MUMBAI (Thomson Financial) - Japan and the Asian Development Bank are supporting a pilot project that will combine rural road work and the creation of income-generating opportunities in the poorest districts of Sri Lanka, the bank said in a release.
The project will be funded by a 2 mln usd grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to be managed by ADB and the Sri Lankan government and project beneficiaries will contribute 245,000 usd to complete the funding requirement, ADB added.
The improvement of rural access roads and livelihood development for the poor project will rehabilitate about 200 kilometres of rural access roads with community participation in Badulla, Monaragala and Ratnapura, the poorest districts in Sri Lanka.
The non-governmental organizations will also provide training for self-employment programs to 2,000 beneficiaries in the three target districts.
The assistance was in response to the request made by Sri Lanka to ADB for the development of an innovative project on a pilot basis to address the present poverty in the three target districts by improving their rural access roads.
'Although ADB finances the improvement of national and provincial roads, it has not yet financed improvement of rural access roads in Sri Lanka by generating income opportunities for poor village people,' said TM Tilakaratne, Implementation/Program Officer of ADB's Resident Mission in Sri Lanka.
'Lessons learned from the project could be applied to rural community development programs implemented by the government and other donors in other districts,' he added.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Sri Lanka’s Hatton wants 5 million customers
Rajendra Theagarajah, the managing director of Hatton National Bank (HNB), is keen to ride on the coattails of Sri Lankan banks going global.
More corporates from the island are beginning to explore overseas opportunities by sourcing materials from other countries and outsourcing production around Asia. This is good news for Theagarajah, as growing local corporates can provide more lucrative fee-based business.
“Once these guys go global, the diversity in terms of political and country risk becomes manageable and they become more sought after [by investors],” he says. “So, I think we have a strategy to follow some of these big players.” Although the bank is already the country’s fourth-largest with over SLR237 billion ($2.2 billion) in assets, it clearly has its eye on a bigger prize than the Sri Lankan market.
Theagarajah has his eye on commodity exporters. He says they are getting smarter about branding, marketing and distribution. “This is where we feel our investment banking and corporate finance expertise can come in to convince some of these private family-owned businesses to give up part of their ownership and pursue a public listing,” says Theagarajah.
The alternative, he says, is to encourage them to raise funds through convertibles or private placements so these businesses can harness the potential of their balance sheets rather than relying on traditional bank financing to grow them.
The bank also wants to tap into Sri Lanka’s army of SMEs. The bank is keen to educate small business owners to help develop their businesses. “Traditionally, Sri Lanka has been an asset-backed lending environment, and we are slowly and steadily getting into cash flow lending,” says Theagarajah. The bank has developed more sophisticated risk management tools together with the International Finance Corporation, the private sector investment arm of The World Bank, to keep a check on its SME borrowers.
More corporates from the island are beginning to explore overseas opportunities by sourcing materials from other countries and outsourcing production around Asia. This is good news for Theagarajah, as growing local corporates can provide more lucrative fee-based business.
“Once these guys go global, the diversity in terms of political and country risk becomes manageable and they become more sought after [by investors],” he says. “So, I think we have a strategy to follow some of these big players.” Although the bank is already the country’s fourth-largest with over SLR237 billion ($2.2 billion) in assets, it clearly has its eye on a bigger prize than the Sri Lankan market.
Theagarajah has his eye on commodity exporters. He says they are getting smarter about branding, marketing and distribution. “This is where we feel our investment banking and corporate finance expertise can come in to convince some of these private family-owned businesses to give up part of their ownership and pursue a public listing,” says Theagarajah.
The alternative, he says, is to encourage them to raise funds through convertibles or private placements so these businesses can harness the potential of their balance sheets rather than relying on traditional bank financing to grow them.
The bank also wants to tap into Sri Lanka’s army of SMEs. The bank is keen to educate small business owners to help develop their businesses. “Traditionally, Sri Lanka has been an asset-backed lending environment, and we are slowly and steadily getting into cash flow lending,” says Theagarajah. The bank has developed more sophisticated risk management tools together with the International Finance Corporation, the private sector investment arm of The World Bank, to keep a check on its SME borrowers.
