Focus Sri Lanka Monthly E News Letter - February 2013

7/29/2019 Focus Sri Lanka Monthly E News Letter - February 2013

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February 201

President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday reminded the internationcommunity about the provisions in the United Nations Charter that en

join every memeber nation to refrain from threatening or using forcto undermine the territorial integrity or political independence of another.

He said nothing contained in the present Charter authorises the UN tintervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state, or require the members to submit such matters for setlement under the present Charter. President Rajapaksa addressing thnations 65th independence anniversary celebrations in Trin-comalee, stressed that Sri Lanka is a country that always re-

spects the Charter of the UN and that all member countries,whether powerful or weak, should respect its Charter.

Volume 02 No 02www.slembassyusa.org

contacts

| 2148, Wyoming Avenue NWWashington DC 20008

t | (202) 483 4025 - 26f | (202) 232 [email protected]

SRI LANKAS65TH YEAR OF

INDEPENDENCECELEBRATED IN

WASHINGTON DC

Copyright 2013 Embassy of Sri Lanka - Washington DC, USA.

PRESIDENT REFERS WORLDCOMMUNITY TO UN CHARTER:

NO NATION CAN

BROWBEAT ANOTHER

US SHOULD NOTBULLY SMALL

COUNTRIES US CONGRESSMANENI FALEOMAVAEG

The United States should nobully a small country like SriLanka, considering the diffi-culties it has had to face duria 30 year conflict, a memberof the US House of Rep whovisiting Sri Lanka. Why is thUnited States taking the leadin bullying a small country liSri Lanka; when Sri Lankahas gone through a terribleconflict? Should we be look-ing at other countries whenour own situation is yet to becleared, for example even wiVietnam, Eni FFaleomavaega, Jr., a non-voting delegateto the United States House

of Representatives fromAmerican Samoa, speakingto a group of journalists saidHe noted that Sri Lanka hasmade significant progress wregard to reconciliation andreconstruction and should nbe antagonized by the interntional community at forumssuch as the United NationsHuman RightsCouncil.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa hoists the National Flag amidstthe beating of magul bera and the blowing of conch shells atthe 65th independence anniversary celebrations in Trincomalee.

Sri Lanka is a peaceful andreconciled society which is governedby democracy-AmbassadorWickramasuriya

Sri Lanka is a nation thatstrives for the protectionof human rights and therule of law. US Congressman

Robert Aderholt

US CongressmanEni Faleomavaegarecalls the terriblesoul searching America

went through losing600,000 lives during thecivil war


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2 | FEBRUARY 2013 | FOCUS SRI LANKA

EMBASSY REQUIRES CONFIRMATION TO FIRMUP TRAVEL PLANS TO ATTEND THE OPENING O

MATTALA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTis communication is to encour-e potential passengers who couldt register earlier and reserve theirats, since accepting reservations

l be closed shortly.e Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washing-n DC expresses thanks all who havenced interest to be a passenger on-ard the ight that will land on theugural day of Mattala Internationalport in Southern Sri Lanka, which willa signicant milestone in Sri Lankasation history.

indicated previously, all Mattalaund US passengers will reach DubaiEmirates Airlines from Los Angeles,

w York, Houston and Washington DC,time to connect to the SriLankan Air-es ight leaving for Mattala Interna-nal Airport in the morning hours of

March 18. 2013.Please note that the air tickets needto be purchased on or before Tues-day, February 26, 2013 to maintain the

above prices. Prices are based on thereturn ight to USA departing Colomboon or before the 29th of March 2013. Ifyou wish to return on a different date,please discuss your requirement withthe travel coordinator.

For travelers outside the United Statesand Canada, please contact Ms. RushaniPerera of the Embassy to discuss youright plans, as rates and itineraries willvary. For easy coordination, the Em-bassy will prepare a list of travelers andhand it over to Upul Travels based in LosAngeles with all relevant information.

Passengers interested in joining a 10-daytour exploring Sri Lanka should contact

the Embassy of Sri Lanka in WashDC to obtain more details. Tour pUS $ 3500/ per person on twin sbasis, while it will be US $ 4000 pe

son on single basis. This price is incof air fare on economy class. Howpassengers joining from Los Ashould add US $ 195 per person tothe additional travel cost from LA

We look forward to your valuablticipation onboard our ight to thtala International Airport Inauguon March 18 !!!

