Business

UNDP, together with partners, brings together immersive insight into the cruel realities of SGBV

Published

2 months ago

2025/12/11

UNDP 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence held at the Sri Lanka Foundation.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is a global campaign observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, beginning on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and concluding on Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

This year, in line with this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), together with its key partners through ongoing flagship project initiatives, is taking a unique, never-before-seen approach to advocacy. ‘Through Her Eyes,

wef.aoEiska, அவளின் பார்வையில்’ narrates the heart-wrenching journey of ‘Sara’ in her search for justice through multi-medium storytelling that merges stage theatre, film and creative audio production techniques.

‘Through her eyes’ is in line with three UNDP Sri Lanka projects; Enabling Access to Justice for Victim-Survivors of SGBV in Sri Lanka funded by the Government of Canada and implemented together with UNFPA Sri Lanka; the Support to Justice Sector Project (JURE) funded by the European Union in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, and implemented together with UNICEF Sri Lanka; and the Action and Anticipation for The New Agenda for Peace (AAA) supported through UNDP’s Funding Windows with funding from the Governments of Denmark, Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea.

Commenting on the timeliness of such public activations, Azusa Kubota, Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka, stated, “As the country recovers from one of its worst natural disasters in its recent history, the focus on gender equality, inclusion, and structural change is more vital than ever. We all know SGBV leaves a deep scar in survivors, those around them and the society they live in. Yet, do we really know what it is like to live through that experience? In a crisis, how do we address root causes of SGBV that get exacerbated? We wanted to mark this year’s 16 days differently – by creating an experience where we, irrespective of our gender, culture, and all other differences, put ourselves in the shoes of those who live through the pain and hardships, and collectively think through ways in which we can tackle persistent challenges confronted by many. Our advocacy efforts aspire towards a nation and world free from SGBV- to achieve gender equality and empower. ‘Through Her eyes’ is a unique experience that is designed to bring this issue in front of a broad demographic audience, by bringing together stakeholders from across the Government, private sector, development partners, youth and CSOs, as we stand together to end SGBV and support Sri Lanka to build back better.”

Sharing the perspective from the Government of Sri Lanka, Minister of Justice Harshana Nanayakkara commented, “Through Her Eyes’ invites us to pause and truly understand the lived realities of survivors. It is a powerful reminder that every survivor who comes forward does so with immense courage. Their pathway to justice must be dignified, safe and free from fear. Ensuring the safety and empowerment of women and girls is not a task that can be achieved in isolation. A holistic approach is vital. Law enforcement, the judiciary, health services, social services, educators, civil society, the private sector and communities must stand together as allies.”

As a key partner, Kiril Iordanov, Head of Cooperation at the High Commission of Canada noted, “Addressing GBV is a shared responsibility. Canada continues to collaborate with partners to design and champion innovative solutions. Our approach is rooted in the belief that promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls has a multiplier effect on development. By placing women and girls at the centre, we contribute to building a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous world.”

The Safe Space of this immersive production also highlights the support and work being carried out by the projects, to support better access for justice for victim-survivors of SGBV, capacity building for relevant public sector institutions, media ethics when reporting SGBV and the promotion of male allyship and bystander intervention as a mechanism to eradicate SGBV in Sri Lanka.

Highlighting the priorities of the European Union, Carmen Moreno, Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, commented, “Gender-based violence endures when access to justice is made difficult by fear, stigma or indifference. This exhibition invites us to understand the experience through the eyes of the victim, and it forces us to question—and dismantle—the barriers that allow violence to continue without consequences. Justice systems Justice systems must act with determination in confronting this problem, but they cannot do so in isolation. Real change requires a society that supports women, recognises the realities of gender-based violence, and refuses to look away.”

In light of the current situation of the country, the event also hosted an interactive dialogue on the theme ‘Delivering Economic Independence for Survivors of Sexual and Gender-based Violence during Crises’ on the sidelines of the event. With participation from key individuals, including the Government, development partners, private sector leaders, civil society organisations and youth groups, the dialogue looked at key areas of Gender-responsive and intersectional crisis planning; protection, safety, and justice built into disaster preparedness and humanitarian response; safeguarding shelter design, ensuring access to health and reproductive services, psychosocial support, and safe reporting mechanisms.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire collective action to end all forms of violence against women and girls. It calls on governments, organisations, and individuals to challenge harmful gender norms, support survivors, and demand accountability from perpetrators.

‘Through Her Eyes, wef.aoEiska, அவளின் பார்வையில்’ is open to the public from the 2nd to 7th of December from 10 AM to 7 PM at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.

To know more and engage in the immersive experience: https://go.undp.org/through-her-eyes

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Business

Lanka’s largest solar park set to transform energy landscape and local economy in Hambantota

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

A new era in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy is unfolding in the Gonnoruwa Division of Hambantota District, where construction has begun on the country’s largest solar power park. Spanning 450 acres and designed to generate 150 megawatts (MW) of electricity, the US$150 million private-sector-led project is poised to become a cornerstone of the nation’s sustainable energy ambitions.

Officials say the solar park, guided by the Sustainable Energy Authority and the Mahaweli Authority, will make its first contribution to the national grid by the end of this year, with full capacity expected by 2026. Once completed, the facility will rank among Sri Lanka’s largest renewable energy installations, second only to the 210 MW Victoria Dam and the 150 MW Upper Kotmale hydropower project.

