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LATEST NEWS

“Public Day” – Wednesday (9.00a.m. to 4.45p.m.)

 

SITUATION UPDATE - HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN THE NORTH 

 

Confidence and hope for Indo-Lanka bi-lateral relations – Nirupama Rao

 

The Indian Foreign Secretary Shrimathi Nirupama Rao who met President Mahinda Rajapaksa today congratulated the President for his resounding victory in the recent Presidential Election, said she observed that so much had taken place for the better in Sri Lanka since she was last here as High Commissioner.

 

During the meeting at Janadhipathi Mandiraya she said the victory of the President gave much cause for confidence and hope for bi-lateral relations between India and Sri Lanka in the future, and that the Indian Prime Minister looked forward to an early visit by President Rajapaksa to India.

Read more..

 

INDEPENDENCE  COMMEMORATION IN CANADA

 

The 62nd Anniversary of Independence was commemorated at the residence of the High Commissioner HE  Ms. Chitranganee Wagiswara on 4th February 2010.

 

The messages of HE the President, Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs were read by the High Commission staff followed by special religious observances by the Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and Christian clergy who invoked blessings for the peace and prosperity of Sri Lanka and reiterated the need for the Diaspora to put aside all differences and to unite in rebuilding their motherland. Following the official ceremony an alms giving was offered to the priests and other visitors.

Read more..

 

 

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA ON THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

 

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Independence after the liberation of the entire country from terrorist threat for the first time in 30 years. I am proud to proclaim that we are in a position to raise the flag of Sri Lanka with dignity in the entire country.


In 1815, Variyapola Sumangala Thero hoisted our flag on this historic land after lowering the Union Jack. I wish to pay my respect to the venerable monks as well as the revered clergy of all religions for their dedication and commitment displayed to preserve this freedom.

 

Read more...

 

62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY MESSAGE OF HON. PRIME MINISTER

 

Freedom is desired by all living beings.

 

Sri Lanka enriched by Buddhist values, is a nation which gives importance to the freedom of the individual. 

Inhumane acts of a few in the society violate the freedom of the entire society. The value of freedom is deeply felt when it is lost, more than when it is enjoyed.

History shows that there was a period when Sri Lankans were longing for freedom. And during that period great national personalities have emerged, who surmounting all barriers had achieved the coveted goals for the nation.

Read more...

 

62ND NATIONAL DAY MESSAGE OF THE HON MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

 

Rising from the shackles of colonialism 62 years ago and annihilating an almost three decade long grip of terrorism from our shores eight months ago, we celebrate this anniversary of Independence in 2010, with a great sense of oneness and pride. Nearly half of our country’s contemporary independent history has witnessed a struggle against the brutal forces of terrorism which sought to tear asunder the very sovereignty of our great nation gained by our forefathers.

Read more...

 

NEW YEAR MESSAGE

H.E. Mahinda Rajapakse - President of Sri Lanka

 

At the dawn of a New Year it is customary to look back on the year just ended and reflect on our expectations for the next.

       

We greet the New Year with commensurate pride and satisfaction at our achievements in the past year when, together as a nation, we overcame the deadly challenge of terrorism, bringing to an end 27 years of mindless brutality, debilitating self-doubt, and unforeseen division among our people. With tremendous sacrifice Sri Lanka prevailed as one, as we have done repeatedly in our history. This transition into a New Year is an opportunity to again express our thanks on behalf of the nation to all service personnel who willingly made the supreme sacrifice and to the mothers, fathers, spouses and children of those heroes of our time.

Read More..

PRESS RELEASE

 

In the early hours of 27th November 2009, an attempt had been made by an unidentified person or persons to burn down the Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple at 4698 Kingston Road, Scarborough, known as the Toronto ‘Maha Viharaya’. 

 

On seeing smoke from the Temple, a TTC Bus Operator had informed the Fire Department. No one has been injured. Extensive damages have been caused to the temple. This is the second attempt made to set ablaze the temple this year.   

 

Investigations are being carried out by the law enforcement authorities.

 

At a meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFA&IT) today, the High Commission conveyed the concerns of the Government of Sri Lanka to the Canadian officials on the incident. The DFA&IT assured that precautionary measures will be taken to protect Sri Lankan interests in Canada.

 

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

27th November 2009

 

PRESIDENT CONFIDENT OF RESETTLING ALL IDPS BY END JANUARY 2010 - BASIL RAJAPAKSA

 

On the directives of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the Government has made all the necessary arrangements to complete the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in the northern transitional centers by 31st January 2010, Senior Advisor the President, Parliamentarian Basil Rajapaksa said today (21).


