Business

Govt. partners Tik Tok to break new ground in education

Published

1 year ago

2025/09/16

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya and other dignitaries at partnering event.

In what is seen as a landmark moment for education and technology in Sri Lanka, the government has partnered with TikTok to launch the platform’s dedicated STEM Feed—a feature aimed at inspiring curiosity and improving access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics content.

The initiative, announced in Colombo recently with the presence of key government officials, educators, and private sector leaders, underscores a shared commitment to digital learning, youth empowerment, and the responsible use of technology.

Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, delivering the keynote address at the ITC Ratnadipa, emphasised that education must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Prime Minister added: “Education, as we all know, determines whether our children are prepared for the world ahead. Whether they can dream and whether we can equip them to realise those dreams.” Adding that for Sri Lanka, the challenge is not merely one of access, but of relevance—making learning both meaningful and adaptable to a generation raised in the digital age.

The partnership with TikTok is intended to do precisely that. Through short-form, engaging videos, the STEM Feed seeks to transform the way young Sri Lankans engage with complex subjects. It offers them content that is not only accessible and social, but also informative and interactive. More than entertainment, the platform becomes a tool for sparking ambition, igniting curiosity and building skills that are increasingly essential in a global digital economy.

But this effort does not stand alone. It complements the ongoing work of the government’s Task Force on Digital Transformation of Education, established in June 2025. The task force has already taken tangible steps—expanding digital infrastructure to over 1,000 schools, training more than 10,000 teachers and developing multilingual content to reach learners in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. The government’s targets for 2028 are clear: all schools equipped and connected, 80% of teachers certified in digital pedagogy, and 70% of students regularly engaged in digital learning platforms.

While optimistic, the Prime Minister remained clear-eyed about the challenges ahead. She noted that many schools, especially in rural areas, still lack basic ICT facilities. Internet access remains uneven, and digital inequalities persist. Furthermore, emerging technologies bring with them a new set of risks—misinformation, cyberbullying, over-reliance on devices and the temptation to use AI tools in place of genuine learning.

In addressing these issues, Dr. Amarasuriya stressed the importance of digital literacy—not simply the ability to access information, but the critical skill of evaluating, interpreting, and verifying it. “We don’t want to shield children from technology, she said. “Our task is to guide them to use it wisely, critically… Technology must be a tool for growth rather than harm.”

Importantly, the Prime Minister also broadened the conversation, urging stakeholders to consider the transition from STEM to STEAM—recognising the value of integrating the arts and humanities into technological education. This interdisciplinary approach, she argued, is vital in developing not just capable coders and engineers, but thoughtful, ethical, and creative citizens. “As much as we need to improve our skills and knowledge on technology, she explained, “We also need the creative and critical skills that humanities and a liberal education offer.”

By Ifham Nizam

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Business

SLEIS 2026 to examine Sri Lanka’s energy transition and its implications

Published

25 mins ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Reliable and affordable energy is essential to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, industrial development and competitiveness. As the country seeks to strengthen energy security while reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, the energy sector will be a key area of discussion at the Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026, organised by The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on 12-13 October 2026.

The session, “Beyond Fossil Dependence: Balancing Security, Sustainability, and Growth,” will examine how Sri Lanka can diversify its energy sources, accelerate renewable energy adoption and attract investment while ensuring a reliable energy supply for businesses and households. Discussions will also consider the infrastructure and policy frameworks needed to support the country’s transition towards a modern and competitive energy system.

Ms. Edore Onomakpome – Regional Infrastructure Industry Manager – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal, at the International Finance Corporation will keynote the session, and join the panel discussion featuring G.M.R.D. Aponsu – Secretary to the Ministry of Energy, Damitha Kumarasinghe – Director General (Chief Executive Officer), Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, and Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC. The discussion will be moderated by Sheran Fernando – Senior Advisor, Plus94.

