http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Dynamic_and_competitive_Colombo_20130131_01

Dynamic and competitive Colombo

Sri Lanka as a country requires to tap the competitive advantages of the Colombo Metropolitan Region to put its development process on a fast track as the region produces almost 50% of GDP and 80% of industry value added in production. The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project (MCUDP) which is jointly financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development of the World Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka was launched seven months ago with the intention of making Colombo Metropolitan area a dynamic and a competitive one.

The total cost of the MCUDP is US $ 223 million. This project will be managed by the Project Management Unit of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development while implementation responsibilities are handled by three project implementing agencies- Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and Development Corporation (SLLRDC), Urban Development Authority (UDA) and Colombo Municipal Council (CMC)

The World Bank funded project is one of the main projects that has been launched with the intention of achieving profound economic transformation through urban development. The broader objectives of the MCUDP are to compliment the present urban regeneration programme of the Government of Sri Lanka to reduce the physical and socioeconomic impacts of flooding in the Metro Colombo Region and to improve priority local infrastructure and services to enhance urban regeneration.

Speaking on the current status of the project at a meeting held at the World Bank Conference Room, Colombo last Tuesday Senior Urban Specialist of The World Bank, Rosanna Nitti said that the packages procured or under tendering are Town Hall, Walkability, Public Conveniences, Aluth Mawatha Culvert, Galle Road and Duplication Road Rehabilitation and gabion protection for a section of East Beira Lake.

The selection of investments for other local authorities are under finalization and hydraulic Models for macro and micro drainage updated and detailed design of flood structures to be started soon.

"The project is mainly aimed at reducing flooding in the catchment of the Colombo Water Basin, and to strengthen the capacity of local authorities in the CMA to rehabilitate, improve and maintain local infrastructure and services through selected demonstration investments." A special feature of the project is the use of knowledge of local engineers.

When planning the project the changing weather patterns specially rainfall patterns during the last 25 years have been taken into consideration.

According to Additional Secretary (Technical) , Ministry of Defence and Urban Development and the Director of MCUDP, the project area will comprise four urban local authorities: the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC), Dehiwela-Mount Lavinia Municipal Council (DMLMC), Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte Municipal Council (SJ-KMC) and Kolonnawa Urban Council (KUC). There are three components of the project. The first component focuses on flood and drainage management and the issue of urban flooding. It is vital to pay attention to this issue as it maks a negative impact on the economy of the Metro Colombo Region with high socioeconomic costs.

The second component emphasizes on urban development and infrastructure rehabilitation for Project Local Authorities (the CMC, DMLMC, SJ-KMC, and KUC). The intention here is to support these authorities to rehabilitate and manage their drainage infrastructure and urban roads, to implement selected demonstration urban improvement investments and improve solid waste collection. The second component also includes targeted technical assistance for institutional strengthening and capacity building for central and local authorities.

The third component consists of implementation support. In fact the objectives of this component are twofold. On one hand it seeks to ensure the effective implementation of the MCUDP including monitoring and evaluation, compliance with environmental and social safeguards, and appropriate reporting. On the other hand the third component will help reinforce the capacity of the Project Local Authorities, Sri Lanka Land Reclamation and development Corporation and the Urban Development Authority for sustaining and replicating the project initiatives. As is the case with any project funded by the World Bank, this project also needs to comply with World Bank operational policies in addition to conformity with environmental legislation of the Sri Lankan government.

Considering social safeguards, the project also needs to comply with World Bank Operational Policies in addition to conformity with the Land Acqusition Act and Sri Lanka's National Policy on Involuntary Resettlement of 2001. When preparing the resettlement component social aspects have been taken into full consideration.

Courtesy : Daily News

Australia’s Deputy Leader of Opposition tells President Rajapaksa:

Thumbs up for North and East progress

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/02/01/news02.asp


Australia’s Deputy Leader of Opposition and Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop told President Mahinda Rajapaksa that she and other delegation members were impressed from what they saw during a tour of the North and East.

“We were impressed by the progress that has been made,” Bishop said during a discussion with President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. “Your country is to be congratulated.”

Bishop said following visits to Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Trincomalee, she felt the resettlement process has largely achieved its aims.

While the reconciliation process has some way to go, “you are very much on the right track,” she said.

President Rajapaksa and Bishop also spoke about the problem of illegal immigration. Referring to discussions with the Sri Lanka Navy, members of the delegation said the Navy’s rate of interception of people illegally leaving Sri Lankan shores on boats for Australia is “an extraordinary achievement.”

“It’s a very dangerous journey,” Bishop said. “It [people traveling illegally on boats] should be stopped.”

While noting that there are proper channels

if people want to travel or migrate to Australia, President Rajapaksa and Bishop agreed that every effort should be made to prevent people from making the illegal trip from Sri Lanka to Australia.

Speaking about the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka later this year, Bishop said: “Australia should attend CHOGM and give you our full support.”

Other members of the Australian delegation comprised Scott Morrison, MP Shadow Minister for Productivity and Population Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Michael Keenan, MP Shadow Minister for Justice, Customs and Border Protection, Robyn Mudie, Australia’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Murray Hansen, Chief-of-Staff for Bishop.

External Affairs Minister Prof G L Peiris, External Affairs Deputy Minister Neomal Perera and External Affairs Ministry Secretary Karunatilaka Amunugama

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=SLA_successfully_tests_new_Sprinkler_Irrigation_System_20130128_06

 

SLA successfully tests new Sprinkler Irrigation System

A new sprinkler irrigation system made by the Sri Lanka Army was successfully tested by the Army. The new time saving and economical irrigation system was successfully tested at the Security Forces (SF-J) farm in Palaly. This irrigation system which sprinkles water on the crops has proved to be advantageous in many ways. It requires less human effort and more importantly it minimizes water wastage since water is equally sprayed on plants without unnecessarily flooding the fields as how it is usually done. It also prevents damage to crops during irrigation.

In this Sprinkler Irrigation system, water is pumped to the field in a tube and sprayed on crops through sprinklers wetting the plants and their roots to the required level. At present the system is being successfully used to irrigate a three acre onion cultivation in the farm.

The irrigation system was developed by Colonel Buddhika Gunaratne, Director Agriculture of SLA under the direction of Commander Security Forces - Jaffna Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe who made a study tour to Egypt to learn about this irrigation system. This method is widely used in Egypt to irrigate agricultural land.

The 180 Palaly farm provides fresh and high quality vegetable to troops and the surplus is supplied to the Northern market at concessionary prices.

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=US_delegation_visit_Jaffna_20130128_05

 

US delegation visit Jaffna

The visiting top level US delegation on Sunday visited Jaffna and held talks with Security Forces Commander-Jaffna Maj.Gen. M.Hathurusinghe.

"The delegation was briefed on present situation in Jaffna in terms of security, economic development, rehabilitation and resettlement and social harmony during the meeting," the Army said.

Speaking during the discussion, Maj.Gen.Hathurusinghe told the delegation that the Army has reduced the strength of troops in Jaffna in large numbers since 2009.

"Army does not involve in civil administration at all and the government mechanism similar to the South is very much in place with all responsibilities discharged by them. With regard to the Army, plans are under way to reduce more troops in consultation with higher Headquarters in the near future", the SF Commander explained.

Commenting on de-mining and resettlement in the peninsula, Maj. Gen. Hathurusinghe said less that 3% of the land is yet to be de-mined. It was further said that many blocks of lands, though months have passed after they were de-mined and released, are still not resettled since their owners presently living overseas do not want to return.

The 10 member delegation comprising US Ambassador in Colombo Ms Michele J Sison, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South and South Asia Wikram Singh, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Ms. Jane B. Zinnerman and other diplomatic Officials later visited several places in the Jaffna peninsula before departure for Colombo, the army added.

During their seven-day visit to Sri Lanka and Maldives, the delegation led by James Moore will meet with senior Sri Lankan officials, members of various political parties as well as civil society to discuss a wide range of issues, including progress in implementing the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission recommendations and National Action Plan, the U.S. State Department said.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Sri_Lanka_far_ahead_in_fighting_terrorism_new_envoy_20130129_01
Sri Lanka's experience in fighting terrorism could be a good example for Turkey to learn from, the newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alexander Okyay said.

Speaking to the English language Turkish daily Today's Zaman before his departure to Colombo, the Turkish diplomat said that both countries have a lot of common issues and fight against terrorism was a first.

"I have to say that Sri Lanka is far ahead in the terrorism issue compared to Turkey. This is quite important.

