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Message of peace on earth has relevance to world today - President
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The message Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all that came with the first Christmas has relevance to the world today as it faces increasing challenges of hatred, terror,
national rivalry, economic crisis, climate change and food insecurity, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa in a message for Christmas.
“The prayers of Christians in this Season of Goodwill seek to ease the burdens of society with the love that is re-kindled with the nativity of Jesus Christ”, President Rajapaksa said.
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LLRC echoes the voice of our people - Cardinal
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The report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission is a result of in-depth study of the 30
- year war based on evidence recorded at sittings where a large number of persons, including those affected by war made representations.
This echoed the actual voice of the war-affected people unlike the report of the experts panel appointed by the UN Secretary General,
said Archbishop Most Rev. Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith when conveying his blessings at the annual Yuletide Evening at Temple Trees yesterday (Dec. 22).
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Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels celebrates Christmas
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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels celebrated Christmas with the participation of the Sri Lankan community
in Belgium and other Belgian well wishers at the Sri Lanka Residence on
16 December 2011. Rev. Sister Ayesha Fernando led the prayers, which were conducted in Sinhala, Tamil, English, French and Flemish.
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Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) Report tabled in Parliament
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The final report of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) was tabled in Parliament by Leader of
the House Nimal Siripala de Silva,on 16 December 2011. The LLRC was appointed by President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 15 May 2010
to inquire and report on matters that may have taken place during the period
between 21 February 2002 and 19 May 2009. The Commission submitted its final Report to the President on 20 November 2011.
The report stated in its Principal Observations and Recommendations that, “in evaluating the Sri Lanka
experience in the context of allegations of violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the Commission is satisfied that
the military strategy that was adopted to secure the LTTE held areas was one that was carefully conceived, in which the
protection of the civilian population was given the highest priority. The Commission also notes in this regard that the
movement of the Security Forces in conducting their operations was deliberately slow during the final stages of the
conflict, thereby evidencing a carefully worked out strategy of avoiding civilian casualties or minimizing them,”
Statement made by the Leader of the House in Parliament...
Full report of the LLRC...
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“More Supportive Approach to Sri Lanka is needed”
- MEP Geoffrey Van Orden
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Following a recent visit to Sri Lanka, the Chairman of the European Parliament’s informal ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ Group has called for supportive engagement with Sri Lanka as it recovers from 30 years of conflict.
Conservative MEP and Defence Spokesman Geoffrey Van Orden has just returned from Sri Lanka where he met the President and senior Ministers,
as well as MPs from a range of government and opposition political parties including the Tamil National Alliance. He met the Northern and Eastern
Regional Governors, and on his visit to the former conflict areas in the North and East of the country,
the Bishop of Jaffna, military commanders and many local people. He also visited the Detention Camp at Boosa and a post-Tsunami village at Weligama.
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Meaningful democracy requires closest interaction between govt and community - President Mahinda Rajapaksa
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If democracy is to be meaningful and command their respect, it must have a direct impact on their everyday lives. This necessarily calls
for the closest possible interaction between government and the community. The mechanisms of government must have effective application at the grassroots level, in order to address issues and to
provide relief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said addressing the Bali Democracy Forum IV in Bali, Indonesia.
We have had experience of the first past the post electoral system, which continues to operate in many of the countries participating
in this Forum, as well as a version of proportional representation which applies in Sri Lanka today. We are now contemplating a hybrid system, combining elements of both these
approaches, as the solution best suited to the needs and circumstances of our country. The sum total of these comparative approaches
has imparted to us a maturity of outlook and a breadth of vision which have greatly enriched our political culture.
It is a matter of deep pride to us that Sri Lanka is one of the oldest practising democracies not only in the Asian
continent but in the world at large. Our people have enjoyed universal adult franchise since 1931, and they have been
accustomed, without interruption, to electing and changing governments in an entirely orderly and peaceful manner for eight decades. Even under the LTTE threat we were continuing election, President further said.
