ISSN 1800-377X iÕrdjla jYfhka ,shdmÈxÑ lrk ,§' fojk ldKavfha- - ----------02 jk l,dmh- 2013 Volume 02; Number 02 - 2013 Photograph by Sudath Silva FREE FREE FREE FREE wdrlaIl f,alï f.daGdNh rdcmlaI ysgmq ckdêm;s rKisxy fm%auodi jf.hs Industrial and tourism zones coming in North Industrial and tourism zones coming in North The Story behind the fascinating green topography in East The Story behind the fascinating green topography in East Ceylon tea still the best in the world Ceylon tea still the best in the world THREE ERAS LINKING WITH A SINGLE WORD THREE ERAS LINKING WITH A SINGLE WORD LIFE ABROAD - PART I lvjqKq fmdfrdkaÿjg fmr ;ekqk —rdclSh úl%uh˜ lvjqKq fmdfrdkaÿjg fmr ;ekqk —rdclSh úl%uh˜ zzuf.a fmd;a; yhshhs .eyqjdg ßfokafka keyeZZ zzuf.a fmd;a; yhshhs .eyqjdg ßfokafka keyeZZ Food for a rich life Food for a rich life 2013 id.a hk wfma lKavdhfuka fujr jeä molalï ixLHdjla ´fka wem fkd;nd f.dú Kh fok nexl=j wêlrK ld¾hhka nexl=jg ,nd§u iq¿ jHdmdßlhkag widOdrKhla ´kEu wúhla we;s wfhl= fu,a, l< yels —l%dõ ud.d˜ - mQcH we,af,a .=KjxY ysñ
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The Czech Republic has offered its full cooperation and assistance to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination by generating among Czech citizens an interest in Sri Lanka's scenic beauty, its culture and places of historic importance. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have been growing for a considerable period.
Czech Ambassador in India Milloslav Stasek offered this assistance when he met Sri Lanka's Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa recent.
The minister Rajapaksa told the ambassador that Sri Lanka's tourism industry has made great progress and foreign tourists could visit any part of the island with no difficulty or obstruction. Today they could fully enjoy the country's scenic beauty and local hospitality.
Ambassador MilloslavStasek said that an increasing number of Czechs were keen to visit the island and were also interested in tasting traditional Sri Lankan food. Sri Lankan chefs will be given the opportunity of popularising their recipes in the Czech Republic. The envoy added that his government was also planning to help in organizing a Sri Lankan cultural festival there to strengthen the ties between the two countries.
He assured the Czech Government's assistance to develop Sri Lanka's power plants and to provide know-how for the purpose. Plans are also afoot to launch a waste management and recycling project with Czech assistance. Discussions were also held on the need to commence new airline services between Sri Lanka and Central Europe. Officials of the Sri Lankan and Czech Republic participated in the talks.Pix's by Chaminda Hittatiya
The Australian delegation included the following: -Mr. Scott Morrison, MP Shadow Minister for Productivity and Population Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship-Mr. Michael Keenan, MP Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection-Ms. Robyn Mudie Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka-Mr. Murray Hansen Chief-of-Staff for Ms. Julie Bishop. Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Deputy Minister of External Affairs Mr. Neomal Perera and the Secretary of External Affairs & Mr. Karunatilaka Amunugama were present for the discussion for Sri Lanka.
he visiting US delegation was impressed by the in f ras t ruc ture development and economic progress in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
They said this at a meeting with Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at his ministry on January 30. The delegation comprised, US Senior Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Relations James Moore and Dy. Assistant Secretary for State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Jane Zimmerman.
The US Government has provided Sri Lanka with development aid worth over US dollars 2 billion through the United S t a t e s A g e n c y f o r I n t e r n a t i o n a l Development (USAID) since 1956.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa told the delegation that health, education, sanitary services, access roads and power supply among others public requirements have been improved through infrastructure development in the North and East and steps were being taken to raise the living conditions of the people of the Jaffna District by developing it as a industrial area.
The American visitors stressed the need to increase employment and educational opportunities for the people and boost development in the North by encouraging the private sector to invest in these projects.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa added that a large number of internally displaced people have gone back to their homes and p e r m a n e n t l y s e t t l e d t h e r e w i t h government assistance. Accordingly they
T
N-E progress impresses US delegation Czechs to help Sri Lankan tourismhave now found better opportunities for
employment and their children's education. He told the delegation that tourism development would generate
more direct and indirect employment. Also people in the Kilinochchi, Mannar, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Jaffna districts have found greater benefits by way of employment and welfare facilities through development and investment promotion programs the government has launched.
De-mining in war ravaged areas has been expedited and a large extent of land is now free of landmines and anti-personnel mines, according to the minister. He said casualties have been minimized by educating school children and the community on the dangers these mines have posed.
Economic Development Minister pointed out that the country has been able to achieve 22 percent economic development in the North alone during 2012. This had made a major contribution to the island's economic progress. A number of programs targeting women in the North have been launched and consequently a large number of them including widows are now self-employed supplying products and services under Divi Negume on a small scale.
Among the envoys present at the meeting was US Ambassador in Sri Lanka Michele J. Sison.
02Australian delegation meets the presidentAustralian delegation meets the president
Printed at: K.S.U. GRAPHIC (PVT) LTD.Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka.
British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H E John Rankin, hosted a Burns' Night reception at his residence on Thursday, 31 January, 2013, to welcome visiting Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt and mark the birthday of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns (a day celebrated annually in January all over Scotland). Many members of the local business community attended the gathering, which was also an opportunity to celebrate Scottish whisky.
The Minister welcomed everyone present and talked about the strong trade relationship between Sri Lanka and the UK. Over 100 UK companies are active in Sri Lanka – particularly in the areas of education, construction and garment manufacturing – and there was a 12% increase in Sri Lankan exports to the UK in 2012 so far.
The Minister added, “Today, more than ever, we need our companies to compete in what the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, has called the global race, where competition is becoming ever more fierce between emerging and emerged economies.” He emphasised that it is up to all countries to ensure their economies are transparent, fair and straightforward for potential investors.
Disclaimer All views and opinions expressed in LankaWay magazine are solely the views held by the authors and interviewees and not necessarily by the publishers. Publishers of LankaWay nor the individual authors accept any loss or damage however caused to any individual (including through negligene), which one may direct or indirectly cause embarrassment or suffer on information contained in the magazine. In any such rare incidence Lankaway welcomes letters to the editor and/or comments to be published which the publisher undertakes to print. Any material in the magazine may be reproduced without prior permission from the publishers by only giving reference to Lankaway.
:
President Mahinda Rajapaksa reminded the world of the provisions in the United Nations Charter of calling on all nations to refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state in their international relations.
He said that nothing contained in the present Charter shall authroize the UN to intervene in matters which are essentially within the domestic jurisdiction of any state or shall require the Members to submit such matters to settlement under the present Charter.
President Rajapaksa said this while address ing the na t ion on the 65 th Independence anniversary celebrations held at the Eastern post city of Trincomalee.
President stressed that Sri Lanka is a country that always respects the Charter of the UN and that all member countries, whether powerful or weak, should respect its Charter.
Urging the importance of unity among all people he said that as much as racism, religious differences too can be a cause for the destruction of a country.
Those who try to provoke religious rivalry in the country do not serve their religion, but serve the interests of separatism in the country. We cannot leave room for what could not be achieved through terrorism to be gained by this means, he said.
President also said not only the government but the opposition too has the responsibility to safeguard the freedom we have won.
Protecting the country and building reconciliation is not support extended to the government or the opposition but doing one's duty by the land of one's birth, he said.
Respect UN Charter provisions against threats to political independence of member states - President
Volume 02 Issue 02 - 2013
Lankaway PublishersAsian Centre for Mass Communication Studies
LANKAWAY is the official Magazine for Business and Professional Women in Sri Lanka. (BPWSL)
Lankaway international magazine was presented to Mr Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at his office in Colombo, by Mr Prabhath Weththamuni.
Lankaway caters for an international audience in 36 countries. We welcome articles and features to be published in the magazine. Contact: Editor, Lankaway:E-mail: [email protected]
Overseas Agents: We are looking out for a few overseas agents to circulate Lankaway. Those interested please apply with your details and a photograph by e-mail.
Lankaway international magazine was presented to Mr V. Anandasangaree, Leader of the Tamil United Liberation Front, at his residence in Colombo, by Mr Dhakshina Bodhinayake.
i| ch.ekSu'i| ch.ekSu'
Returning Sri Lankan asylum seekers back home has been effective in reducing the number of boat p e o p l e c o m i n g from Sri Lanka,
Australia's Immigration Minister Chris Bowen has said.