The initiative is being framed as a strategic response to recurring power cuts in the Southern Province during annual drought periods. With a projected 20% contribution to the country’s daytime electricity demand, the solar park is expected to significantly stabilize the grid, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and contribute to the country’s renewable energy targets.

Project Engineer Thilanka Bandara confirmed that preliminary land preparation and boundary works have been completed, with 50 MW already feeding into the national grid. The investment, fully funded through foreign direct investment, local bank loans, and equity capital, requires no government funding. Two private firms are sharing the development, contributing 70 MW and 80 MW respectively.

Bandara highlighted a unique feature of the project: the transmission infrastructure, estimated at US$16 million, is entirely financed by the investors, marking a departure from conventional grid-connected projects. The park will also employ state-of-the-art ground-mounted solar technology, considered the most advanced currently deployed in Sri Lanka.

In a first for Sri Lanka, the solar panels will be installed five feet above the ground, allowing partial-shade crops to be cultivated underneath. Technical Officer Sithmina Bandara explained that this setup will enable the cultivation of food plants such as mushrooms, which thrive in shaded conditions, creating a model for integrated solar-agriculture systems. Agricultural experts have already provided guidance on implementing this initiative, which combines energy production with local food security.

The project is expected to generate 750 to 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 400–500 already employed in the initial phase. Long-term maintenance work will provide further employment opportunities, offering a substantial economic boost to the Hambantota region. Environmental management measures are also in place to prevent elephants from entering nearby villages, ensuring harmony between development and wildlife.

All necessary approvals and permits were obtained by February 2025, aligning the project with the Ceylon Electricity Board’s national generation plan. Officials confirmed that upon completion, the total output of the Solar Energy Park will rise to 200 MW, combining existing installations with the new 150 MW facility.

Experts say the Hambantota solar park represents more than just a power generation project. Its innovative design, private-sector financing, and integrated agricultural approach position it as a template for future renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, reflecting a new model of sustainable development that balances energy, economy, and environment.

By Sirimanta Ratnasekera

Business

ESU Kandy clinches dominant victory at ‘Battle of Esoftians’

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

The Battle of Esoftians, an annual cricket encounter organized by ESOFT Uni Kandy, concluded with a spectacular display of cricketing prowess as the Kandy team secured a massive 245-run victory over ESOFT Metro Campus, Kurunegala. The match was held on the 15th at the University of Peradeniya Grounds.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, the ESOFT Uni Kandy batsmen dominated the field from the outset. They showcased an explosive batting performance, posting a formidable total of 280 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

In response, the Kurunegala ESOFT Metro team struggled against a disciplined bowling attack. The Kandy bowlers dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup, bowling them all out for a mere 35 runs, sealing a historic win for the Kandy campus.

The event was graced by the presence of key officials from the ESOFT management: Amila Bandara – Chief Operating Officer (ESOFT Uni), Dimuthu Thammitage – General Manager (Central Region), Lakpriya Weerasinghe – Deputy General Manager, ?Lahiru Diyalagoda

Centre Manager-Degree Division, ESOFT Metro Campus Kurunegala and Dushantha Sandaruwan – Master in Charge (ESU Kandy Cricket Club)

Team Lineups

ESOFT Uni Kandy (Winners)

Chamath Ekanayake (Captain), Dinuka Tennakoon (Vice Captain), Dushantha Sandaruwan (MIC), Chalitha Rathnayake, Pulasthi Bandara, Isuru Dehigama, Kesara Nuragoda, Aadhil Sherif, Isuru Pannala, Achintha Medawatta, Ahamed Shukri, Gowtham Hari Dharshan, Danushka Sahan, Eranda Bandara, and Damith Dissanayake.

ESOFT Metro Campus Kurunegala (Runners-up)

Adeesha Samarasekara, Savishan Madusha, Lahiru Diyalagoda, Hirun Damayantha, Naveen Madushanka, Daham Pothuwewa, Senuda Thewnaka, M.R. Abdulla, Arunodya Dasun, Mohamad Afri, Desith Perera, Lasitha Ranawaka, Anton Dilon, Shenuka Thirantha, and Kavindu Bandara.

Text and Pix By S.K. Samaranayake

Business

HNB joins Royal–Thomian “Battle of the Blues” as official banking partner

Published

13 hours ago

2026/02/22

Thilina Walpola

HNB Vice President Marketing & Corporate Communications, Upul Adikari, together with HNB, Brand Manager, Ishara Thilakarathne, presents the Official Banking Partner sponsorship cheque to St. Thomas’ College, Warden, Asanka Perera and Royal College Principal Athula Wijewardana, in the presence of the Co-Chairs of the Royal–Thomian Match Organizing Committee and captains from both teams.

HNB PLC, Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank, has joined as the Official Banking Partner for the 147th edition of the historic “Battle of the Blues,” the Royal–Thomian cricket encounter between Royal College, Colombo, and S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia. Commenting on the partnership, HNB’s Managing Director/CEO Damith Pallewatte highlighted the bank’s long-standing connection with cricket, including sponsorship of Sri Lanka’s first Test match against England in 1982, and emphasized HNB’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting school cricket. The three-day clash for the Rt. Hon. D. S. Senanayake Memorial Shield will take place from March 12–14 at the SSC Grounds, with the Mustangs Trophy one-day match following on March 28 under lights. HNB’s inaugural involvement marks a milestone in the bank’s sports marketing journey, strengthening its role in the school cricket ecosystem. The bank will enhance the spectator experience by introducing digital and cashless banking solutions, modernizing the event while preserving its rich heritage and sporting tradition.