Tuesday, October 30, 2012

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Tourist_arrivals_continue_to_increase_20121026_03

Tourist arrivals continue to increase


Tourism continues to register a steep growth in terms of earning revenue and in the numbers of tourists visiting the country. Tourist arrivals in the month of September increased by 18.1 percent compared to the same period last year.

Statistics released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority indicated that 71,111 tourists arrived in the country in the month of September compared to the 60,219 tourist arrivals in September 2011. Arrivals during the first nine months of the year has increased by 16 percent to 693,772 from the 598,006 arrivals in the same period last year.

Arrivals from North America increased by 29.9 percent, from Canada by 23.7 percent, and from USA by 35.3 percent. Arrivals from Western Europe increased by18.6 percent, while arrivals from Eastern Europe increased by 52.0 percent.

It is being targeted to attract one million tourists this year.

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

US Ambassador visits Trincomalee Naval Dockyard


Ambassador of the United States of America to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Michele J. Sison accompanied by Defence Attach‚ and 04 embassy officials visited the SLN Dockyard in Trincomalee on 25th October 2012.

The US Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne and he briefed the delegation on the history of the Trincomalee harbour, its political, economic and security importance, and aid/support given by the US for training SLN personnel.

The delegation was provided with a harbour cruise as well as an opportunity to visit the Naval Museum during their visit.

Courtesy : Navy Media
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=LTTE_ban_should_be_continued_Indian_Court_told_20121028_02

LTTE ban should be continued, Indian Court told

Defending the ban on the LTTE, two Tamil Nadu police personnel on Saturday deposed before a tribunal conducting hearings to decide the validity of the proscription of the Sri Lankan militant outfit.

Appearing before the Justice V K Jain Tribunal, formed under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, two police inspectors submitted that they had seized explosives from three LTTE activists. The government counsel told Justice Jain that there was a need to continue the ban on LTTE.MDMK chief Vaiko, a known supporter of LTTE, also appeared before the Tribunal and opposed the continuation of the ban.

The Centre had recently extended the ban on LTTE by another two years following which the Tribunal is conducting hearings to decide on the validity.Its next hearing would be held in Madurai and Chennai, officials said.

Courtesy :Sunday Observer

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Asylum_seekers_exposed_as_LTTE_hard_core_20121030_02

'Asylum seekers' exposed as LTTE hard-core


Militants from Sri Lanka's war are posing as asylum seekers on boats headed for Australia - and could be financed by former Tamil Tiger combatants already here, The Australian reported.

Six former combatants were arrested leaving Sri Lanka this year, with another six people smugglers also collared.

Five of the six were arrested since June in a crackdown by Sri Lankan authorities. The arrests come after 14 asylum pirates stole a fishing boat, cutting one crewman's throat before throwing at least two into the sea. They were flown directly to Sri Lanka on Saturday after being intercepted by Australian authorities off the Cocos Islands, The Australian reported yesterday(29).

Superintendent Prashantha Jayakody confirmed three crew members were still missing, presumed dead.

The pirates were being questioned in police custody, he added, and would face a long list of charges when they appeared in court.

Sri Lankan High Commissioner Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said the country would co-operate with Australia with information about any former combatants who had not been rehabilitated since the war ended in 2009.

Militants were behind terrorist attacks and assassinations and also accused of ethnic cleansing.

"Anybody who comes here, if they have been involved in atrocities in Sri Lankan they could be wanted people. With the standing of our friendship we could share information on such people with Australia," the High Commissioner said.

His words came as Liberal MP Don Randall was shown a gallery of the faces of the main people smuggling operators in Sri Lanka.

Mr Randall was told by Sri Lankan authorities during a recent visit to the country that former combatants already in Australia are believed to be funding the militants' passage.

He said he was aware of Sri Lankans at detention centres in Christmas Island being housed near former combatants. "I am told these guys are turning up with old shrapnel wounds, they are obviously militants," he added. A spokesman for Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said the government was aware of the issue. "The government takes very seriously its role in protecting the Australian community - we can not and will not compromise on matters of national security," he said.

Meanwhile, eight more Sri Lankan men opted to return home from Christmas Island as more asylum seekers are transferred after being plucked from boats. The men flew home on Saturday, taking to 29 the number of Sri Lankans to return since Friday.

Courtesy : President Media

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Jaffna_district_comes_alive_with_Govt_projects_20121028_04

Jaffna district comes alive with Govt projects


Divi Neguma cottage industry exhibition
Issue of coconut saplings

Northern civil administration authorities expressed optimism that the Jaffna district will regain what it had lost in development, due to the over three decades LTTE anarchy, on completion of the several ongoing projects of the UPFA government, primarily in the spheres of infrastructure, rehabilitation, livelihood, agriculture and education.