Speaking to Australian media, the Minister said the government took the tough decision to return the boat people who were not refugees.
"We took the tough decision to return people to Sri Lanka when they're not refugees," Mr. Bowen has said.
"We have returned around 700 people involuntarily to Sri Lanka, and we have seen the number of people coming from Sri Lanka fall to a trickle," Mr. Bowen has told Sky News.
Returning asylum seekers effective
The Sri Lanka Army helped
the government to save millions
of Rupees
A m e e t i n g t o d i s c u s s arrangements for the annual feast of St. Anthony's Church, Kachchativu was held at Jaffna District Secretariat recently. Minister of Traditional Industries and Small EnterpriseDevelopment KN Douglas Devananda and Governor, Northern Province GA Chandrasiri co-chaired the meeting.
The feast is held from February 22-24. The meeting focused on transport and other logistics for devotees. They discussed the resumption of the Vadatharakai boat service and fixing new engines for Kumudini boats. The difficulties on constructing a jetty at Delft for Vadatharakai and problems in deepening the jetty were also discussed at the meeting. It was decided to hire three modern boats for the festival and they would be used for public transport to Delft. A discussion in this regard was held with the Secretary, Ministry of Ports and Highways Development. GA Sundaram Arumainayagam, Parliamentarian Sylvesthiri Allentin, Naval officials, Chief Engineer, Road Development Authority and Chairman of the Delft Pradeshiya Sabha were also present at the meeting.
Talks on Kachchativu feast Talks on Kachchativu feast
04
Cairn India will start the second phase
of its Sri Lankan oil exploration programme
this week with the drilling of a fourth well and
will decide the commercial viability of the
project by 2014, a company official said.
Success in the project for the unit of
London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc would
mark a significant step in Sri Lanka's efforts to
reduce its dependence on imported fuel. Sri
Lanka nation produces no oil and its oil
import bill was $4.6 billion in 2011. Since the
end of a three-decade war with Tamil
separatists in May 2009, the government has
tried to reinvigorate oil and gas exploration.
Cairn India has the rights to drill in one of
eight blocks in the offshore Mannar basin.
China and India have been offered
one each, which they have yet to accept, while
the remaining five are expected to be tendered
later this year.
Cairn has already concluded the
first phase in Mannar basin, discovering gas
and condensate in two out of three well
sdrilled, although their commercial viability
has yet to be determined. A third well was
plugged and abandoned as a dry hole in
December 2011.
The fourth well, named Wallago, is
located 22 km off the Sri Lankan western
coastal town of Kalpitiya. "Fourth well
drilling will commence around Feb. 1," Sunil
Bharati, Cairn India's head of corporate affairs
and communication who was in Colombo,
told Reuters.
"We think it will be completed
within 35-40 days, if everything goes well and
there is no equipment failure."
Invest Plan
Cairn has spent $150 million for the first phase, more than the estimated $112 million, Bharati said, adding investment in the second phase could be more than that of the first phase. Seismic work done earlier by Norway's TGS Nopec Geophysical Co ASA showed
Basin, which on the Indian side has producing wells, and in a basin off the island's southern coast.
Sri Lanka's government has said the seismic data shows the potential for more than 1 billion barrels of oil under the sea in a 30,000 sq km area of the Cauvery basin.
Russia's natural gas monopoly Gazprom and Malaysian state oil company Petronas have held talks with Sri Lanka on potential exploration, and Vietnam and Sri Lanka signed a deal on oil and gas cooperation in October, 2011.
some potential in the northern Cauvery
Brig. Ruwan Wanigasuriya
Australian Minister Chris Bowen
Cairn India to begin phase-2 of Sri Lanka oil exploration
The Army's
contribution
number of
projects in
the health,
educat ion ,
sports and urban beautification sectors
last year helped the government's
development efforts in a big way, Army
Spokesman Brig Ruwan Wanigasuriya
said. He said the funds allocated for the
SAARC Cultural Centre was Rs.907
million and the savings the Army helped
to make by way of contributing labour
was about Rs. 110 million.
Whereas an allocation of Rs.
1477 billion had been made for the
Medical Faculty building complex, the
Army's contribution had effected a
saving of nearly Rs. 492 million out of
these funding. "The Gold Centre Trade
Complex project was estimated to cost
Rs. 304 million and Army labour helped
save of Rs. 101 million on this project",
Brig. Wanigasuriya said.
The Army had contributed
towards more than 20 major building
projects in this manner last year Brig.
Wanigasuriya added.
active
to a large
* Commercial viability to be decided by 2014 * Cairn found gas, condensate in 2 wells drilled in phase-1 * Sri Lanka has 8 blocks in Mannar; India, China offered 1 each
Australia has returned 942 Sri Lankans home - both voluntarily and involuntarily - since August 13 when the Australian government decided to send asylum seekers arriving in boats to offshore regional processing facilities in Nauru and Manus Island in Papua New Guinea.
Following the enforcement of the new law, 213 Sri Lankans have returned home voluntarily. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship said it was further proof that there was no advantage engaging with people smugglers to migrate to Australia. The Australian Minister said that only three Sri Lankans had come to Australia by boat last month. Most of the boat people arrived last month was from Afghanistan and Iran and some from Iraq, Mr. Bowen has said.
for the overall development of the ive new industrial zones province, he said that the Government is and several tourism zones spending a bulk of the funds obtained are to be established in the Ffrom the ADB, WB and other international North shortly. The industrial zones are to monetary organisa t ions for the be set up in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, development of the North aimed at the Mannar and Mullaitivu districts. socio-economic uplift of the people and Mandativu, Karativu and Kayts islands their empowerment. have been earmarked to establish the
For 25 long years the LTTE tourism zones. terrorists and their stooges had instilled a The government believes that communally-based anti-government the setting up of industrial and tourism sentiment in the minds of the Tamils to zones will support unprecedented keep them in their grip with ulterior employment generation in the formerly
Gradually, their thinking pattern will motives. war-ravaged north. Authorities expect the change and within the next five years they With the major development new industries will generate at least 50,000 will change completely to work hand in work that the Government is doing in the direct and 20,000 indirect employment
hand with the government, a confident opportunities. Governor said. With several mega
Entrepreneurs from many development projects now in countries are visiting the province to the pipeline for the North, the explore its investment potential. One province will transform as an entrepreneur has decided to develop economic nerve centre of the the island sector as a tourist destination country before long, Governor under a mega project which will offer Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri direct employment opportunities to s a i d w i t h o p t i m i s m . 25,000 and indirectly, to many more. Government's development
He will develop the Kayts, programs from 2009 until end Mandativu and Karativu offshore of 2012, on the resettlement, islands with golf courses, big tourist rehabilitation and livelihood of hotels and facilities for the passenger the large number of displaced province, the people are beginning to
ships to come direct to the tourist sites.people and the programs now under way realise that they have been hoodwinked.
