News
Pathfinder Foundation receives delegation from Sichuan University
Pathfinder Foundation hosted a high-level delegation from the China Centre for South Asian Studies of Sichuan University at its headquarters in Peliyagoda. The Foundation’s association with Sichuan University dates back to 2017, when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation and joint studies. Both parties met once again to evaluate the progress of the MoU, renewed in November 2023, and discuss opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions.
The delegation was led by Prof. DING Zhongyi, Dean of the School of International Studies and Director of the Institute of South Asian Studies. Chief Expert and Vice Director of the Centre, Prof. (Ms.) QIU Yonghui, Associate Professors Ms. XIAO Jianmei and Ms. LIU Siwei comprised the delegation that attended the meeting with the Pathfinder team of experts.
During the meeting, both sides discussed several important proposals, including strengthening relations between the two institutions, leveraging China’s economic power, critically exploring the successes and failures of the BRI, and the idea to hold a series of events in Colombo, bringing in scholars from the region. Development, economic empowerment, and maritime trade were three subject areas identified for further consideration in conferences and joint publications.
Pathfinder Foundation also briefed the delegation on its continued relationship with China vis-à-vis joint programmes, visits by Chinese organisations, and close association with the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.
The Foundation will host another delegation from Shanghai this month, representing the Office of the Counsellor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government.
Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya yesterday sad that the Executive Presidency would be abolished, in line with the NPP’s election manifesto.
Speaking in Parliament, in response to a question raised under Standing Order 27/2 by Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa, the Prime Minister said the abolition would take place through a proposed new Constitution.
She added that preliminary work on drafting the new Constitution had already begun, with previous committee reports and other proposals being studied to guide the process.
“A concept paper on the draft will be presented to the Cabinet,” Amarasuriya said, noting that a formal study has been initiated on abolishing the Executive Presidency.
She said that the move cannot be implemented without introducing a new Constitution.
Leader Sajith Premadasa told Parliament yesterday that the suspension of duties imposed on Dr. Rukshan Bellana, Deputy Director of the National Hospital, amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights.
Raising the issue during parliamentary proceedings, Premadasa, who is also the SJB Leader, questioned the decision to suspend the senior medical officer for issuing a statement to the media, particularly on matters relating to children’s medicines.
He said health was a fundamental right and noted that two children had reportedly died, stressing that the focus should be on accountability over the incident rather than penalising a medical professional for speaking out.
Premadasa criticised the authorities for suspending Dr. Bellana solely for communicating with the media, asking whether such action constituted justice for families who had lost their children.The Opposition Leader said silencing officials, who raise concerns, undermines fundamental rights and does not address the underlying issues related to patient safety and public health.
Acting Deputy Director of the Colombo National Hospital Dr. Rukshan Bellana has been suspended.
A letter, issued by the Ministry of Health, says preliminary investigations by the Ministry of Health has revealed that Dr. Bellana, as a government medical officer holding a responsible position, made statements to the media, without approval, in a manner that created a controversial situation in the country and unrest among the public.
The letter further stated that formal disciplinary action will be taken in due course regarding this matter.
PM says govt. will introduce a new Constitution to abolish executive presidency
Opposition Leader rises in defence of Dr. Bellana
Dr. Bellana suspended for speaking to media
257,000 households paid house cleaning grant of Rs 25,000 out of 493,000 eligible to receive it
Cops as whipping boys?
China pledges support as Lanka recovers from cyclone
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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