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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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Lanka records highest ever GDP
The Sri Lankan economy registered its highest post-independence growth rate of 8.3 per cent in 2011, over the 8 per cent growth in 2010, with increased contribution from Industry and Services sectors, the Central Bank said this evening.
The growth in Agriculture sector was subdued, but was adequate to enforce a substantial downward pressure on domestic commodity prices. While year-on-year non-food inflation increased in March 2012 due to the full impact of the adjustment of domestic energy prices and bus fares, year-on-year food inflation remained negative for the third consecutive month.
Overall, the year-on-year change in the Colombo Consumers’ Price Index increased to 5.5 per cent in March 2012 from 2.7 per cent in February.
Domestic foreign exchange market has shown clear signs of stabilization following the expected volatility during the early stages of allowing greater flexibility in the Rupee/US dollar exchange rate, the bank said.
Accordingly, the Rupee, which depreciated against the US dollar to Rs. 130.41 on 21st March, appreciated by 3.94 per cent during the period from 21st March to 4th April 2012 to reach Rs. 125.47.
The increased foreign exchange inflows contributed to this stabilisation, while prudential measures implemented by the Central Bank supported this development.
Significant foreign inflows in the first three months of the year included the inflows to the Government securities market amounting to US dollars 400 million and inflows to the Colombo Stock Exchange of US dollars 164 million. Thereafter, on 2nd April 2012, the eighth tranche under the IMF-SBA facility amounting to US dollars 427 million was also received.
These and other foreign receipts to the private sector and the Government, have now raised the gross official reserves (without ACU balances) to approximately US dollars 6.1 billion as at 4th April 2012, which is equivalent to 3.6 months of imports, the bank said.
The Central bank also said that broad money supply (M2b) grew by 21.9 per cent, year-on-year, in February 2012.
Net Credit to the Government (NCG), increased substantially by Rs. 136.3 billion during the first two months of the year, while credit extended to the private sector also increased, year on-year, by 34.4 per cent (amounting to around Rs.100 billion in the first two months of the year).
These developments resulted in the continued high growth of monetary aggregates, although the recent policy measures introduced by the Central Bank are expected to decelerate the expansion in broad money supply in the near term. Towards such outcome, it is essential that the current shortfall in Government revenue is effectively addressed and public expenditure is further rationalised, so as to significantly lower the reliance on bank sources to finance the Government budget deficit.
Such a course of action would reverse the trend observed in the first quarter of 2012, and in that context, the recent upward revision of customs and excise duties on selected items by the Government is a display of its commitment to the necessary fiscal consolidation process, the Central Bank added.
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Country Branding
Banuthev, thanks for asking tourism info regarding Madurai and giving me an opportunity to explain the same. Madurai is the 2nd most visited place in TamilNadu next only to Chennai. It is because of the world famous Meenakshi Amman temple that was even about to become a world wonder. Apart from the Meenakshi Amman Temple, the town planning of the historical city will be awesome with planned ring roads kind of roads well in before several hundred years. You can find a mixture of tourism options in Madurai. Temple tourism (apart from Meenakshi amman temple, there are plenty saying about the temple architecture of the Pandya and Naicker rulers), Heritage tourism, Jasmine and agri markets tourism, Architectural tourism like palaces and Chettinad bungalows, Freedom fighters places are here, Jain caves, Mahatma Gandhi museum, Hill stations such as Meghamalai, Kodaikanal are there in the vicinity. Courtallam waterfalls (about 8 water falls are available there), Kanyakumari and Rameswaram beaches and temples are here, Many of the abodes of Lord Murugan such as Tiruparankundram, Pazhamuthirsolai, Tiruchendur, Palani etc. Meghamalai, Kalakkad are tiger reserves and give you thrilling wild life sighting also.
Since it is a very large content and explanation could not be done that easily, please try this link : http://www.maduraitourism.info/places-of-interest/
It has good details on each site when clicked.
To have a view of the places in the form of pictures, use this : http://www.developmenttourism.in/tou...uraiwonder.php
And if you need to explore the less known heritage sites, use this link : http://www.developmenttourism.in/maduraiwalk.php?id=9
This has many powerpoint presentations on less trodden places.
If you want to see everything in detail during your tour with good relaxation, it will take about 5 to 8 days for Madurai and allied South Tamilnadu. There are a lot many tourist guides available whose details may be availed in most cases in the hotel where you stay itself.
If you need more, let me know.
Thanks.