and committed towards the development Northern Province will have an of the terrorism-ravaged Northern international standard harbour and ships Province. If everybody worked with will come direct, contributing to the dedication and commitment under economy of the province. President Rajapaksa's directions, seeing the province as an economic nerve centre Until the beginning of this year, with major changes everywhere will not the government focused mainly on the be far away, the Governor said. reset t lement , rehabi l i ta t ion and The Mandativu offshore island
livelihood programs for the displaced which has one of the best bird The process of starting vast rice people. Since the resettlement is now sanctuaries in the region will also be
mills, in Mannar and other places, is completely over, the government is now developed to form part of the tourist under way. While being a blessing to the focusing on major development projects attractions, the Governor said, "It is a paddy farmers they will also offer encompassing all areas and all potential. mega project to be completed at a employment opportunities to a large Food processing industries, crab gradual pace in 10 years." number, the Governor said. Under the processing for export, asbestos sheet vision of the newly appointed Sugar industries and many more have already The Government is already I n d u s t r i e s M i n i s t e r L a k s h m a n been started and many more are in the working on partnership projects with the Seneviratne, sugar factories will be started pipeline. private sector - with local companies and initially in Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, to overseas investors. In five years there be expanded to other districts later on. In the agricultural sector, will be a big change and the province will
cooperative societies of the farmers are generate its own funds. The people's The provincial administration working closely with similar societies of economic status and standard of living
will fully support and coordinate on the t h e S o u t h , m u t u a l l y m a r k e t i n g will improve considerably. project. Sugarcane will be grown on a agricultural products. In the educational 2,000 hectare land (10,000 acres) and at sector too, the Northern Province has There will be five industrial least 20,000 persons will get employment done extremely well. According to zones, each 25 acres or more in extent. opportunities directly and indirectly. information, the North has performed The Achchuvely Industrial Zone is Individuals will also be encouraged to much better in A/L exams compared to already nearing completion and has grow sugarcane. All planning for the last year. All schools have been opened many industrial complexes. project will be completed within the next other than the schools where there are no two months. children to attend or where de-mining is These will ultimately be
in progress. Where there are no schools in entrusted to the people, through their close proximity for the students to attend, T h e f i r s t p h a s e o f t h e organisations, Governor Chandrasiri the provincial administration constructs a Kankasanthurai harbour development said. President Mahinda Rajapaksa and temporary school premises spending in project is already completed and the Minister Basil Rajapaksa is in-charge of the tune of Rs. 500,000 to be developed second phase has started. With the the Presidential Task Force as far as the gradually, the Governor said. completion of the third phase, the Northern Developments, are concerned
09
Birds Sanctuary Birds Sanctuary
Industrial and tourism zones coming in NorthIndustrial and tourism zones coming in North
Pl. see page 10
Maj. Gen. G.A. Chandrasiri
10
The PC got Rs. 1,200 million last year for
development work from the central
government and a similar amount this
year as well. This amount is spent to the
last cent on development work which
include construction of buildings,
reservoirs, irrigation canals and other
important development-related work. The Secretary, Directors and all
officials are expected to work according to the
government's existing rules and regulations
and also the policy of the government. If
anyone is found deviating I take immediate
action to remove them, he said. The money
flowing from the different ministries for
development work is unprecedented and
huge, he said. The Northern Province is going
through the development process on a level
unequalled in any other province. The
fisheries sector too has been developed on an
unprecedented scale. In terms of productivity
in the paddy sector, the Northern Province
had recorded the highest yield in the country
in 2011 and 2012. Agriculture, including
fisheries and animal husbandry, which is the
mainstay of the economy has shown positive
growth after 2009. The growth rate has now reached
slight positive phenomena, recording a per
capita income of Rs. 200,000 in 2011 as against
Rs. 159,000 in 2010. Thus, the agricultural
sector contributed 24.2 percentage of GDP
composition to the provincial economy in
2011. Huge amounts have been spent on
infrastructure development, construction of
roads in the new settlement areas. Rs. 1,530Mn
has been invested for the rehabilitation of
785.42 km of provincial roads under
Government funds for the period 2009 - 2012. Under the Ministry of Economic
Sri Lanka to get over 2Bn US$ Foreign Investments this year
It has been targeted to get more than 2 Billion U.S Dollar foreign investments to Sri Lanka this year and to remove all obstacles that could hinder foreign investments. This was stated by the Minister of Investment Promotion Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene addressing the media after assuming duties at his new Ministry. The Minister said that more attention would be focused this year to get
investments in four sectors and outlined that these sectors as tourism, education, industrial development and the service sectors.
The Minister said that since President Mahinda Rajapaksa became the President of this country infrastructure facilities have been developed in all sectors, and we have the necessary expressways and highways, two harbours, two air ports and all other facilities required by the foreign investors.
Minister Yapa explaining further about his future plans said that so far we have not tapped investment for the education sector and 12,000 students go out of Sri Lanka annually for education in overseas countries and this drains over 400 Million U.S Dollars from the country. He said that steps be taken to attract foreign investment in the education sector and make the students to pursue their education in foreign Universities and Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka itself and also curtail the foreign exchange outflow. He said that 95% of Pakistani students applying for studies in Britain is rejected by the British authorities and if we create the necessary educational infrastructure available in the country a major portion of these students could be attracted to the country.
would
The Minister said that at present there were several thousand vacancies in the Free Trade and Industrial Zones and steps also be taken to revive and develop the manufacturing units in the Zones. He said that there were 12 Industrial Zones and 8 Free Trade Zones in the country and another Free Trade Zone
be established in Suriyawewa in Hambantota.
He further said that he has rendered his maximum possible service in whatever the portfolios handed over to him in the past and assured that he would dedicate himself to render his maximum service in the new Ministry to safeguard the trust reposed in him by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and also thanked Minister Basil Rajapaksa for the assistance and encouragement given to him under his previous portfolio as the Deputy Minister of Economic Development. He also thanked the Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge and the Chief of the presidential staff Gamini Senarath for obliging his request and providing M.M.C. Ferdinando, who is a very talented and experienced person, as the Secretary of his Ministry. The Minister also said that he was also fortunate to have an able President's Council Faisar Mustapha as his deputy minister.
would
would
People's knowledge on development initiatives in Sri Lanka Prof. Ajantha Hapuarachchi Coordinator, Journalism Unit, The University of Colombo
accordingly. The policy makers of the o p e n e c o n o m y , country can have an overall idea on policy frameworks this research. The awareness of public w e r e s e t u p & on the development programs in Sri programmes were Lanka is in high standard . Study was launched to achieve designed to carry out as a survey in self-sufficiency in food, mainly the rice. order to find out the level of With the advent of open economy rural awareness and different views of sector was more neglected as evident by public about major development closure of the primary producers so initiatives. It targeted two types of creating unemployment in the rural sector informants; 1) the ordinary public and more than before.2) divisional or grassroots level government officers. Sri Lanka has emerged from decades-long
civil war, and is now enjoying an economic After the political independence in revival. And also have started several 1948, Sri Lanka has adapted many development projects. Among them development efforts, primarily Colombo-Katunayake Expressway, Tourist considering paddy farming as the hotels in Eastern province, 556 Gama
It is believed that the Sri Lanka is still a base of rural economy. According to this Naguma development, Fly overs and road developing country, but some instances it development policy, import substitution development, Jaffna fort development is not a developing country, is regarded with some export promotion under the p r o j e c t , D e v e l o p m e n t i n V a n n i , not as a developing country as some state regulations with strong control has International airport for Kilinochchci, COB indications are better than any developing been tried out until the open market bay fisheries harbor project, Oluvil Port country. To prove it the Journalism Unit in economy in 1977. Development project are some of them.the University Colombo has done several researches regarding development of the Apparently this divides the development country under several disciplines. efforts into two categories; programs &
policies introduced before the open The research could can be described economy and after the economy. Before
The awareness of publ ic on the development programs in Sri Lanka is in high standard . Study was designed to
Pl. see page 13
By: L. Bivakara
carry out as a survey in order to find out the level of awareness and different views of public about major development initiatives. It targeted two types of informants; 1) the ordinary public and 2) d i v i s i o n a l o r g r a s s r o o t s l e v e l government officers. A Random sample method was used to conduct the survey.
negative opinion cluster. Public views that recommendations that could be drawn at present culture of sub-contracting leads to the end of this simple survey, but not
corruption. All age groups admit that limited to these. present development initiatives are
01. In terms of raising awareness, successful and useful. However, by and strategies should be identified to large, senior citizens' tendency to hold a convey development information to negative opinion is relatively high. public than the present level of Majority of the public with higher superficial awareness creation of basic education (GCE AL, Graduates or above) information. In addition to the hold either negative or moderate opinion common strategies such as media, about present development initiatives. A signboards etc, leaflets, community greater portion of uneducated or those meetings are some of the channels that who passed grade 8, think development
Representation of districts in the survey can be widely utilized. initiatives are successful than that of the 02. Public reliance on village headman as other opinion clusters. Females are
a reliable information source is relatively satisfied about present relatively high in rural contexts. development initiatives. Even though the Therefore village headmen are percentage of male has exceeded female in potential to be used as opinion leaders terms of positive opinion, males are seen to transfer information. Their offices relatively discontented about the same. are also suitable places to visualize further information in the form of Representation of those who employed in booklets, broachers etc. the private sector, wage laborers and
03. Contribution of other government unemployed people is relatively higher in officers active in grassroots level, the positive opinion stream than the other namely Samurdhi officers and two streams. Majority of government Agriculture Production and Research servants also hold a negative opinion Assistants, in the process of raising about present development initiatives. development awareness should be Most of the executives are either increaseddissatisfied or hold a moderate view about
04. I n v o l v e m e n t o f p o l i t i c a l development initiatives. Rural people are representatives in conveyance of relatively satisfied about the present development information should be development initiatives at the national increased. level as well as local level than those from The main development initiatives
05. A greater majority of the public holds urban setups and peri-urban areas. constructive opinion about present
Recommendations development initiatives, without positioning themselves in either in the
Following objectives were set at the positive or negative group. Therefore designing phase of this study. in addition to on-way awareness
process, a series of constructive To measure the degree of awareness dialogues on development could be among ordinary public about major forged by using both electronic and development initiatives being rolled print media as well as other strategies out in Sri Lanka. like community meetings.