At a discussion held this morning in Vavuniya, Parliamentarian Rajapaksa said  the restrictions imposed on the movement of civilians in the IDP centers will be lifted with effect from 1st December 2009 to enable  them to freely move to any part of the region, Rajapaksa added.


Meanwhile, the Government announced yesterday (20th) that it has dispatched equipment and machinery worth over Rs. 2200 million for the welfare and livelihood activities of the resettled civilians, since the resettlement process commenced in this year.


The government in its' speedy resettlement programme of IDPs have already resettled over 100,000 IDPs who took shelter in welfare camps in the Northern and Eastern regions.


The accelerated resettlement plan of the government has been hailed worldwide with commendation. The UN Under Secretary on Humanitarian Affairs, John Holmes who was here on a brief visit was pleased with the facilities afforded to the  people in welfare camps.He pledged the fullest support of the UN agencies to expedite the resettlement at the earliest.

 

ADDRESS BY HON. ROHITHA BOGOLLAGAMA, MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AT THE SRI LANKA EXPATRIATE FORUM 2009 ON 14TH NOVEMBER 2009 AT THE PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, I warmly welcome you all this afternoon for an interactive session on the role the Sri Lanka Diaspora can play in the post conflict developmental efforts. I am confident that our interactions will be fruitful in view of the overwhelming response we have received to the invitation extended by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, for this important event. Read More..

 

THE WORLD SPICE FOOD FESTIVAL 2009

 

The World Spice Food Festival 2009, organized by Sri Lanka Tourism, unveils a variety of relishing dishes on 5th November, at the Waters Edge Restaurant in Kotte; beginning nine days of culinary delights presented by award winning Chefs. The Colombo based culinary experts of 18 hotels are joined by visiting chefs from Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Spain, adding spice to a sizzling event designed to cater to all tastes. 

The main event, the three day Spice Food Village, is on at Galle Face, on the green, from 6.30 p.m. to 12 midnight on 6th ,7th and 8th November. This will be followed by the individual hotels celebrating their very own specialties in a special promotion up to the 14th, with the final celebration on the 15th bringing the event to a close.

 
The hotels and restaurants which are participating this year at the 4th  World Spice Food Festival are, Galadari (Lebanese), Hilton Colombo (Asian Sea Food), Hilton Colombo Residencies (Vietnamese), Cinnamon Lake Side (Singapore), Cinnamon Grand (Spanish), Taj Samudra (Moroccan), Waters Edge (Indonesian / Balinese), Galle Face Hotel (Malaysian), Holiday Inn (Jaffna food), Mount Lavinia Hotel (Cuban American), Grand Oriental Hotel (Hong Kong / Chinese), Ceylon Continental (North Indian), Regina Margharita (Italian), Nihon Bashi (Japanese), The Mango Tree (Indian), Siam House (Thai), Raja Bojun (Sri Lankan).

For more details visit: www.worldspicefoodfestival.com

 

MEDIA RELEASE

October 23, 2009

Several news items have appeared with regard to the 76 illegal entrants to Canada, now identified as Sri Lankans, with one of the entrants positively identified as a person wanted by the law enforcement authorities for illegal activities.

 

It is the general practice of such illegal entrants to falsely blame their country of origin in order to justify their refugee claims. But in this instance, it is interesting to note that even before the illegal entrants were identified as Sri Lankans, some with vested interests rushed their lawyers to make statements blackening the image of Sri Lanka disregarding the concerted efforts of the Government and people of Sri Lanka, for rehabilitation and national reconciliation.

Read More..

 

PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA TO INAUGURATE THE 8TH ASIA COOPERATION DIALOGUE MINISTERIAL MEETING IN COLOMBO

 

H. E Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President of Sri Lanka will inaugurate the 8th Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting in Colombo on 15th October this year at the BMICH. The theme of this year’s meeting is ‘Spirit of Asia: Global Economic Recovery and Development Prospects’. Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will chair the Ministerial Meeting. A large number of Foreign Ministers, Deputy and State Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the 31 member countries are scheduled to attend this Meeting.

READ MORE..

TO ALL EXPATRIATE SRI LANKANS IN CANADA

 

His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka has expressed his keen interest and desire to meet with and address Sri Lankan expatriate intellectuals, entrepreneurs, professionals and all others who are willing to contribute to the development of our mother land.