Sri Lanka Air Force destroys LTTE nerve center, ‘X-ray Base'
Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets this morning bombed a frequent visiting place of the LTTE leader in Kilinochchi, known as "X-ray Base". Air Force fighter jets in a low flying mission have targeted the base located east of Iranamadu Tank in the Kalmadukulama area, with pin point accuracy, the Defense Ministry said.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya said the air sorties were carried out on information obtained through real-time air surveillance and ground reconnaissance. “We believed he (Prabha) was in the base and no confirmation on his condition or whereabouts after the raid,” the spokesperson added.
Defence intelligence sources said that the air raid was timed with a “special” activity that was going on at the LTTE base. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the target was accurately hit. However, the extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.
The target was located in a thick jungle patch, north of LTTE’s “runaway” in Iranamadu. The area has been long demarcated as a “high security zone” and a ‘no go’ area for civilians, the sources added.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Andrew Wijesooriya said the air sorties were carried out on information obtained through real-time air surveillance and ground reconnaissance. “We believed he (Prabha) was in the base and no confirmation on his condition or whereabouts after the raid,” the spokesperson added.
Defence intelligence sources said that the air raid was timed with a “special” activity that was going on at the LTTE base. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the target was accurately hit. However, the extent of damage is yet to be ascertained.
The target was located in a thick jungle patch, north of LTTE’s “runaway” in Iranamadu. The area has been long demarcated as a “high security zone” and a ‘no go’ area for civilians, the sources added.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
LTTE conspirator sentenced to 57 months in US
A US District Court has sentenced a Sri Lankan to 57 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiracy to provide arms, ammunition and other military materiel to the LTTE.
The sentence was imposed on Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa, a Sri Lankan resident in the USA, by US District Judge Catherine C. Blake Baltimore, Maryland yesterday.
US Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announced that Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa has been sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempted exportation of arms and munitions.
Varatharasa will be deported from the United States after serving his sentence of incarceration.
Rosenstein said: “We are using undercover operations targeting people who attempt to obtain military weapons in violation of American law and all other available legal tools to prevent terrorism.”
According to his plea agreement, from April to September 29, 2006 Varatharasa conspired with Haji Subandi, Haniffa Osman and Erick Wotulo to export state-of-the-art firearms, machine guns and ammunition, surface to air missiles, night vision goggles and other military weapons to the LTTE to be used to fight against Sri Lankan Government Forces.
The sentence was imposed on Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa, a Sri Lankan resident in the USA, by US District Judge Catherine C. Blake Baltimore, Maryland yesterday.
US Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announced that Thirunavukarasu Varatharasa has been sentenced to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempted exportation of arms and munitions.
Varatharasa will be deported from the United States after serving his sentence of incarceration.
Rosenstein said: “We are using undercover operations targeting people who attempt to obtain military weapons in violation of American law and all other available legal tools to prevent terrorism.”
According to his plea agreement, from April to September 29, 2006 Varatharasa conspired with Haji Subandi, Haniffa Osman and Erick Wotulo to export state-of-the-art firearms, machine guns and ammunition, surface to air missiles, night vision goggles and other military weapons to the LTTE to be used to fight against Sri Lankan Government Forces.
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Claymore explosion targeting government minister ; 11 wounded- Ja-Ela
A claymore bomb has been triggered off targeting a VIP motorcade carrying a non-cabinet minister of Nation Building, D.M Dassanayake, at Ja-Ela around 10.35 this morning, January 08.
According to the available information the motorcade was plying towards Colombo along the Negombo - Colombo (A-3) main road when the explosion occurred near the Rukmani Devi junction, defence sources said.
Latest information said that minister D.M Dassanayake and four others who sustained severe injuries are now being treated at the Intensive Care Unit at Ragama Teaching hospital. The Director of the Ragama hospital speaking exclusively to defence.lk said six others were also admitted following the explosion.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Boost for Lanka-Maldives ties
Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullah Shahid who arrived in Sri Lanka on Thursday on a two-day official visit, called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.
The discussions with the Sri Lankan leaders centered on a range of bilateral issues including further strengthening of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Further, matters of common interest within the framework of SAARC and 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Sri Lanka also featured in the discussions.