To scale the view of beneficiaries as Starting from some of the observations of well as government practitioners on this survey, in depth field researches are the contemporary development essential to validate why some are initiatives . satisfied while others are dissatisfied. As the strongest opinion 41% of the public Further, some form of media study should To draw some recommendations that views that the present development be adapted to analyze development could be useful for practitioners, initiatives are successful and useful. 36.4% messages as well as lessons learnt from designers and policy makers in of the general public hold a negative time to time. Some of the contradictory particular . opinion about present development relationships identified in the survey
initiatives. The idea of corruption is one of should be further investigated. Following are some of the main the dominating factors that underpin this
l
l
l
Development Initiative %
Gama Neguma
Maga Neguma
Samurdhi Programme
High Ways Development
Ports Development
Gemidiriya
Agricultural Development
Electricity Development
Uthuru Wasanthaya
Other (17 initiatives)
Total
26.2
19.9
10.8
8.5
7.1
5.9
3.2
2.8
2.4
13.2
100
District Number ofQuestionnaires %
No Response
25
5.1
Colombo 44 8.9
Anuradhapura 21 4.3
Matale 3 0.6
Ratnapura
74 15
Kegalle 19 3.9
Kurunegala
61 12.4
Puttalam
5 1
Kalutara
68 13.8
Gampaha 69 14
Matara 17 3.4
Galle 42 8.5
Hambantota
21 4.3
Moneragala
11
2.2
Badulla
13
2.6
Total 493
100
13
The Lotus Tower to be built soon
The Mattala International Airport to be opened on March 18
Contd. from page 11
"Right now, there are 11 million people living in a shadow economy. There are Americans waiting in long lines to reunite with their families. There are employers who are exploiting the system by hiring undocumented workers, and that threatens the wages and working conditions of American workers. None of this is good for the economy, and it isn't fair for the middle class."
S o P r e s i d e n t O b a m a i s determined to fix this broken system so that everyone plays by the same rules, and we wanted to make sure every me gets the details. Here's what he wants to do: First,
have agreed with that basic set of principles, and a continue to improve the security on bipartisan group of Senators was already working borders; Second, crack down on the on a bill that's consistent with President Obama's companies that hire undocumented workers;proposal. That's big! Third, provide undocumented
But the surest way to keep up the immigrants the chance to earn their momentum is for people to show that they agree as citizenship and hold them accountable by well. A page has been put together to show people requiring that they learn English, pay taxes the latest information, read more details about and a penalty, move to the back of the line, President's plan, watch video of his speech about and pass background checks; and Fourth, the need to fix. Broken American immigration streamline the legal immigration system for system and add peoples names to show that they families, workers, and businesses. The good stand with the Precedent Obama.news is that lawmakers from both parties
14
- Barak Obama, U.S. President
"Our immigration system is broken" "Our immigration system is broken"
SAARC Secretariat observes Staff Day
The SAARC Secretariat observed the Staff Day on 16 January 2013 to mark the day of its establishment.
Meeting of the Selection Committee to The Selection Committee decided to select new SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors for confer the honorary title of SAARC Goodwill HIV/AIDS was held at the SAARC Secretariat. Ambassadors to Ms.RunaLalia (Bangladesh), The Committee considered ten nominations Shri Ajay Devgan (India) and Ms. received from the Member States based on SharmeenObaid-Chinoy (Pakistan).The criteria of regional stature and eminence; Committee appreciated the nomination of appeal to the target audience; relevance in highly qualified and competitive candidates delivery of message; likely commitment of the forwarded by the Member States. The candidate and innovative ways that could be Committee appreciated the outstanding utilized in promoting advocacy and awareness service of Ms.Shabana Azmi as SAARC in combating HIV/AIDS. Goodwill Ambassador during her term.
New SAARC Goodwill Ambassadors for HIV/AIDS selected
This is the first time that the Secretariat observed the Day upon initiation by the incumbent Secretary-General of SAARC, H. E.
Mr. Ahmed Saleem. Addressing the officials of the Secretariat on the Staff Day, the Secretary-General said, “The main purpose of this initiative is to honour the staff for their hard work and dedication and to create a conducive atmosphere in the Secretariat where everyone works harder than before with unwavering commitment and devotion.”
On the same occasion, in pursuance of the decision of the Forty-second Session of the Programming Committee, the Secretary-General also declared Mr.BalkrishnaPariyar, Messenger, the best performer for the year 2012.To mark the Day, the Secretariat organized a table tennis tournament participated in by the Secretary-General, its Directors and officials. Mr. Kumar Shrestha and Mr.RatanSilwal won the final match against Mr.Tareque Muhammad and Mr.Madhusudan Lamichhane.
The Secretariat comprises a Secretary-General, eight Directors and regionally and locally recruited officials from Member States, namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Pakistan to annihilate polio virus
Immunization counters to be set up at
airports' departure lounges. to annihilate polio
virus. The Cell has already asked the Sindh
Government to improve its polio immunization
efforts to stop transmission of the polio virus in
the province on an emergency basis. The Prime
Minister's Focal Person on Polio Eradication,
Shahnaz Wazir Ali has said that importation of
polio virus is a reminder of the risks associated
with. The Pakistan government has planned to
set up polio vaccination counters at airports to
ensure children leaving the country are
vaccinated against the polio virus. According to
official sources, the step is taken as a pre-
emptive measure to reduce the possibility of
spread of the polio virus beyond Pakistan's
borders. They said Prime Minister's Polio
Monitoring and Coordination Cell has advised
all provincial governments and federal
administration to set up permanent polio
vaccination counters inside international active
polio virus transmission in the country, and
stressed the need to make efforts to stop the
transmission on an urgent basis in Pakistan.
Pakistan has taken major strides in 2012
with a 71 percentage reduction in the number
of polio cases with all but 28 districts free of Polio
virus transmission. Polio virus type 3 has not
been found in Pakistan since April 2012. ( APP)
18
The Story behind the fascinating green topography in East
The Story behind the fascinating green topography in East
Dawn of peace after 30years of long separatists' war in the Eastern part of Sri Lanka has brought new lights to the inhabitants in the area. Smiling faces of industrious farmers endeavouring to catch up with the lost opportunities in the dark era depict hope in their eyes for economic prosperity and social well-being in the country. The recent initiatives of Economic Development Ministry under the themes “Negenahira Udanaya and Uthuru Wasanthaya” and Ministry of Agriculture of their development programs seem community friendly and fruitful. The green farm lands of groundnut cultivation extensively decorating the topography of east is fascinating and surely true evidence of government's efforts that guarantee regional economic boom.
With no prejudice, citizens can place trust on the state head, His Excellency in achieving the status of “The miracle of Asia” based on what has been achieved to date.
My journey from Panama the last agriculture hamlet in the Far East coast belt to Vanni was a beautiful green experience and an endless charming panorama on either side of nicely carpeted highway with newly built bridges and other infrastructure with hardly any marks left from the devastation. Being a patriotic Sri Lankan I enjoyed very much not only in seeing the farm lands, dazzling peacock dances, topped up water
with a smile was a sweet surprise to me and a great delight of the direct benefit of established peace in the country and locality realizing the importance of multi-language ability.
Cheerful farmer explained that a Company called David Gram Stores has signed a forward sales contract to purchase peanut at a farm gate price of LKR 125/ per Kg and provide extensive services including financial assistance with very favourable terms and as a result now the farmers in every race in the East are cultivating groundnuts by and large. “David Gram Company plays a pivotal role in obtaining cooperation from the Ministry of Economic Development and Agriculture, provides seeds and grants for the farmers. The Company has established a groundnut processing plant in Kanchirankuda where a sizable number of villagers are earning bread and butter by working in that factory” Araseelankumar further added.After returning to Colombo I thought my journey was incomplete if I did not meet the management of David Gram Stores to express my appreciation for the excellent project they have launched in East and after a couple of days on appointment paid a visit to the Chairman of David Group of Companies at No: 10, Albion place, Colombo 09. Mr, David Robert, a pleasing personality with a salient dynamic entrepreneur-leadership charisma welcomed me warmly and revealed a history of an industry established in 1960 by his late father Mr Gnanapragasam David, a legendary entrepreneur.
tanks with bloomed lotus, a bunch of wild elephants feasting in the Lahugala tank but also the developments taking place in the fast track. With no prejudice, citizens can place trust on the state head, His Excellency in achieving the status of “The miracle of Asia” based on what has been achieved to date.