We would like to learn from their experience," the envoy said. Okyay has highlighted that the terrorists' methods in both countries are similar, and Turkey, as in Sri Lanka, is also fighting against a terrorist group and not an ethnic group. "Sri Lanka has been enjoying peace for four years now. Terrorism should be ended one way or another," the envoy has told Today's Zaman.

Speaking of bilateral relations, the Ambassador has said the two countries are deepening their relationship with the opening of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara and the Turkish Embassy in Colombo.

Sri Lanka, furthering the diplomatic relations with Turkey, appointed the first ever Sri Lankan Ambassador Mano Wijeratne to the country in April 2012.

"We have a close and similar political understanding. We support each other on international platforms quite a bit," Okyay has said. He noted that Turkey has supported Sri Lanka at the UN Security Council in 2010, when the terrorism issue was on the agenda.

As Turkey's first ambassaor to Sri Lanka, Okyay has said that his first priority would be strengthening trade ties.

There are important economic opportunities in Sri Lanka for Turkish businesses to explore, the envoy as added.

In this regard, the Turkish home appliances producer Arelik will be opening an office in Sri Lanka in February, he said. Ambassador Okyay has also urged the Turkish investors and tourists to visit Sri Lanka as it is a safe country to visit now as terrorism is no longer a concern in Sri Lanka.

"Turks coming to Sri Lanka will be in safe hands.

It is a beautiful country. Sri Lanka has a lot to offer and it is waiting to be explored; firstly by tourists and secondly by businessmen," the Ambassador said.

Courtesy : Daily News

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/01/30/news12.asp

 

Demining in final stages

Amila Prabath Wanasinghe in Pudukuduiruppu

The last leg of the demining process is now going on at a rapid pace around the hideout used by LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran at Chenavil in Pudukuduiruppu. The DASH Institute engaged in demining under a scheme funded by Australia and Japan is now unearthing nearly 90 land mines daily.

On the instructions of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa the DASH Institute launched demining in this region on December 1 last year to facilitate the resettlement of people displaced by terrorism. So far nearly 1,000 landmines placed by LTTE terrorists have been cleared by the deminers. Apart from this many claymore mines and death-traps laid by the terrorists have also been cleared to make the area safe for people to be resettled. Nearly 56,000 mines laid by the LTTE terrorists in their bid to make the area a safe haven for their departed leader are expected to be unearthed from this region according to DASH estimates.

Nearly 44 personnel are deployed in the demining exercise and they work for nearly six hours daily beginning from 7 am. They said the demining is done without causing any damage to the environment.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Mullaitivu_gets_a_new_look_20130127_02

Last modified on: 1/27/2013 9:27:35 AM

Mullaitivu gets a new look Today, the transformation in Mullaitivu is in full swing. Major General L.B.R. Mark Roads that were once dirty have been fully carpeted. Shops, banks, investment institutes, saloons, eating houses and tailorshops are coming up as the towns turn into commercial centres. The haunted feeling that prevailed three years ago is no more. Marks of the battle against ruthless terrorists are disappearing. A total area of 1,160 square kilometres is cleared and released for cultivation, 12,035 cattle were released for farmers and more poultry farming facilities are provided. Today, 66 schools function in the district. Six hospitals and several medical centres are functioning to treat patients. There are 35 kovils, 41 churches, 10 mosques and a temple for the people to worship. Electricity is available for all DS divisions and 4,120 households are illuminated. Major parts of the minor roads are upgraded. All major roads are developed with 85 percent of work being completed. "When we came here to establish the Security Forces' headquarters, there were no civilians. Lands were scattered with improvised explosive devices and minefields. Infrastructure facilities were damaged," said Major General L.B.R. Mark, Security Forces Commander, Mullaitivu. Mullaitivu has strong potential to become an agriculture- based economic centre and today it is on the path to become one, said Major General Mark as he started to explain the remarkable change happening in this little plot of land on this island nation. During an interview with the Sunday Observer, Maj. Gen. Mark said it is high time the country started using this resourceful land for the betterment of the country and its people. "People from different strata of society visit this place, many seeking investment opportunities. There is a very good response from private organisations to invest. Yet these private companies that visit this area are very concerned about having the proper basic infrastructure facilities. Especially investors ready to set up factories always say that if the infrastructure is there in Mullaitivu, they are willing to come." "The Trincomalee, Mullaitivu, Jaffna road is getting constructed at a rapid pace on the coastal line. The road towards Nayaru Lagoon is carpeted now and the construction of a new road on the Kokilai area is happening. Once the Kokilai bridge comes up, the road would connect Mullaitivu to that side," he said. Running from A9 road, the Mankulam-Mullaitivu road is developing. It comes up to Nedunkerni and cuts across to Oddusudan and leads towards Mullaitivu. There is a straight road that comes towards Mullaitivu, specifically to Mulliyaweli town a few kilometres before Mullaitivu town, which is still under construction. Access to Mullaitivu from Paranthan is also available. Employment The Oddusudan town Irrespective of the number of access roads, most youth of the area do not want to go outside to work, according to Maj. Gen. Mark. Due to different personal reasons, many of the youth do not wish to go out of Mullaitivu looking for employment. "On their request, when we tried to discuss the issue with entrepreneurs found through personal contacts, they emphasised the problem they face with inadequate infrastructure - i.e. basically a good road network and electricity. ''Today, both these facilities are coming up with the Government developments and investment will be possible in the near future," he said. The next step is to take these facilities into interior villages. "During different discussions held, Government officials said that by this year these requirements will be fulfilled too," he said. Mullaitivu district has three DS divisions. Only Maritimepattu, Oddusudan and Pudukuduyirrippu areas are under the Security Forces Headquarters (SFHQ), Mullaitivu. Key challenges Rebuilding Keppapilavu village Housing is the key challenge, Maj. Gen. Mark said. "We are very worried about providing houses to the newly resettled people. In fact, we are working closely with the Presidential Task Force in building houses for the newly resettled communities whose houses are either totally or partially destroyed," he said. A program to construct 7,500 houses in the Mullaitivu district is going on, funded by the Indian Government. At the moment, many of these houses are coming up in the Thunukkai and Manthai areas of the district and those areas do not come under the Mullaitivu Security Forces Headquarters. ''Other than this project, we as the military have put up a number of houses either funded by the Government or well-wishers. We have taken the responsibility to construct houses", he said. The initial resettlement program was at Oddusudan, and ended with resettling people in Keppapilavu village in Maritimepattu area. As of today, in the areas coming under the SFHQ Mullaitivu, 78,160 people who were displaced earlier are now resettled in their own lands. More than 25,700 houses are occupied as of end -2012 which were mostly completely built or renovated through Government funding and constructed by the Sri Lanka Army and several house constructions funded by private contributions. "A major portion of the humanitarian de-mining is done by the Army Engineer de-miners. Only a small portion is left to de-mine now. Demining is completed in 179,895,640 square metres," Maj. Gen. Mark explained. "Today there are no more welfare villages for displaced persons. This was the greatest issue local and international organisations raised whenever they visited these areas. Now no one can harp on that issue," he said. As he further explained, the area basically has agriculture- based livelihood activities. "There is a fishing community as well, but among the fishing community, the large-scale fishermen are from out of the Mullaitivu district. That is from the South basically," he added. As done during the old days, when peace prevailed nearly three decades ago, fishermen from the South migrate here during the season and employ people from the local fishing communities. Today, some of the local fishermen have also started large-scale fishing. Few discrepancies crop up in the fishing communities. "The best method would be for the relevant ministries to come in to solve the problems that the fishing community faces. Though people seek our help to settle their problems, bringing a solution is beyond our limitation. People are in a transforming stage and we need to understand this," said Maj. Gen. Mark. Fifty houses in 90 days ''Through the Government mechanism, soldiers are building a model village in Keppapilavu, giving land to those people whose original lands were used for military purposes. In this model village, all the houses are built by the soldiers of the Army and we do the job hand in hand with the Rural Development Society of the village. The plan of a house, prioritising needs are done after discussing them with these Rural Development Societies (RDSs). A house includes three rooms with a toilet outside. "The plans of these houses are drafted on the requirement of the villagers. They decide. The final decision came from the Rural Development Society to build a house within Rs. 375,000 allocated by the Government," Maj. Gen. Mark said. "Building material worth this amount comes through the Assistant Government Agent directly to the village through the Government mechanism. The Army gets involved only in the construction part. We do not interfere in any of the Government mechanisms in which funds are transferred," he said. "The Government plan was to initially build 175 houses and at the moment 50 houses are under construction by the Army as the preliminary process of the housing project. Some are complete and people are living in those houses; some are complete to roof level while others are under construction," Maj. Gen. Mark said. The target is to build 50 houses in 90 days. "This is a challenge, but we are facing this with efficient planning," he explained. The process in acquiring land for Government use is totally different to other such steps taking place in the country for different development activities. In many development activities, people getting relocated get other land and compensation. In this case, since the people need more help due to the transformation period they go through, we assist them in building the houses as well. Everyone is given a 40-perch land irrespective of whether they had more or less previously. Even if they lived in a thatched house previously, we build them a solid house. The place is built with all facilities that should be there for a model village. ''The model village, apart from the fully completed houses, will have a pre-school, cooperative shop, children's park, a solid road network, community centre and a water purification plant. The water purification plant is completed and ready. We have brought the equipment from Singapore through a well-wisher found through personal contacts of Army officials," he said. Another will come up with a 4,000 litre capacity, providing water for everybody. "This is funded by a youth group working as a charity organisation at national level," the Maj. Gen. said. "Many people from other parts of the country are contributing on a large scale. When they visit these areas, they see what the people need and individuals and charity organisations contribute to develop the area while elevating the living standards of the people," he added. Soldiers' contribution At Keppapilavu ''Almost all of the community is aware of the soldiers' contribution. People living here know that when the Army gets involved, the work is efficient and fair, but unfortunately this is interpreted as 'militarisation' by certain elements. "There are a few elements even among these communities that project our efforts in a different way. I visit all these areas at least once a week and talk to the leaders and the villagers to find their needs," he said. When the people arrived in this area to resettle last September, certain elements targeting to tarnish the rebuilding efforts tried to create a misconception. "These groups showed pictures of a patch of forest, identifying that as the resettling spot. These were pictures of forests and not of the prepared land. In this locality, every land is like a forest and the area is still developing. Every developed area of the country had trees and bushes at the very beginning. It is the same with this place. As the development progressed more land became suitable for human habitation," he said. "No one was pushing the resettlers into jungles," he said. "The resettling community first arrived at a school and we had to assist with the Government responsibility to look after these people as Government administration was not strongly established in the area. We spoke to the people and explained what they were going to get. We explained what the future of their village was going to be like. And the outside elements who wanted these people to join the protest campaigns could not drag them into their motive. They had brought people from Jaffna and Vavuniya, but none were from the concerned village," Maj. Gen. Mark said. ''The Army knows the pulse of these people. We are very close to them and live with them.The Army will never be discouraged by such comments and will assist the people who were rescued by our own Forces. As soldiers, we know we are working with very sensitive issues, yet we will continue to be engaged in nation building as our priority is to help our people. It is our bounden duty", he said. The present development projects of the Mullaitivu district is heavily assisted by the Sri Lanka Army. Their efforts are not only to assist the Government national development plan, but also to work on their personal level to meet the targets of the national development program and upgrade the lives of resettling communities. "When something happens, people expect the Army to get involved as they have a good understanding and trust with the soldiers. They feel safe when the Army is around. In fact, when I tried to remove certain military points where the civilian population was high, the villagers requested us not to do so. They know that at any emergency, officers and soldiers are there to help them," he said. Courtesy : Sunday Observer

