News
Language Laboratory set up at Rajarata Uni
Japan, Lanka celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations
Japan has established a Japanese Language Laboratory at the Department of Languages, Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Sri Lanka.
A spokesperson for the Japanese Embassy said that the project was meant to further enhance relations. The following is the text of the Japanese Embassy statement: “Vice Chancellor (Mrs.) G.A.S Ginigaddara, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities Prof. D.T. Mendis, Head of the Department of Languages Ven. Prof. Olaganwatte Chandasiri Thera, among other high faculty members were present from Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, while Counsellor Kawakami Takayuki, represented the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka on behalf of Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki.
The Japanese Language Laboratory was established with the support of the Government of Japan under its Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects, through which a total sum of 12 million Rupees was provided. This project supports the students to learn Japanese language most effectively with the innovative method called “Active Learning” (group work on hexagon desk) with advanced features including computer-assisted teaching and web-based learning. The project also provides new textbooks published by Japan Foundation, as well as a full set of educational equipment and supplies, placing Rajarata University of Sri Lanka as a leading hub of Japanese Language Education in Sri Lanka.
The opening ceremony was organised with special programmes, in the warm ambience of enthusiastic welcoming, including presentation on the future plan of Japanese language, singing performance by the students, and the book launch on the “Guide to Japanese Literature”.
Vice Chancellor Prof. G.A.S. Ginigaddara emphasised the historic significance of inaugurating the Japanese Language Laboratory on the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and expressed her firm commitment to promote Japanese language education in Rajarata University of Sri Lanka while concurrently developing the specified skills of the students in order to cater to the local community.
Reciprocating best wishes, Kawakami Takayuki, on behalf of Ambassador MIZUKOSHI Hideaki, stated that “learning Japanese language shall provide greater access to the wealth of scholarships available in Japan, which has millennia-old history not unlike this great city of Anuradhapura, and the opening of this Japanese Language Laboratory shall stand as a landmark event, symbolising a vital seed for re-shaping our promising future, in ever-enlarging cycle of our time-tested friendship.”
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri which arrived at the Port of Colombo on a formal visit on 04 Apr 25, departed the island today (07 Apr). The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During the ship’s stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Sahyadri took part in several programmes organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation. In addition, they also explored some tourist attractions in the country. Further, personnel of Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to visit INS Sahyadri, gaining insights into her operational capabilities.
Latest News
Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre has issued an Advisory for Severe Lightning for the Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district.
The advisory issued at 02.00 p.m. today [07 April 2025] is valid for the period until 11.00 p.m. 07 April 2025
The public are warned that thundershowers accompanied by severe lightning are likely to occur at several places in for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district. There may be temporary localized strong winds during thundershowers. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by lightning activity.
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Department of Meteorology advises that people should:
Seek shelter, preferably indoors and never under trees.
• Avoid open areas such as paddy fields, tea plantations and open water bodies during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using wired telephones and connected electric appliances during thunderstorms.
• Avoid using open vehicles, such as bicycles, tractors and boats etc.
• Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
• For emergency assistance contact the local disaster management authorities.
The report of the “Census of Population and Housing 2024,” conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, was officially handed over to President Anura Kumara Disanayake this morning (07) at the Presidential Secretariat.
This preliminary report has been prepared based on island wide data collected between October and December 2024.
The report provides details on Sri Lanka’s population, its growth and the distribution of the population across districts.
The information gathered through the census is vital not only for the government but also for other institutions in formulating policies and development plans essential for the country’s progress. Significantly, for the first time in the history of census-collecting in Sri Lanka, data collection was carried out using tablet computers and user-friendly mobile devices.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardana, Director General of the Department of Census and Statistics D.D.G.A. Senevirathne and several other officials.
INS Sahyadri sets sail from Colombo
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Advisory for severe lightning issued for Sabaragamuwa, Central and Uva provinces and in Hambanthota district
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