Though, I guess, I may be able to
kind village farmer named Thurairasa Araseelankumar of Sellvapuram offered help “Mahattaya kavada hoyanne?”While passing Komari between Pottuvil and Akkaraipattu, I was too keen and inquisitive to have a closer look to understand the secret behind the green topography of East and dropped by an adjacent farm land. Though I guess I may be able to understand facts with body language a kind village farmer named, Thurairasa Araseelankumar of Sellvapuram offered help “Mahattaya kavada hoyanne?”
understand facts with body language a
MR.DAVID ROBERT, CHAIRMAN DAVID GROUP OF COMPANIES
19
My brother, Arthur John and I after our loving father raised to heaven took over the business and vowed to build it up to highest level as a tribute to our farther.
My father, late Chairman ventured into this industry disposing his whole worth that resembled to a wrist watch and a gold ring steered the business with his unprecedented entreprenial skills, commitment and leadership that I treat as my sole academy drew the business up to industry leadership and directed us to strategic moves later sitting in the back seat. Exploring and identifying opportunities constantly is our culture at David Group of Companies. Mr Robert said proudly. My brother, Arthur John and I after our loving father raised to heaven took over the business and vowed to build it up to highest level as a tribute to our farther.According to Mr.Robert the size of the peanut market weighed over 5,000 metric tons and values to a sum exceeding 15 million US$. Aftermath of the prevailed conflicts His Excellency invited all leading importers and business enterprises to help build the country and ensured us extensive support was an encouraging turning point. MyBoard and I thereafter without hesitation engaged a team of experts providing necessary details and requested them to submit a feasibility report and recommendations to commence propagation of cultivation and commercial processing that save substantial amount of foreign exchange and provide employment opportunities in the country.The results and recommendation of the feasibility was very positive and we made significant investments on farmer community development, networking, farmer educational programs, financial and technical assistance, digital reporting systems,
IT infrastructure and machinery. It was a very challenging task in aligning with community as the prevailed war mentality has caused community attitude and self-confidence. However, my team and I were able to clear many challenges and achieve tangibly satisfactory results even though we have not been able to return to profits yet.
This has given us a greater opportunity to win the communities as a community friendly Company and proud to achieve the dignity of a valuable corporate citizen.
Now there are large numbers of farmers working on our project confidently from Panama up to Vishwamadu in the North which were not accessible for a long time and the community now has widely accepted our efforts in the area. We have not only got involved in agriculture and commercial activities our team is actively getting engaged in Corporate Social Responsibilities, sustainable developments, social and cultural aspects as well. This has given us a greater opportunity to win the communities as a community friendly Company and proud to achieve the dignity of a valuable corporate citizen.We are extremely pleased that the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of Agriculture, District Secretariats, Micro-finance division of Central Bank is working closely with our Company extending lot support and cooperation and have placed trust and confidence with us and on our efforts to accomplish an objective of achieving self-sufficiency in groundnut in Sri Lanka.David Gram Stores is the dominant
industry player in Sri Lanka and supplies a number of value added products through their retail network as well as the leading established retail channels. The Brand has been synonymous with peanut in Sri Lanka and maintains strong industry tie-ups across the country. The closer view of the business operation gives an overall impression that the model they operate is an ideal epitome for similar industries that intend commencing business in the East and North.Observing and understanding the secret behind the endless and fascinating green in the East I was convinced that each citizen in the country now has a great opportunity to be a part of the national success that can be collectively achieved. The giant transformation that is on the go no wonder shall lead all the Srilankans to inherit a prosperous tomorrow.
I believe David Gram Stores has a unique Lankaway ( Sri Lankan) style in their achieved success and thus make this article materially valuable to publish in the Lankaway Magazine enabling them to explore and reach international markets as an effective media.
I am very much enlightened and grateful for the information shared by Mr. David Robert with his generous business insights which no doubt will immensely benefit many readers that desire to enter entrepreneur fraternity.
20
On the proposals made by H.E. the President, to construct a Water Supply Scheme to provide safe drinking water for the people living in Anuradhapura North area, with
loan facilities amounting to Japanese Yen 5,166 million (approximately Rs.7,458 million) to be provided by the Government of Japan, was approved by the Cabinet.
It is intended to cover Medawachchiya and Rambewa Divisional Secretariat divisions in the Anuradhapura District in the first instance, and to implement the design stage of the Wahalkada Water Supply Scheme.
In Anuradhapura District, 85 percent of the population living in rural areas depend on the sources of unsafe ground water which contains high fluoride and hardness for their drinking and other requirements because of lack of enough water supply facility. It is intend to enter into a Loan agreement with the JICA for the above purpose.
O n t h e proposal made by H o n . D u l l a s Alahapperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development, to make necessary amendments to the Tertiary and Vocational Education Act were approved by the Cabinet. Many changes have taken place in the field of Tertiary and Vocational Education during the last two decades.
TVEC as the regulatory body in the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, these changes a n d d e v e l o p m e n t s h a v e t o b e incorporated to the existing Tertiary and Vocational Education Act.
Accordingly, the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers is sought to submit the Draft bill of Tertiary and Vocational Education Act No: 20 of 1990 to the Legal Draftsman.
Construction,
Engineering Services, Housing and
Common Amenities, for the National
Housing Development Authority to
construct a storied building consisting of
55 Housing Units was approved by the
Cabinet.Arrangements have been made
for financial allocations for this housing
project to be made totally by the
recommended legal officers of the
Association. It has been decided to offer a
concession of 50% of the current value of
the land in which the houses are proposed
to be constructed for the members of the
Legal Officers Association of the Attorney
General's Department. The total cost is Rs.
1125 million.
Proposal to Host the International Conference on "Better Air Quality (BAQ) - 2014" in Sri Lanka
The above mentioned conference provides a platform for the meeting of a large number of air quality management experts in Asia to discuss on sustainable transport, energy, industry, clean fuels and vehicles, air quality, climate change etc. It is expected to attract more than 500 dignitaries, resource persons, observers and participants for this event. The proposal made by Hon. Anura P r i y a d a r s h a n a Y a p a , M i n i s t e r o f Environment, to proceed with the work on finalzation of the above conference, was approved by the Cabinet.
The proposal made by Hon. Dullas
Alahapperuma, Minister of Youth Affairs and
Skills Development, to set up 20 University
Colleges affiliated to the University of
Vocational Technology (UNIVOTEC) by
upgrading the existing Training Centres falling
under the purview of the Ministry of Youth
Affairs and Skills Development, utilizing 1600
million rupees allocated for the purpose in the
2013 Budget, and to establish a further number
of 05 University Colleges in collaboration with
the private sector, was approved by the Cabinet.
The proposed University Colleges will be able to
create alternate learning pathways up to the
Degree level for school leavers, and thereby
provide more employment opportunities.
T h e p r o p o s a l made by Hon. S.B. D i s s a n a y a k e ,
Minister of Higher Education, to construct a Four Storied Building for the Library of the Buddhasravaka Bhiicku University, Anuradhapura, at a total cost of Rs.363 million, to entrust the work after calling for limited quotations from reputed contractors and complete the construction work within 30 months, was approved by the Cabinet.
Rs.7,458 Mn from Japanese Govt.
Establishment of 25 University Colleges
Four Storied Building for theBuddhasravakaBhikku University, Anuradhapura
Policy on sending Female Domestic
Workers for employment
abroad.T h e
proposal made by Hon. Dilan Perera, Minister of Foreign E m p l o y m e n t Promotion and Welfare for the following conditions to be imposed for female domestic workers seeking employment abroad in future, was approved by the Cabinet:
Saudi Arabia,Minimum Age - 25 years, should have completed 21 days residential training and obtained National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 Certificate for "Domestic Housekeeping Assistant". Other 7 Middle East Countries Minimum Age -23years.Should have
completed 21 days residential training and obtained National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 Certificate for "Domestic Housekeeping Assistant". Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Cyprus and other countries Minimum Age - 21 years .Should have completed 30 days residential training and obtained National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 Certificate for "Domestic Housekeeping .
Roof for the Thiwanka Statue in Polonnaruwa
The proposal made b y H o n . ( D r . ) JagathBalasooriya, Minister of National Heritage to construct
a permanent metal cover (roof) for the protection of the historical Thiwanka Statue at Polonnaruwa at a cost of Rs.54 million and to entrust the work to State Engineering Corporation, was approved by the Cabinet.