The leaders expressed satisfaction over the rapidly increasing interaction between the two countries, especially since President Rajapaka’s state visit to the Maldives in 2007, which was followed by a number of Ministerial and officials’ level visits between the two countries.
Dr. Abdullah Shahid was appointed as the Foreign Minister in August 2007 and this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Minister.
The discussions with the Sri Lankan leaders centered on a range of bilateral issues including further strengthening of the growing bilateral ties between the two countries.
Further, matters of common interest within the framework of SAARC and 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Sri Lanka also featured in the discussions.
The leaders expressed satisfaction over the rapidly increasing interaction between the two countries, especially since President Rajapaka’s state visit to the Maldives in 2007, which was followed by a number of Ministerial and officials’ level visits between the two countries.
Dr. Abdullah Shahid was appointed as the Foreign Minister in August 2007 and this is his first official visit to Sri Lanka as Foreign Minister.
Govt. to present political proposals soon
The Government led by President Mahinda Rajapaksa is fully capable of presenting a set of political proposals that satisfy and receive the consent of all. The Government will present this set of political proposals shortly, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said.
Addressing the media at his office in Colombo yesterday, Minister Bogollagama said the main objective of the Government is achieving sustainable stability and peace.
The APRC is now in its final stage of drafting proposals. The Government is not focusing on banning the LTTE at the moment and the doors are always open for talks, he said.
Explaining the background and related issues to the abrogation of the CFA, Minister Bogollagama said the abrogation of the CFA does not mean that the facilitation extended by the Norwegian Government to the Sri Lankan Government also ends with it.
The Government immensely values the contribution of the facilitators, Co-chairs and the international community towards negotiations, the Minister said.
The diplomatic community understood the facts and agreed with the Government’s decision to abrogate the CFA, he said.
The Government decided to abrogate the CFA after carefully considering the ground realities, all unfolding events and acting honestly in a realistic way.
Addressing the media at his office in Colombo yesterday, Minister Bogollagama said the main objective of the Government is achieving sustainable stability and peace.
The APRC is now in its final stage of drafting proposals. The Government is not focusing on banning the LTTE at the moment and the doors are always open for talks, he said.
Explaining the background and related issues to the abrogation of the CFA, Minister Bogollagama said the abrogation of the CFA does not mean that the facilitation extended by the Norwegian Government to the Sri Lankan Government also ends with it.
The Government immensely values the contribution of the facilitators, Co-chairs and the international community towards negotiations, the Minister said.
The diplomatic community understood the facts and agreed with the Government’s decision to abrogate the CFA, he said.
The Government decided to abrogate the CFA after carefully considering the ground realities, all unfolding events and acting honestly in a realistic way.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Cancer Institute gets new ward complex
Urban and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardana inaugurated the construction of the three storeyed ward complex for Maharagama Cancer Institute which was estimated to cost Rs. 60 million. Australian High Commissioner Greg French also participated.
The patients of the Cancer Institute are undergoing immense difficulties due to the lack of sufficient beds and rooms. Over eight hundred cancer patients are receiving residential treatment in the Cancer Institute but there are only 600 beds, the hospital sources said.
The construction of new ward complex will accommodate more patients and ease the prevaling congestion.
The patients of the Cancer Institute are undergoing immense difficulties due to the lack of sufficient beds and rooms. Over eight hundred cancer patients are receiving residential treatment in the Cancer Institute but there are only 600 beds, the hospital sources said.
The construction of new ward complex will accommodate more patients and ease the prevaling congestion.
Forces' Chiefs predict Tiger extinction in 2008
The Tri-Forces Commanders yesterday expressed confidence that 2008 would be a decisive year in their effort of eliminating terrorism from Sri Lanka since they were already on course towards accomplishing this task by next year.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka who has already announced his intention of shifting the current battles to a decisive phase in August next year, expressed confidence of achieving the mission by reducing the existing number of Tiger cadres to 2,000.
"Considering the number of Tiger cadres that get killed each day in the Wanni front and in Jaffna, this task can be achieved soon," the Army Commander added.
"We can bring the war against the LTTE to a turning point once we are able to destroy the LTTE capabilities to operate in bunkers and FDLs," he added.