 

In this context he has extended and an invitation to all expatriate Sri Lankans.

READ MORE..

 

RESETTLEMENT OF IDPS IS OUR MAIN PRIORITY: BOGOLLAGAMA

 

The resettlement of the Internally Displaced Persons in their homes and initiation of their livelihoods are the main priority of the Government of Sri Lanka elucidated Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during his meeting today (07/10/09) with Mike Foster, the UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for International Development.

READ MORE..

 

UN SHOULD NOT INTERFERE IN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF STATES - PRIME MINISTER AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

"Multilateralism is not about the UN agenda responding only to the demands of a minority of powerful States, but also defending the interest of the powerless majority. It is also imperative that the prohibition reflected in the Article 2 (7) of the Charter that the UN should not interfere in the internal affairs of States be respected," said Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake addressing the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York (Sept. 26).

READ MORE..

 

PRIME MINISTER RATHNASIRI WICKRAMANAYAKE LEADS THE SRI LANKA DELEGATION TO THE 64TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN NEW YORK

 

Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayake will be leading the Sri Lanka delegation to the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, commencing 22 September 2009. He will address the General Assembly on 26 September regarding the “Strengthening of Multilateralism and Dialogue among Civilizations for International Peace, Security and Development” and meet the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. During his visit he will also address the Asia Society in New York on the theme “Sri Lanka’s Challenges ahead: Post LTTE Scenario and Ensuring Sustainable Peace”.

Read More..

 

UNITED NATIONS UNDER SECRETARY-GENERAL IN SRI LANKA

16 September 2009

 

On an invitation extended by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, the United Nations Under Secretary General for Political Affairs, Lynn Pascoe will be visiting Sri Lanka on 16-18 September 2009.  The invitation was preceded by a telephone conversation between President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon on 14 September 2009,Aa Foreign Ministry release said..

READ MORE..

 

GOVERNMENT EXPRESSES REGRET OVER THE CRITICISM ON TISSAINAYAGAM VERDICT

 

Some sections of the international community have regrettably thought it fit to criticize the verdict given on 31st August 2009 by the High Court on the case of J.S. Tissainayagam, bringing into question the judicial process and integrity of judicial officers in Sri Lanka.

READ MORE.. 

 

THE GOVERNMENT OF SRI LANKA REJECTS CHANNEL 4 STORY AS CONCOCTED

 

The attention of the Government of Sri Lanka has been drawn to a news item telecast on Channel 4 television in the UK which is also available on the Internet which depicts Sri Lankan forces allegedly committing atrocities against Tamils.

 

The Government of Sri Lanka strongly and unequivocally denies the allegations contained in the video footage telecast on Channel 4. This footage is diabolical and there is absolutely no truth in its concocted story which is based on this footage. The Government of Sri Lanka is of the view that the purpose of the video, which is evidently orchestrated by LTTE front organizations, is a deliberate and sinister attempt to cause embarrassment and bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka in order to disturb the post conflict developmental and rehabilitation phase.

 

At a time when the Government of Sri Lanka is focusing on the reconciliation and healing process and rebuild the country, the contents of this video appear to be deliberately intent on tarnishing the sincere efforts and commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka.

 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Colombo

 

SRI LANKA HAS GREAT POTENTIAL FOR ENHANCEMENT OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL TIES, SAYS THE FOREIGN MINISTER BOGOLLAGAMA

 

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated that Sri Lanka is the hub of the Asian Region and Kenya is the hub of African region and that both the countries have a great potential to enhance their commercial and business ties and also develop their economies. This was conveyed during his visit to Nairobi where he met with His Excellency Kalonzo Musyoka, Vice President of Kenya, and Hon. Moses Wetangula, the Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 READ MORE...

 

BAHRAINI PREMIER DONATES US$ 1 MILLION FOR IDPS IN SRI LANKA

 

The Bahraini Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa has announced a cash donation of US$ 1 million to Sri Lanka to be utilized for the resettlement and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North.  The donation together with a letter from Bahrain Prime Minister to President Mahinda Rajapaksa were handed over by the Bahraini Ambassador Sheikh Khalifa Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to the Sri Lankan Ambassador Sarath Dissanayake at the Bahrain Embassy in Kuwait on 16th August.

READ MORE..