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FTI group to operate a cruise line to Colombo port
FTI Group, one of Germany’s leading tour operators will start operating a cruise line to Colombo Port over a four month period, starting from end this year.
Accordingly, the company will deploy the “FTI BERLIN” its flagship cruise liner, which will call at the Colombo port carrying up market Austrian, German and Swiss clientele.
The liner will call at and depart Colombo ten times between December 2012 and March 2013.
It will cruise from Dubai to Colombo and Colombo to Dubai with stops in Muscat and the Indian ports of Mumbai, Goa and Kochi.
Embarkation and disembarkation can be done both in Dubai and Colombo.
“All passengers disembarking or starting their cruise in Sri Lanka have the option of spending additional holidays in the Island, on the beaches or on round trips”, added a statement issued by the operator.
FTI’s Group CEO Dietmar Gunz who was in Colombo yesterday to announce the new plans said, “We are assured to be successful with this innovative cruise routing between Dubai and Sri Lanka”
The Company’s statement also said, the vessel ‘FTI Berlin’ consist of two restaurants, a bar, a lounge and a beer garden, one outdoor pool, one indoor pool and also a Spa etc.
Diethelm Travels, which is a subsidiary of the Hemas Group, Sri Lanka is the local partner of the FTI group
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JICA assistance to develop urban transport system for Colombo metropolitan region
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Transport have commenced a technical cooperation project, to conduct a comprehensive study and formulate an urban transport master plan for the Colombo metropolitan region.
The study will focus on identifying the optimum methods of resolving traffic congestion and transport difficulties faced by the public in Colombo city and suburbs. It will review present conditions, on-going developments and future plans, to identify short and mid term measures to improve the existing transport system, and in the long term to establish possibly a new mode of transport as the core system to fulfil the growing public and corporate mobility needs.
The study will consist of a number of surveys to obtain accurate and current data of public requirements as well as traffic conditions. Ministry of Transport together with JICA conducted a trial survey in early 2012 in preparation for the main surveys. "We thank the public who contributed to the preparatory survey with their valuable input, and request public support also for the main surveys to ensure the core transport system is determined in line with the actual requirements of the public", said Mr. K. D. Dhammika Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport.
The study is conducted under JICA’s technical cooperation assistance and is provided on the basis of a grant. Feasibility analysis for the identified core transport system would be also included in the study.
"Depending on the results of the study, we would positively consider financing the implementation of the core transport system under concessionary Official Development Assistance loan terms" said Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.
The Record of Discussion for conducting the study was signed by K. D. Dhammika Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Transport in the presence of Kumar Welgama, Minister of Transport and Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA – Sri Lanka.
JICA’s on-going support to development of the transport sector in Sri Lanka include financial and technical assistance for improvement of the road network including rural, provincial and national roads, construction of Southern Expressway and Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, and most recently the expansion and development of Phase II of Bandaranaike International Airport.
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Originally posted by Serendib View PostJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Ministry of Transport have commenced a technical cooperation project, to conduct a comprehensive study and formulate an urban transport master plan for the Colombo metropolitan region.
The study will focus on identifying the optimum methods of resolving traffic congestion and transport difficulties faced by the public in Colombo city and suburbs. It will review present conditions, on-going developments and future plans, to identify short and mid term measures to improve the existing transport system, and in the long term to establish possibly a new mode of transport as the core system to fulfil the growing public and corporate mobility needs.
The study will consist of a number of surveys to obtain accurate and current data of public requirements as well as traffic conditions. Ministry of Transport together with JICA conducted a trial survey in early 2012 in preparation for the main surveys. "We thank the public who contributed to the preparatory survey with their valuable input, and request public support also for the main surveys to ensure the core transport system is determined in line with the actual requirements of the public", said Mr. K. D. Dhammika Perera, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport.
The study is conducted under JICA’s technical cooperation assistance and is provided on the basis of a grant. Feasibility analysis for the identified core transport system would be also included in the study.
"Depending on the results of the study, we would positively consider financing the implementation of the core transport system under concessionary Official Development Assistance loan terms" said Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office.
The Record of Discussion for conducting the study was signed by K. D. Dhammika Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Transport in the presence of Kumar Welgama, Minister of Transport and Harumi Ao, Chief Representative of JICA – Sri Lanka.
JICA’s on-going support to development of the transport sector in Sri Lanka include financial and technical assistance for improvement of the road network including rural, provincial and national roads, construction of Southern Expressway and Colombo Outer Circular Expressway, and most recently the expansion and development of Phase II of Bandaranaike International Airport.
http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_...de_title=52052
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