"Then it would be a case of hunting down the Tiger cadres in the jungles", the Army Commander added.
He said it would be difficult for Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to engage in a game of hide and seek for long since the Air Force is taking each and every hideout of the LTTE in the Wanni.
He also explained that the Army was ready to take on this task with the formation of five offensive Divisions in the Army to face an estimated 5,000 Tiger cadres left in the Wanni.
Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke also expressed confidence that the task of totally defeating the LTTE in 2008 was high.
Army Commander Lt. General Sarath Fonseka who has already announced his intention of shifting the current battles to a decisive phase in August next year, expressed confidence of achieving the mission by reducing the existing number of Tiger cadres to 2,000.
"Considering the number of Tiger cadres that get killed each day in the Wanni front and in Jaffna, this task can be achieved soon," the Army Commander added.
"We can bring the war against the LTTE to a turning point once we are able to destroy the LTTE capabilities to operate in bunkers and FDLs," he added.
"Then it would be a case of hunting down the Tiger cadres in the jungles", the Army Commander added.
He said it would be difficult for Tiger leader Velupillai Prabhakaran to engage in a game of hide and seek for long since the Air Force is taking each and every hideout of the LTTE in the Wanni.
He also explained that the Army was ready to take on this task with the formation of five offensive Divisions in the Army to face an estimated 5,000 Tiger cadres left in the Wanni.
Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Gunatilleke also expressed confidence that the task of totally defeating the LTTE in 2008 was high.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Salary hike for SL migrant workers in UAE
It is reported that Sri Lankan migrant workers employed in United Arab Emirates (UAE) are entitled to receive a minimum monthly salary of 825 Dirhams (AED) per month effective from January 1, 2008. This will amount to around 24.500/= in rupees monthly.
According to foreign media sources this new regulation of the revised minimum wages has been communicated to the recruiting agencies and agents through the Sri Lankan missions.
The Sri Lankan government has revised the minimum wages of housemaids in the entire Gulf region. While Dh825 has been set for the UAE, the wages in other countries in the Middle East have been set according to their respective per capita income.
This decision came along with the visit of Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Keheliya Rambukwella, to Dubai in October, when he told reporters that the government was considering increasing the wages.
According to procedures, the missions first approve the contract drawn up by the agent, after which the housemaid is brought from Sri Lanka to the UAE.
Any contract renewed after January 1 will also be considered as new and the employer would have to pay the revised wage. Sources said.
According to foreign media sources this new regulation of the revised minimum wages has been communicated to the recruiting agencies and agents through the Sri Lankan missions.
The Sri Lankan government has revised the minimum wages of housemaids in the entire Gulf region. While Dh825 has been set for the UAE, the wages in other countries in the Middle East have been set according to their respective per capita income.
This decision came along with the visit of Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Welfare, Keheliya Rambukwella, to Dubai in October, when he told reporters that the government was considering increasing the wages.
According to procedures, the missions first approve the contract drawn up by the agent, after which the housemaid is brought from Sri Lanka to the UAE.
Any contract renewed after January 1 will also be considered as new and the employer would have to pay the revised wage. Sources said.
Auspicious opening of Mahanama Bridge, Matara
President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the new Manama Bridge at Matara today. The bridge, destroyed by the tsunami, was constructed with a grant worth USD 7 million provided by the Government of Korea.
The newly reconstructed Mahanama Bridge is 116 meters in length, 29.5 meters wide and has six tracks. The Project was implemented by Road Development Authority (RDA) Sri Lanka, with the Korean Highways Corporation providing consultancy services. The bridge is built across the Nilwala River and is in the heart of Matara city. Work on the bridge commenced upon President Rajapaksa's request when he was Prime Minister.
The bridge, declared open on the third anniversary of the tsunami, is expected to improve the quality of life of the people of the area and enhance the prosperity of the Matara District.
The President reminded the nation how unlike any other nation Sri Lanka was able to emerge from the debris left by the tsunami.
The newly reconstructed Mahanama Bridge is 116 meters in length, 29.5 meters wide and has six tracks. The Project was implemented by Road Development Authority (RDA) Sri Lanka, with the Korean Highways Corporation providing consultancy services. The bridge is built across the Nilwala River and is in the heart of Matara city. Work on the bridge commenced upon President Rajapaksa's request when he was Prime Minister.
