(Left) Deputy minister anil Jayantha Fernando and Dutch ambassador Wiebe Jakob de Boer. (right) Six historical artefacts Sri Lanka has requested be returned from the Netherlands.
Sri Lanka has requested the return of six more historical artefacts from the Netherlands under the second phase of its cultural restitution process, as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando made the disclosure while addressing the National Day Reception of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Colombo on Thursday (22).
Sri Lanka previously secured the return of six historical artefacts from the Rijksmuseum in December 2023 following joint research into their provenance.
The artefacts returned included a golden kasthana, a silver kasthana, a golden knife, two Mahathuwakku (wall guns) and Lewke Disave’s cannon. The items originated from the Kandyan Kingdom and were acquired during the colonial period.
Fernando said the return of the artefacts demonstrated the two countries’ shared commitment to mutual respect, reconciliation and the preservation of cultural heritage.
He also highlighted growing tourism ties, noting that Sri Lanka welcomed 2,362,521 international tourists in 2025, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. The Netherlands ranked ninth among Sri Lanka’s tourism markets, with 64,164 Dutch tourists visiting the country.
Referring to the longstanding ties between the two countries, Fernando said their relationship dated back more than four centuries, while formal diplomatic relations were established in 1951.
Bilateral cooperation has since expanded to areas including trade, investment, development, education, tourism, culture and maritime affairs.
He identified sustainable maritime development, ocean governance, maritime security, port development and the blue economy as key areas for future cooperation.
The Netherlands has also supported Sri Lanka in agriculture, fisheries, rural development, water supply, healthcare, disaster management and food security.
Fernando said Sri Lanka’s designation as a country of strategic focus under the Netherlands’ International Cultural Policy for 2025–2028 would further strengthen cultural cooperation.
He also highlighted the Second Round of Political Consultations held in The Hague in October 2025 and discussions between the two countries’ Foreign Ministers as important steps towards deepening bilateral relations.
Fernando reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Netherlands and exploring new avenues of cooperation as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.
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CIPM national HR conference 2026 redefines HR leadership in the AI era
Published
15 mins ago
on
2026/10/25
A Highlight of the event was conferral of CIPM honorary membership on Prof.Dave Ulrich
CIPM Sri Lanka held its flagship annual HR conference themed “The Human Edge in the Age of AI” on 14 and 15 October at the Monarch Imperial in grand style, attracting more than 1200 local and international delegates.
The first day of the conference was graced by Chief Guest – Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy; Guest of Honour – Victor Antonypillai, Principal Country Officer – IFC; renowned international speaker, author, professor, thought partner on human capability and HR expert – Prof Dave Ulrich, who joined the conference in virtual mode; President of CIPM Sri Lanka and Conference Chair – Dr Neil Bogahalande PhD.; CEO of CIPM – U. A. C. Obeysekere; members of the CIPM Executive Council; and business and HR leaders.
A conference highlight was the Conferral of CIPM Honorary Membership on Prof Dave Ulrich, in recognition of his lifetime contribution to transforming HR and his profound global influence on the profession. He then addressed delegates on “Human Ingenuity in the Age of AI.”
Dhammika Fernando was presented with the “Pride of CIPM” Award in recognition of his leadership, professional excellence and contribution to the Institute, as well as his appointment as High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat. Wasanthi Stephen, Group Chief HR Officer of the Janashakthi Group, was named the 2026 CIPM–Baur Lifetime Gold Award winner, becoming the first woman to receive the honour since its inception. In the final of “The CIPM Great HR Debate,” Janashakthi Group emerged as champion, with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka named runner-up.
The conference’s second day featured eight technical sessions led by distinguished speakers. Topics included AI leadership, strengthening the human edge, trust and deep literacy, global talent priorities, authentic leadership, and balancing technology with humanity. Speakers included Prof Harin Sellahewa, Dr Ranjan De Silva, Kul Mahay, Thushera Kawdawatta, Arpita Chakraborty and Prof Ajantha Dharmasiri.
The technical sessions featured two panel discussions. The HR Leaders Forum explored human accountability in AI-driven people decisions, with panelists Ravi Jayasekera, Wasanthi Stephen, Sahad Mukhthar and Kanishka Ranaweera, moderated by Davina Kern. The Business Leaders Forum examined how the C-suite can harness AI to drive performance without losing humanity, with panelists Dinesh Weerakkody, Damith Pallewatte, Manjula Mathews and Suren Fernando, moderated by Eng. Thusith Gunawarnasuriya.
The two-day conference concluded by equipping delegates with fresh insights and practical perspectives to help them navigate the evolving role of HR in the age of AI.
Upali Witharana, Executive Director of CEG Education Holdings (third from left), and Jonathan Hardy, Head of Business Development (Schools) at Cambridge Assessment International Education (fourth from left), are seen signing the agreement between the British Examination Centre and Cambridge Assessment International Education. Also pictured, from left: Nilanka Imbuldeniya, Centre Manager, British Examination Centre, Rex Gunathilake, Director/CEO, ANC Campus, Dr. Punarjeewa Karunanayake, Executive Director, ANC Campus and Zahara Ansary, Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cambridge Assessment nternational Education
The British Examination Centre (BEC), an independent examination and assessment administration centre established under CEG Education Holdings, was officially launched in Colombo, with the centre aiming to expand access to internationally recognised examinations and qualifications in Sri Lanka.
The centre was launched at Cinnamon Lakeside and has been appointed a Cambridge Associate, enabling it to support the administration of Cambridge International examinations across the country.
BEC will provide examination administration services for schools, educational institutions, private candidates and parents, including examination registration and post-results services.
It will facilitate Cambridge IGCSE, AS and A Level and Cambridge Checkpoint examinations, with the latter available for Grades 5 and 8.
BEC Executive Director and CFO Upali Witharana said the centre would provide schools with a dependable examination administration partner while enabling them to focus on education and student development.
The centre also plans to offer Cambridge professional development programmes for teachers in collaboration with international partners, aimed at strengthening teaching capabilities and classroom practices.
Cambridge Assessment International Head of Business Development Jonathan Hardy said Cambridge AS and A Level qualifications were recognised by more than 2,500 universities worldwide.
BEC Executive Director Dr Punarjeeva Karunanayake said the centre would progressively expand its portfolio of international assessments to meet the evolving needs of Sri Lanka’s education sector.