Sri Lanka has received special recognition from the World Health Organization for maintaining the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis as a public health concern, in line with international standards and global advisory recommendations.

The recognition was awarded in appreciation of Sri Lanka’s continued progress in reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Syphilis to levels where they are no longer considered a major public health issue.

The award was presented today at the 79th World Health Assembly, currently being held in Geneva.

The certificate of recognition was handed over by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, to Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.

The Health Ministry said the recognition reflects the progress achieved by Sri Lanka’s health sector in sustaining public health standards in line with global benchmarks. (Newswire)

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The ‘Environment Pioneer President’s Medal Awarding Ceremony – 2025’ was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, today (21), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The event, jointly organised annually by the Central Environmental Authority and the Ministry of Education, recognises and appreciates students with exceptional knowledge of environmental conservation and management by presenting them with Presidential Medals.

At this year’s ceremony, the 11th of its kind, 192 Environment Pioneers were awarded Presidential Medals by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Teachers who had trained schoolchildren as Environment Pioneers were also felicitated at the occasion.

A special commemorative publication prepared for the ‘Environment Pioneer President’s Medal Awards Ceremony – 2025’ was also presented to the President.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Environment Dammika Patabendi stated that today the entire world is facing the adverse consequences of environmental pollution. He noted that the destruction of the environment, which earlier generations did not experience, has been brought about by human activity and it is now the responsibility of everyone to reverse this damage and create a healthier environment for all living beings.

The Minister further pointed out that the present government’s policy statement places significant emphasis on environmental protection and has already introduced a number of related programmes. Among them, he highlighted the Clean Sri Lanka initiative, which has now been launched in full force.

He stressed that the government, under the leadership of the President, prioritises advancing people’s lives while maintaining a balance between nature and development. The Minister urged all medal recipients to act as strong guardians in this mission, working to ensure that future generations inherit a greener and healthier environment than the one we live in today.

The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody; Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Seneviratne; Secretary to the Ministry of Environment K.R. Uduwawala; Secretary to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education Nalaka Kaluwewa; Chairman of the Central Environmental Authority Prof. Tilak Hewawasam; its Director General, Padmasiri Moonamale; provincial directors of education; school principals; and other distinguished guests. (Newswire)

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The National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) has been recognised as an ‘Outstanding Climate Smart Utility’ in the Achiever category by the International Water Association (IWA). 

According to a statement from the Ministry of Water Supply, this prestigious accolade highlights the NWSDB’s commitment to advancing climate-conscious reforms and its leadership in the water sector.

Over the past year, the NWSDB has undertaken major climate-focused initiatives under the vision and leadership of Minister Jeevan Thondaman. These reforms have made the NWSDB the first water utility in the region to adopt a comprehensive Climate Change Resilience Roadmap and Framework. 

This framework outlines a strategic plan of action to mitigate the impact of climate change and reduce carbon emissions by integrating climate-friendly technologies and promoting sustainable water conservation practices.

The new framework also provides guidelines for adapting existing water and drainage infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change. It also mandates climate resilience considerations in the design and implementation of all future infrastructure projects, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation systems are robust, adaptive, and sustainable in the face of evolving environmental conditions.

“This recognition from the International Water Association is a testament to the NWSDB’s dedication to leading by example in the fight against climate change. We are immensely proud of the progress made and are committed to continuing our efforts to build a more sustainable and resilient water sector in Sri Lanka. The NWSDB’s achievements underscore the importance of forward-thinking policies and the critical role that water utilities play in safeguarding our environment for future generations,” Minister of Water Supply Jeevan Thondaman said. 

Commending the leadership and staff of the NWSDB for their innovative approach and commitment to enhancing climate resilience within Sri Lanka’s water and sanitation infrastructure, the ministry said this award is a milestone in the NWSDB’s ongoing journey towards environmental stewardship and climate adaptation.

The Ministry of Water Supply further reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the quality of life for all Sri Lankans. The recognition by the International Water Association is not only an achievement for the NWSDB but also positions Sri Lanka as a regional leader in climate-smart water management, it added. (Newswire)

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25 Young soloists of the Soul Sounds Academy, Sri Lanka have won 17 Gold medals and 8 Silver medals at the Bali International Choir Festival.

These young children competed in the Children’s Solo and Youth Solo categories. 

They are trained by the visionary acclaimed musician Soundarie David Rodrigo and are also coached by Vocal Trainers Shivanthi Subramaniam and Shenuk Wijesinghe. 

The Soul Sounds Academy believes in nurturing young talent by giving them an opportunity to shine on stage locally and internationally. (Newswire)

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IMC Education receiving “Gold Award” for Global Medical Placement by Hon. Harsha De Silva (Member of Parliament) to Dr. Dharangan Bakthaseelan – Executive Director/Director of IMC AIC Campus, Dr. Amila B. Kulatunga – CEO of IMC Education and Mr. Inthikab Zufer – Chief Operating Officer – IMC Education.

Golden Sustainability Awards 2024, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka

The International Conference on Sustainable Globalization (ICSG) 2024, organized by esteemed institutions of the University of Wisconsin Parkside (USA), University of Wisconsin Sustainable Management (USA), Mahatma Gandhi University (India), Ostfalia University (Germany), and St. Petersburg University for Economics (Russia), served as a global platform for discussing and recognizing outstanding contributions of corporates in all types of industries towards sustainable development. IMC Education, a distinguished participant, made remarkable strides, showcasing its commitment to sustainability in the realm of medical placements.

