The Prime noted that accurate data flows are essential for guiding recovery efforts in the short and long term.
The Representatives outlined the need assessment process using RAPIDA and Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE), the UNDP’s post-crisis assessment initiated by integrating GIS technology, satellite imagery, and ground-level data, to deliver real-time, actionable insights after a crisis to helps identify affected locations, communities, infrastructure damage, debris estimates, and land use changes-providing crucial data.
The representatives of UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government and they expressed their readiness to collaborate closely and to strengthen ongoing partnerships to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of post-disaster response and reconstruction activities.
The discussion was attended by the Country Manager for World Bank Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Resident Representatives for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Azusa Kubota, South Asia Director for United Nations Office for Project Services ((UNOPS), and Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary (Development) Ms Sagarika Bogahawaththa and officials from the Department of National Planning.
[Prime minister’s media division]
News
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation has donated Rs. 250 million to the Government to support the rebuild of the country following the emergency situation caused by the Ditva cyclone.
Chairperson of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, together with the Board of Directors, handed over the cheque to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 08 th of December at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held between the Foundation’s Chairperson, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The occasion was attended by the secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives of the Board of Directors of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600hrs tomorrow [10th December 2025].
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Panvila, Udapalatha, Minipe, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, Thumpane, Doluwa, Pathadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Harispattuwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Pathahewaheta, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Deltota, Medadumbara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Rideegama and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Ukuwela, Pallepola, Rattota, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Yatawatta, Naula, Ambanganga Korale and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita, Kegalle and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district and Nuwara Eliya, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Kothmale West, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha, Walapane, Kothmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have also been extended.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Mirigama, Divulapitiya and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Balangoda, Kuruwita, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Pelmadulla, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Ayagama, Imbulpe and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
Timely and accurate data essential for effective decision making – PM
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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