News
Lankan professionals discuss global urbanization challenges in low & middle income countries
Dr. Locana Gunaratna leads drafting of international policy paper on subject
Urbanization refers here to rural-urban migration taking place in the Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). The growth of urban population has been a subject of serious discussion in recent years at international level. In 2015, UN member states adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) among which SDG 11 was about sustainability of cities. In 2016, a ‘New Urban Agenda’ was endorsed by the UN General Assembly. These two events bind all countries to promote those recommendations for the safety, health and well being of all living in highly populated cities around the world.
Urbanization in the LMIC’s is causing much concern to the Governments of these countries and also internationally. Some countries experiencing overcrowded cities can be found in Brazil, India , Bangladesh, Kenya and many other LMICs. Though urbanization was associated with industrialization in the 19th Century Europe which often resulted in economic growth of those countries, such benefits are not seen in most LMIC’s.
It can be said that all citizens are entitled to live in a healthy environment, have access to clean water and sanitation and be safe regardless of their social and economic status. Unhealthy living conditions and unsafe environments can have a detrimental impact not only on adults and their economic output but more so on the growth and development of the younger populations living in overcrowded slum areas of the LMIC’s.
An International policy statement on Urbanization in the LMICS was prepared at the instance of the Inter-Academy Partnership (IAP) which is the apex body of science academies worldwide. The Statement was drafted by an international ‘Working Group’ of 18 subject experts drawn from 16 countries across the globe. Those experts were selected by the IAP from nominees made by member Science Academies in the LMICs as well as those in the industrialized countries. The serious question posed to them was whether the neglect of rural areas and the adversities of urbanization can be addressed and reduced or eliminated.
That Group worked on-line for two years under the chairmanship of a Sri Lankan expert – Dr Locana Gunaratna. In fact, the subject had originally been proposed by him, forwarded by the National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka to the IAP in 2020 and accepted by them for serious consideration. This was a first for our Academy – the NASSL. The outcome of that effort – a draft Policy Statement was circulated by the IAP after close scrutiny to all member Science Academies worldwide.
It was endorsed by the required majority those Academies including those in some of the most industrialized countries. The Policy statement was then formally launched by the IAP at an international event held in Trieste, Italy on October 5, 2022 where Dr Gunaratna was invited to present a condensed version of the Statement.
The National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka together with the Institute of Town Planners Sri Lanka hosted the local launch of this Policy Statement and a discussion on it. That event was held at the Auditorium of the Organization of Professional Association (OPA) on November 18. Many relevant and interested professionals and scientists were present at that occasion.
At this event too Dr Gunaratna presented a summarized version of the Statement and also briefly discussed some positive implications of this policy for Sri Lanka. The successful implementation of such a policy would surely benefit our country, but long-term planning and visionary leaders with unwavering political will are needed, he said.
Latest News
Landslide Early Warnings issued to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura
The National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] has issued landslide early warnings to the districts of Kalutara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura effective from 0400hrs on 12th June 2026 to 0400hrs on 13th June 2026
Accordingly,
LEVEL I [YELLOW] landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Palindanuwara in the Kalutara district, Doluwa in the Kandy district, Ambagamuwa in the Nuwara Eliya district and Pelmadulla, Ayagama, Ratnapura, Godakawela, Kalawana and Nivitigala in the Ratnapura district
News
Wife, counsel seek regular access to ex-Spy Chief Sallay held under President’s detention order
Wife of former State Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Suresh Sallay has asked CID Director retired SSP Shani Abeysekera to allow her, her family members and lawyers to visit her husband in the National Hospital, Colombo. Sallay’s counsel has also written to Abeysekera, asking for permission to visit the former spy held on a detention order signed by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The text of Manori’s letter: “I respectfully request your assistance in granting me, and my daughter or alternatively my son, permission to visit my husband, Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is currently at the National Hospital, Colombo.
“As you are aware, my husband is presently engaged in a fast-unto-death campaign. His physical condition and emotional well-being are of deep concern to our family. During this difficult period, the presence and support of his immediate family are extremely important to him.
“I firmly believe that regular visits from me with our daughter or our son would help uplift his spirits, provide him with much-needed emotional strength, and may encourage him to reconsider continuing this course of action. Family support can play a vital role in preserving his mental and emotional health while he remains hospitalised.
“In view of these exceptional circumstances, I kindly request that permission be granted for either me and my daughter or my son to visit him daily during the period of his hospitalisation.
“I would be most grateful for your compassionate consideration of this request.”
“The text of the counsel’s letter: “I write in my capacity as Counsel for Rtd. Major General Suresh Sallay, who is presently under detention and admitted to the National Hospital, Colombo.
As you are aware, Major General Sallay has embarked on a fast-unto-death campaign, giving rise to serious concerns regarding his physical and mental well-being. In these circumstances, it is imperative that I be granted reasonable and regular access to my client during his hospitalisation.
As his legal representative, I have a professional obligation to monitor his condition and obtain instructions from him so that I may accurately apprise the relevant courts of his health status and any developments affecting his rights and welfare. Effective legal representation requires continuous communication with my client, particularly in light of the grave circumstances presently confronting him.
I also wish to respectfully highlight that Major General Sallay has placed explicit trust and confidence in me as his counsel. Indeed, I was the first person he contacted following his arrest.
Given the trust he reposes in me, I believe I am uniquely positioned to engage with him constructively and persuade him to discontinue this campaign and instead place his confidence in the legal remedies and judicial processes available to him.
For these reasons, I respectfully request that I be granted permission to visit my client on a daily basis during the period of his hospitalization.
Such access would not only facilitate the discharge of my professional responsibilities but may also contribute meaningfully towards safeguarding his health and encouraging a resolution through lawful and institutional means.
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, who served as a Lieutenant in the Sri Lanka Navy, has now been summoned to the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption next Tuesday (16) for questioning over his participation in a Royal Navy training programme in the United Kingdom outside established procedures.
The Commission is expected to record statements in relation to several complaints received regarding his recruitment and subsequent service in the Navy after he enlisted on December 14, 2006.
According to sources, the investigation focuses on allegations concerning the educational qualifications considered at the time of his enlistment, as well as foreign training opportunities he is said to have received while in service, which are suspected to have been granted in violation of due process.
The Bribery Commission has launched the inquiry under the provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act, officials said.
Jailed South Korea ex-president gets 30 more years for sending drones into North
Holder, Joseph set up victory as West Indies go 1-0 up against Sri Lanka
El Niño under way and threatens weather extremes, scientists say
South Korea beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener
Police investigate ‘8647’ written in grass on US national mall
Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies after more than three years in coma
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
Sunday Island 27 December – Headlines
#SundayIsland 17th December – Headlines
Sunday Island – 28th March
Sunday Island Headlines – 21 March
Sunday Island – 21st February – Headlines
-
News5 days agoWomen’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up: Chamari Athapaththu’s 94 helps Sri Lanka beat Pakistan
-
News6 days agoAsst. Manager, security officer arrested over Rs 30 mn snatch at Horana PB branch
-
Editorial4 days agoProbe Sallay’s complaint
-
News5 days agoLankan-Canadian inducted to Toronto Sports Hall of Fame
-
News2 days agoLocal firms move millions of dollars overseas for phantom imports: Govt.
-
Editorial5 days agoPrez in the dock
-
Features5 days agoEntering MIT for my Ph.D program, coping with harsh Boston winter and breasting the tape
-
News6 days agoNo blanket ban on musical performances; only those promoting LTTE