IMC Education’s “Gold Award” for Global Medical Placements 2024:

In a momentous achievement, IMC Education secured the prestigious “Gold Award” for Global Medical Placements at the Golden Sustainability Awards 2024, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The accolade highlights IMC’s dedication to aligning its efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The award acknowledges IMC’s pioneering initiatives in sustainable globalization, particularly in the context of medical placements, where the organization has set a gold standard.

IMC Education, a trailblazer in the field of medical education, extends a comprehensive service that not only imparts academic excellence but also aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its educational programs and direct partnerships with medical universities overseas in Malaysia, India, Nepal, Belarus, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, IMC Education actively contributes to addressing global challenges such as quality healthcare, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. By fostering partnerships with top medical universities worldwide and providing well-deserved scholarships to Sri Lankan students, the organization ensures that its students are equipped not only with medical expertise but also a deep-rooted understanding of sustainability principles. IMC’s commitment to the UN SDGs is evident in its emphasis on ethical medical practices, community engagement, and the cultivation of a diverse, inclusive learning environment through its offices which are internationally located most prominently the IMC Office in Belarus where it provides all student-related welfare services throughout the study period overseas. In doing so, IMC Education not only prepares the healthcare professionals of tomorrow but also plays a pivotal role in advancing the broader agenda of sustainable development on a global scale.

Dr. Dharangan Bakthaseelan’s Lifetime Achievement Award (Executive Director/Director of Finance at IMC-AIC Campus):

A beacon in the field of medical education, Dr. Dharangan Bakthaseelan, the Executive Director/Director of Finance at IMC AIC Campus, was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Sustainability Awards 2024. Recognized for his trailblazing work, Dr. Bakthaseelan holds the distinction of being the first Sri Lankan medical doctor to facilitate medical education in Belarus for Sri Lankan students. His visionary approach has opened doors for Sri Lankan students to study medicine in Belarus, resulting in over 350 medical professionals contributing to the Sri Lankan healthcare sector.

Student Excellence “Best Poster Presentation & Best Student Presentation Award”:

Ms. Najaha Nauf, a student from IMC AIC Campus, deserves special mention. Ms. Najaha not only secured the Accomplished Best Poster Presentation but also bagged the Best Student Presentation Award. Her achievements underscore the high standards set by IMC AIC Education and its commitment to nurturing excellence in its student community. Competing with students from around the globe, Najaha Nauf’s success brought immense pride and fame to the IMC AIC Campus and, by extension, to Sri Lanka. Her ability to shine on an international stage highlights the caliber of students nurtured by IMC AIC Education, showcasing the institution’s commitment to producing globally competitive professionals.

IMC Education’s resounding success at the ICSG 2024 is a testament to its commitment to sustainable globalization in the field of medical education. The organization’s accolades and individual recognitions, especially Najaha Nauf’s outstanding performance against international counterparts, reinforce its position as a leader in promoting sustainability, academic excellence, and global partnerships. As IMC continues to shape the future of medical education, its achievements at the conference serve as an inspiration for others in the pursuit of a more sustainable and interconnected world.

“Lifetime Achievement Award” presented to Dr. Dharangan Bakthaseelan (Executive Director/Director of IMC AIC Campus) by Hon. Harsha De Silva (Member of Parliament)

Ms. Najaha Nauf – Student of IMC AIC Campus while presenting her poster presentation at the ICSG 24

Senior Management of IMC Education victoriously holding the “Gold Award” for Global Medical Placement.

Ms. Najaha Nauf – Winning the “Best Poster Presentation Award” & “Best Student Presentation Award”

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In a landmark achievement in the world of conservation, Sri Lanka was declared a UN World Restoration Flagship, in recognition of the nation’s vital efforts to rebuild and restore its mangrove ecosystems. 

The UN Flagship Restoration Award is a timely recognition of Sri Lanka’s viable, lasting solutions towards the restoration of these essential ecosystems which support countless lives and livelihoods across the island. 

The nation is slated to receive the award at the United Nations Environmental Assembly which will be held in Nairobi on February 27, 2024. 

The award signifies the nation’s effective use of the UN’s Principles for Ecosystem Restoration, while highlighting globally significant best practices and methodologies that can potentially serve as a framework for future success across the world.

The aftermath of the 2004 tsunami and its destructive impacts on Sri Lanka’s coastline highlighted the importance of mangroves as a coastal protector. Unfortunately, the continued destruction of mangroves and the lack of a formal mechanism impeded effective conservation and restoration.

Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthen its coastal ecosystems dates back to 2015 and beyond and was accomplished by the establishment of expert panels, task forces, policies, action plans and restoration guidelines that represent top-to-bottom and bottom-to-top coalitions for action and conservation.

The nation’s revolutionary approach towards mangrove restoration is primarily underpinned by science-driven methodologies, with a focus on reviving ecosystem services. This two-pronged approach is designed to restore the balance of the entire ecosystem and its connectivity. The involvement of youth as researchers and future restoration leaders, and the mobilisation of multiple stakeholder groups spanning the Government, NGOs, the private sector, academia and the community have culminated in a new paradigm of restoration that is built for the future. (NewsWire)

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