Construction of Mahindodaya Technical Laboratories, the proposal made by Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Education, to award the construction of Mahindodaya Technical Laboratories to 400 schools among
the remaining schools where the said laboratories are expected to be constructed under Phase II of the thousand secondary schools programme, was approved by the Cabinet.
Programme to Develop,
secondary - primary schools network
Housing project
for the Legal Officers
Housing project
for the Legal Officers
Amendment
to the Tertiary and
Vocational
Education Act
Amendment
to the Tertiary and
Vocational
Education Act On the proposal made by Hon. Wimal Weerawansa, Minister of
By L. Divakara.
British High CommissionerJohn Rankin
Ceylon tea still the best in the world Ceylon tea still the best in the world The British High Commissioner
unveiled James Taylor Monument to
honour the Father of Ceylon Tea
cultivation to Sri Lanka, (Ceylon). In 1875,
he sent the first shipment of Ceylon tea to
the London Tea Auction.
The British High Commissioner
John Rankin attended several events
during his two-day official visit to
Nuwara Eliya from 24-25 January 2013.
One of the key events he
attended was the unveiling of the James
Taylor Monument at St. Clair Tea Castle,
Talawakele on the invitation of Mlesna
tea company. The 16 feet tall monument
was made by sculptor, Dr. Sarath
Chandrajeewa. Born in Scotland, James
Taylor arrived in Sri Lanka in 1852 and
was considered as the person who On 25 January, the High introduced tea.
t hCommissioner attended the 25 In his speech, the British High
anniversary celebration of MENCAFEP, a Commissioner said, “I am aware that all
programme for children and young those engaged in the tea industry today –
people with learning disabilities. the tea estate companies, small holders
MENCAFEP was founded by a British and tea estate workers – face some
national, Chris Stubbs MBE, and his challenges. I am optimistic that ways can
wife Ranji Stubbs. It provides non-be found both to address those challenges
institutionalised care for special to allow all those involved to prosper.
Ceylon tea remains to this day the finest needs/intellectually challenged children
tea in the world, which I am pleased to and young people, through caring for
enjoy every morning.” them in their own communities and for
them to stay and live with their families. The British High Commissioner
also visited the Inter Fashion garment The British High Commissioner
factory in Nuwara Eliya, which provides attending the 25th anniversary event
1,300 jobs to local people across all ethnic commented, “I am pleased to salute the
groups. Inter Fashion exports 98% of their work of MENCAFEP in Sri Lanka. You
production to UK companies. Together have provided help and support where
with the Managing Director of none was previous ly avai lable .
Courtaulds, Charles Jackson, the High MENCAFEP is an example of dedicated
Commissioner planted a tree at the social work which is making a real
factory premises to mark his visit. He difference in the community. I am proud
commented that “Inter Fashion is a top of its work and its links with the UK.”
class example of the commercial links
between the UK and Sri Lanka, helping
the economies of both countries.”
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Germany organized Sri Lanka's participation at the CMT Consumer Fair from 12th to 20th January 2013 in Stuttgart, Germany. Sri Lankan Airlines, ACR - Aitken Spence Travels, Lanka Sportreizen and asiantravelgate, a product of Sunline Travels and Tours, joined the Embassy of Sri Lanka to promote Sri Lanka as a unique destination for Tourism. The focus of the three tour operators was Ayuruveda, sports and round trips. Impressive brochures on eight topics published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau were in great demand of all the visitors of the Sri Lanka's stall. (AT )
A special Bana ceremony was organized at the Embassy of Sri Lanka in France on 25th January 2013 on the eve of Duruthu Full Moon Poya, observed as the day on which the Buddha first visited Sri Lanka with a mission to restore peace. The special sermon on this occasion was delivered by the Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Nayaka Thero , International Advisor to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka.
Members of the staff of the Embassy and their families participated at this event. (AT )
Special Bana CeramonySpecial Bana Ceramony
S r i L a n k a n C h e f B u d d h i k a Samarasekara paved the way for Sri Lanka to advance in the culinary world with his qualification for the grand finale of the much coveted 'Bocuse d'Or,' the international gastronomy competition that brings together the best chefs globally every two years. Sri Lanka was among the 24 countries from around the world that qualified to be in the grand finale, in Lyon, France on 29th and 30th January 2013. Chef Buddhika Samarasekara and his assistant Rashen John were able to reach the finals in Lyon after having being placed third at the Bocuse d'Or Asia in China in 2012. The due served up two exquisite presentations for the fish and meat categories in the 5 and a half hours allocated, before a very lively audience of supporters from the competing countries. The competition also tested the creativity of the chef's as they had to improvise side dishes from ingredients bought just before the event. They were also required to introduce culinary attributes from their native countries in a bid to enhance their dishes.
It is evident that today there is a immigration and emigration authorities had gone astray. We have seen and burning urge for people in this country to have become rigorous. read in the news media how many abandon Sri Lanka and seek greener females have returned home after pastures elsewhere. Three-four decades working for years overseas harassed,
Leaving aside those illegal ago foreign travel was mainly confined to and without any wages too, the categories for a moment, if one were to students for further studies. worst being battered and nails stuck concentrate on the officially sent migrant Despite constant surveillance into their human flesh.workers, particularly to the Middle and intercepting boat loads of people According to Uni ted Eastern countries, outcome of certain bound for Australia lately, many seem to Nations Resolution on human rights there cases has been alarming. People become innocent victims of illegal human are stringent labour regulations to protect undertake jobs in other countries, cargo swindlers still. Those who were rights of workers in every country but the however menial or hard these may seem, detected by authorities have ended up as million dollar question would be to what with one intention of refining their future. 'prisoners' in illegal immigration camps extent a human heart can be bound to a True, to a certain degree it has benefited thus putting an end to their dreams, high Rule Book in treating other fellow financially in a majority of cases with expectations and delusions of grandeur. beings....?unforgettable mental and physical Why do some fall prey to these The gospel truth is that Sri hardships compared to what they racketeers constantly after paying Lankans in general, who have been experienced at home, but can such substantial amounts of their savings or brought up to work very languidly, do financial gains be equated to the damage it borrowed money? According to some, it's indeed sweat out every minute abroad in does to family fabrics of unfortunate cases due to personal, financial, frustrations in any job to earn every single penny for their where couples have separated and their working environments , pol i t ica l living.children allowed to pick up the pieces of interference / intimidation and a few for If the same energy, enthusiasm psychological jigsaws?education. But the majority of the and dedication had been applied locally,
'working class' seems to be misguided by some of their 'friends' who have gone abroad and returned back after short spells or even on holiday (while pending their asylum cases to be heard) and giving a completely false picture and conditions abroad .
A few 'luxury' items they bring There is a vast difference after sweating their guts out by working between those migrant workers who are abroad and those holiday makers sent through official channels and 'illegal splashing converted foreign exchange into emigrants' who are trying to hoodwink this country would have been at the zenith multi-ratio Sri Lankan rupee figures make f o r e i g n a u t h o r i t i e s . T o d a y t h e industrially and agriculturally and the credulous people to view living abroad immigration regulations are intensely need or the longing to seek greener with tinted glasses only by converting complex and Border Controls are pastures would never have arisen!foreign earnings into rupees, oblivious to exceedingly stringent where the word Ironically for those who have many other vital factors that affect one's 'illegal immigration' has become the most lead comfortable lives at home and burnt life abroad.reviled word in most countries. Why go their boats to leave Sri Lanka at the drop of
any further, in our own land we have read a hat, it becomes too late when the penny in the newspapers to what extent our begins to drop. Let's be frank about it,
Some mothers leave their infants however overtly one praises and boasts
with fervent hopes of bringing smiles about one's new environment outside
and sunshine to the family but on the their homeland, covertly the refracted
contrary, in certain cases, their smiles feelings of subtle depressions and
have transformed into frustrations and 'emptiness' will always haunt one
tears only due to various factors.whatever brave front one attempts to put out by trying to console oneself with the material comforts acquired temporarily.In general, it is apparent that
In short, the very feeling of being foreign employers, especially in the a second class citizen in a foreign land can Middle Eastern countries, do not leave never be erased from one's mind however any room for their domestic assistants hard one tries to fight such feelings!to communicate with their families at
home but confine them to the walls of their environment; the moment a new
An airline passenger's maiden immigrant worker enters the country
experience and the associated fear and representatives of the master take
grief when leaving Sri Lanka for good, or possession of the passport of the
even as a student for a couple of years, will newcomer at the airport itself thus
take over him when the plane is about making them helpless at the threshold
36,000 kilometers up in God's land and the of their intended land of hope and
only vision becomes confined to a sea of glory.
white clouds underneath.This is how I felt as an adolescent,
This fact has lead to unfounded many years ago, when I took off from
misunderstandings and miseries at Ratmalana airport bound for London.
home where the wife and/or husband
Legal emigrant workers
Family destruction
New environment
First experience
LIFE ABROAD - PART I23
By Dr. Tilak S. Fernando
Pl. see page 24Courtesy.cdn
On a wing and a prayer
and the airport was an open space where
kith and kin could stand back and watch
their dear ones being taken up into the
sky.
