“Seriously? It’s JUST A DOG!” This is a common thought that some people have when they see an injured or dead dog on the streets. In Sri Lanka, animals are often abused directly and indirectly and the 115 year old animal welfare legislation is not effective in preventing the abuse of animals in there. Yash …

Sri Lanka needs a new animal welfare bill Read More »

The Social Studies Department of the Open University of Sri Lanka launched the Diploma in Youth Development at a function held Saturday (8) at the auditorium of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development in Narahenpita. Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Dullas Alahapperuma, Vice Chancellor of the OUSL Prof. Upali Vidhanapathirana and …

Youth Development Diploma launched Read More »

World leaders are in Perth on the west coast of Australia this week to take part in the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Steph Carter, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Queensland, reports on the controversy surrounding the decision to nominate Sri Lanka as the next host. At the Heads of Government Reception yesterday, …

CHOGM 2011: “Will Sri Lanka play host to CHOGM in 2013?” Read More »

World leaders are in Perth on the west coast of Australia this week to take part in the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Steph Carter, 20, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Queensland, reports on the controversy surrounding the decision to nominate Sri Lanka as the next host. At the Heads of Government Reception yesterday, …

CHOGM 2011: "Will Sri Lanka play host to CHOGM in 2013?" Read More »

Next month’s Commonwealth Youth Forum will be unique, writes Salma Yusuf, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka. It marks the formal beginning of the Commonwealth Youth Council as the official voice for young people in the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Youth Forum 2013 (CYF9) is one of the three main meetings to be held at the People’s …

“Commonwealth Youth Forum – a Sri Lankan view” Read More »

Bolstering trade patterns within the Commonwealth will be a topic at the upcoming CHOGM and People’s Forum writes Salma Yusuf, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka, while history indicates the host country stands to see trade benefits.   “Is there a business case for the Commonwealth?” then-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair asked the   1997 Commonwealth Heads …

“Commonwealth business forum – a Sri Lankan view” Read More »

The Commonwealth People’s Forum is designed to give civil society organisations a voice in meetings with Ministers gathered for CHOGM. This time around, writes Salma Yusuf, a Correspondent from Sri Lanka, the agenda will include addressing the experience of the host country.  The Commonwealth People’s Forum, held in the wings of CHOGM, is the largest …

"The People's Forum – a Sri Lankan perspective" Read More »

Youth delegates descended on Sri Lanka this weekend for the Ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum. The international summit will see the inauguration of the Commonwealth Youth Council, a new body aiming to become a voice for young people, writes Carl Konadu, 21, a Commonwealth Correspondent from London. Delegates arrived on Saturday in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, for the Ninth Commonwealth Youth Forum 2013, …

"Young people built connections and enjoyed cultural performances" Read More »

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is more than a high level round of talks, writes Salma Yusuf, a Commonwealth Correspondent from Sri Lanka. It’s an opportunity to build consensus, and for Sri Lanka to take on a leadership role. Sri Lanka will take the mantle of leadership of the Commonwealth for the next two …

"CHOGM will have a Sri Lankan perspective" Read More »

Youth at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in Sri Lanka had the opportunity to influence the agenda, writes Mridul Upadhyay, 22, a Commonwealth Correspondent from New Delhi, India, who says the gathering also demonstrated the Commonwealth’s commitment to youth. Whether it is Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka or Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Secretary-General of the …

“Youth voices gained an international platform” Read More »