The bridge, declared open on the third anniversary of the tsunami, is expected to improve the quality of life of the people of the area and enhance the prosperity of the Matara District.
The President reminded the nation how unlike any other nation Sri Lanka was able to emerge from the debris left by the tsunami.
Sri Lanka observes Tsunami anniversary
Third Tsunami anniversary is being observed as National Safety Day in Sri Lanka Wednesday.
The main commemorative function is being held at Ratnapura in southern Sri Lanka.
A special prayer meeting is also being held at Peraliya, south of Colombo where more than 1000 passengers were killed as their train was washed away by the giant waves three years ago, All India Radio reported.
The whole of the island nation went into silent prayers for three minutes in the morning as mark of respect to those who perished in tsunami.
The nature's fury had killed more about 40,000 people besides displacing 2.5 million in Sri Lanka, the worst affected country after Indonesia.
India was the first country to have rushed to help Sri Lanka when Tsunami hit the island.
Besides pledging dlrs 23 million as Tsunami relief, New Delhi had dispatched ship loads of food and relief materials to the Tsunami hit regions.
More than 1000 military and medical personnel from India worked day in and day out to help Sri Lanka recover from the tsunami shock.
In Indonesia Mass prayers as well as a major emergency Tsunami drill are being held in coastal Calang town in Aceh, province.
Archipelagic Indonesia was the nation worst hit by the earthquake- triggered tsunami, with some 168,000 lives claimed by the catastrophic walls of water that lashed Aceh province at the northern tip of Sumatra island.
The main commemorative function is being held at Ratnapura in southern Sri Lanka.
A special prayer meeting is also being held at Peraliya, south of Colombo where more than 1000 passengers were killed as their train was washed away by the giant waves three years ago, All India Radio reported.
The whole of the island nation went into silent prayers for three minutes in the morning as mark of respect to those who perished in tsunami.
The nature's fury had killed more about 40,000 people besides displacing 2.5 million in Sri Lanka, the worst affected country after Indonesia.
India was the first country to have rushed to help Sri Lanka when Tsunami hit the island.
Besides pledging dlrs 23 million as Tsunami relief, New Delhi had dispatched ship loads of food and relief materials to the Tsunami hit regions.
More than 1000 military and medical personnel from India worked day in and day out to help Sri Lanka recover from the tsunami shock.
In Indonesia Mass prayers as well as a major emergency Tsunami drill are being held in coastal Calang town in Aceh, province.
Archipelagic Indonesia was the nation worst hit by the earthquake- triggered tsunami, with some 168,000 lives claimed by the catastrophic walls of water that lashed Aceh province at the northern tip of Sumatra island.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Housing market continues to slow
The property market is still cooling, despite a slight rise in house prices during October, official figures show.
Prices rose by 0.1% in that month, the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said, compared with 0.3% in September.
The annual rate of house price inflation was 11.3%, up from 10.8% the previous month.
But the average figure for the three months to October, seen as a more reliable indicator, fell to 11.1%.
DCLG calculated that the average price of a home in the UK is now £220,195, just £84 more than the average price in September.
Prices rose by 0.1% in that month, the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) said, compared with 0.3% in September.
The annual rate of house price inflation was 11.3%, up from 10.8% the previous month.
But the average figure for the three months to October, seen as a more reliable indicator, fell to 11.1%.
DCLG calculated that the average price of a home in the UK is now £220,195, just £84 more than the average price in September.
Tourism recovers from earlier slump
Tourism has staged a turn around from November, with a robust arrival gain of 20 per cent for the month. The drop-in arrivals peaked in May this year to 40 per cent after the LTTE attack on the Bandaranaike International Airport and the subsequent curfew imposed on night flights.
Since September this year, a recovery was seen with a strong turn into a positive last month. Arrivals for November was 45,102 compared with 37, 591 for the same month last year. With the current boost Sri Lanka tourism got with the Barmy Army of nearly 7,000 fans currently enjoying the cricket test matches.
