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Sri Lanka triumphs at 2024 International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO)

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Members of the Sri Lankan team with officials (pic courtesy Foreign Ministry)

Sri Lanka once again showcased its scientific prowess at the prestigious 21st Edition of the International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) 2024, where six talented young Sri Lankan students brought home three silver medals and three bronze medals, according to a statement issued by Sri Lankan mission in Bucharest.

The competition, held from 02 to 12 December 2024, was organised by the Ministry of Education of Romania in cooperation with the National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, as well as the University of Economic Studies Bucharest. The event that celebrated excellence in the natural sciences saw the participation of over 50 countries.

The success of the Sri Lankan team underscores the country’s commitment to nurturing future scientists through the Sri Lanka Junior Science Olympiad (SLJSO) organized annually by the Institute of Physics of Sri Lanka (IPSL). The SLJSO selects top students, aged 12-16, through rigorous exams covering physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, and top performers earn the honour of representing Sri Lanka on the international stage.

The leadership of Prof. H.H. Sumathiapala and the dedication of his team of mentors from the University of Kelaniya, including Prof. Mangala Ganehiarachchi and Dr. Chamila Kadigamuwa, played a crucial role in guiding the gifted students. Through their efforts, Sri Lankan students have consistently performed well at IJSO, since 2016.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Romania, Madurika Joseph Weninger appreciated the students’ achievements, and hosted a celebratory lunch for the winners and the members of the faculty, at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Bucharest, following the participation in the official award ceremony. Inaugurated by Minister of Education of Romania, Ligia Deca, the ceremony was held at the National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, where medals were presented to the students who excelled.

The IJSO, which was founded in 2004, is a global platform for young scientists to engage in critical thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving. The competition aims to foster scientific curiosity, encourage international collaboration, and inspire the next generation of scientists. With their impressive achievements, Sri Lankan students have once again demonstrated their potential to excel on the world stage.



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Cabinet nod for MOU between Sri Lanka and Romania on the cooperation in the Labour Field

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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.

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New circular to replace Management Services Circular No. 01/2019

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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.

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Four Chief Prelates urge President to appoint NAO official as Auditor General

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Anura Kumara

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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