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Some_facts_From_Conflict_to_Stability_Northern_Province_of_Sri_Lanka_20130128_04

Some facts "From Conflict to Stability" - Northern Province of Sri Lanka

By Shenali Waduge

View PDF >>

It is no understatement that Sri Lanka has been subject to international condemnation from all corners for its decision to militarily defeat the LTTE terrorists as well as its program of resettlement of Tamil civilians, rehabilitation and reintegration of former LTTE combatants and the spree of infrastructure development in the North and East.

Browsing through the 293page Report of the Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security - Northern Province (2009-2012) the colourful pages of change certainly makes readers to debate as to the authenticity of the tarnishing campaign spearheaded by foreign-based LTTE supporters.

These Tamil civilians do not look as though they are been subject to any type of harassments as is being promoted!

When millions remain as IDPs and refugees in all the countries that invasions have taken place, no sooner the LTTE was defeated, calls came from far and beyond demanding that the civilians be resettled. Did they purposely ignore that the areas of the North were mined and demining was one of the major challenges which was completed in August 2012.

Menik Farm where the IDPs were kept temporarily was internationally publicized as an "internment" camp giving it the flavor of Hitler's Germany though none came out alive unlike the Tamil civilians who have all been resettled in areas that they can carry out normal living as well as close to a place of livelihood, school and other such amenities. What they seek is certainly not the wish lists that people overseas demand of the Government to deliver.

Menika Farm was made out to be such a horrific place but little did anyone know it was just 40minutes from Vavuniya. What is important to note and which the report clearly reveals is that the planning of accommodating IDPs was done far ahead of the actual final battle - therefore the Government was prepared for taking care of its own people and given that Sri Lanka was a third world country that was a commendable act. Of course nothing is without shortcomings but the overall action is what needs to be lauded and not minor deficiencies because let it not be forgotten that Sri Lanka was the only country to defeat a terrorist organization and as such the only country to have also taken on the challenge of actually forming an indigenous program which has done remarkably well given the limitations which Third World nations suffer from. Therefore, Sri Lanka needs to be evaluated not on benchmarks relevant to the developed West.

All those making demands of the Government forgot to take note of the fact that for 3 decades the region was under a militant rule which had done pittance to provide for infrastructure or enhance the living conditions of the very people it claimed to protect. The 180-day Action program was designed to quickly address the basic infrastructure with $3.2billion at its disposal to take care of water, sewerage, electricity, health and education sector with 900 schools now functioning with over 260,000 students and close to 14,000 teachers. 300,000 have so far benefitted from water supply in the Jaffna peninsula. Water supply and sanitation alone has cost $164million.

294 Hindu temples in all 5 districts have been provided Rs.41.8m in financial assistance from 2008-9 alone. Madhu Church was renovated at a cost of Rs27.4m. Many Hindu temples have been renovated by Government troops themselves.

Accusations that resettled civilians have had a bad deal are nullified by looking at the Resettlement Package. 6months dry rations, total shelter grant of Rs.25,000 per family, 40 perch land, non-food relief items that include mosquito nets, kitchen sets, towels, plastic mats, bedsheets etc, hygiene packs, tool kits including hurricane lamps, seed paddy (2 bushels per acre per family for 2 acres), 12 nos roofing sheet per family and 8 nos. cement bags per family. For people who were given nothing by the LTTE not even food during the last stages of the war their appreciation shrouds that of those who throw stones from afar.

The welfare centers was only an interim arrangement however care was taken to ensure that the basic needs were met. Water and sanitation were key issues and the heavy rains did not help either. Food and nutrition, health care centers, referral hospitals, post traumatic stress disorder support, psychosocial work and recreation, reunification of IDPs with their families, opening banks inside relief centers so that the IDPs could place money and jewellery, vocational training and preparation for self-employment, religious, spiritual cultural activities, providing of national ID cards, birth and death certificates were just some of the initiatives taken by the Task Force and nothing of the nature that takes place in the "internment" camps being publicized by people who have not set foot in the relief centers to observe the lengths to which officials had gone.

There was also the question of how to deal with ex-combatants. 11,664 in total with 4167 married, 7375 single and 122 widowed included 594 children (above 12 and under 18years of age). The Government took a magnanimous decision to pardon the 594 children internationally declaring that none would be charged taking the stand that these combatants were viewed more as victims than perpetrators. Many of these children have sat for O/L and A/L examinations, some going on to university while others have found laudable ways to recommence their lives as citizens of Sri Lanka.

Today, continuing with the Uthuru Wasanthaya program, Tamil families are engaged in all types of livelihood from dairy farming, goat farming, backyard poultry, fisheries and self-employment. Districts of Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Vavuniya, Mannar have all seen tremendous economic and social development and earmarked to have 1000 houses.

A drive to the areas of the North one scene that cannot escape anyone's attention is the sight of a booming agricultural sector - paddy cultivation, grams, chillies, gingerly, red onions, kurakkan, maize, cowpea, dragonfruit and a variety of other fruits, palmyrah, coconut and cashew are just some of the activities farmers are involved in.