For more details please contacRushani Perera, Ambassadors OEmbassy of Sri Lanka,

2148 Wyoming Avenue, NW, DC 20M | 202 352 8957 T | 202 483 4F | 202 232 7181E-mail | [email protected]

Please fnalize your travel reservations ASAP, as the deadline is Tuesday, February 26,2013

Opt Departure Date Time Arrival Date Time CostWashington, DC (IAD) March 16 10:55 am Dubai 17-Mar 8:00 am $1,338.00Los Angeles (LAX) March 16 4:45 pm Dubai 17-Mar 7:35 pm $1,533.50New York (JFK) March 16 11:00 pm Dubai 17-Mar 7:45 pm $1,153.50Houston (IAH) March 16 6:50 pm Dubai 17-Mar 6:45 pm $1,165.00


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FOCUS SRI LANKA | FEBRUARY 201

SRI LANKAS 65TH YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATEDIN WASHINGTON DC HIGHLIGHTING POST CONFLICT

DEVELOPMENTS & SHARING THE CORRECT STORY OF SRI LANK

The Embassy of Sri Lanka Washing-on DC celebrated the 65th Anniver-ary of the Independence of Sri Lanka

with a spectacular cultural evening athe University of the District of Co-

umbia on Saturday, February 9. Ap-roximately one thousand Sri Lankan

American community membersnd distinguished invitees including

United States Congressmen, seniorovernment ofcials and Washington

based Ambassadors witnessed thebiggest Sri Lankan cultural event heldoutside of Sri Lanka.

Co-chair of the Congressional Sri

Lanka Caucus Congressman Hon.Robert Aderholt, Ranking Member ofthe House Foreign Affairs Sub Com-mittee on Asia and the Pacic Con-gressman Hon. Eni F.H. Faleomavae-ga, US Deputy Assistant Secretary ofState Dr. Alyssa Ayres and visiting Sri

Lankan Minister of EnvironmentRenewable Energy Hon. Susil Pre

jayanth delivered remarks.

Minister of Public Management

forms Hon. Navin Dissanayformer US envoy to Sri Lanka Abassador Patricia Butenis, InAmbassador to US Her ExcellMrs. Nirupama Rao and senior dimats in Washington were also intendance.


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| FEBRUARY 2013 | FOCUS SRI LANKA

The Gathering: Sri Lankasgreat elephant migration

-

oachers have decimated elephantopulations across Africa andarts of Asia, killing thousands of

nimals for their revered ivory.et in Sri Lanka, home to some,000 wild Asian elephants, a dif-erent, more hopeful story is play-ng out.

ts a story thats attracting truck-oads of tourists from around the

world to witness a stunning wild-fe spectacle, simultaneously rais-

ng concerns among conservation-

ts about how increasing numbersf visitors may be impacting the

arge mammals.

n north-central Sri Lankas Min-eriya National Park, hundredsf elephants travel each year tohe shores of an ancient reservoiruilt by a king more than 1,700ears ago. Theyve made the tripor centuries, coming from across

he region to bathe, mate, social-

ize and, most importantly, to feedas part of an annual event knownas The Gathering.

During the dry season (Julythrough early November), the wa-ter in the reservoir recedes. In itsplace, lush green grasses grow,providing a veritable feast for thehungry pachyderms.

Between meals, the elephantshead into the reservoir, spray-ing themselves with the shallow,muddy waters to create one of the

worlds biggest pool parties.

Where else you can get so close toso many wild elephants at once?asks James Thomas, a lawyervisiting The Gathering from Mel-bourne.

Watching massive herds of el-ephants bathe as the sun sets overthe nearby mountains is an expe-rience Ill never forget.

SRI LANKAENTERS TOP

GLOBALCOUNTRY

BRAND INDE

Sri Lanka has made it to the inueCountry Brand Index or the frst in the compilations eight year hisdebuting at what was described asspectable 67th rank with great potial to move up the ladder ast.

Te Index compiler FutureBraSouth East Asia CEO Sarah Reiterscribed Sri Lankas rank as a wonul achievement or a debutant.Out o 118 countries surveyed bytureBrand, Sri Lanka is at 67 ovand 13th among Asia Pacifc natioTe study involves an in-depth, rious and robust research and asse27 image attributes by 36,00 intetional and experienced business leisure travelers, drawn rom 18 cotries in fve continents. FutureBsaid it is one o the largest studies kind globally.

FutureBrand explores the compledynamics and benefts o how nat

maniest as brands. It uses a proetary Hierarchical Decision M(HDM) to determine how key aences including residents, investourists and oreign governmperceive a countrys brand. Te smeasures o brand strength are awness, amiliarity, associations, prence, consideration, decision/vition and advocacy. Additionally key dimensions are considered vsystem, quality o lie, good or b

ness, heritage and culture, and tism.


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hrongs of people welcome President Mahinda Rajapaksa to Jaf

resident Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he will give every-hing to the people o the Northern Province. He said wheth-r people appreciate or not , that was his vision, mission andoremost duty. President Rajapaksa said that people should

ppreciate whatever that is given and then only ask or more.