 

GLOBAL SUPPORT FOR LANKA’S ANTI-LTTE DRIVE - MINISTER BOGOLLAGAMA

 

In the aftermath of the dramatic arrest of the self proclaimed new LTTE leader, Selvarasa Padmanathan alias KP last week, many predictions, locally and internationally, are surfacing while the government categorically stated that its close friendship with friendly countries around the world had helped nab the notorious arms dealer of the outfit.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, the government’s crusade against the LTTE would never see an end though KP is in the net but would continue until it hunts down all remaining LTTEers.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer he said that KP is now in Sri Lanka. Most of the countries helped take him into custody.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Read More..

Courtesy: Sunday Observer

 

PROGRAMS FOR IDP CHILDREN

This year's theme for the International Children's Day will be "Let us build the Liberated Nation for our children". And more children's activities would be arranged for the children in the North and East including programs for children in the IDP camps, Child Development and Women Empowerment Minister Sumedha G Jayasena told Daily News yesterday.

The main event would be held in Colombo with the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa on October 1, with 1,000 children from all parts of the country participating in it, she said.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/12/news32.asp

 

DISPLACED CHILDREN IN SRI LANKA RECEIVE MONETARY DONATIONS

Sri Lanka's First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa participated in the 48th programme of Siriliya Saviya Project at the Siriliya Saviya Care Centre, in the Menik Farm Relief Village in Vavuniya yesterday .

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_091/Aug1249996267CH.html

 

 

NEARLY 170 EX-TIGER CHILD SOLDIERS SIT ALS

Nearly 170 former LTTE child soldiers sat the GCE Advanced Level in Vavuniya yesterday as a result of the Government’s humanitarian operations to free the North and East people from the clutches of LTTE terrorism, Examinations Department sources said. The Advanced Level Examination 2009 commenced in 1,827 examination centres yesterday.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/12/news01.asp

 

 

MORE BUSES FOR JAFFNA, POINT PEDRO AND KARAINAGAR DEPOTS

The Government has taken action to expand transport facilities for people of the Northern Province.

Buses were provided for depots in Jaffna, Point Pedro and Karainagar.

"We are thankful to the Government for expanding the transport facilities in the Northern province and it would be a great help for the people who live in these areas and it will make their day-to-day life easy," Sri Lanka Transport Board Northern Province Chief Manager, Ganesh Pullai said participating at the event at Sri Lanka Transport Board Headquarters to provide buses and spare parts for three depots in the Northern province.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/12/news33.asp

 

 

1,263 IDP CANDIDATES TO SIT EXAM

The GCE Advanced Level Examination starts today with 242,091 candidates sitting the examination. The GCE A/L examination will be held until September 5.

Among candidates are 198,755 school candidates and 43,336 private candidates sitting at 1,827 examination centres throughout the island.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2009/08/11/news11.asp

 

 

US DONATES US$ 15 MILLION WORTH FOOD AID TO SRI LANKA


The United States is donating food aid worth US$ 15 million to support the early return of the Internally Displaced Persons sheltered in the welfares camps in Northern Sri Lanka.

A press release issued by the US Embassy in Colombo said the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced that a US$15 million (Rs. 1.724 billion) of food aid consisting of wheat, lentils and vegetable oil will be consigned to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).

This is the agency's and second shipment of essential food aid this year and it will fulfill the essential food needs of 300,000 people for four months.

http://www.colombopage.com/archive_091/Aug1249910490CH.html

 

LUXURY BUS SERVICE TO JAFFNA

 

A  luxury bus service from Colombo to Jaffna will be launched soon. Five buses will be allocated under the first phase of this service,  the Ministry of Transport said.


There are  plans to operate more luxury bus services from Jaffna to Kandy, Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Vavuniya

http://www.news.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11017&Itemid=44

 

HIS HIGHNESS SHAIKH KHALIFA BIN SALMAN AL-KHALIFA, THE PRIME MINISTER OF THE KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN ASSURES SUPPORT TO “REBUILD” SRI LANKA.

 

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama during a courtesy call on His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 28th July 2009 stated that the Government of Sri Lanka was appreciative of the support rendered by the Kingdom of Bahrain which proved to be ‘a good friend’ during Sri Lanka’s fight against terrorism.

READ MORE..

 

13TH AMENDMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN FULL: DR. KOHONA

 

July 30, 2009

INTERVIEW WITH DR. PALITHA KOHONA

The resolution by the UN Council for Human Rights (UNCHR) generated a great deal of dissatisfaction. As regards the neighbourhood, you have received support from Pakistan, India and China. How do you view this Asian backing of Sri Lanka at the Council? 