The length of the Northern coastline is 480km (30% coastline of Sri Lanka) and coastal habitats include lagoons, estuaries, mangroves, sea grass beds, salt marshes, coral reefs and sandy beaches. The North also has 54 major and medium tanks and 1500 minor tanks. Under the divineguma program for fisheries sector a host of projects are on the pipeline.

Over 20 banks and over 10 financial services companies functioning in the Northern province catering to all needs of the public. The road network of the North has undergone tremendous improvement from the poor condition it was in. The train service was one of the most important services prior to LTTE terror. Lawyers boarded Colombo train bound for the North with their car and used their own cars to finish of their duties and return home by train. The LTTE has ruined what was once a key mode of logistics both for poor and rich.

Numerous UN agencies and NGOs also partnered in the program and their contribution needs to also be noted and mentioned especially in the sphere of demining.

The 293page report compiled by the Presidential Task Force for Resettlement, Development and Security is good for anyone to browse through to find out details about the extent to which planning went to reach out to 5 districts that for 3 decades had functioned out of scope of the Government of Sri Lanka and those criticizing need to first take note of this fact. These areas were underdeveloped not because they were neglected by successful governments but because LTTE were ruling these areas. The people of these areas were still living in the 1980s in terms of needs and comforts because apart from Jaffna main, all other areas were under total control of the LTTE. The infrastructure was at a standstill for 3 decades because the LTTE preferred to use US$300m profits for its own use rather than make a road, school, hospital or house for the Tamil civilians. The people local and overseas need to be aware of this fact even those that continue to chant of discrimination cannot hide the changes visibly seen as compared to the barren and depleted conditions in which the Tamil people lived - most of whom unable to leave for fear of being killed by the LTTE.

Whatever the critics say - Sri Lanka remains the only nation to have eliminated one of the world's ruthless terrorist organizations, to have simultaneously carried out a humanitarian rescue operation and to within 3 years while feeding, providing shelter and even taking care of the social and cultural needs of the IDPs plan out a resettlement and reintegration program that deserves bouquets rather than bricks!

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/01/29/news04.asp

US team sees progress for durable peace

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The three member US government delegation in Sri Lanka observed that they have seen progress in many areas in the country on its path to reconciliation and establishment of durable peace with the implementation of the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) recommendations and National Action Plan.

They stated that they observed progress in areas such as de-mining, infrastructure development, rehabilitation, release of former LTTE combatants etc, but, would like to see the implementation of more LLRC recommendations and the National Action Plan.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State James Moore, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Vikram Singh and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jane Zimmerman who arrived in the country on Saturday made these observations yesterday at the Tri-DAS Press Conference at the American Centre, Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka. They said after 30 years of conflict, Sri Lanka is on a journey of building durable peace.

They said they went to Jaffna and saw progress as peace helps increase investment, spurs development,helps build infrastructure, and freedom of movement etc. One sees the baseline required to achieve sustainable peace. Every Sri Lankan should have a sense of justice and belonging.

James R Moore during his opening statement said they visited Colombo and Jaffna and had a meeting with Sri Lankan Government representatives, Defence and Urban Development Ministry Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, military commanders, political party representatives etc.

They said that they hope to meet Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, External Affairs Minister Prof. GL Peiris and Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/01/25/sec01.asp

Defence Secretary answers critics

NO LTTE SURRENDEE WENT MISSING

All 11,800 surendees integrated into society

Army submits recommendations to LLRC

Dharma Sri Abeyratne

No LTTE cardre that surrendered to the Security Forces during the final stage of the humanitarian mission went missing, Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said.

Commenting on allegations levelled by certain foreign elements that some of the LTTE fighters that surrendered to the Security Forces during the last phase of the humanitarian mission had gone missing, the Defence Secretary said all allegations are baseless and every since LTTEer who surrendered was rehabilitated and reintegrated to society.

The Defence Secretary was addressing media at the Defence Ministry yesterday. Recommendations of the Sri Lanka Army report as prescribed in the National Action Plan were handed over to the Defence Secretary by Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya. The recommendations were made by a six member board of Army officers appointed by the Army Commander.

The Defence Secretary said when the three-decade long war ended in May 2009, around 11,800 LTTE cadres surrendered to the Security Forces. All surrendees underwent a proper rehabilitation programme under the guidance of the Defence Ministry. After the successful rehabilitation programme, all surrendees were reintegrated to society. Prior to the reintegration, those who surrendered received vocational training during their rehabilitation to learn skills that could find them employment once they are reintegrated into society, the Secretary said.

He further added, of the over 11,600 former rebel cadres that surrendered to the military at the end of war in 2009, almost all have been reintegrated into society and are playing a fruitful role in society. The Sri Lanka military forces are highly professional and well disciplined.

“No war can be won without professional and disciplined military forces. During the humanitarian mission, we fought professionally and in a disciplined manner. No unprofessional army has ever won a battle anywhere in the world. We have proved that the the humanitarian mission was carried out by a highly professional and disciplined force” Secretary Rajapaksa noted.

He said after the humanitarian mission, the forces are immensely engaged in bringing normalcy to the war affected areas. Over 75 percentage of the de-mining activities were carried out by the Security Forces. Displaced persons have been settled even in the area where final battle was fought.

Speaking further on rehabilitation, the secretary said as an index how successful the rehabilitation and reintegrated process had been, the Security Forces were now engaged in assisting the war affected to resume their normal lifestyle. Accordingly, the Security Forces are in the process of developing infrastructure and other facilities, including housing, health, farming, etc while wining harts and minds of the people.

Answering a question raised by a journalist, the Defence Secretary said security was the prime concern of the countery. All the troops cannot be vacated from the areas where terrorism once thrived.

The board has at the very outset observed that most of the recommendations made by the LLRC such as resettlement of IDPs, rehabilitation of ex LTTE cardres, disarming militant groups, de-mining etc have already been implemented. With regard to the presence of military bases in the North and East, the board observes that the government has an absolute right to maintain its armed forces anywhere in the country according to the country’s strategic and security needs. However, the board notes that military bases are located causing minimum inconvenience to the public and in the aftermath of the humanitarian operation, all high security zones and many lands previously occupied by the armed forces have been released to the public. Moreover, only lands that are vitally required for security purposes are to be retained and such lands legally acquired at the market value and in addition owners will be given alternative lands.

Thursday, January 24, 2013 - 06.24 GMT

Migrant worker remittances exceeds $ 6 b

http://www.priu.gov.lk/news_update/Current_Affairs/ca201301/20130124migrant_worker_remittances_exceeds.htm

Central Bank statistics revealed the remittance from Sri Lankan migrant workers exceeded US$ 6 billion in 2012. Participating as the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the International Conference on Migration in Colombo yesterday, Institute of Policy Studies founder member and Chairman Prof W D Lakshman said migrant workers play a significant role to boost the country's foreign exchange earnings, human resource development, etc. "In addition to economic advantages, there are social benefits of labour migration. Migrant workers contribute considerably to uplift the living standards of their families by fulfilling health, education, food and nutrition needs of family members, “he said. Prof Lakshman said migration is a complex and historical phenomenon and the history of labour migration in Sri Lanka was triggered by the 1970s which opened up new employment opportunities for Sri Lankans in professional, skilled and unskilled jobs.

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=3rd_Defence_Seminar_in_September_20130124_03

3rd Defence Seminar in September- 2013

'Post-Conflict Sri Lanka - Challenges & Regional Stability'

'Post-Conflict Sri Lanka - Challenges & Regional Stability' will be the theme of the 3rd Defence Seminar -2013 said the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya during a press meet held at the Army Headquarters yesterday (23rd January 2013). The army is in the process of initial planning and arrangements of the event which is planned to be held from 3rd to 5th September 2013 at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo.

The Defence Seminar is an annual international gathering that brings together senior military personnel, administrators, bureaucrats and intellectuals from around the globe to share experiences and discuss matters on a range of topics and issues related to Sri Lanka's post-conflict achievements and development.

Already invitations to foreign delegates, contributors and observers from more than 62 countries have been extended by the army. The three day international seminar will create an interactive platform to deliberate on a wide range of issues related to post-conflict reconstruction, social integration, reconciliation and regional stability at regional level giving an analytical approach to the Sri Lankan experience.

The international conclave of defence personalities is a brain child of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The inaugural conference was held in 2011 and the second was held last year which saw a distinguished gathering of over 270 local and foreign participants from 44 countries. During the last gathering Sri Lanka's reconciliation programme came under praise especially the rehabilitation of ex combatants by the international participants.