He also said that people should appreciate what the Govern-ment is doing or them.

peaking about the reedom that is now available, the Presi-

dent said, Te biggest gi we were able to give is the abor people to live reely once again. Our most loved treasuour children, and there was a time when parents had to their children to protect them. We should all work to pro

this reedom.

President Rajapaksa on his way to Colombo aer the comtion o his two-day visit to Jafna, visited a grap arm onKeerimalai - Mawiddapuram road on the invitation o Mter Douglas Devananda.


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ontinuing its vigorous nation brand-g campaign in the US, the Embassy oi Lanka in Washington DC embarked

n yet another initiative on January 31y hosting a glittering evening or over00 guests who were keen to experienceerent cultures o the world, rom the

Greater Washington area.

Te primary objective o this well at-tended unction jointly organized by the

Embassy and the International Club DCwas to promote Sri Lanka as a travel des-tination. Attendance o a large US audi-ence was utilized as an ideal platorm toshowcase and promote Ceylon ea SriLankas unique gi to the World.

Te colorul evening reecting the warmhospitality o Sri Lanka was much ap-preciated by the invitees. Tey prouselythanked the Ambassador or hostingthis wonderul event that would gener-ate much interest among prospective

travelers to Sri Lanka. Te audience wascomprised o diverse personalities in-cluding proessionals, business leadersand media personnel.

In his welcome remarks, AmbassadorJaliya Wickramasuriya opined that withthe dawn o peace, many opportunitieshave emerged or international businessin Sri Lanka. Te Embassy always har-nesses this conducive environment topromote real business opportunities inSri Lanka amongst US corporate leaders.

AS A PART OF VIGOROUS NATIONBUILDING PROCESS, SRI LANKAEMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DCHOSTS GLITTERING EVENING

PROMOTING TOURISM, CEYLON TEA& SRI LANKAN CUISINE

SRI LANKANTRADITIONAL DANCAND MUSIC DAZZLE

THE WORLD BANKHEADQUARTERS

Country promotion throuCulture, Investment and Tr

Sri Lanka Embassy in Washington

as part o its vigorous cultural diplomprogramme organized the h anSri Lanka cultural perormance atWorld Bank on Monday, February2013.

Te large and representative audiat the prestigious Preston AuditorWorld Bank,were in rapt attentionerupted in applause as they witnethe spellbinding perormance o thternationally renowned Visha SchoDance rom Sri Lanka.

Te Event was compered by Ms. AvWeerakoon who welcomed the gon behal o the Embassy o Sri Land introduced Ms. Visha ManoharSilva and her dance troupe.

Executive Director o the World BanIndia, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri LMr. Mukesh Nandan Prasad, Sri LAmbassador to the United States Hicellency Mr. Jaliya WickramasuriyaMrs. Priyanga Wickramasuriya andior World Bank and IMF ofcials

among the distinguished guests pres


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Ulagallais an amazingdestination in Sri Lanka

There are some places so special that one feels the need to telleveryone but at the same time would like to keep it a secret soas not to have it inundated with people. Such a place is UlagallaResort in the heart of Sri Lanka. Ulagalla is located between theUNESCO World Heritage Site of Anuradhapura, which was oncehe capital of Sri Lanka; and about 20 miles north of Dambulla,

which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been sacredpilgrimage site for the over 2000 years.

Ulagalla is a destination unto itself and while Anuradhapura andDambulla should be visited on the way to Ulagalla visitors should plano stay several days at the resort enjoying the bliss and serenity that

t offers. Upon arrival guests light an oil lamp then ring the set of bellsaking part in a traditional Sri Lankan arrival ceremony.

Ulagalla is the only Leeds Certied property in Sri Lanka whicmeans the preserving the natural beauty of the area is a primaobjective. Guests are surrounded by untouched wilderness feeling totally at one with Mother Nature while living a luxuriouslifestyle. Each luxury villa comes with Eden-like plunge pool, aspacious living area with dining table for those intimate in-roodinners, and large four-poster bed. And, whether you are look

for an eco-experience, a cultural quest, an idyllic honeymoon, rejuvenating wellness program, a rural adventure or a peacef

pilgrimage to the olden shrines, you will nd it at Ulagalla. Thvery special place is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of th

World.

All you will ever

need is at the HiltonColombo in Sri LankaThe small island country of Sri Lankais the new gotta-do destinationranked Number One on Lonely

Planets Places to go in 2013.

The country has a plethora of beaches, beau-tiful scenery, amazing wildlife and friendly

people plus seven UNESCO World HeritageSites. The good news is the country is atpeace making it a very safe place to visit.

The best place to start exploring the islandis at the Hilton in Colombo located an hourfrom the airport; however, a new highwayshould be completed by the 2014 which willmake the trip less than 30 minutes. The

Hiltons comfortable accommodations offer aview of the Indian Ocean.