The blank feeling one gets while
seated at a window seat and looking at
'your people' waving their hands and
handkerchiefs to the aircraft while the
'big bird' takes an upward thrust
gracefully is heart pounding because it is
at that vital moment only the feeling of
being ' lost ' hits any individual
convincingly. Trans World Air Lines
(TWA) and BOAC (British Overseas
Airways Corporation) were the most
p o p u l a r a i r l i n e s o p e r a t e d o n
international routes during Air Ceylon
days. Attractive incentives by airlines
those days were 'stop-over' facility with
hote l accommodat ion to tempt
passengers to break journey in one or two
destinations before reaching the final.
It was during Air Ceylon time
Contd. From Page 23
Lankaway would like to offer their deepest sympathies to the wife and the family of the late Mr. W. Karunajeewa on his inopportune death in January 2013. When Lankaway approached him at the Peoples Bank (Chairman's Office) in Colombo, seeking an advertisement for the magazine prior to its launch, Mr. Karunajeewa immediately responded by calling the officials who dealt with advertising and instructed to reserve the back page of the magazine which was considered as a tremendous boost, encouragement and extending a hand to promote Lankaway Management ambitions.
Educated at Bowala MV and Dharmaraja Vidyalaya Kandy and subsequently graduating from the Peradeniya University, Karunajeewa embarked on a teaching career. His enthusiasm from Childhood in Social Service while being an active member of the Sinhala Tharuna Sangamaya he seemingly became affiliated with progressive politics which helped him to obtain membership of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and end up as Administrative Secretary of the SLFP in 1 9 7 3 , d u r i n g M r s . S i r i m a v o Bandaranaike's premiership.
In 1987 Mr. Karunajeewa took oaths as an Attorney at Law. He subsequently joined the Fisheries Corporation as a working director and rose up to the position of Chairman. At latter stages in his life he was made the Chairman of Peoples Bank and Peoples Leasing Ltd, where he rendered a yeoman service especially to make the Peoples Bank come alive and earn the reputation of being 'pulse of the nation'.
Mr. Karunajeeva was a simple and a kind man who was dedicated to his of f ic ia l commitments . He had a magnanimous heart no doubt and more so his actions and deeds throughout his life was commensurate with his name Karuna Jeewa, meaning full of Karuna ( kindness) and Jeeva ( life). The Editorial and the Management of Lankaway wish our old friend eternal bliss.
May he attain Nibbana. ‘Purananda'
APPRECIATIONKARUNAJEEWA
MAN OF COMPASSION
24
T h e n e w l y a p p o i n t e d
Chairman of People's Bank, Mr.
Gamini Senarath assumed
duties at the Head Office of
People's Bank. As a well reputed officer in the
Sri Lanka Administrative Service,
Mr. Senarath currently is the Chief
Of Staff to H.E.the President. An old
boy of Rahula College, Matara and
Richmond College, Galle who
graduated from the University of
Kelaniya, he also holds a Post
Graduate Degree in Computer
Science from the University of
Colombo.
After graduating from the
University of Kelaniya, Mr. Gamini
Senarath joined the Sri Lanka
Administrative Service in the year
1984 as an Assistant Government
Agent. Thereafter he served as the
Assistant Controller and Deputy
Controller of the Department of
Immigration & Emigration. He has
also functioned in the capacity of
Senior Secretary to the Ministry of
Transport and Civil Aviation and the
Commissioner General of Motor
Mr. Gamini Senerath to head People's Bank
However, in real sense, one could
only have a glimpse of a town close to an
international airport for a limited number
of hours and not for days (free of charge)!
Fascinated by this incentive, I decided to
break journey in Bombay and Switzerland
in the hope of seeing for the first time in my
life two cities, Bombay and Zurich; finally
on a sunny January morning I bid good bye
to my mother with wet eyes to embark on a
life abroad.
To be continued... next issue.
Lankaway caters for an international audience in 36 countries. We welcome articles and features to be published in the magazine. Contact: Editor, Lankaway:E-mail: [email protected]
programme for "Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies". India is party to the Convention on Nuclear Safety environment. The principle of 'safety (1994), Convention on Early Notification being the overr iding pr ior i ty ' of a Nuclear Accident (1986), and the encompasses the entire gamut of Convention on Assistance in the case of a activities associated with nuclear power Nuclear Accident or Radiological plants, ranging from siting, design, Emergency and is fully aware of, and construction, commissioning, operation complies with, its obligations under these to de-commissioning. Testing to conventions. The Kudankulam Nuclear demonstrate the adequacy of each Power Plant is a state-of-the-art plant that system, and the plant as a whole, by is compliant with the highest safety actual performance tests to meet the standards available in the nuclear design intent, is carried out well before industry today. The safety measures commencing operation of the plant. The instituted at the plant are of the highest Atomic Energy Regulatory Board order.reviews the operational limits and
India and Sri Lanka have an condit ions for var ious system ongoing dialogue on cooperation in the parameters and approves them before area of nuclear energy, including in the operation alising the plant, to ensure areas of isotope hydrology, radio-tracer safe operation.studies and dam safety. A Sri Lankan All nuclear power plant sites in delegation is scheduled to visit India to India are capable of managing the discuss these and other areas of potential radioactive wastes generated at these cooperation, including the area of safety. sites. Each of them has adequate The relevant issues are being addressed in facilities for handling, treatment and the spirit of close and friendly relations disposal of such waste, in line with There have been a series of news existing between India and Sri Lanka.i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t a n d a r d s . T h e reports raising fears of the dangers to Sri
establishment and verification of Lanka arising from the commissioning appropriate emergency response plans is of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant a mandatory prerequisite for all nuclear in southern India.power plants in India. The preparedness It bears repetition that the of the agencies involved is verified Government of India assigns utmost through periodic exercises. The National attention to nuclear and radiation safety, Disaster Management Authority has including the safety of operating drawn up a holistic and integrated personnel, public as well as the
The High Commission of India, SAARC Scholarship: Two (02) in Colombo announced the offer for the slots for Masters and PhD Degrees in all following ICCR scholarships: Nehru subjects except Medicine.Memorial Scholarship Scheme: Hundred The Government of India selects (100) slots are being offered under this meritorious Sri Lankan nationals to scheme which covers all Undergraduate award these scholarships. Selection of courses (except Medicine) including candidates is done in consultation with Engineer ing , Sc ience , Bus iness , the Ministry of Higher Education, Economics, Commerce, Humanities and Government of Sri Lanka, to pursue Arts. Maulana Azad Scholarship Scheme: undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD Fifty (50) scholarships for Masters Degrees in some of the leading Degrees courses including Engineering, universities in India. All scholarships Sc ience , Economics , Commerce , cover full tuition fees for the entire Humanities and Arts . However, duration of the course, in addition to a preference is given to the fields of monthly sustenance allowance. The Engineering, Science and Agriculture. scholarship also covers accommodation Medicine subject is not included in this allowance and an annual grant for books, scheme. stationary. Besides, all ICCR scholars in
Rajiv Gandhi Scholarship India are provided full healthcare Scheme: Twenty five (25) slots for facilities, air fare to the nearest destination Undergraduate courses in the field of in India and an annual grant for ‘Information Technology’ leading to a B.E educational tours to various parts of the or B.Tech Degree. IOR-ARC Scholarship: country, apart from several other Two (02) slots for Masters Degree in all auxiliary benefits. The Ministry of Higher disciplines including indigenous Education has invited applications from medicine. MBBS/Medicine is not eligible candidates. The last date for included in this scheme. Commonwealth submission of duly filledup application Scholarship Scheme: Five (05) slots for forms for Undergraduate courses is Feb Masters and PhD Degrees in all subjects 10, 2013 and for Postgraduate/PhD excluding Medicine. courses Feb 20, 2012
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Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar recently deeply regretted what she called “war mongering” coming from India following firing incidents in Kashmir, s tat ing Pakistan wants complete normalisation of relations with New Delhi. Speaking to a largely American audience at Asia Society, Hina Khar has been quoted as saying that the Indo-Pakistan dialogue process should remain uninterrupted and uninterruptible. “We are deeply committed to peaceful coexistence with India. Both countries cannot afford a conflict”. Pakistan had acted with restraint despite inflammatory statements from across the border, the foreign minister has pointed out. She was quoted as saying :
“What do we see today?, We see three incidents across the LOC (line of control) and we see war mongering which puts the last 60 years actively back into our memories. War mongering coming in from the other side of the border, which I thought was the thing of yester years and the thing that we had put behind us. As I read statements coming in from the highest levels of government, I can just say we are deeply disappointed.
