General Discussion

Sri Lankan government compelled to control vehicle usage in the country

Apr 05, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government was compelled to take measures to control the rising usage of motor vehicles in the country since 2009 as the situation has become unbearable, a government minister said today.

Justifying the government's recent decision to impose heavy taxes on personal motor vehicles at the cabinet media briefing today in Colombo, Cabinet spokesman and Acting Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said the Sri Lanka's annual usage of motor vehicles has been rapidly increasing after government slashed the duty on vehicle imports by 50% in June 2010.

He noted that in 2009, the 211,679 of motor vehicles were imported and the figure rose 148% to 523,963 in 2011.

Had the government allowed the situation to continue for another two years, the road traffic would have become unbearable, the Minister said.

He also pointed out that with increasing number of motor vehicles the country had to import fuel and fuel import expenditure went up by 19% percent in January this year, in comparison to 2011 January. This increase in fuel imports amounted to US$ 484 million, the Minister said.

SL emerging as global sourcing destination



Sri Lanka is clearly emerging as a global sourcing destination in the region according to the Tholons 2012 Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations report. The report identifies the top global cities and counties for outsourcing IT/BPO services.

In this year’s report, 14 cities have been cited from the South Asian region, with Colombo, Sri Lanka moving up the ranking by one position to the 19th position. With the improvement in the country’s value proposition in IT/BPO, the positive socio-political developments driven by the country’s improving security conditions have been highlighted as key reasons for attracting more companies focused on FAO (Finance and Accounting Outsourcing) and software development, in addition to the vast pool of accountants and software engineers in Sri Lanka too was taken in to account in this report.

The report highlights that South Asia is experiencing a continuing stream of investment from outsourced service providers with high- value solutions across vertical specific industries.

Leveraging on the location advantages, recently the global IT/BPO company Mphasis (an HP Company), set up their delivery centre in Colombo to provide high- value finance accounting outsourcing services out of Sri Lanka. The leading BPO service provider, First Source entered Sri Lanka with a joint venture with Dialog. Several others have set operations during the last two years, adding to the fast growing IT/BPO exports out of Sri Lanka.

The reports further said that the growth has also been accelerated by the conclusion of the 30-year civil strife in the northwestern region of the country paving the way for recovery and rehabilitation, serving to attract investments into the country. These positive developments in the country serves to move Colombo up one spot to 19th place this year, and remain as one of the top emerging cities in the report.

“Sri Lanka moving up the ranking highlights the improving strengths as an outsourcing destination. During the last two years, we witnessed steady expansion of existing players and a new interest from global companies to operate out of Sri Lanka. The IT/BPO and Knowledge Service industry is targeted to grow to become a billion dollar industry by 2015,” said SLASSCOM Vice President Madu Ratnayake.

SLASSCOM acts as the catalyst of growth for the Sri Lankan IT and BPO industry by facilitating trade and business, propagation of education and employment, encouragement of research and innovation, and by supporting the creation of a progressive national policy framework.

More information on the report could be obtained from www.slasscom.lk

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/10/bus01.asp

Today - Sri Lanka Celebrates 64th Independence Day





FROM INDIA

It gives me immense pleasure to convey heartiest felicitations and warm greetings to you on behalf of the Government and people of India on the occasion of the 64th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.

India and Sri Lanka share a centuries old friendship and a common heritage. Our close bilateral relations are characterized by the spirit of mutual understanding and constructive cooperation. I am confident that our relations will continue to strengthen in the years ahead to the mutual benefit of our two peoples.

I wish to convey my best wishes for your good health and well being as well as for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Sri Lanka.

Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of India

FROM PAKISTAN

On behalf of people and the Government of Pakistan and on my own behalf, it is with immense pleasure that I extend heartiest and warmest greetings to Your Excellency, the Government and the people of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the auspicious occasion of 64th National Day of the country.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed close, cordial and cooperative relations in all fields since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The bilateral cooperation has witnessed a significant progress and diversification.

I am confident that our bilateral relations will be further strengthened and consolidated to the mutual benefit of our two countries in the years ahead under your leadership.

Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani
Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

FROM CHINA

On the auspicious occasion of the 64th anniversary of Independence of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and of my own, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency and through Your Excellency, to the Sri Lankan government and people.

Under the leadership of Your Excellency, Sri Lanka has maintained social stability, rapid economic development and people’s living standard has been continuously uplifted. I sincerely hope that Sri Lanka will accomplish greater achievements in the path of nation building.