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The Radicalization of Tamil Youth - an insight into LTTE Administered ‘Thamil Chollai’ Schools in Europ
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In the aftermath of the defeat of the LTTE, the functioning of LTTE-controlled ‘ThamilChollai’ schools
have become ever more important to the terrorist movement. Having lost its leadership and with its organisation being dismantled within Sri Lanka, the Thamilchollai schools
have become but a means to an end, namely to retain the support for the LTTE abroad and to keep the Tamil separatist cause alive internationally.
Below is a comprehensive document that gives an insight in to the LTTE administered/sponsored Thamilchollai schools, prepared by
the Defence Ministry of Sri Lanka. This document provides substantial evidence to prove the link between the LTTE and Thamilchollai schools and how they administer these schools and make use
of students not only to promote LTTE interest but also to radicalise the third generation of Tamils living overseas, particularly in Europe.
Read more...
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Minister of External Affairs meets EU Parliamentarians
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External Affairs Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris met European Parliamentarians Ana Gomez, Richard Howitt and David Martin representing
the Socialists and Democrats (S & D) Party at the Ministry recently. The Minister underlined the strong connections Sri Lanka has
traditionally had with Western Europe and referred to the vibrant cooperation between Sri Lanka and the European Union, particularly
the strong economic partnership. The Minister briefed the delegation on post conflict developments and initiatives to economically empower
the people as well as the ongoing political dialogue. The European Parliamentarians appreciated the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka and to familiarize themselves with the situation in the country including a visit to the Northern Province.
The European Parliamentary delegation was also comprised Mrs. Brigitte Bataille, senior policy adviser of the European Parliament.
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Sri Lanka thanks EU for strong livelihood support
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“Sri Lanka is thankful for high EU support for various livelihood projects for the internally displaced, especially
in the Northern and Eastern regions. Sri Lanka also invites high level trade, business and industry delegations from
European Union for ‘Sri Lanka Expo 2012’, the mega export
show of international scale to be held in Sri Lanka after 15 years ” said Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka.
Minister Bathiudeen was addressing a visiting four member EU Parliamentary delegation representing the Socialists & Democrats Party (S&D)
on 06 December at the Ministry of Industry & Commerce, Colombo 3. The EU delegation consisted of Mr. David Martin (Member of EU Parliament), Mr. Richard Howitt
(Member of EU Parliament), Ms. Ana Gomes (Member of EU Parliament) and Ms. Brigitte Bataille (Policy Advisor & Assistant of S&D Party).
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Sri Lanka named among six “best of the world 2012” destinations by National Geographic traveler magazine
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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.
Sri Lanka, Traveler writes in its November/December issue, means “resplendent isle, and the natural charms of this pear-shaped island in the Indian Ocean
that nearly kisses the southeast tip of India are indeed splendid….Sri Lanka’s hill country features stunning scenery, tea plantations, and ancient Buddhist temples.”
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MEP Geoffrey Van Orden calls on President Rajapaksa
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Chairman of the European Parliament’s ‘Friends of Sri Lanka’ Group, MEP Mr. Geoffrey Van Orden (ECR/UK) called
on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on 28 November 2011. Mr. Van Orden is currently on
a seven day visit to Sri Lanka and is scheduled to meet ministers,officials and the representatives of private sector.
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Exports to EU countries grow by 25.5% in first nine months of 2011
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Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has said,
“ latest statistics from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka reveal that Sri Lanka’s exports to the EU grew by
25.5% in the first nine months of 2011 ( 2635 Million $), compared to the corresponding period of 2010 (2100 Million $).