It was not only support from Asia, which has only five votes in the Council. We got 29 votes, due to support from Latin America and other quarters. The message is clear: no individual country can be hounded. We must remember that the UNCHR was established to cooperatively develop a culture of human rights. The intention was not to put individual countries in the dock. We hope that the philosophy of the Council will prevail.

Read More..

 

DONATIONS FOR THE RELIEF AND RESETTLEMENT OPERATIONS FOR IDPS AND INVITATION

 

Sri Lanka is on the threshold of a new beginning. The brutal terrorism that hindered the country’s development for almost three decades has been eliminated completely from its soil and the country is in the process of a reawakening. A large number of reconstruction activities have already been initiated by the Government. Simultaneously relief operations are underway to restore the lost opportunities in the regions.

Read More..

HIKKADUWA BEACH FEST IS BACK!

 

All set for Sri Lanka’s biggest beach festival to set Hikkaduwa ablaze

International DJ acts from “Space IBIZA”, paradise IBIZA” and House orchestra Paris” on tour for first time in Asia.

Read More..

WE ARE ALL SRI LANKANS

 

The following is an interview with a group of Sri Lankan Diaspora community who are currently in the country to witness the reconstruction process in the North and East and to look into the condition of the IDPs


The country is undergoing a healing process after being gripped by a three-decade long war. Promoting harmony and mutual understanding between the communities may lay a firm foundation to build the country, the members remarked.
Read More..

 

NALLUR KANDASAMY KOVIL IN FULL GEAR FOR FESTIVAL

 

While Catholics in the country are expected to flock the Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu in thousands next month for the annual Feast, thousands of Hindus' in the Jaffna peninsula who were thwarted by the LTTE in exercising their religious right for several decades will on July 27 flock to the historic Nallur Kandasamy Kovil in thousands to pay homage with a free mind, reports from Jaffna said.

 

According to these reports, the Hindu religious people are presently engage with the Nallur Kandasamy Kovil in preparing for the grand festival on July 27, an event held in high religious esteem and faith by Hindu devotees.

 

The unofficial curfew imposed at night time till clearing out operations by security forces are completed will be lifted during the Kovil festival to enable the devotees to freely exercise their religous rights.

 

Security authorities claim that there is no fear of threat at present in the peninsula and troops are stationed only to strengthen the security of the people.

The police has been directed to maintain law and order during the historic festival attended by Hindus from several parts of the country.

 

Courtesy : Government Information Department

 

NORTH-SOUTH TRADERS, INVESTORS MEET

 

The Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce and the Jaffna Traders Association met for the first time in Jaffna on Friday in order to enhance the trading and investment activities in the war-torn North. 

 

"The meeting between the traders and investors of the North and the South is significant as President Mahinda Rajapaksa is determined to rebuild Jaffna with extensive investments, agricultural and trading activities." Minister of Industrial Development Kumara Welgama who presided over the meeting between the North-South traders said. A 42 member delegation of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce comprising traders, investors, industrialists and bankers from the South is currently in Jaffna exploring ways and means of bridging business and industrial communities of the North and the South.

Read More ..

 

SRI LANKA NOT TO PROSECUTE CHILD LTTE SOLDIERS: RAJAPAKSA

 

Colombo (PTI): In a humanitarian gesture to Tamils, Sri Lanka has said that child soldiers recruited by the LTTE would not be prosecuted, and instead made to go to schools.

 

The gesture was announced by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa who said: "our hearts are not vicious. We will not prosecute children who are 12, 13 and 14 years of age and were forced to take up arms."

 

"We need to integrate them into society after rehabilitation," he said.

The President pointed out that the LTTE denied education to young children in the North and East by recruiting them as combatants to fight a "useless" war.

 

Mr. Rajapaksa was speaking in the holy town of Mahiyangana in Badulla District in the Uva Province on Saturday and he recalled that when the children in the South studied, the LTTE made the young in the North carry T-56 weapons.

 

He said the government has released all persons of 60 years of age and above in the IDP camps. The remaining 40,000 refugees are children.

 

"We have freed all those who are 60 years of age and above. We told them to go to their relatives," he said.

 

"If I was at an IDP camp, then I would be freed too," Mr. Rajapaksa quipped.

 

NO MORE AGED IN IDP CAMPS - PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA

The government has released all persons in IDP camps over 60 years in age while turning 40,000 IDP children as students.