Within a short span of time Sri Lanka has been able to rise from the ashes of a three decade long separatist terrorist conflict and reach out to the world in order to share its experiences. Its ambitious post war reconciliation programme has brought in much desired changes in the once war ravaged Northern and Eastern region. The multi faceted integrated development projects aimed to meliorate the living conditions of the war affected masses have helped to strengthen their socio economic standings. The country in general and the north eastern region in particular is reaping the dividends of peace brought in through a concerted national humanitarian campaign.

The two successive Defence Seminars have helped to draw much attention and importance to this year's event. A number of speakers and attendees of the 2012 seminar have already indicated their willingness to return this year as well. The willingness of foreign countries to increase their representation is a clear indication of the importance that the Defence Seminar has garnered in the international arena.

The redesigned website dedicated to the Defence Seminar, www.defseminar.lk was also launched last evening. The website gives details of the seminar and anyone can get access to details of the seminar through this website

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Turkey_wants_to_learn_from_Sri_Lanka_s_experience_in_fighting_terrorism_201301424_05

Turkey wants to learn from Sri Lanka's experience in fighting terrorism - Ambassador

Sri Lanka's experience in fighting terrorism could be a good example for Turkey to learn from, the newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alexander Okyay said.

Speaking to the English language Turkish daily Today's Zaman before his departure to Colombo, the Turkish diplomat said that both countries have a lot of common issues and fight against terrorism was a first.

"I have to say that Sri Lanka is far ahead in the terrorism issue compared to Turkey. This is quite important. We would like to learn from their experience," the envoy said.

Okyay has highlighted that the terrorists' methods in both countries are similar, and Turkey, as in Sri Lanka, is also fighting against a terrorist group and not an ethnic group.

"Sri Lanka has been enjoying peace for four years now. Terrorism should be ended one way or another," the envoy has told Today's Zaman.

Speaking of bilateral relations, the Ambassador has said the two countries are deepening their relationship with the opening of the Sri Lankan embassy in Ankara and the Turkish embassy in Colombo.

Sri Lanka, furthering the diplomatic relations with Turkey, appointed the first ever Sri Lankan Ambassador Mano Wijeratne to the country in April 2012. "We have a close and similar political understanding. We support each other on international platforms quite a bit," Okyay has said.

He noted that Turkey has supported Sri Lanka at the UN Security Council in 2010, when the terrorism issue was on the agenda.

As Turkey's first ambassador to Sri Lanka, Okyay has said that his first priority would be strengthening trade ties. There are important economic opportunities in Sri Lanka for Turkish businesses to explore, the envoy as added.

In this regard, the Turkish home appliances producer Arelik will be opening an office in Sri Lanka in February, he has said.

Ambassador Okyay has also urged the Turkish investors and tourists to visit Sri Lanka as it is a safe country to visit now the terrorism is no longer a concern in Sri Lanka.

"Turks coming to Sri Lanka will be in safe hands. It is a beautiful country. Sri Lanka has a lot to offer and it is waiting to be explored; firstly by tourists and secondly by businessmen," Ambassador said.

Courtesy : President Media Unit

National Flag to flutter at Public institution during Independence Day celebrations

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=National_Flag_flutter_at_Public_institution_during_Independence_Day_celebrations_20130124_02

All public institutions will hoist the national flag on 3rd and 4th of February in view of Sri Lanka's 65th Independence Day celebrations. A directive in this regard has been issued by the government.

According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs, all ministry secretaries, chief secretaries of provincial councils, department heads, corporate bodies, statutory boards, district secretaries and government agents are requested to hoist the national flag in all the public institutions under their purview on 3rd and 4th of February. In addition government buildings will also be illuminated during the period.

The National Flag of Sri Lanka represents the country and her heritage as rallying device that integrates the minorities with the majority race. Sri Lanka gained her independence from Great Britain on 4th February 1948.

The first Prime Minister of independent Sri Lanka, Rt Hon. D.S.Senanayake, appointed a committee to advice the government on the design of a new national flag. The design approved by the committee in February 1950 retained the symbol of the lion with the sword and the bo-leaves from the civil standard of the last king of Sri Lanka, with the inclusion of two vertical stripes, green and orange in color to represent the minority Tamil and Muslim races.

The national flag was hoisted for the first time on 3rd March 1950.

Related Link >>

http://www.pubad.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_circular&task=detail&iid=1360&keyword=&fld_type=0&fld_searchby=0&Itemid=109&lang=en

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=All_set_for_Independence_Day_celebrations_in_Trincomalee_20130124_01   All set for Independence Day celebrations in Trincomalee All arrangements are in place to hold the 65th Independence Day celebrations themed 'A Glorious Motherland - A Flourishing Tomorrow' (Asirimath Mawubimak - Isurumath Heta Dinak) at Fort Frederick in Trincomalee on February 4, under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Over 2,500 invitees including members of the diplomatic corps and foreign embassies will attend the event. Officers of the Three Forces including 55 disabled soldiers will also participate. Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W D J Seneviratne said over 3,000 personnel representing the three Armed Forces, Police, Civil Security Department, National Cadet Corps and National Youth Corps will take part in the National Day parade followed by a cultural pageant comprising 860 artistes belonging to 16 cultural groups. The cultural pageant will be organised by the Culture and the Arts Ministry with the assistance of the Education Ministry and the Eastern Provincial Council. The minister invited all residents in Trincomalee to attend the Independence Day celebrations. A crowd of over 100,000 is expected. Minister Seneviratne said all facilities for the public have been arranged at Fort Frederick. A large number of clergy representing all religions have been invited to participate in the 65th Independence Day celebrations. The Buddhist religious programme will be held at Wilgamwehera Raja Maha Viharaya in Trincomalee and Hindu religious observances will be conducted at Thirukoneshwaram Shive Kovil. Muslim religious observances will be conducted at Mohideen Andervour Jumma Mosque, Trincomalee and the Roman Catholic service will be held at the Cathedral of St Mary's, Trincomalee. An all night Pirith chanting ceremony will be held at Independence Square simultaneously to the Independence Day celebrations on February 2 from 10 pm. It will be followed by a Sangika Dana on February 3 morning. Floral tribute will be also placed at the foot of the D S Senanayake statue at Independence Square on Independence Day at 7.30 am under the patronage of UNP MP Karu Jayasuriya and Colombo District Mayor A H M Muzammil. Courtesy : Daily News

 

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Nearly_1000_Sri_Lankan_asylum_seekers_returned_20130124_04

Nearly 1000 Sri Lankan asylum seekers returned home

The recent return of 13 Sri Lankan asylum seekers who voluntarily flew home to Colombo brings the total number of returned Sri Lankans to almost 1000 since August last year.

A total of 942 Sri Lankan asylum seekers have returned, both voluntarily and involuntarily, after they either failed to engage Australia's protection obligations, or voluntarily withdrew from the asylum seeker process after arriving unlawfully in Australia by boat. There have been 213 voluntary returns, representing those who abandoned their claims for asylum, demonstrating clearly there is no advantage engaging with people smugglers. People in a regional processing centre or immigration detention facility can request their return at any time.

The most recent group of involuntary returnees, totalling 19, arrived in Sri Lanka on January 17.

Meantime, transfers of asylum seekers to regional processing facilities in Nauru and Papua New Guinea continue. The facilities were established following the Australian Government's policy announcements on August 13, 2012.

In the latest transfer to Nauru, two Sri Lankans joined a group of 30 men on January 22 who will remain there while their claims are processed.

Australia's Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen, has confirmed that the Australian Government would continue to return people where they do not engage Australia's international obligations.

"People who pay smugglers are risking their lives and throwing their money away," Mr Bowen said. "There is no visa on arrival, there is no speedy outcome, and there is no special treatment."

Courtesy : Australian High Commission Colombo

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=2012_December_records_highest_tourist_arrivals_in_a_month_20130123_04

2012 December records highest tourist arrivals in a month

In the month of December 2012, Sri Lanka Tourism witnessed the highest ever tourist arrivals in a single month. According to the figures, in last December alone, a number of 122,252 visitors came to Sri Lanka whereas the total number of visitors for the year 2012 amounted to be 1,055,605, which recorded a growth of 17.5% in comparison with the previous year.

The highest contributions to this total came from Western and Eastern European countries, South Asia, East Asia and from Middle East.