Meanwhile, with respect to Belgium, which is the 4th largest destination among EU countries and the 6th largest destination
of Sri Lanka’s exports to the world, exports grew by 41.4 % in the first nine months of 2011 (382.53 Million $), compared to the
corresponding period of 2010 ( 270.6 Million $)”. He said “these growth rates are particularly impressive given the fact that
the after effects of the financial crisis, high unemployment in developed economies and austerity measures in Europe continue to shrink the possibility of
bouncing back world trade to its pre-crisis levels. It also reflects trade conducted without the benefit of the special preferential tariff concession GSP+”.
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Sri Lanka achieves 2011 tourist arrival target
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Sri Lanka Tourism achieved the targeted 750,000 tourist arrivals for the year 2011 yesterday (Nov.24).
This is the first time ever; the tourism industry has received number of arrivals
exceeding 700,000 mark in any given year making it a ground breaking figure in tourism records, says the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau.
During year 2010, total number of 654,476 tourists visited Sri Lanka, compared to 750,000 in 2011, which is a 34.2% annual growth.
This year has seen a huge contribution from Latin American, Caribbean & western European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark ,France, the Netherlands,
UK and Germany. These regions alone have attracted 250, 847 tourists sharing a major portion out of the 750,000 arrivals recorded so far.
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Budget 2012: Aims for long-term development
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President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as Finance and Planning Minister presented the budget for 2012 to Parliament today (Nov 21).
This is the 65th budget of Sri Lanka since independence and 7th budget presented by the President. It has a series of proposals to help uplift
the socio-economic conditions of the people and the development of the country. It will specially focus on strengthening free education,
health services and agriculture. It was prepared with widespread consultation with people of the country.
President Rajapaksa stated that 2012 will record an economic growth of 8%. By maintaining
this, the goal of reaching a per-capita income of US$ 4000 will be realized by 2016.
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Parliament approves PSC for a political solution
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Parliament yesterday passed a motion to set up a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to formulate a political solution to the country’s ethnic issue.
The parliament announced that a motion to appoint a Select Committee of Parliament to recommend and report on political and constitutional measures to empower the people of Sri Lanka to live as one nation was passed by the House.
The political parties in Parliament are requested to name their representatives to the PSC.
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Minister Bathiudeen and private sector delegation explore business opportunities in Antwerp
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Minister of Industry & Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen, accompanied by the Sri Lanka private sector business delegation
on a two day official visit to Belgium, last week also visited several business enterprises in Antwerp - the commercial hub of Belgium.
Welcoming the Sri Lanka delegation Mr. Luc Luwel, CEO of the Antwerp Chamber of Commerce briefed them on the
attractive business environment in Antwerp and the potential it offers for furthering economic ties between Belgium
and Sri Lanka. Minister Bathuideen addressing the Chamber representatives highlighted Sri Lanka’s historical relations with the city of Antwerp, particularly
in the context of the diamond trade and seaport operations. He said there is considerable scope for expansion in both these areas, as well as others.
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Sri Lanka & Belgium Pledge to Consolidate Economic Ties
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Sri Lanka and Belgium have pledged to expand and facilitate bilateral trade and investment, taking note
of the growing economic interaction between the two countries. This commitment was made during bilateral
discussions held with Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, during the visit of the Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathudeen to Belgium.
Minister Rishad Bathudeen, who was on a two day official visit to Belgium accompanied by a Sri Lankan business delegation,
was received by Mr. Steven Vanackere, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Belgium at the Palais d‘Egmont and later
held bilateral talks with Mr. Dirk Achten, Secretary General of the Ministry and senior officials on 17 November 2011. Sri Lanka’s
Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha and
Mr. Madhuka Wickramarachchi, First Secretary (Pol) of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium were associated with the Minister at the discussions.
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Minister Bathiudeen says “Current global economic situation provides the impetus for EU firms to increase their exposure in Sri Lanka”
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- Private Sector delegation has B2B meetings with over 80 Belgian companies
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“Belgian companies need to invest more in Sri Lanka. The expanding growth opportunities in Sri Lanka, compared with the current
global economic situation, should provide the impetus for forward looking European companies to increase their exposure to the
country. Many of the 40 Belgian companies which visited the country for the first time only a year ago, have already begun
productive trade and investment ventures with their local partners, and are also supporting the major
infrastructure development efforts of Sri Lanka” said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka.
