News
SCOPE concludes with “Echoes of Unity” closing event
The closing event of the Strengthening Social Cohesion and Peace in Sri Lanka (SCOPE) programme, titled “Echoes of Unity”, took place last week at the Galle Face Hotel, marking the culmination of three and a half years of work to advance social cohesion in Sri Lanka.
Since March 2022, SCOPE has worked with more than 50 government and civil society partners to enhance community and institutional capacities, promote a more inclusive public discourse, and support economic inclusion. Over the course of its implementation, SCOPE engaged with more than 175,000 people across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka. SCOPE is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration.
The closing ceremony brought together representatives from government, the international community, civil society, academia, media, and the private sector. Attendees gathered to celebrate the achievements of the programme, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss how to sustain the momentum for social cohesion in the years ahead.
Distinguished guests included Muneer Mulaffer, former Deputy Minister of National Integration, current Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs; Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; and Dr. Felix Neumann, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Underscoring the impact of the programme, Ambassador Moreno said: “Over the past three and a half years, SCOPE has helped build bridges between institutions, communities, and individuals. The European Union is proud to have supported this effort to strengthen social cohesion. As Sri Lanka continues this journey, the lessons and partnerships forged through SCOPE will remain a lasting contribution.”
Emphasising the European Union and Germany’s shared commitment, Ambassador Dr Neumann highlighted: “Germany attaches great importance to open dialogue, reconciliation, and learning from the past. SCOPE has shown how honest reflection and cooperation can build the foundations for lasting social cohesion. We are proud to have supported a programme that strengthened institutions and empowered communities to move forward together.”
Apart from addresses by dignitaries, the event featured a presentation on SCOPE’s impact and results; a panel discussion with civil society representatives that explored shared learnings; and the launch of a photo stories book that captures personal narratives and community experiences from across the island. The event concluded with an art performance by the Temple of Fine Arts, celebrating unity through creative expression, followed by an appreciation segment for SCOPE’s partners and collaborators. Accompanying exhibition spaces featured installations by the Centre for Policy Alternatives, the Archive of Memory, and the Sri Lanka Barometer that were supported by SCOPE.
News
Cabinet nod for MOU between Sri Lanka and Romania on the cooperation in the Labour Field
Romania, a country that has maintained diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka for several decades in various fields, has become an increasingly popular destination among Sri Lankan skilled and semi-skilled Labour categories, especially in the fields of construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and services sectors.
At present, the recruitment of Sri Lankan workers to Romania is carried out by licensed private employment agencies under the
supervision of the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau. However, since both parties have recognized the need of establishing a more organized and sustainable recruitment method due to increasing demand, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Government of Romania regarding cooperation in the field of the labour sector with the following objectives.
• Establishment of proper mechanism for recruitment and management of workers.
• Promotion of ethical and transparent recruitment practices.
• Protection of rights and welfare of the migrant workers.
• Facilitation of regular discussions between the formal and relevant authorities ofboth countries.
• Improvement of technical cooperation, skills recognition, and capacity building in the labour sector.
News
New circular to replace Management Services Circular No. 01/2019
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance,
Planning, and Economic Development to repeal Management Services Circular No. 01/2019 , dated 15-03-2019, issued regarding the implementation of development projects, and to issue a new management services circular including updated provisions instead.
News
Four Chief Prelates urge President to appoint NAO official as Auditor General
Chief Prelates of the Malwathu, Asgiriya, Amarapura and Ramanna Nikayas, in a joint letter addressed to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has expressed concern over the protracted delay in appointing a permanent Auditor General.
The Chief Prelates have said that the appointment of an outsider as the Head of the National Audit Office (NAO) responsible for ensuring transparency and accountability in public finances will be inappropriate.
The Chief Prelates have said that they are of the view that Dharmapala Gammanpila, a senior officer with extensive experience within the Auditor General’s Department, is the ideal candidate for the top post. They have also emphasised that his appointment will strengthen the government’s efforts to promote economic prosperity.
Chulantha Wickramaratne, who served as AG for a period of six years, retired in April 2025. Following his retirement, President Dissanayake nominated H.T.P. Chandana, an audit officer at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, as the AG. The CC rejected that nomination. Subsequently, President Dissanayake appointed the next senior-most official at the NAO Dharmapala Gammanpila as Acting Auditor General for a period of six months. Then, the President nominated Senior Deputy Auditor General L.S.I. Jayarathne to serve in an acting capacity, but her nomination, too, was also rejected. Many an eyebrow was raised when the President nominated O.R. Rajasinghe, the Internal Audit Director of the Sri Lanka Army for the top post. That nomination too was rejected. As a result, the vital position remains vacant since 07 December, 2025.
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