The session will also explore the role of public-private collaboration in developing new energy solutions, encouraging investment and creating opportunities within Sri Lanka’s evolving energy sector. It will consider how energy policy and investment decisions can support both economic expansion and the country’s longer-term sustainability objectives.

The Sri Lanka Economic & Investment Summit 2026 is supported by its valued sponsors and partners. Platinum Sponsor – Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, Gold Sponsor – VISA Worldwide (Pvt) Ltd., Bronze Sponsor – South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd., Strategic Development Partner – Asian Development Bank, Telecommunication Partner – Dialog Telecommunication, Television Partner – Dialog Television, Session Sponsors – David Pieris Motor Company (Pvt) Ltd., Hemas Holdings PLC, Sunshine Holdings PLC, International Construction Consortium (Pvt) Ltd., Official Logistics Partner – Hayleys Advantis Limited, Official Airline – SriLankan Airlines Ltd., Official Hospitality Partner – Shangri-La Colombo, Airline Partner – China Eastern Air Holding Co. Ltd.

Registrations are now open at https://sleis.chamber.lk/. For more information, contact Alikie on 011 558 8805 (alikie@chamber.lk) or Shanuka on 0701082541 (events.division@chamber.lk).

Business

A fresh chapter for the George Keyt Foundation: A renewed commitment to the Sri Lankan art ecosystem

Published

39 mins ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

The George Keyt Foundation (GKF), dedicated to preserving the legacy of modernist painter George Keyt and fostering local art, has announced strategic appointments to its leadership team, bringing together a mix of global academic expertise, corporate leadership, and artistic passion. These enhancements aim to inject fresh expertise and academic depth into the Foundation’s long-term vision.

Establishment of the New Advisory Committee

To broaden its operational reach and deepen its engagement with the global art market, the George Keyt Foundation has established an Advisory Committee. The newly appointed committee members include:

• Dr Sujatha Meegama is a Senior Lecturer in Buddhist Art History at the Courtauld. She is an acclaimed art historian, author and academic, bringing specialised knowledge in South Asian art history to guide the foundation’s curatorial and educational directives.

• Dr Shamil Wanigaratne: A clinical psychologist, author, and avid art historian, Shamil will lend his unique perspective to help the foundation design meaningful public outreach and cultural preservation strategies.

• Abbas Esufally: A veteran corporate leader and patron of the arts, Abbas is transitioning from his role as a GKF Trustee to this advisory position, where he will continue to offer his sharp business acumen and extensive network.

New Trustee Appointment

Leesha Captain has been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Inspired by Sri Lankan artists, Leesha is a recognised supporter of the local art scene. Leesha’s hands-on perspective will strengthen the foundation’s core team as they develop and design new art programs.

A Vision for the Future

“These new appointments mark an exciting chapter for us as we build on our decades-long history of promoting Sri Lankan artists,” says Malaka Talwatte, Chairman of the Foundation. “The combination of Leesha on the board, alongside the diverse expertise of our new Advisory Committee, will significantly amplify our efforts in curating high-profile exhibitions and expanding local and international partnerships”.

Business

Sun Siyam Pasikudah celebrates World Tourism Day with culture, cuisine and community

Published

43 mins ago

2026/09/26

Thilina Walpola

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, part of the Privé Collection under Maldivian-owned Sun Siyam Resorts, will mark World Tourism Day on 27 September 2026 with a full day programme celebrating the culture, cuisine and natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast, paired with community focused sustainability activities.

The celebrations open with a special buffet of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, followed by a street food festival showcasing regional snacks and traditional sweets rarely found on resort menus. A signature World Tourism Day mocktail and cocktail, created for the occasion, will be served through the day, while traditional Sri Lankan cultural dance performances bring the island’s heritage to life for guests.

Beyond the festivities, the resort has planned a tree planting activity with guests and a beach or park clean up campaign, both reflecting Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s ongoing commitment to responsible tourism along Sri Lanka’s northeast coast.