Minister Bathiudeen made these observations when he inaugurated the 'Sri Lanka Economic Forum', and the B2B meetings with
the participation of over 80 Belgian companies that included top Belgian firms such as Besix, CFE, on Thursday 17 November at the Brussels Enterprise Commerce and Industry (BECI) auditorium in Brussels.
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Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels joins in “Deyata Sevana” National Tree Planting Programme
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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Belgium joined the ‘Deyata Sevana’ national tree planting programme on 17 November 2011.
Ambassador Ravinatha Aryasinha, planted a tree at the Embassy premises marking this day.
This tree planting ceremony is organized in line with the 'Green Country’ theme outlined in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana – Vision for the Future’
policy of the Government.
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Belgians have been “early birds” in seizing on the new economic opportunities opening up in Sri Lanka
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Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha has said, Belgians have been
“early birds” in seizing on the new economic opportunities opening up in Sri Lanka since the ending of the
terrorist conflict in May 2009. Noting that both Sri Lanka and Belgium, where the SME sector is prominent,
presents a better fit to do business, he said this trend has been supported by the Government of Belgium
through its positive travel advisories, improved country risk ratings,
enhanced export credit facilities and by continuing to be an active partner in Sri Lanka promotional events.
Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he addressed the Cercle de Lorraine-The Brussels Business Club, in Brussels on 9 November 2011.
Read more...
Read the full speech...
Read the Financial Times article...
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) concludes its work -
The final report will be handed over to the President on 20 November
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The Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) officially concludes its work on 15 November, 2011.
The Presidential Secretariat has advised the Chairman and the Commission that the final Report be handed over to His Excellency the President on 20th November at the President’s Office.
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We will take action if the LLRC finds HR violations - President tells NDTV
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President Mahinda Rajapakse told NDTV that if the reconciliation commission report endorses any human rights violation in the war against the Tamil Tigers, the govt will take action without shielding anyone.
President also said the Lanka Navy has been stopped from taking Indian fishermen into custody anymore.
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Now is the time for action - President tells SAARC
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The issues which call for our attention, particularly in the areas of social justice and climate change,
require not further discussion but immediate action, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa in his address to
the 17th SAARC Summit, held in Addu City of the Maldives. “What is evident around us is a mood of
urgency and even impatience. This is especially so, because a large and influential part of our societies consists of young people, inspired by new ideas and looking
forward with enthusiasm to a promising future for themselves. They cannot be kept waiting for long. Patience is not infinite”, he added.
He further said, whether in regard to food and energy security, the preservation of the environment or protection of our societies
against the consequences of terrorism, the challenges we face within SAARC are certainly formidable. However, we are sustained by a
reservoir of insights and experience that equip us for this task. “The theme of our deliberations here in Addu City, ‘Bridge Building’,
highlights the reality that rapidly improving connectivity in our region makes
it possible for us to reach out to higher levels of achievement for the benefit of our nations”, the President added.
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Industry & Commerce Minister to lead business delegation to Belgium
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– B2B meetings to be held with over 60 Belgian companies
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A business delegation led by Minister of Industry & Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen is scheduled to visit Belgium from 16-17
November 2011. The delegation will include Mrs. Sujatha Weerakoon, Director General/Sri Lanka
Export Development Board and representatives from the private sector.
This is the first time in over a decade that such a high level business delegation visits Belgium.
It is considered as a reciprocal visit to the visit undertaken by the representatives of 40 Belgian
companies to Sri Lanka in November
2010 and is also intended to attract potential Belgian entrepreneurs to Sri Lanka’s premier exposition ‘Expo-2012’ to be held in March 2012.
Read more...
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