 

President Mahinda Rajapaksa made these observations on Sunday at a meeting in Mahiyangana, in the Uva Province adding that at least 80 per cent of IDPs would be resttled prior to the deadline set.

 

The President said his government has given a new life to LTTE child soldiers by rehabilitating them in vocations of their choice at rehabilitation camps.

 

Speaking further the President pointed out that the LTTE denied education to young children in the North and East by recruiting them as combatants to fight a useless war.

 

He recalled that when the children in the South studied, the LTTE made the young in the North carry T-56 weapons on their shoulders and arms.

 

He called upon the support of the people to rebuild the nation as the LTTE had been fully crushed to restore peace and normalcy.

Courtesy : Government Information Department

 

 

SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN HUMANITARIAN ACCESS TO IDP SITES IN SRI LANKA - UNHCR REPORT

 

July 10, Colombo: U.N. agencies and NGOs have observed a significant improvement in humanitarian access to IDP sites in Sri Lanka's North, as well as a decreased military presence inside the camps, a recent report released by the UNHCR said.

Read More..

 

SAARC MINISTERIAL SUMMIT ON CHILDREN

SRI LANKAN CHILDREN NOW HAVE HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE- PM


July 10, Colombo : Sri Lanka Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka today said that the eradication of terrorism from Sri Lanka has a direct impact on its children.

 

Speaking at the SAARC ministerial summit on children commenced today for the fourth time in Colombo , the Premier pointed out that Sri Lankan children now have hope for a better future, free from violence and destruction.

He said that all the other seven countries in SAARC region should develop the future of the children as Sri Lanka is currently doing.

The representatives of all the eight SAARC nations discussed the welfare of children and their future at the ministerial meeting headed by the Sri Lanka Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka.

This year's summit was held after a lapse of 13 years as the first such meeting took place in 1986 in India.

The officials of the SAARC region met yesterday and made the schedule for today's ministerial meeting.

 

HISTORIC UNITY FOR DEVELOPMENT AND RECONCILIATION

 

A historic meeting of all political parties represented in Parliament, and others too, to discuss the development and reconciliation needs of Sri Lanka, following the defeat of terrorism, took place in Colombo today.

 

Leaders and representatives of 22 political parties from all communities met at the invitation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a groundbreaking move to create consensus among political parties for the tasks of development and reconciliation, giving priority to the speedy resettlement and rehabilitation of nearly 290,000 civilians at present in relief centers in the North of the island.

 

This was the first time since the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka erupted into armed conflict more than 30 years ago, when all democratic parties across the political spectrum met to discuss national issues.

Read More..

 

SRI LANKA TAUGHT WORLD THE ART OF HUMANE OPS - PRESIDENT

(July 06) Today, we pay our tribute to the heroes who successfully accomplished a military mission that amazed the whole world and won a great victory. The people call their mission the second freedom struggle of the nation. As all schools that produced heroes in this mission receive deserving praise, we can see that Ananda College, Colombo, deserves exceptional recognition.

Read More..

 

SRI LANKA SAFE PLACE FOR TOURISTS - FOREIGN MINISTRY

 

(June 29, 2009) The Foreign Ministry has directed all Sri Lankan missions overseas to persuade the host countries to lift travel advisories on Sri Lanka as the country's situation has rapidly changed with the eradication of terrorism.

Read More..

 

MASS SRI LANKAN PEACE MARCH IN LONDON [UPDATED]

 

(By: Krishan D. Bulathsinghala, UK)

It was another jubilant victory for the patriotic Sri Lankans in the UK when they took to the streets of London waving flags of the Lion, yesterday (June 27).

The mass Peace March was organised to commemorate the dawning of peace in Sri Lanka and to show the strength of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in UK who wholeheartedly is grateful of the ending of Terrorism in motherland.

Read More..

 

Sri Lanka now seeks to nab LTTE’s Padmanathan (Click here to view)

 

STUDENT ACCUSED OF SUPPORTING TAMIL TIGERS LOSES EXTRADITION APPEAL

June 20, 2009, The Canadian Press

 

A University of Waterloo student has lost his appeal to avoid extradition to the United States on charges he supported the Tamil Tigers, who have been declared a terrorist group.

 

The Ontario Court of Appeal ruled that Ramanan Mylvaganam, who is in his early 30s and from Malton, Ont., very likely knew he was assisting the group.

 

In the decision released Friday, three judges said it could be "reasonably inferred" that Mylvaganam "knew he was assisting the LTTE for the prohibited purposes."