Train services up to Kankesanthurai, road transport on the A9 and other asphalted highways to all parts of the country, modern towns, housing complexes, agricultural and fisheries productivity, housing projects with running water from the Iranamadu project, electricity to the entire region, enhanced irrigation facilities and upgraded hospitals and sanitary facilities will be in place before long, transforming the district into a lively region.

The resettlement and rehabilitation process having been successfully completed, people have resumed their traditional professions with government assistance.

The reconstruction of the 56 Km railway line from Palai to Kankesanthurai and renovation of railway stations have been started by the Government of India at a cost of US $ 150 million. The land cleansing has almost been completed and with the rails for the project having arrived, it is anticipated that the project will be completed soon. Rs. 18,328.18 million has been allocated for the Jaffna-Kilinochchi Water Supply and Sanitation Project under the Iranamadu Water Supply Scheme.

A population of 435,000 living in the DS divisions of Jaffna, Thenmaradchchi, Karaveddy, Velanai, Kopay, Sandilipay, Chankanai, Nallur, Karainagar, Kayts, Poonakery and Palai will benefit. Part of the work on the project estimated to be completed within the next seven years has begun. It is an ADB, AFD and GoSL funded project. Funds have been allocated for Water Supply Schemes in Point-Pedro, Valvettithurai, Maruthankerny and Delft off-shore Island. Rs. 674 million has been allocated for the Point-Pedro Scheme under which a local population of 22,000 will benefit. Rs. 248.57 million has been allocated for the Valvettithurai scheme which will benefit 10059 residents. Rs. 25.8 million has

been allocated for the Maruthankery scheme to benefit 1,900 residents. 1,443 residents of Delft will benefit under the Scheme for the off-shore island at a cost of Rs. 12.96 million.

Of the total power demand of 44.60 MW, the Aggreke Power Plant will provide 20 MW while the total power

New office of the Valigamam Pradeshiya Sabha
A power supply project in Jaffna

available is 48.00 MW. The 100 percent electrification scheme will be completed by the end of the year through the national grid. Already 8 projects have been completed at a cost of Rs. 309.61 million while the other power supply schemes in the district are in progress.

Under the Divi Neguma National Program (Stage III- 2012 ) 43,500 packets of seeds of tomato, brinjal, bittergourd, snakegourd , cucumber, green chillie and chillie were distributed among agricultural families. 50,940 packets of drumstick seeds, 11,250 packets of pomegranate seeds, 8,002 packets of lemon seeds, 7,631 packets of guava seeds, 7,050 packets of ambarella seeds, 13,460 packets of papaw seeds and 89,400 coconut seedlings were also distributed.

Under the 'Divi Neguma - One Million Homes Program' of the Economic Development Ministry, an exhibition of cottage industries was held on September 10 and 11. Jaffna Hindu College which attracted 6,000 participants. Around 2,300 beneficiaries were selected for cottage industry assistance. As at 21st October 567 beneficiaries have received training on cottage industry and 149 tools and raw materials have been distributed as at October 25.

The Ministry of Economic Development has allocated Rs. 8.4 million for many Divisional Secretariat Divisions for promoting small time local industrial products, such as palmyrah products, garments, tailoring, food based products, wood crafts and chemical based products. A total of Rs. 376.91 million was allocated last year under the Samurdhi Development Activities for promoting agriculture, industries, marketing, fisheries, livestock development and building of toilets. The Ministry of Fisheries has introduced several welfare schemes for fisher families and provided assistance including fishing gear, vessels, docking piers, fisheries harbours and marketing facilities. With fertile fishing grounds in the Northern seas fish production is on the increase.

In the health sector, Rs. 2,900 million Japanese JICA-funded Jaffna Teaching Hospital project is now in progress. Of the 22 projects 12 have been completed with funds allocated by the Health Ministry while 11 are in progress.

The Atchuvely Industrial Estate, with a funding of Rs. 253.80 million by the Government of India and Rs. 26.20 million from the GoSL, produces aluminum hardware, stainless steel products, coconut oil, sodium silicate, soap, poultry feed, canned fruits, printing ink and glassware. The total land area is 64 acres, and employment has been provided to 2,000 persons.

The UN Agencies have allocated Rs. 962.79 million for 50 projects and the projects are in progress with Rs. 575.48 million already spent. INGOs have allocated Rs. 1,040.59 million for 148 projects and Rs. 723.77 million has already been spent. Local NGOs have allocated Rs. 666.43 million and Rs. 450.29 million already spent. Under the District Development Plan for 2012 a total of Rs. 18,909.43 million has been allocated for agriculture, industries, tourism, trade, human settlements, economic infrastructure, transport and social infrastructure. The Government of India is undertaking a project to construct a cultural centre in Jaffna at a cost of SL Rs. 900 million to preserve and foster the rich cultural heritage of the Jaffna district and other areas. It is decided to develop the Jaffna Cultural Centre as an iconic building that would serve as a cynosure of cultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka.