Pakistan regrets
By Palitha Vithange
Hina Rabbani KharForeign Minister
Under Graduate, Post Graduate and Research/PhD Scholarships from India
Kudankulam Nuclear Power PlantKudankulam Nuclear Power PlantKudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
Timmediately and in the years to come. It o become rich is dream can help to avoid the risk of suffering from for many. However, potential diseases such as coronary heart loads of money in the disease, diabetes, hypertension and bank or in a safe at home various kinds of cancer , the sound of does not necessarily constitute a which can make one ill.contented life without being healthy, as
the saying goes, 'Health is wealth'!
Healthy eating certainly helps to cut down on fat, stop gaining weight and In this regard Lankaway is committed to become obese which is the number one come up with a series every month with enemy associated with most of the profound advices to lead a healthy life. It unhealthy situations. A balance diet and is an accepted fact that healthy person non- smoking is said to be one of the can work hard, think properly, safe most effective ways of guard his money, save time and most of
all can lead a stress free life style.
So if you are inclined to stay healthy, then start eating healthy food. Healthy eating will not just be a momentary stage for someone. Today many people are thinking about it and effectively doing it. How do you do it? It needs a bit of careful planning with which you can enjoy tasty food which are beneficial for your whole body. This can be practised by the whole family and especially it is vital to train young children to eat healthy food from a very early age.
Lankaway magazine is proud to announce its commitment to help our readers to select the ideal food for a healthy
keeping disease away or living. This series of advice under control.and recipes will guide and
direct you to a wider range of In this regard, Lankaway will spotlight food choices when you are eating at certain recipes to cut down on your fat home, eating out, even on the run . intake, mainly saturated fat, several ways to help reducing salt in your diet and the
Our aim will be to assist you to pick and intake of fruits and vegetables.
choose food from your store room, cupboard, from the shop, cafes, restaurants or even from a take-away food outlet.
A healthy food diet will certainly have a h u g e i m p a c t o n y o u r h e a l t h ,
(cod /haddock/malert/thilapia) fillet300g skinless boneless salmon fillet200g king prawns cleaned, veined and cooked 350ml semi-skimmed milk3 bay leaves (flavor)20g unsaturated margarine (sunflower/olive/palm)3 baby leeks washed and sliced100g chestnut mushrooms sliced25g whole meal plain flour100g frozen peas2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsleyFreshly ground black pepper, sea salt to tasteFresh chives or spring onions to garnish.
1. Preheat the oven to 190 C. Grease and ovenproof pie dish and set aside. Drain cooked potatoes and keep hot.
2. Place fish in saucepan with milk and bay leaves. Bring slowly to boil, then poach gently for 10 minutes or until fish is tender and cooked. Add prawns. Remove fish and prawns to a plate using slotted spoon. Flake fish, set aside. Strain cooking liquid into jug discard bay leaves.
3. Melt Margarine in saucepan, add leeks, mushrooms and sauté` for 6 minutes. Stir in flour and cook gently for 1 minute. Gradually stir in flavored milk, stirring until sauce is thickened and smooth. Simmer for 2
minutes, stirring.
4. Remove pan from heat and stir in flaked fish, peas, chopped parsley, black pepper and salt. Spoon fish mixture into prepared dish. Mash potatoes with a little milk until soft and creamy: season to taste with black pepper. Pile or pipe potatoes on top of fish mixture.
5. Bake in oven for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and piping hot. Garnish with chive sprigs and serve with Try this recipe and be healthy.cooked vegetables such as corrugate, Fisherman's Healthy Fish Pie.sweet corn, broccoli florets and baby
600g potatoes, washed and chopped, carrots AND ENJOY.cooked in boiling water.200g skinless boneless fish
Food for a rich life Food for a rich life
By Nelum Wijesinghe
30FOOD, HEALTH AND NUTRITIONFOOD, HEALTH AND NUTRITION
Ministry spends LKR 109 M. on Kilinochchi projectsMinistry spends LKR 109 M. on Kilinochchi projects
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said last week that the government is in the process of importing the best breeds of dairy cows which will be distributed among the people at reasonable prices to make Sri Lanka self-sufficient in milk production by 2016 under the Mahinda Chinthana Vision.
Already steps have been taken to import Jersey and Friesian cows from Australia for hill country farms. Later 10,000 more cows which can adapt to the low country climate would be imported, according to Minster Basil Rajapaksa. He said so at a ceremony held at the Colombo Port premises in connection with the delivery of 1500 dairy cows imported from Australia under the second stage of this program. Following the import of 500 cows from Australia under the first stage. Their number had today increased to 950, Minister Basil Rajapaksa further said.
Addressing those present he emphasized that since 2005 government was gradually reaching the target of
making Sri Lanka self-sufficient in all its food requirements as the President had for the country to become self-sufficient in rice with the help of the farming community. In addition, the island was becoming self-sufficient in various food items such as sorghum and undu. The Livestock and Rural Development
Ministry under Minister S. Thondaman is now working on reaching the target of making the country self-sufficient in fresh milk and dairy products as envisaged by the President.
For the first time after two decades Sri Lanka imported 500 cows a few months ago. It was a great success, the minister pointed out. Today that number has almost doubled and milk production is on a very high level making it possible to get from these cows twice the quantity of milk than is usually obtained. It is 30 liters or more per day from each of these cows. Cows have been given to the farms of the National Livestock Development Board. Their calves will be distributed among individual farmers, according to Minister Basil Rajapaksa. In the coming months the government is planning to import more cattle which can adapt to the Dry Zone and other areas.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa noted that it was a great victory for the people that this program launched jointly by the Economic Development Ministry and the Livestock and Rural Development Ministry would soon make it possible to save large sums spent on importing powdered milk.
Coming under its supervision are 11 sub-post offices and the number of people it serves is 150,000. The main post office employs 77 persons who handle nearly 5,000 letters and parcels per day. The
work includes registration, transporting /distributing of letters, parcels, express letters and money orders.
The Economic Development ministry spent Rs.33 mill ion to reconstruct and repair Dryarukulam tank
and bridge which have brought relief to over 2000 members of 325 families. The 270 acre-tank with a 956 meter-long bund can help to cultivate 110 acres of agricultural land. The Dryarukulam Bridge, which
serves nearly 150 families, is 100 meters long and five meters wide.
The reconstruction cost of the Kanagambiyayikulam tank is 26 million rupees and it now serves nearly 150 families. This 260 acre-tank with a 1323 meter-long bund can help to cultivate 90 hectares of land.
After inaugurating the completed projects Economic Development M i n i s t e r B a s i l R a j a p a k s a distributed relief assistance costing over 2 million rupees
among 820 families affected by the recent floods in the Kilinochchi District. The relief items included bed sheets, towels, drinking water, rice, coconuts, lentils (dhal), canned fish and school equipment.
(pixs by ThusithaChandakumara)(pixs by ThusithaChandakumara)
D e v e l o p m e n t Minister Basil Rajapaksa inaugurated on several new projects completed at a cost of 109 million in the Kilinochchi District. The Minister Rajapaksa also bought the first postal stamp issued to mark the events.
The projects comprise the postal Kilinochchi main post office, Dryarukulam tank and b r i d g e a n d t h e Kanagambiyayikulam tank all of which are part of the Economic D e v e l o p m e n t M i n i s t r y ' s accelerated scheme to reconstruct the North under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme in accordance with the Mahinda Chinthana Vision for economic development.
The ministry spent 50 million rupees on reconstructing the Kilinochchi main post office which was completely destroyed during the war. Reconstruction of the post office began on January 11, 2011.
E c o n o m i c
31
Sri Lanka will become self-sufficient in milk by 2016
Sri Lanka will become self-sufficient in milk by 2016 By A. Vithanage
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