Read More..

 

MOTHER OF WAR HERO GIFTED WITH A WHEEL CHAIR: RANAVIRU WELFARE PROGRAM GAINS IMMENSE PRAISE

 

She could not believe her eyes. Tears poured down her cheeks as Mrs. R.P Rosalin mother of late Captain (SLA) G.G Nirmal Asanka was gifted with a wheel chair by Secretary Defence during the 17th secession of the Ranaviru Welfare program held at the Gampaha District yesterday(June 16).

Read More..

 

SRI LANKA, THE LAND OF GIVING

 

Wed, Jun 17, 2009, ColomboPage

One of the highlights of my trip to Sri Lanka was visiting Mihintale on the Poson Poya Day and serving food in a 'dansala'. This year the Poson Poya Day was special as the war was over, no terrorist threat and people were not scared to gather in public places any more.

Read More..

 

SRI LANKA PRESIDENT VISITS SHWEDAGON PAGODA IN MYANMAR

 

June 16, Yangon: Sri Lanka President, Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa were warmly received at the world famous Shwedagon Pagoda, in Yangon, formerly Rangoon, on June 15th by the Director General, Ministry of Religious Affairs, Buddhist Monks, Trustee of the Pagoda, Shwedagon U Ba Shwe and area commanders of the Myanmar Army.

Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero also in the picture, SriLankan Maha Sanga and Myanmar Maha Sanga, Sri Lankan Ambassador Newton Gunaratne, President's sons Yoshitha Rajapaksa and Rohitha Rajapaksa were also present.

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Courtesy: ColomboPage

 

SRI LANKA RELEASES COMPLETE REPORT ON IDPS


June 16, Colombo: Sri Lanka government has released a complete report on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) including the total number of the displaced who are living in welfare centers.

 

According to the report the total number of internally displaced persons is 262,632 and out of them 134,464 are women.

 

There were 287,598 IDPs, the highest number, on May 11th. Out of them 14,962 were either resettled or have left the welfare centers to live with their relatives.

 

The most number of displaced persons are reported from the Mullaitivu District with 235,386 IDPs. Another 21,079 from Kilinochchi, 2,778 from Jaffna, 1,864 from Vavuniya, 1,054 from Trincomalee and 471 from Mannar districts have been displaced due to the conflict.

 

According to this report there are 350 children of less than 10 years old who lost their parents due to the war.

 

The total number of students living in those welfare centers are 58,000 and out of them 250 are undergraduates.

 

The government commenced a special educational program for 700 displaced students in the welfare camps in Vavuniya who are sitting for the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination this year and distributed reading material, uniforms, and stationery.

 

The Education Ministry has assigned a group of A/L teachers to teach these students and conduct classes to fully cover the syllabus to prepare them for the exam.

 

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has opened a new hospital in the Welfare Centre Zone III and a State Pharmaceuticals Corporation outlet in the Ananda Coomaraswamy welfare centre in Settikulam.

 

UNHCR COMMENDS GOVT'S GOOD PRACTICES

UN Refugee Agency UNHCR yesterday welcomed Government's good practices in resettling IDPs in Musali Division and pledged its commitment to providing support to the Government with future IDP returns in the North and East.

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TOP MEDICARE FOR NORTHERN CIVILIANS

Northern Province, Padaviya Hospital get 304 medical officers, 986 nurses:

Officials to visit welfare centres regularly:

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has streamlined medical and sanitation facilities provided to civilians in welfare centres in the North by posting an enhanced cadre of 304 medical officers and 986 nurses to the Northern Province and Padaviya hospitals

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BANKS GO NORTH

Following the liberation of the entirety of the Northern Province, banks have shown a considerable interest in resuming normal banking operations in the Province. This situation has resulted in many licensed commercial banks and licensed specialized banks seeking approval to open new branches and other banking outlets in the Northern Province.

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TOURISM IN NORTH DEVELOPS UNDER UTHURU VASANTHAYA

The Government's development program under Uthuru Vasanthaya will mainly focus on tourism development in the Northern Province. The Tourism Ministry will soon launch short to medium term development projects under the Uthuru Vasanthaya program.

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RS.3.75 BILLION TO BACK POWER SUPPLY PROJECTS IN THE NORTH

A sum of 3.75 billion rupees has been allocated for the electrification facilities for the resettled families in the north under the “Uthuru Wasanthaya” programme, a press release issued by the Ministry of Power and Energy stated.