For the first time in history, Sri Lanka achieved the goal of one million tourists on the 30th of December 2012. In 2013, the targeted number of arrivals by the government is 1,250,000.

Courtesy : Department of Government Information

 

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Serving_the_people_20130123_05

Serving the people

Troops rehabilitates cannels to uplift paddy cultivation in Mannar

Responding to request made by the Irrigation Department officials in Murunkan, troops of the 542 Brigade carried out a programme to rehabilitate the irrigation cannel system recently in association with the irrigation officers taking measures to clear the canal based freshwater flow for paddy cultivation in Mannar.

The cannel water flows 13 Km through paddy lands in the region and it has named as D 7 cannel. The main intention was to uplift the paddy cultivation in the region providing adequate water and to generate direct and indirect livelihood supports to the citizens. The environment and the territory in area are much healthier for paddy cultivation which was abandoned during the period of LTTE stronghold. Prior to the LTTE reign of terror the people in Mannar were extensively engaged in agriculture.

The initiatives taken to develop the agricultural based economy in the region was much praised by the peasant community.

Troops protects "Ottachikulam" tank bund

The damaged bank of "Ottachikulam" tank closer to the sluice gates had been rehabilitated by the Troops of 6th Sri Lanka Armoured Corps recently.

Initiating prompt action identifying the natural disaster, troops suddenly evacuated the people lives in close vicinity and attend the repairs. The timely action halted a catastrophic flood in area. An ignored little leakage had been rooted to the damage due to the massive thrust on the bund during the rainy season.

The timely action protected not only the lives, but also cultivation and crops of the innocent peasant community. Language programme for children Troops conducted an English language training programme for Kilinochchi students recently in per with the series of language proficiency programmes conducted. The workshop conducted at Kallaru Madhya Maha Vidyalaya for two days with the active participation of approx 400 students. Under the patronage of Security Forces Headquarters-Kilinochchi, troops commenced the programme with a view of continuing its educational based projects to uplift the language proficiency of students as practiced in previous years. 4 Sri Lanka National Guard and 6 (v) Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps troops together assisted the workshop.

http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/01/13/new03.asp

French media views Lanka’s development more positively

Dinesh WEERAWANSA reporting from France

PARIS, Jan. 12 – The French media has turned out to be more positive on Sri Lanka’s development since terrorism was eradicated.

France 2, the popular French television channel recently telecast a special documentary on Sri Lanka and its development in many spheres.

Sri Lankans domiciled in France said that the latest documentary on Sri Lanka on France 2 is a rare opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka. “They normally don’t telecast this kind of positive documentaries on Sri Lanka. But it was different this time around and France 2 telecast how Sri Lanka had used its resources positively to give a new lease of life,” a Sri Lankan living in Paris for over two decades said.

The France 2 documentary on Sri Lanka included visuals on how Naval boats, which had been engaged in the battle against terror half a decade ago, are now being used to transport tourists for whale-watching.

It is understood that a special TV crew from France toured Sri Lanka recently to gain first-hand experience and shoot the documentary. Most Sri Lankans here were thrilled that the French media has understood the true ground situation in the country and are viewing Sri Lanka’s development with an open and positive mind. Most people here who are familiar with Sri Lanka’s battle against terrorism, commended Sri Lanka’s development during the past few years and the marked transformation in the lives of people, especially those in the North and the East.

Commending Sri Lanka’s transformation after crushing the LTTE militarily, the documentary has also given prominence on how the livelihoods of Sri Lankans had improved under the current peaceful environment.

Apart from the latest France 2 documentary, there have been several other positive news stories here on Sri Lanka, both in the electronic and print media. Most of them have shown a keen interest to project the change of civilian life and progress after terrorism was eliminated almost four years ago.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Colombo Makes One's Way_20130120_01

Colombo Makes One's Way

Sustainable improvement ever in the history

Colombo is one of the key cities in the Asian region which is rapidly booming in the world current context.

Colombo is the commercial centre of the country which contributes more than a half of the national GDP. Due to the three decade long ruthless battle the Colombo development had been ignored, but in the post war scenario the present government realized the necessity of its rapid development. Development plan is in progress under the 'Mahinda Chinthana' and it was commenced demolishing illegal structures which would greatly improve the efficiency of the drainage system. This was initiated in three dimensional steps under the purview of Secretary of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksha as Long Term, Middle Term and Short Term programmes.

Under the short term projects the Sri Lanka Navy, the Sri Lanka Land Reclamation Board and the Development Corporation had been engaged in dredging and developing the canal system lies between the cities. The main aim was to improve the entire drainage system in the Metro Colombo region and to avoid accumulating of rain water on roads due to blockade of waste water gravity flow.

Beira Lake, Diyawanna Lake and other vital water retention areas have been dredged, de-silted and rehabilitated with significant improvements to the existing canal network. This canal net work a substitute mode of water based transportation for passenger and goods which would be very effective. Diyawanna Lake side has transformed to a better place for relaxation with its own natural panoramic view, and even people can enjoy paddle boating.

Re-location of government offices is a vital step and it is being carried out. The offices of the Defence Ministry, Chief of Defence Staff and the Headquarters of the Armed Services are being shifted out of Colombo. The famous land mark, Colombo St. John Fish Market has been re-located to Peliyagoda absolutely because of congested rackety noises which disturb city folk starting its activities since early dawn while the city is asleep. This busiest place prompted unusual city traffic all over the day and night. The Re-location has eased the situation altering influx of fish buyers and sellers. As of today the old building is undergoing refurbishment comprising stalls with adequate spaces.

In the middle term projects, infrastructure facilities will be developed and guaranteed overall prevention of city floods. A proper garbage disposal system has been arranged and the road network has been developed with pavements and CCTV. Pasting of posters has been restricted and those who engage in such prohibited activities will be fined according to the prevailing law. Some of Police Officers have assigned duties as Environmental Police to ensure dirty free city and avoid pollution. Beautification of Galle road and Marine Drive development simultaneously to the expansion of the one-way system has intensified the effectiveness. The introduction of bus lanes, creation of ample parking spaces, organized pedestrian crossings including disabled crossings and overhead bridges has given a qualitative and quantitative value to the 'Greener Cleaner Cities' concept.

In some of the long term plans, the architectural masterpiece 'Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre' is a fully fledged performance centre situated in the heart of the Colombo adding elegance to the varying city. It facilitates easy access for both local and foreign producers. The 'Nelum Pokuna' Theatre has been surrounded by several five Star Hotels and also there are several commercial establishments located nearby.

The Colombo Dutch Hospital is considered to be one of the oldest buildings in the Colombo Fort dating back to the Dutch colonial era. It is now a heritage of the city with a shopping and dining precinct in area. The building which ranged from 1656 to 1776 AD has been restored while retaining its original Dutch architecture. It's centrally located surrounded by city hotels enriching its splendorous view giving much value to the city of Colombo comprising 12 stalls including restaurant, jewellery, textile and handicraft.

The Colombo Race Course was an abandoned piece of land which had been used for race horsing in 1893. Subsequently with the acquisition by the Royal Air Force it had been transformed into a short term airfield during the World War II. As of today, The Colombo Race Course refurbishment which began under the Colombo modernization and beatification project is a perfect structure which catches up tourist attraction in the city. The new refurbished Race Course mini stand is comprised of a pavilion, restaurants, a stationary shop, dress boutiques, sports shops, handy crafts and gifts shops. These kinds of elegant invaluable buildings with the aspiration of attracting visitors are an added value to the city development.

Brisk walk along Colombo's busy streets on the neatly paved pathways are an invitation to walkers from Galle face roundabout onwards. Beginning from the Beira Lake end, walk alongside the Galle face ground with gentle breeze sweeping around while entering into the sky high building paths through Galle Face Hotel up to Colpety shows the vast development.

Moreover, the marvellous pavement stretching along Bauddhaloka Mawatha is another picturesque area in the city from the road near Thunmulla Junction.

Driving from Rajagiriya, the pavements along with grassy green land sides fixed with garden chairs along the Diyawanna Lake enriches the panoramic view of the city. 'Diyatha Uyana' the recently opened horticulture sales zone catering the sales and marketing of local flora and tropical flowers a marvellous concept and adds much beauty to the whole town. Now it has been the central point of the local horticultural sales industry and already a popular place. The 'Parliament Green' was also opened for public recently, the green and fresh Parliament ground crowded and busy with those desire for some exercise, games, walking or jogging along the pavements. Night drive under the bright lights of the street lamps and walk along the courtly road sides shows ringing bells of development under the long term plans. In parallel, the Wetland park (Nawala) is an exclusive rest for people who desire for exercises and relaxation.