December is expected to perform better. With the third and the final test matches in Galle attracting much attention, nearly 10,000 cricket fans are expected to be in Sri Lanka.
“Looking at the forward bookings, we are confident that we will end up with a good winter season performance this time. With events like the Galle Literary Festival, The Pearl Fishers opera, lifestyle shows in April and other exciting events planned for next year, we should expect the recovery to be sustainable,” said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Renton de Alwis.
“We also note the achievements in the Middle East market where an overall 30 per cent gain has been achieved between January and November, with an increase from 9,535 to 12, 327,” he said.
Since September this year, a recovery was seen with a strong turn into a positive last month. Arrivals for November was 45,102 compared with 37, 591 for the same month last year. With the current boost Sri Lanka tourism got with the Barmy Army of nearly 7,000 fans currently enjoying the cricket test matches.
December is expected to perform better. With the third and the final test matches in Galle attracting much attention, nearly 10,000 cricket fans are expected to be in Sri Lanka.
“Looking at the forward bookings, we are confident that we will end up with a good winter season performance this time. With events like the Galle Literary Festival, The Pearl Fishers opera, lifestyle shows in April and other exciting events planned for next year, we should expect the recovery to be sustainable,” said Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau Renton de Alwis.
“We also note the achievements in the Middle East market where an overall 30 per cent gain has been achieved between January and November, with an increase from 9,535 to 12, 327,” he said.
India tests surface-to-air missile: Defence Ministry
India on Friday successfully tested its surface-to-air Akash missile at an eastern coastal site, the second firing of the weapon in as many days, defence officials said.
The missile blasted off from the Chandipur-on-Sea testing site, 200 kilometres (125 miles) northeast of Orissa state capital Bhubaneswar, a defence ministry official said.
The test of the Akash missile on Thursday was also described as a success. The 700-kilogramme (1,540-pound) Akash, meaning “sky” in Hindi, has a range of 27 kilometres and can carry a 55-kilogramme warhead.
The tests came days after India announced plans to increase its nuclear prowess with a ballistic missile capable of hitting targets up to 6,000 kilometres away.
New Delhi also announced two tests this month of Indian-manufactured interceptor missiles.
India has built a range of ballistic and cruise missiles as a deterrent to China and Pakistan.
The missile blasted off from the Chandipur-on-Sea testing site, 200 kilometres (125 miles) northeast of Orissa state capital Bhubaneswar, a defence ministry official said.
The test of the Akash missile on Thursday was also described as a success. The 700-kilogramme (1,540-pound) Akash, meaning “sky” in Hindi, has a range of 27 kilometres and can carry a 55-kilogramme warhead.
The tests came days after India announced plans to increase its nuclear prowess with a ballistic missile capable of hitting targets up to 6,000 kilometres away.
New Delhi also announced two tests this month of Indian-manufactured interceptor missiles.
India has built a range of ballistic and cruise missiles as a deterrent to China and Pakistan.
Russian astronaut guest of honour at Sir Arthur C. Clarke felicitation
Astronaut Alexey Leonov of Russia, the first man to walk in space will be the guest of honour at a ceremony to felicitate Sir Arthur C. Clarke on his 90th birthday at a Central Bank auditorium today at 5.00 p.m.
The Foreign Ministry will host the ceremony to felicitate Sir Clarke which will be held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will deliver the welcome address. Dr. Alexey Leonov who was the first man to walk in space, when he stepped outside the Voskhod 2 spacecraft for about 12 minutes, on March 18, 1965.
He is also a long standing personal friend of Sir Arthur C. Clarke. Dr. Leonov is due to present Sir Arthur a medal from the Federation of Cosmonautics of Russia and deliver an address on “Sir Arthur C Clarke: A personal memoir”.
The Foreign Ministry will host the ceremony to felicitate Sir Clarke which will be held under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will deliver the welcome address. Dr. Alexey Leonov who was the first man to walk in space, when he stepped outside the Voskhod 2 spacecraft for about 12 minutes, on March 18, 1965.
