EML BECOMES AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE IN SRI LANKA FOR IFC BUSINESS EDGE - SME SECTOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

International Finance Corporation (IFC) launched their prestigious Business Edge (BE) program dedicated for the development of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in partnership with EML Consultants (Pvt) Ltd. this month. The training of trainer (ToT) program specially designed to improve the training skills of the specially selected trainers will be followed by introductory sessions for the potential clientele launched its activities on March 9th at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel.
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THE 17TH ANNIVERSARY OF EML CONSULTANTS

March 10, 2010 has marked the 17th Anniversary of the EML Consultants. Since of its humble beginning in 1993, EML has grown in leaps and bounds, and is presently a leading organization in the fields of Natural Resources, Environmental Management and Local Governance in Sri Lanka and in the region. Since 2002, EML has experienced a rapid expansion and diversified its consultancy expertise into areas of Development Training, Urban Planning and Engineering.

EML Friends Welfare Society celebrated the 17th Anniversary in a simple but in a very meaningful manner, by organizing an evening tea party for the residents of Jinarathana Children's Orphanage in Bambalapitiya, Colombo -04. The orphanage is giving protection to more than 70 children of 3- 17 age group.

The staff of EML hope and wholeheartedly pray that these children will become responsible citizens of the country in the future and will serve their motherland.

Project on disaster risk reduction approach for floods in Ampara and Batticaloa districts in Sri Lanka.

Client: Disaster Management Centre
Project Period: October 2009 -March 2010

Disaster Management Centre (DMC) in funding collaboration with United Nations development Program (UNDP) has entrusted EML to undertake a study flooding issues in Ampara and Batticaloa Districts. The salient study aspects are to assess the current status of the flooding in the two districts and factors contributing to such events, review the proposed development plans and assess whether those planned activities will affect/aggravate the flooding situation, and measures to be adopted to mitigate the flooding and flooding impacts. Further, work encompasses the assessment of institutional capacity (both physical resources and institutional arrangements) to undertake required mitigation measures, and adequacy of prevailing legal provisions to administer the proposed actions. During the study, socio-economic aspects, particularly with respect to resettlement needs, etc will also be addressed.

EML intends to conduct two consultative workshops, in collaboration with UNDP and DMC, at the two districts to obtain the views of the major stakeholders on the above aspects.

EML's Eminent Plant Scientist Dr. Magdon Jayasuriya felicitated by the Institute of Biology

Sri Lanka's eminent biologist Dr. Magdon Jayasuriya, currently Senior Consultant at EML Consultants, was felicitated by the Sri Lanka Institute of Biology on 25th September 2009 for his valuable contributions to the knowledge on Sri Lanka's biodiversity, ecology, forestry, plant systematic and conservation of plant genetic resources. Dr. Jayasuriya was formerly the Systematic Botanist & Curator of the National Herbarium of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. Then he became the Director of the Plant Genetic Resources Centre of the Department of Agriculture.

On his retirement from the public sector he joined EML consultants as a Senior Consultant to lead a team in developing a valuable treatment on the Portfolio of Strategic Conservation Sites and Protected Area Gap Analysis in Sri Lanka, which analyzes the gaps in the conservation areas of Sri Lanka and provides effective recommendations for conservation of many sensitive / valuable ecosystems and habitats in Sri Lanka. This work also provides new insights towards forest and other ecosystems in Sri Lanka and a new classification system of different vegetation types found in the island. His most recent research involved biodiversity monitoring in the Lowland Rain Forests of Sri Lanka. Another noteworthy and recent contribution was the preparation of Provincial Biodiversity Profiles for Central and Uva Provinces, which was coordinated by the Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources in Sri Lanka. Initially, he functioned as a Collaborator in the Flora of Sri Lanka project implemented by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC., USA. Dr. Jayasuriya obtained his B.Sc. (Special) Degree in Botany from the University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, M.Phil. Degree in Plant Ecology and Plant Systematics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka and Ph.D. in Plant Systematics from the City University of New York, USA.

His contribution to the field of biology is immense and exceptional. He has conducted research on the flora of Sri Lanka, plant ecology, economic botany, plant genetic resources, natural products including medicinal plants, invasive plant species and strategies to control them and biodiversity conservation. His part in identifying plant diversity of the island in compilation of the National Conservation Review conducted by IUCN carries high regards by national and international scientists. He was the principal researcher on many other national and international research projects and publications. His contributions towards biodiversity conservation are continued through his consultancies and voluntary services provided by representing in important committees and societies locally and internationally.

EML Conducts Participatory Planning Workshops for the Local Authorities in the Eastern Province

EML in collaboration with ARD Inc, USA conducted Two Participatory Planning Workshops under the USAID funded Supporting Regional governance Program (SuRG) at Amaya Hotels in Dhambulla and Kandy during the month of August 2009. The objective of this program was to enhance the knowledge, skills and competence of staff on participatory planning approach to carry out Medium Term Planning in the Local Authorities(LAs) in the Eastern region supporting development in the region.

The training workshops were conducted as a certificate course with the engagement of the SLILG and the Ministry of Local Government and Provincial Councils, in order to enhance enthusiasm and value for future prospects for the trainees expecting a domino effect in capacity building and enhance participatory culture in the region.

The approach to this training was based on the premise that the training was conducted as a human resource capacity building exercise for the existing LA staff to take the leadership and work as resource persons in the future, in practicing the concept of participatory governance. The workshop clearly focused on Participatory Planning processes emphasizing the importance of people participation in LA planning through, evolving into a pattern of correct mindset, correct attitude, improve appropriateness though evaluation of pressing needs and transparency in governance.

The training course was conducted in a participatory manner ensuring enrichment through cross fertilization of ideas and concepts evolving from the participants. The course proceedings were conducted in a stepwise manner using factual and fictitious scenarios for training and practicing purposes. This was achieved through breakup sessions, adult training techniques, exchange of experiences and learning from success stories and lessons learned.

The training course organized based on the guidebook prepared for Local Authority Mid Term Planning and Budgeting through USAID funded TALG program implemented by The Asia Foundation, EML and ICMA, USA. The guidebook consists of seven self-explanatory sections which include the rationale and guidelines for practical execution through examples. The training was conducted using adult education tools and techniques.

Dr. A. H. M. Jayasuriya of EML, Chairman of the Sri Lanka's National MAB committee represents Sri Lanka at the 21st SESSION OF THE MAB/ICC

21st Session of the MAB/ICC (the International Coordinating Council of the Man and the Biosphere Programme) was held during 25-29 May 2009 in Jeju Island in Republic of Korea. Sri Lanka was represented by Dr. A.H.M.Jayasuriya, Chairman of the National MAB Committee / National Science Foundation. Among some of the notable achievements during the Session were the designation of 22 Biosphere Reserves in 17 countries and discussions and agreements on the future action plan for the implementation of the MAB concept to promote sustainable development within states. Back in Sri Lanka, in early June, a renewed action plan, especially within the current situation of achieving total peace in the island, was discussed at the meeting of the MAB National Committee

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