Construction of the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway project is progressing along with the other developments. It is going to be 25.8 km long expressway from the new Kelani Bridge to Katunayake and built as a high mobility link between the city of Colombo and Katunayake International Airport. Widely this is to improve mobility needs of the industrial development in the region and to trim down container traffic, while reducing traffic congestions on the A3 road (Peliyagoda-Puttalam road). Meanwhile, this would facilitate immigrant people, tourists, and entrepreneurs who are visiting Colombo and suburbs for feasibility studies. The ultimate objective of the road network is to link Galle with Katunayake International Airport facilitating many living in between the vicinity. Even though we possess an extensive road network, most of the roads were built about 50 years ago and do not possess the capacity to cope with the increasing traffic volumes. The Kotta road which links the Boralla junction and Rajagiriya which was an alternative to the main road is under road mending work to make it wider doubling its size to cater the influx of motorists to suburbs during the peak hours. This would ease the longstanding heavy traffic annoying residents and reduces the travelling time. Indirectly because of these decongesting, the unnecessary wastage of high prized fuel and human resource would save.

The Colombo port expansion project is underway aiming its gigantic involvement to the national income. Dedicatedly the port facility development would enhance the exports, imports and value added services adding healthy turn out to the national GDP. This will double the capacity of the Port of Colombo in container handling services expanding South Asian shippers at large with more efficient transhipment through connecting many of them. Meantime, the newly opened Dikkowita fisheries harbour is the largest fisheries harbour in Asia. New fisheries harbour stands on an 8.1 hectare area and has 11.7 hectares for the harbour basin. It is designed to handle a daily catch of 125 tons of fish per day creating direct and indirect job opportunities.

Slave Island Development has been approved by the cabinet and around eight acres covering Slave Island bordering with the former Education Department site have been earmarked. Under this project almost 456 house holders will be provided new houses with all the facilities in lieu of their individual properties. This would enable to transform the Slave Island area to an elegant setting which perks up the living standards.

Doing all this in a robust environment facing all the challenges existing is not seems like walking through a flourished rosy precinct at all. While encountering financial, political, environmental, local and international barriers the unstoppable thrust towards the wealth will be continued. This will not confine only to the Colombo, but also extending countrywide under the 'Mahinda Chinthana' together with 'Dayata Kirula' programme. Having Sri Lanka recognized one of the finest destinations for eco-tourism; country needs people's linkage into the chain of revival. The great icon behind all these successes is Secretary of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is devoted to the countries development initiating innovative development projects ever.

Green Clean City of Colombo	Rehabilitated Canal System	Neatly paved pedestrian walk ways
Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Theatre	Colombo Dutch Hospital	Diyatha Uyana
Colombo Race Course	Parliament Green	Wetland Park (Nawala)
Constructions of Colombo Katunayake Highway	Colombo Port Extention	Dikowita Fisheries Harbour
New St. John Fish Market	Slave Island Development Project Sketch	Colombo CCTV

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=Lanka_made_more_post_conflict_gains_than_Northern_20130121_07

 

Lanka made more post-conflict gains than Northern Ireland- UK Parliamentarian

"We will give our experience and help not hatred and anger"

By Janaka Alahapperuma from London

Parliamentarian Ian Paisley Jr.

Northern Ireland parliamentarian for North Antrim from Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Ian Paisley Jr said that Sri Lanka has made more measurable gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland. That is what he has seen on the ground, and British politicians should recognize it and stop the suffocation of a country by its past and help Sri Lanka to move forward to a better future. He made these strong comments with passion at Westminister Hall, UK Parliament during the debate on 'Sri Lanka and the United Nations responsibility to protect' from 9.30am to 11.00am on Tuesday 08 January 2013.

Debate was moved by Siobhain McDonagh Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden, South London who is an ardent supporter of Eelamist separatist ideology. However, when she started the debate with high hopes in the second day of the parliament sitting in the new year targeting Sri Lanka to influence the British Government not only boycotting the next CHOGM Summit in Sri Lanka but also to sabotage it. But her evil dreams were shattered slowly by slowly when Ian Paisley MP progressed his speech.

Mr Paisley Jr was well supported by Conservative party government MPs James Wharton from Stockton South and Aidan Burley from Cannock Chase in the debate. Siobhain McDonagh's anti Sri Lanka arguments were also backed by few parliamentarians those who are regular participants of pro Tamil Tiger propaganda campaigns.

Ian Paisley MP said: "On my journey to the House this morning, I drove through the memorial gates near the Mall. The words "Sri Lanka" are carved in granite on those gates to remind us that the Indian subcontinent, during the two great world wars, gave 5 million volunteers to this nation to defend freedom. When we hear the aggression from Argentina over the Falklands this week, we are reminded that the only country that stood with us in the international community in the original attempt to take back the Falklands was Sri Lanka. When a country that has supported us in the past comes under pressure, we should not kick it in the teeth. We stretch out the hand of forbearance and say, "We will help you through the difficult, post-conflict situation that you are clearly in. We will give you our experience and our help. We will not give you our hatred and our anger." That is an important lesson that we, in a nation part of which is in a post-conflict situation, should recognize.

I have visited Sri Lanka on a number of occasions, both as a private individual and with constituents who had business there, as well as on a cross-party parliamentary trip. My experience was very different from what I have heard from propagandists not in Sri Lanka. The people on the ground gave a very different message from the out-of-touch one that I have heard from the self-appointed Diaspora, both in Canada and here in the United Kingdom.

I have visited Jaffna, the most disputed part of Sri Lanka in the north. There I saw new housing settlements, with Tamils living in them. I had tea with some of those families, whose interests are fishing and farming. They did not talk to me about the past, even though they had opportunity to do so. Indeed, when I raised the past-I was with them on my own-they wanted to talk about their future, their children and their new housing settlements, which were supported by money given by our country through the EU to help rebuild their country. They wanted to talk about moving forward. I have met both Tamil and Sinhalese families, and their united wish was to present a picture of hope for their country, not a picture of division. It was a community that wanted to move forward. They did not want to hear the international community talking about what happened in the past; they wanted the international community to help them to move to a better future.

On one occasion, two of my guides were a Tamil gentleman and a Sinhalese gentleman who had been at war with each other. At the end of my visit, in tears they embraced each other and they spoke about how they were now new brothers in a new land. Whenever I raised with them issues that I had heard in the propaganda in the United Kingdom, they could not understand them. They said that they bore no resemblance to their reality on the ground. In many aspects, Sri Lanka has made more measurable gains post-conflict than Northern Ireland. That is what I have seen on the ground, and we should recognise it and stop the suffocation of a country by its past and help Sri Lanka to move forward to a better future.

I took a day out and spent it with the leader of Tamil National Alliance, Mr Sampanthan. I spoke to him and his party colleagues at length, and I waited for him because I wanted to hear from him at first hand, without his being pushed or prodded into some of the difficult issues about the past. He did not raise with me the issue of the disappeared; he did not take time to raise with me the issue of war crimes; he did not take time to talk about routine torture, in his country, of his people. He had a politician with him from this nation and he did not want to talk about those things. In fact, he actively applauded the Government, whom he opposes. He applauded them on their investment in the country-in parts of the north-and he said that the most effective thing that many of his people required was practical help to get bicycles and other tools to help them to work and run their country. That was the message of the man who is leading the opposition.

If people took the time to speak to the active politicians on the ground who are representatives of their community, they might have a slightly different perspective than that in some of the propaganda that we have seen and heard. I urge the Minister to appeal publicly today to Sampanthan to stop his boycott of the political process, to lead his people and his party, and to join with other parties in the parliamentary select committee of Sri Lanka to find a political solution to the problems. We learnt the lesson the hard way.

People find a political solution by engaging in politics, not by asking for a boycott or for the international community to do their work for them-they do it themselves. I appeal to our Government to say to Sampanthan, "Lead your people and do not boycott the process any longer." Politics, not a boycott, will work. The international community will not solve Sri Lanka's problems. It will be the people of Sri Lanka, living in Sri Lanka, who will fix the problems of Sri Lanka, and we should actively encourage them in that. The biggest mistake that this Government could make would be to send the message to Sri Lanka that they were going to pull out of the Commonwealth talks later this year and punish a country that needs help, not more persecution.