He is also a long standing personal friend of Sir Arthur C. Clarke. Dr. Leonov is due to present Sir Arthur a medal from the Federation of Cosmonautics of Russia and deliver an address on “Sir Arthur C Clarke: A personal memoir”.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Eastern Tamils rally against alleged LTTE, TNA coalition
Thousands of Tamils and Muslims are flocking to Batticaloa town today (December 10) with slogans and banners condemning alleged LTTE, TNA coalition's obstruction of resettlement and development work, in a demonstration organized by the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TMVP), reports our Eastern Area defence correspondent.
Latest reports said that an estimated crowd over 9000 participated in the event to stage their strong protest against the self-claimed Tamil representatives.
People were seen coming in from all parts of the recently liberated Eastern Province to stage a mass protest against the LTTE - TNA axis, said defence sources observing the activities.
According to available information many Tamil and Muslim civilians from Kallady, Chenkallady and Valachchenai and many other areas are making their way towards Batticaloa, where the demonstrators are expected to hand over a memorandum to the Batticaloa GA, to be forwarded to H.E the President.
Our Defence Correspondent has learnt that the memorandum requests the President to continue the resettlement and mega-development projects in the east, despite attempts of the LTTE - TNA coalition to disrupt this work
"TNA has no right to bellow on the grievances of us Tamils. They are neither our representatives nor democrats. They dwell under the sympathy of the LTTE and only fiddles its tribal ideologies", viewed a Tamil school teacher who was among many at the demonstration.
When one charity is banned LTTE finds another to raise funds in the UK
How did the LTTE terrorist's front organization which operates under the disguise of "White Pigeon" charity succeed to continue the activities of the defunct UK charity TRO (Tamil Rehabilitation Organisation?)
UK sources indicate that a major fund raising programme has been organised to take place on the 12 January 2008 under a pseudo name of 'Mega Musical Festival - 2008' and the venue, is going to be the Alexandra Palace in North of London, one place, for some unknown reason, the LTTE does not seem to have any problem in booking the massive hall which can accommodate 10,000 people, despite the terrorist outfit is banned in the UK under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
It is equally ironic how the Terrorists have managed to get down officially a few Tamil Nadu cinema stars and entertainers costing them over œ30,000 ( Rs.6,840,000). The cost of hiring the hall is expected to be in excess of œ25,000 ( Rs.5,800,000). Entry tickets for the show are going to be priced at œ25 (single) œ75(family), andœ100(VIP).
Sources further add that since the UK Charity Commission clamping down on the pro-LTTE TRO, their front line activities still continue under a different charity name called 'White Pigeon'
'White Pigeon's founder and present chairman is said to be Dr N Sathiyamoorthy, also known as Dr Moorthy who was the chairman of TRO in the UK at the time of Charity Commission's regulatory arm intervened and subsequently ordered its closure.
He is said to be a former armed cadre of the LTTE in the Trincomalee area who has since coming over to the UK claimed political asylum in the United Kingdom. He is known as one of the frontline activists of the LTTE in the UK who makes political commentaries from the LTTE front line media. He is also believed to be involved in fund raising activities for the terrorist organisation. At a remembrance mass held very recently at the Harrow Leisure Centre in aid of Thamilselvan who perished under SLAF bombing, Dr N Sathiyamoorthy was entrusted to garland the picture of the deceased, source further add. .
UK sources indicate that a major fund raising programme has been organised to take place on the 12 January 2008 under a pseudo name of 'Mega Musical Festival - 2008' and the venue, is going to be the Alexandra Palace in North of London, one place, for some unknown reason, the LTTE does not seem to have any problem in booking the massive hall which can accommodate 10,000 people, despite the terrorist outfit is banned in the UK under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.
It is equally ironic how the Terrorists have managed to get down officially a few Tamil Nadu cinema stars and entertainers costing them over œ30,000 ( Rs.6,840,000). The cost of hiring the hall is expected to be in excess of œ25,000 ( Rs.5,800,000). Entry tickets for the show are going to be priced at œ25 (single) œ75(family), andœ100(VIP).
Sources further add that since the UK Charity Commission clamping down on the pro-LTTE TRO, their front line activities still continue under a different charity name called 'White Pigeon'
'White Pigeon's founder and present chairman is said to be Dr N Sathiyamoorthy, also known as Dr Moorthy who was the chairman of TRO in the UK at the time of Charity Commission's regulatory arm intervened and subsequently ordered its closure.