Courtesy : Sunday Observer

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=RESETTLEMENT_COMPLETED_20121022_03

RESETTLEMENT COMPLETED - A milestone reached by the Government of Sri Lanka


All IDPs resettled within three years

No more IDP camps

The Government's expedited resettlement programme has been successfully concluded under the directions of His Excellency the President and guidance of the Secretary Defence and Urban Development with the unbridled support of the tri forces. The dedicated services rendered by the Sri Lanka Police Department and the Civil Defence Force in this national endeavour are much praiseworthy. The government prioritized the providing of permanent dwellings and livelihood support of the Internally Displaced People in its post conflict development drive.

All the Internally Displaced Mullaithivu families have been resettled in their own lands in the land area of Mullaithivu. Among them there were more than 590 widows with children undergoing severe financial constrains without a proper source of income. Through the resettlement programme these helpless widows who are the sole breadwinners of their families were provided with a number of social welfare facilities. With a view of engaging them in self employment ventures, sewing machines, fishing gear, farming equipment, soft loans, assistance for animal husbandry and many other facilities were provided. In addition to that training courses on beauty culture, sewing, poultry farming, food processing were also facilitated.

In order to support their day to day life dry rations, cloths and stationary for their schooling children were provided. Water, electricity and sanitation facilities were also provided. Medical clinics and counseling programmes were conducted to ensure the stability and health standards of the families. Identified fishing folk among the resettled IDPs, who had lost all their possessions were provided with fishing gear including boats and nets allowing them to engage in fishing in the lagoon and sea. Rs. 265.38 million has been reserved for resettled families in 85 Grama Nilidari divisions under a programme set by the Ministry of Economic Development and they have been provided with cement bags and roofing sheets which makes them comfortable in living preparations. Simultaneously some of the housing programmes have been implemented with the support of Indian government. Rs. 13.44 million has been allocated with a view of improving facilities and to construct buildings for 14 schools in area. Constructions of other essential public buildings in area are in progress with a view of offering a better public service to the dwellers. Thenniyan Kulam tank including other 21 small tanks have been renovated which facilitates the cultivation.

Resettled villages have been connected to the national grid with a view of lighting the villages. Thereby IDPs could pick up their new life by utilizing electricity and engage in new industries and contribute to the national economy.

With the end of the humanitarian operations the government was faced with a huge task of taking care and ultimately resettling about three hundred thousand IDPs.

The challenges faced by the government during the process are as follows.

  • Control of heavy number of IDP's (approx 300000).
  • Rehabilitation of identified ex-LTTE carders (Approx 12000).
  • Clearing of booby traps and anti personal mines (Demining).
  • Restoration of houses, public buildings, business premises and other vital buildings.
  • Countering of false allegations formulated by various parties.
  • Development of basic infrastructure facilities.
  • Connecting the areas to the national grid.
  • Rebuilding the road network.
  • Restoration of irrigation and water supply.

The Tamil diaspora may relieve themselves of being refugees of Western countries and return back to their original homes in Sri Lanka. The Closure of Manik Farm relief camp where thousands of IDPs were housed is in its self is a remarkable achievement of the government. The Sri Lanka government's resettlement programme has come under international praise.

Sri Lanka has set an example for the world to follow in defeating terrorism and post conflict rebuilding and development.

Mullaithivu During the Humanitarian Operation

Escape from the LTTE Human Shield Back to Normal Life from LTTE Custody Freed from Terrorism
Assistance by the Military to the Injured Civilians Devastation Caused by terrorism Road Sides from Vellamullivaikkal to Puthukudiirippu
Ruined Properties of Innocent Tamil People Hidden Caches of Weapons in the Human Shield Inside the No Fire Zone Ammo Dump Hidden Inside the Human Shield
Fire Curtain of the Terrorists LTTE Battle Ground Desolated Scene of Once spectacular Beaches Under LTTE Control


Government Offices Constructed for Civil Administration Purposes

Maritime Pattu New Divisional Secretariat Office Complex
District Hospital Mullaithivu
District Hospital Mullaithivu
Fishery Office Constructed with the Canadian Aid


Welfare Programmes conducted by the Military and the Non Governmental Organizations

Road Development Programmes
Providing of Fishing Gear
Fishing Harvest
Aids for Pre School Children
Aids for Education Development
Donations for School Children
Housing Projects
Restoration of Damaged Houses
Restoration of Sacred Places
Self Employment Aids for Rehabilitated Ex-LTTE Personnel
Distribution of Bicycles and Sewing Machines
Upgrading Sanitary Facilities
Restoration and Development of Water Supply and Irrigation Systems
Providing Medical Facilities
Distribution of Artificial Limbs for Disabled Persons
Conducting Cultural and Sport Events