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Otara Launches “Who We Are” promoting Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and small businesses

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Otara Gunewardene has launched the online platform, www.whoweare.lk, that shares the products of local creators from around our beautiful island and promotes Sri Lankan ingenuity across the globe!  It is yet another brand by the accomplished businesswoman, a pioneer in the fields of fashion and retail in Sri Lanka, and one of the most well-known entrepreneurs in the country.  Promoting Sri Lanka and Sri Lankan made has been her passion for the last 25 plus years – and her mission this time is to showcase the creativity and talent of creators of small businesses, enabling their products to be available to a larger and more diverse audience.

 As well as supporting local communities, ‘Who We Are’ is committed to championing a conscious lifestyle, meaning all items are ethically sourced, cruelty free and sustainable. There is a stunning and diverse range in the collection – from jewellery and gifts, to fashion and home wares, as well as food, beauty and wellness. Conscious consumerism is at the forefront of this venture, along with the pledge to support creators and their communities through fair and just pricing. 

 In recent times our island has seen a large increase in imports, resulting in locally crafted goods taking a back seat and losing visibility. As ancient Sri Lankan traditions and crafts are pushed to the brink of extinction and family businesses close, generations of valuable knowledge, technique and heritage are lost. A timely needed initiative, and much ‘Who We Are’ provides an opportunity for craftspeople and artisans from all corners of Sri Lanka to market their products more widely, and to elevate their businesses in the process. Not only will this support the growth of our country’s economy, but Sri Lankan talent will be more accessible both locally and globally! 

‘Who We Are’ challenges us all to rethink our lifestyles and consumer habits, and to develop a mind-set as a ‘conscious consumer’. It challenges us to make purchasing decisions that have a positive social, environmental, and economic impact – without compromising on style, quality and comfort. 

‘Who We Are’ is a true celebration of culture and heritage, and it beautifully captures Sri Lankan kindness and compassion – because that is Who We Are. 

More creators and products will be added daily to the online market.

“I see a future where we contribute in more sustainable and ethical ways to our communities, where people live meaningful lives and where we have a greater connection to nature.’ Says Otara Gunewardene

‘Who We Are’ promotes a conscious lifestyle, the Sri Lankan way! Not too much, not too little – just the right amount of local, eco-friendly, sustainable, ethical, stylish, healthy and happy!

“Who We Are” is available on whoweare.lk and @whoweareSL on Facebook and Instagram. 



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SF claims thousands of police and military personnel leaving

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By Saman Indrajith

Thousands of police and military personnel had left the services recently as they did not want to carry out illegal orders, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka told Parliament yesterday. According to the war-winning army commander 200 policemen have resigned during the past two months and 25,000 soldiers have left the army during the last two years.

“We urged the law enforcement and military officials not to follow illegal orders. We will reinstate them with back pay,” he said.

Fonseka also urged the President and the government MPs not to take people for fools.

“Sri Lanka owes 55 billion dollars to the world. Ranil’s plan is to borrow another seven billion during the next four years. So, in four years we will owe 62 billion to the world.

Ranil and his ministers ask us what the alternative to borrowing is. These are the people who destroyed the economy and society. They must leave. Then, we will find an alternative and develop the country,” he said, adding that the IMF loans had made crises in other nations worse.

“Ranil says that by 2025, we will have a budget surplus as in Japan, Germany and South Korea. These countries are economic power houses, and this comparison is ludicrous.”

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CEB hit by exodus of technical staff

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By Shiran Ranasinghe

At least five technical personnel of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) resigned daily for overseas employment, a senior CEB official said.They included electrical engineers, electricians and foremen, he added.

“Most of them are quitting due to the economic crisis while others are simply disillusioned. Trained and experienced technical staff are in high demand in many countries,” he said.

CEB United Trade Union Alliance President Ranjan Jayalal said that the CEB had lost about 2,000 employees in recent times due to the above reasons.

“We had about 24,000 such personnel a few months ago. Now the number has come down to 22,000. A number of people had to retire on 31 December, 2022.

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Sajith questions sudden decision to charge Rs. 225,000 from students following NDES

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By Saman Indrajith

The government had decided to charge Rs 225,000 from those enrolling at the Institute of Engineering Technology, Katunayake under the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said yesterday in Parliament.

Premadasa said that the institute awards the National Diploma in Engineering Sciences (NDES) and no fee was charged from students until 2023.The IET awards the National Diploma in Engineering Sciences under the three major fields of civil, electrical and mechanical engineering, and eight sub-fields.

“This is an institute that has created over ten thousand tier two engineers. NDES is a four year programme,” he said.

The opposition leader said that the sudden decision to charge 225,000 rupees from students at a time when the average Sri Lankan family is facing significant economic challenges is unfair.

“This institute offered free tuition. We should continue this tradition. A large number of engineers are leaving the country and we need to ensure that we have a continuous supply of engineers to ensure we can maintain our essential technical services,” he said.

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