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PRESIDENT SEEKS NEW THRUST FOR AGRICULTURE IN NORTH

President Mahinda Rajapaksa sees the need for a new thrust in the agricultural development of the North, as the people are resettled and they return to their traditional livelihoods, mainly agriculture.

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FOREIGN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SRI LANKAN IDPS

(June 08) The Sri Lanka government is planning to create foreign employment opportunities for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in welfare centres in the North Programme to cultivate all barren lands island-wide

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NAVY ESCORTS MV CAPTAIN ALI OUT OF SRI LANKAN WATERS

In accordance with the directives of the Government of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Navy escorted the controversial ship, MV Captain Ali, out of the Sri Lankan Territorial waters on the 09th of May 2009 allowing it to return to its port of origin.


The vessel sailing under the Syrian flag was intercepted by the Sri Lanka Navy on the 04th of June 2009 for violating internationally accepted formalities followed by merchant ships seeking to enter into ports in Sri Lanka and as clear grounds existed that the ship was not confirming to the ISPS Code. The ship was kept at anchor in Sri Lankan waters under Naval supervision until investigations were completed. Upon interception, the Navy boarded the vessel and carried out a thorough inspection of the ship’s cargo to ascertain that it did not carry any warlike materials and the Criminal Investigation Department interrogated the ship’s crew on their involvement in the illegal voyage. Throughout its stay, the ship was kept under close Naval surveillance by SLN patrol craft with round-the-clock on board security.


Sri Lanka Navy, which is also the designated authority for implementing International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code in Sri Lanka, is tasked with protecting the territorial waters of the country and upholding the country’s maritime laws. It remains alert to prevent any unauthorized intrusions into the country’s territorial waters and provides assistance to authorities to deal with violators for non compliance.

Sri Lanka Navy

 

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT MAHINDA RAJAPAKSA AT THE VICTORY DAY PARADE AND NATIONAL TRIBUTE TO THE SECURITY FORCES FOLLOWING THE DEFEAT OF TERRORISM

Galle Face Green, Colombo

June 03, 2009

I declare with great pride and dignity that I have hoisted the national flag in a single country unified under a single standard. Before me are our armed forces who astonished the world by their skill in war, discipline, efficiency and valour. It is with great expectation for the future that I address the Sri Lankan nation that is having pleasant dreams of bringing about the dawn of a great and distinguished future.

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VILLAGERS BACK IN KONARPANNAI AFTER 19 YEARS

 

After an interval of 19 years, residents of Konarpannai in Mannar returned home yesterday (02). In 1990, LTTE separatists ordered them to leave their ancestral homes within 24 hours, and they fled. “Konarpannai village population numbers 155 persons from 55 households. And, dry rations are given for a period of two weeks, which gives them time to get back on their own feet,” Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Ministry  told www.news.lk.

 
    They are really happy to return once again to their homes and, with the conclusion of the civil war, there are no fears of apprehensions in them. Coming back to their homes seem a much relief from the hassles of being displaced, the official said. The Ministry will provide assistance in rebuilding their dilapidated houses and they will be compensated with a stipend to continue their normal lives.


         "Once they are resettled we ensure that they settle and have economic stability,"the ministry noted, adding that they also look into infrastructure development. "We look into the need for schools, roads, and other infrastructure vital in community life,” he further said. Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Minister Rishard Bathiutheen, District Secretary Nicholas Pillai and other officials were at Konarpannai, Mannar participating in the occasion.(JS)

 

UN DID NOT UNDERESTIMATE CASUALTY FIGURES IN SRI LANKA, SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS
ColomboPage


John Holmes disputed the 20,000 figure reported by Times, saying it was based on questionable assumptions...

June 02, Colombo: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said that the high civilian death toll in the final phase of Sri Lanka's war given by certain media reports did not come from the UN reports and are not consistent with the information the UN has at its disposal.

Briefing the UN General Assembly on his recent visit to Sri Lanka said that he had consistently and repeatedly raised the strongest concern over civilian casualties and strongly rejected any suggestion that the UN has deliberately under-estimated any figures.

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High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka

 

NOTICE

Announcement of a ‘Public Day’

 

 

The High Commission of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka in Canada is pleased to announce that a weekly ‘Public Day’ will be held every Wednesday, to enable members of the expatriate Sri Lanka community to meet with the High Commissioner without prior appointment during regular working hours.

 

 

Sri Lanka High Commission

Ottawa

 

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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