Since diplomatic ties between our two countries were established over half a century ago, China - Sri Lanka relationship has developed continuously, healthily and smoothly. Currently, China - Sri Lanka relationship is at its best in history. Our two countries have maintained frequent high- level contacts.

Our exchanges and cooperation in areas of economy, trade, culture and education, etc have achieved new progress. We support each other on the issues of major respective concerns. I’m willing to make joint efforts with Your Excellency to further promote the China -Sri Lanka All-round Cooperative Partnership to new heights. May Your Excellency enjoy good health. May Sri Lanka enjoy prosperity.

Hu Jintao
President of the People’s Republic of China

FROM BAHRAIN

On behalf of the people of the Kingdom of Bahrain and on my own behalf, I wish to convey to Your Highness, and through you to the Government and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, my sincere greetings and best wishes on the happy occasion of celebrating the Independence Day of your country.

I am confident that the friendly relations and close cooperation that exist between our two countries will be further strengthened in the years ahead.

I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes for your good health, and happiness for the continued success and prosperity to the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka under your able and wise leadership.

Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa
King of the Kingdom of Bahrain

FROM AUSTRIA

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka I take great pleasure in conveying to you my warmest congratulations. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for your personal well-being as well as for a happy future of the Sri Lankan people.

Heinz Fischer
Federal President of the Republic of Austria

FROM CZECH REPUBLIC

On behalf of the people of the Czech Republic and on my own behalf may I extend to you my most sincere congratulations on the National Day of your country – the Independence Commemoration Day.

I am confident that the traditionally good relations existing between our countries will continue to develop in the spirit of friendship and cooperation.

I avail myself of this opportunity to wish you good health, happiness and every success in your work.

Vaclav Elaus
President of the Czech Republic

FROM SINGAPORE

On the joyous occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on February 4, 2012, I wish to extend on behalf of the people of Singapore, our sincere congratulations and best wishes for the peace, progress and prosperity of your country and people.

Tony Tankeng Yam
President of Republic of Singapore

FROM MALAYSIA

On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to you and the people of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, on this auspicious occasion of the 64th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

I note with satisfaction that the cordial relations between our two nations have continued to strengthen over the years. With the existing strong bold of friendship and understanding, I am confident that the relations between our two countries will be enhanced in the years ahead.

Dato'Sri Mohd Najib
Prime Minister of Malaysia

FROM MYANMAR

On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, I have the great pleasure to extend to Your Excellency and through you to the people of Sri Lanka our warmest greetings and felicitations on the occasion of the 64th Anniversary of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Thein Sen
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

FROM CAMBODIA

On the auspicious occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Royal Government and People of Cambodia, I have the great pleasure to extend my heartfelt felicitations to Your Excellency and all my best wishes for happiness and prosperity to the people of Sri Lanka.

I strongly believe that the good relations of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka will be further strengthened and deepened for the benefits of our two countries.

May I also take occasion to extend to Your Excellency my best wishes for your good health and greater success in your noble tasks in the years to come.

Hun Sen
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia

FROM THAILAND

On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, I have the honour to extend on behalf of the Royal Thai Government and the Thai people, my sincere congratulations and best wishes for the prosperity and progress of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and her people.

Yingluck Shinawatra
Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/04/news11.asp

National Geographic Traveler magazine has named Sri Lanka among its top six destinations for world travelers in 2012, lauding the island nation’s heritage sites, wildlife, lush landscapes and pristine beaches.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/12/03/news03.asp

SL exports to EU grew by 25% in first nine months

Answer is simple...

Here we goes..

Building the expressway







more : http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-st...xpressway.html

One of the Sri Lanka’s long felt infrastructure needs will be soon fulfilled on September 2, when the first phase of the Colombo-Matara Expressway will be opened up to Galle taking a passenger to the Southern capital in less than one and a half hours. This would also be the country’s first toll highway. The first entry point from Colombo is at Pannipitiya, Makumbura.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/08/10/main_Business.asp

Hmmm. In the Skyscrapercity i seen a thread wich says in Sri Lanka have a circuit with capacity to albergate a F1 race.

Thanks for the answer and sorry for my bad english

Actualy, formula 1 isn't a rated game in sri lanka.but it has some youngest crowed atraction.

In Sri Lanka, the people like the Formula 1?

These are the great pictures of Lotus tower. It looks great in the day but in the night I looks amazing. We can see the lighting of the building. I will go there to see.

thanks for the info.

US$ 1.5 billion financial assistance from China for Sri Lanka's infrastructure projects

Sri lankan sea ways is now strengthened by starting a ferry between Colombo and Tuticorin. The name of the ship is Scotia Prince