The hotel boasts ten restaurants includingthe Curry Leaf, noted for its Sri Lankancuisine presented in a traditional manner.The Echelon Pub is the perfect place to enjoya beverage before dinner. Or, check out theamazing buffet at Spices. For a ne diningexperience head to Spoons. Truly a restau-rant to suit everyones taste.

The grounds are beautiful with fountains

and plenty of greenery. Beside the excellentaccommodations and dining options guestscan enjoy their 90-ft outdoor swimming pooland the hotels squash court. After a day ofsightseeing or business relax in the steamroom or sauna after exercising in the fullyequipped tness room.

Travel writer Sandra Scott is a regularcontributor to prestigious Travel Journals


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COLONELHENRYSTEELE

OLCOTTS106TH DEATH

ANNIVERSARY

here is an old saying that truth isometimes stranger than ction. Thishenomenon did take place herehen a non-national was honoured

s a National Hero of Ceylon. This iskely to be the only unique instance the world where a non-national is

onoured as a national hero.

was in the year 1967 when Dud-y Senanayake was Prime Minister,alising the great volume of work

one by Colonel Olcott to restoreuddhism in this country and also toach English to Buddhist children inBuddhist environment, requested

he then Cabinet to pursue parlia-entary sanction and honour Colo-

el Henry Steele Olcott as a Nationalero of Ceylon.

was a co-incidence I believe thathis posthumous honour was award-d on the 60th death anniversary of

olonel Henry Steele Olcott who de-arted on February 17,1907. In ap-reciation of the valuable gesture ofudley Sananayake he well deservesublic applause.

UDDHISM IN PERIL

uddhism was introduced to Ceylonom India with the arrival of Ven.rhath Mahinda Thera by air withve others around the year 220 BC.here were several minor invasionsom South Indian States, but there

were no major threats to Buddhism inthe country. The real organised threatto Buddhism came in year 1500 withthe invasion of the coastal areas bythe Portuguese who resorted to atroc-ities on Buddhist monks and destruc-

tion of places of religious worship.

Next to trade the main aim of the tuguese was propagation of Cathcism.

With the passage of 150 yearsDutch, who overpowered the tuguese with the help of the SinKings, were against the spread oftholicism, but propagated their

version of Christianity. HoweverDutch were not brutal in attitudthe predecessors.

In yet another 150 years the Broverran the coastal areas drivingthe Dutch. The British rulers didhave religion in their agenda but turned a blind eye to the numeChristian missionaries who follothem and started their religious pagation work in various parts ofcountry.

By 1850 the people of this little ishad been under foreign oppression350 years and as such Buddhismon a very low ebb and sliding dtowards annihilation. Some monks at Dodanduwa and Panadstarted Buddhist Sinhala Scho

Around this time there was opension between Buddhists and Chtians, resulting in the Pancha M

Vada whereby Ven. MohottiwGunananda Thera, the silver tongorator came into prominence.

GP DHANATUNDaily News Sri L

There is a very interest-ing and positive responsefrom a wide cross sectionof the Sri Lankan public,including the Army, thePolice, academic circles

nd the Ministry of External Affairs,awareness-raising on human rights

orms by the International Committeef the Red Cross, Head of Delegation,

CRC, Sri Lanka, Yves Giovannoni said.We have reached a stage with the Sriankan armed forces, where we feelat the ICRCs engagement with themawareness-raising in relation to In-

rnational Humanitarian Law and Hu-an Rights Law could be less. In fact, ittime for a joint evaluation between the

ri Lankan armed forces and the train-g department of the ICRC on how theaining in International Humanitarian

Law has been integrated at the nationallevel and at the level of different units.May be, we will draw some lessons and I

believe the ICRCs involvement could bedecreased from the current level of en-gagement, Giovannoni told The Islandin an exclusive interview on the occasionof 150th anniversary of the founding ofthe ICRC. The rst meeting of the ICRC

was held on February 17, 1863.

In terms of us teaching HumanitarianLaw to the Sri Lankan armed forces, I

believe the Lankan security forces have

today reached an appreciable leveorganizing this activity by themseThis year we will try to nd out a

where this bilateral cooperation nto be continued. We have managepromote an interest in IHL among thsands of Sri Lanka Army ofcers. Tare denitely sensitive to the reqments of this branch of the law,

vannoni said.

Asked to respond to allegations in squarters that the ICRC had a bias towthe LTTE, the ICRC Head said that wever his organization works there arlegations of bias towards one or the oof antagonists to an internal conflict. that matter there were occasions whenLTTE told us that we had some partialitthe Sri Lankan government. But this ischallenge. We persist in achieving ourmanitarian aims, strict political neutral

SRI LANKASAYING YES TO

HUMANITARIAN NORMS ICRC CHIEF IN COLOMBO

Focus Sri Lanka Monthly E News Letter - February 2013

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