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Japan donates PPE to solid waste management workers
Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke (left) at a recent event to receive JICA assistance(pic courtesy Japanese embassy)
Extending Japan’s continuous support to Sri Lanka, helping to protect solid waste management workers, currently engaged in work amidst Covid-19, Chief Representative, JICA Sri Lanka Office Fusato Tanaka, handed over Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government Sarath Weerasekera recently, JICA said in a statement.
Governor of the Western Province Roshan Goonetileke, and other officials from both institutions were also present on the occasion. The grant included 17,000 masks, 3,000 gloves, 360 pairs of boots, hand sanitizers, and protective kits to be used to protect more than 500 essential solid waste management workers currently engaged in work under Covid-19.
Over the years, JICA has been extending technical support for solid waste management in Sri Lanka under its Technical Cooperation Projects where Japanese experts and Sri Lankan counterparts work together solving challenges towards the proper management of solid waste in the country.
Currently, under the ‘Project for Formulation of Western Province Solid Waste Management Master Plan’, JICA is supporting the National Solid Waste Management Support Center (NSWMSC), Waste Management Authority, Western Province, relevant government agencies and local authorities, to formulate a long-term strategic plan for solid waste management in the Western Province.
The Project also helps capacity development of relevant authorities under emergency situations such as Covid-19. Hence, in response to the spread of Covid-19, a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for the Western Province has also been added to the scope of the Master Plan. This will enable local authorities in Sri Lanka to continue their essential work under any emergency situation such as the present pandemic.
At the handing over ceremony, Fusato Tanaka has stated that solid waste management is essential work for the community. Therefore, it is vital to pay attention towards their personal hygiene as well as assist them in maintaining a healthy work environment to protect themselves and the entire community. He further emphasized that catastrophic situation such as the present pandemic heightens the need for cooperation among countries to face them successfully and Japan has always been willing to extend a helping hand to Sri Lanka.
News
Vietnamese Ambassador meets President; explores possibility of enhancing direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka
The Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, Ms Trinh Thi Tam, paid a courtesy call on President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon (09).
During the meeting, Ambassador Tam conveyed her congratulations on behalf of the Government of Vietnam and expressed optimism for continued cooperation between the two nations.
Highlighting Vietnam’s achievements in foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade, President Dissanayake requested Vietnam’s assistance in fostering these sectors in Sri Lanka.
The discussion also explored the possibility of enhancing direct flights between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, with a focus on strengthening Buddhist ties and cultural connections. Ambassador Tam further pledged to explore opportunities to promote Sri Lanka as a key destination for Vietnamese tourists, thereby expanding people-to-people connections and boosting tourism.
News
Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
A group of students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy visited the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House and Colombo Port City today (09).
This program, organized by the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Education, and the Mass Communication Division of Parliament, offers schoolchildren the opportunity to explore important sites, including the Presidential Secretariat, the President’s House, Colombo Port City, and the Parliament. The students from Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy were fortunate to participate in this program.
During their visit, the students learned about the history of Parliament after touring the old Parliament building.
Director General (Legal) of the Presidential Secretariat Advocate J.M. Wijebandara, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Air Vice Marshal Bandula Herath (Retd), and Principal of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College, Kandy Mrs. Nilakshika Hapugoda along with several teachers were present on this occasion.
Most Reverend Dr. Brian Udaigwe, the Vatican Ambassador to Sri Lanka, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (09).
During the meeting, the Vatican Ambassador congratulated President Dissanayake on his recent election victory, conveying heartfelt greetings from His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Ambassador Udaigwe also extended best wishes for the continued success and prosperity of Sri Lanka under the new President’s leadership. In his remarks, Dr. Udaigwe expressed optimism about Sri Lanka’s future, stating that positive developments were forthcoming in line with the people’s aspirations. He commended President Dissanayake’s commitment to the welfare of the country and its citizens, offering the Vatican’s support in realizing the President’s vision for Sri Lanka.
Dr Udaigwe also lauded President Dissanayake’s initiative to conduct transparent and credible investigations into the tragic Easter Sunday bombings and assured the fullest cooperation of the Vatican in supporting the President’s efforts to bring justice and healing to the victims and their families.
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Students of Vihara Maha Devi Girls’ College Kandy visit Presidential Secretariat and President’s House
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