Conservative MP James Wharton who has been to Sri Lanka many times said from his personal experiences that it worries him how much misinformation is out about what is happening on the ground in Sri Lanka. He quoted from the comment made by Ilford North Labour MP Lee Scott who follows matters in Sri Lanka keenly, has a different position to him was absolutely right to say that we must not forget the past, but we must not misinterpret or misrepresent it either.

James Wharton MP said: It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley), who speaks passionately, with experience of post-conflict life and of rebuilding communities after a very difficult period. He gives us all cause to pause and to reflect on what the debate is really about. There was a great deal that I wanted to say, but as I have a very short time, I will significantly cut down my comments.

I have been to Sri Lanka a number of times, and the visits are all declared in the Register of Members' Financial Interests. I have gone there with colleagues, some of whom are here today. What worries me is how much misinformation is out there about what is happening on the ground. My hon. Friend the Member for Ilford North (Mr Scott), who follows matters in Sri Lanka keenly, has a different position to mine, but it is a genuinely felt one. He was absolutely right to say that we must not forget the past, but we must not misinterpret or misrepresent it either.

A problem that Sri Lanka has faced in the debate in the western world, in this Parliament, in the media and in other places across the globe is that, for a variety of reasons, too many people try to change what happened in the past, to change the accepted facts of what went on. The reality is that a lot of what we see is not based on facts or in reality. I have raised the point before in the House that even the Darusman report, which preceded the UN report that has led to the debate today, specifically states, in paragraph 53:

"This account should not be taken as proven facts, and any effort to determine specific liabilities would require a higher threshold." It is made clear that the report establishes a narrative that can be used to work forwards but that none of the data-for example, on the numbers of casualties-should be quoted as specific figures. The facts on the ground regarding the provision of food and medical supplies are starkly different to some of the evidence given by unnamed sources to the expert committee that put together the report.

I am conscious of the time, so I just want to draw the House's attention to a few areas in which progress is being made in Sri Lanka. Most of the 300,000 internally displaced persons have now been resettled. I visited Menik farm, one of the welfare camps set up to house the huge numbers of people displaced by conflict in January of last year. There were about 6,000 people left, and the camp has now closed and the people have gone home. They have been able to do so because demining operations have proceeded at an amazing pace, with more than 900,000 mines and unexploded ordnance having been cleared, primarily by the Sri Lankan army but also by the HALO Trust with support from UK aid, and I congratulate the UK on its contribution.

More than 120,000 houses have been constructed in the north and the east, nearly 600 child soldiers have been rehabilitated and more than 10,000 adult combatants have been rehabilitated or reintegrated into Sri Lankan society. Some 900 Tamil speakers have been recruited into the police force in the north and east, and that is important in building trust in a community that does not have historic trust in its Government and the organisations that represent it. Investment is key, as is infrastructure, so that the economy can grow and people can improve their lives.

When I went to Sri Lanka with the charity International Alert, we visited a group of young Tamil people in the Vanni, and they talked about jobs and employment prospects, about what they were going to do and what they wanted to do. They talked about the challenges that they faced at home and about how they wanted to get education and the cost of education. They talked about the same things that young people in colleges in my constituency talk to me about; they share some of the same problems. They wanted to look forward and go forward.

The tone of debate in the House too often worries me, because we focus on what we can do to punish the Government of Sri Lanka, whether by the removal of the generalised system of preferences or the UK's pulling out of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting. Such things will not damage the Government of Sri Lanka; they will damage progress towards peace and the prosperity of the people who live in Sri Lanka. The tone of the debate here needs to change. We need to work constructively with the Government of Sri Lanka to put pressure where it is due and, where we can, to deliver improvement.

Recalling his personal experiences Conservative MP for Cannock Chase, Aidan Burley who visited Sri Lanka on a eight day trip last year said that he has detailed his trip because he strongly believe that people can only speak authoritatively and honestly about a subject if they have first-hand experience, seeing things with their own eyes and forming their own impressions, rather than just watching a Channel 4 documentary. He further requested Siobhain McDonagh and other MPs to go to Sri Lanka and speak to the people of Sri Lanka, not to the people of Mitcham and Morden, and listen to what they have to say. Mr Burley stated that he found a country at peace with itself. That is what we should be debating and supporting: helping Sri Lanka to build a better future for itself, rather than letting extremists in the UK divide it.

He also asked Siobhain McDonagh when she last visited Sri Lanka because she has mentioned lots of second-hand evidence in her speech, but when did she last visit Sri Lanka and see for herself-at first hand-some of the things that she is alleging are happening there.

MP McDonagh replied that she has never been to Sri Lanka, but she respect the views of the UN special envoy to Sri Lanka, the UN, the Canadian Government, the Australian Government, the US Government, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International.

Siobhain McDonagh, Labour MP for Mitcham and Morden said: Are all of those organisations bogus? Do we not believe anything that any of them say?

MP Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): The hon. Lady mentions the fact that lots of people visit Sri Lanka. May I ask her when she last visited Sri Lanka? She has mentioned lots of second-hand evidence in her speech so far, but when did she last visit Sri Lanka and see for herself-at first hand-some of the things that she is alleging are happening there?

Many speakers this morning have started by declaring whether they have visited Sir Lanka, and I intervened on the hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden (Siobhain McDonagh) to ask whether she has done so, because I visited Sri Lanka in July 2012 and spent eight days travelling all over the country. I did not just fly into Colombo; I went to the north, the east and the south. I went to Jaffna and Kilinochchi, Trincomalee, Kandy and Hambantota. I went to all the rural areas, not just to the towns and cities.

I went to the Jaffna teaching hospital and discussed the lack of medical equipment with some of the doctors. I went to the chamber of commerce and discussed inward investment with business leaders. I visited resettlement projects in Ariyalai and mine clearing in Kilinochchi with the HALO Trust, which, as my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton South (James Wharton) mentioned, is partly funded through the Department for International Development.

I met the President in Kandy. I also met, Mr Sampanthan, a leader of the opposition, for several hours in Trincomalee-I recognise the comments of the hon. Member for North Antrim (Ian Paisley)-and I remember him telling us that he wanted a bicycle for every one of his people, which is his main priority.

I have detailed my trip because I strongly believe that people can only speak authoritatively and honestly about a subject if they have first-hand experience, seeing things with their own eyes and forming their own impressions, rather than just watching a Channel 4 documentary. After all, would a person buy a house just because someone told them it was nice, or would they want to see the property first hand? Would a person move to an area just because someone said it was a nice place to live, or would they want to visit the area first?

Everywhere I went on my eight-day trip to Sri Lanka last year, I saw the same thing first hand: Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims living harmoniously with each other, getting on with their lives and rebuilding their country. I saw the different communities and faiths living beside one another after their horrendous civil war. I saw Sinhalese boys and Tamil girls playing together in the playgrounds of the schools that we visited. That is why I wanted to speak in this debate. The UK should be helping Sri Lanka, our former colony, to rebuild itself. British politicians should understand Sri Lanka's reconciliation and help it to demine, so that communities can move back to their own lands. I saw that happening with my own eyes; I saw the minefields being cleared through the HALO Trust, and I saw houses being rebuilt and crops being grown on the old minefields. That is constructive. We saw HSBC and Marks and Spencer in Sri Lanka. I learnt that the software that runs the UK stock market is based in Sri Lanka.

All that is positive-it is about jobs and livelihoods-and we should be having a debate on encouraging trade to Sri Lanka. British politicians should be leading business trips and delegations of British companies to Sri Lanka to encourage Sri Lankan and British businesses to work together. Britain has the second-highest number of tourists to Sri Lanka-a country that desperately needs tourists' pounds. I do not believe this debate will help that rebuilding process; it is a negative debate that perpetuates old myths and stereotypes and is based on narrow interest groups in the UK that have their own agendas.

The hon. Member for Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn) said that he was astonished to see the Sri Lankan Government lobbying here. I know lobbyists for the Sri Lankan Government. My constituency is 99% white, and there is no Diaspora. I have no candle to hold for the Sri Lankan Government; I am just recounting the first-hand impressions that I witnessed for myself by bothering to go to the country. The hon. Member for Mitcham and Morden should go to Sri Lanka and speak to the people of Sri Lanka, not to the people of Mitcham and Morden, and listen to what they have to say. I found a country at peace with itself. That is what we should be debating and supporting: helping Sri Lanka to build a better future for itself, rather than letting extremists in the UK divide it.

Source : Hansard - UK Parliament