He is said to be a former armed cadre of the LTTE in the Trincomalee area who has since coming over to the UK claimed political asylum in the United Kingdom. He is known as one of the frontline activists of the LTTE in the UK who makes political commentaries from the LTTE front line media. He is also believed to be involved in fund raising activities for the terrorist organisation. At a remembrance mass held very recently at the Harrow Leisure Centre in aid of Thamilselvan who perished under SLAF bombing, Dr N Sathiyamoorthy was entrusted to garland the picture of the deceased, source further add. .
Friday, December 07, 2007
Nokia meets demand for localisation
Rural women can use their mobiles to create business opportunities, Head of Mobile Phones, Nokia, Kai Oistamo said at the Nokia World 2007, the annual conference in Amsterdam, yesterday.
"Mobiles can be used by rural women to commence businesses. Exciting changes are taking place in countries like Africa where women lend their phones to others in the village to make calls. When people start coming to their houses they start a small business like selling food. Women have the purchasing power in emerging markets and they make the purchasing decision most of the time," he said.
"In few years time mobile phones will be the most used device to access internet. The key objective is to know what the consumer wants. The emerging market is interesting. There is a great deal to be done to the emerging markets if you have an insight. You have to put yourself in the shoes of who you are designing for," Oistamo added.
He also noted that Nokia is concerned about the security of the devices. "We are bullishly leading in security and will continue to be ahead of the people who are trying to break it," he said.
"There is a demand for localisation. Nokia creates very human technology. We also create solutions that appeal to both men and women. We have 83 different languages to make the products localised," Oistamo added.
"Mobiles can be used by rural women to commence businesses. Exciting changes are taking place in countries like Africa where women lend their phones to others in the village to make calls. When people start coming to their houses they start a small business like selling food. Women have the purchasing power in emerging markets and they make the purchasing decision most of the time," he said.
"In few years time mobile phones will be the most used device to access internet. The key objective is to know what the consumer wants. The emerging market is interesting. There is a great deal to be done to the emerging markets if you have an insight. You have to put yourself in the shoes of who you are designing for," Oistamo added.
He also noted that Nokia is concerned about the security of the devices. "We are bullishly leading in security and will continue to be ahead of the people who are trying to break it," he said.
"There is a demand for localisation. Nokia creates very human technology. We also create solutions that appeal to both men and women. We have 83 different languages to make the products localised," Oistamo added.
Mobitel opens flagship centres
Mobitel opened its flagship centres at Mobitel Headquarters as well as in Excel World yesterday.
"The atmosphere created here at the flagship centres complies with International standards and emerging global trends of today's youth" Chairman of Sri Lanka Mobitel Asoka Weerasinghe de Silva said.
He said this particular ambience will help shift paradigms of visitors to the store, by facilitating them to experience the best flavours of modern lifestyles of Mobitel.
The new store layout will encourage the customers to roam around and self serve catchy ring tones, explore the latest technologies and also about mobile phone models at very interactive DIY counters and kiosks.
Business customers and corporate customers will be served in the business class enclosure where they will have access to competent customer service consultants who will work with customer solution engineers, who will design customised solutions for corporate specific needs.
"Seeing is believing" CEO of Mobitel Suren J. Amarasekara said. He further stated that, people will be amazed at the capabilities of M3, Mobitel's super 3G services.
"The atmosphere created here at the flagship centres complies with International standards and emerging global trends of today's youth" Chairman of Sri Lanka Mobitel Asoka Weerasinghe de Silva said.
He said this particular ambience will help shift paradigms of visitors to the store, by facilitating them to experience the best flavours of modern lifestyles of Mobitel.
The new store layout will encourage the customers to roam around and self serve catchy ring tones, explore the latest technologies and also about mobile phone models at very interactive DIY counters and kiosks.
Business customers and corporate customers will be served in the business class enclosure where they will have access to competent customer service consultants who will work with customer solution engineers, who will design customised solutions for corporate specific needs.
"Seeing is believing" CEO of Mobitel Suren J. Amarasekara said. He further stated that, people will be amazed at the capabilities of M3, Mobitel's super 3G services.
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