New Era in pakistan Chandana Wijekoon from pakistan
Though Economic crisis is p reveling in pakistan the Government has taken necessary initiative to uplift standard of living of the people valuation of pakistan rupees has gone up on par with US Dollar. Earlier US dollar was equivalent to Pakistan Rs. 84/- whereas present valuation increased to pakistan Rs.77/- Tourist cities such as Lahor,Karachchi, islamabad were seen it lot of foriegn tourists. Huge development projects are underway in Islamabad including Highways projects and infrastructure developnet projects.
Clearly shows that pakistan is marching towards developed country.
Bush arrives in Afghanistan on surprise visit A Shoe attack to BUSH (AFP) - US President George W. Bush arrived in Afghanistan Monday, after a making a farewell visit to Iraq, according to the White House.
Bush's plane landed in darkness at Baghram Air Base outside Kabul, a reporter traveling with him said.
The US president was to hold talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and address US troops during the visit.
Shoe attack
A journalist hurled two shoes at Bush on his farewell visit to Iraq, highlighting hostility still felt toward the outgoing US leader who acknowledged that the war is still not won.
Muntazer al-Zaidi jumped up as Bush held a press conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, shouted "It is the farewell kiss, you dog" and threw his footwear.
The president lowered his head and the first shoe hit the American and Iraqi flags behind the two leaders. The second was off target.
On a whirlwind trip shrouded in secrecy and marred by dissent, President George W. Bush on Sunday hailed progress in the wars that define his presidency and got a size-10 reminder of his unpopularity when a man hurled two shoes at him during a news conference in Iraq.
"This is your farewell kiss, you dog!" shouted the protester in Arabic, later identified as Muntadar al-Zeidi, a correspondent for Al-Baghdadia television, an Iraqi-owned station based in Cairo, Egypt. "This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq."
Bush ducked both shoes as they whizzed past his head and landed with a thud against the wall behind him.
"It was a size 10," Bush joked later.
The U.S. president visited the Iraqi capital just 37 days before he hands the war off to his successor, Barack Obama, who has pledged to end it. The president wanted to highlight a drop in violence and to celebrate a recent U.S.-Iraq security agreement, which calls for U.S. troops to withdraw from Iraq by the end of 2011.
British High Commissioner meets Karunanidhi on Lankan issue
The British High Commissioner to India Sir Richard Stagg met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and discussed with him issues related to Sri Lankan Tamils and security situation in the coastal state.
An official press release described it as a "courtesy call." During the half-an-hour long meeting, the two discussed the Sri Lankan Tamils issue, security situation in the state in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the Tamil Nadu government's preparedness and ability to face the global economic crisis
Terrorists want to create atmosphere of provocation between Pakistan and India: German Minister German Home Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said here on Friday terrorists want to create an atmosphere of provocation and reactions between Pakistan and India and between Hindus and Muslims. Pakistan was also victim of terrorism and it was threatened by terrorists, he said and added it was a difficult situation for the Pakistan government. He hoped that Pakistan government will continue to move against terrorists. Wolfgang Schaeuble, who held talks with Home Minister P Chidambaram and National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, said Pakistan was being encouraged by the international community to cope and fight terrorism as it is a threat to it too. When questioned on the banning of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, he said “it is a right thing.”
Veteran musician Mervin Perera passed away last afternoon (07) while being taken to the KalubovilaHospital. He was 69.
Mervin Perera has many lilting melodies to his credit and was much loved by Sinhala music lovers. He had served as a music teacher at Government schools for a long period of time.
He was a father of three children, was born on September 21st, 1940 at Kuda Payagala in Southern Sri Lanka and received his primary education at the Payagala Roman Catholic School.
Karu's son-in-law Naveen will not return to the UNP
Non Cabinet Minister of Investment Promotion Naveen Dissanayake will not return to th
e UNP although he is the son-in-law of ex- Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya who re-crossed to the UNP on Monday. Following Jayasuriya’s return to the UNP there was widespread speculation that his son-in-law
would follow suit.
Dissanayake yesterday told The Island that his father-in-law returned to the UNP due to some differences he had with President Mahinda Rajapaksa. "I tried my best to bring about a settlement but Jayasuriya was hurt and determined to return to the UNP," Dissanayake said.
Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya resigns While Public Administration Minister Karu Jayasuriya officially announced his resignation from the post last evening and left the government to accept the post of deputy leader of the UNP, the remaining members of the UNP Democratic Group decided to stay with the government.
Mr. Jayasuriya, who issued a statement, said he could not agree with the ideas of this government regarding the economic crisis, though he approved of the steps taken to defeat terrorism: “This economic downturn is becoming a crisis which will greatly affect the people,” he said in his statement. He further pointed out that the government, in which he had held a ministerial portfolio, had not been able the implement the 17th Amendment: “The campaign for the implementation of the 17th Amendment began with a citizens’ committee and later grew into a vast civil movement; and it would be a breach of trust on my part to remain with the government, as the people had placed their trust in me and I, too, was involved in this campaign,” he said.
At the 53rd congress held on Saturday, UNP leader Ranil Wickramasinghe made an open invitation to the crossed over UNPers to rejoin the party to build the country.
Sri lanka journalists team met many officers in pakistan
Chandana Wijekoon From pakistan
Sri lanka journalist team had mutual discussions higher officials in pakistan. This team was cordially invited by the Assistant Secretary(South Asia) to the ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr.Aizaz Ahamad chaudhry.
He personaly insisted on better coordination between the journalists of the both countries. The team has paid a courtesy call on the secretary of ministry of information and brodcasting Ashfaq ahamad Gondal and Director of ministry of Information and broadcasting Mr. Khalid M. Sarwar and other higher officials.
Sri lanka journalists team has exchanged views with Naeem Chaudry who is the director of APP news.
Queen of Sinhala cinema, Malani Fonseka is to receive the Rajatha Mayura award at 39th International Indian Film Festival Veteran actress,Queen of Sinhala cinema, Malani Fonseka is to receive the Rajatha Mayura award at 39th International Indian Film Festival tonight (Nov. 02nd), for her role in the film `Akasa Kusum`. Malini won this award for her 150th film, \'Akasa Kusum\', directed by award winning director Prasanna Vithanage.
Malani Senehelatha Fonseka (born April 30, 1947 in Kelaniya) is an award-winning Sri Lankan film actress, also known as the "Queen of Sinhalese cinema"[1]. Her cinema career which has spanned many decades began with Tissa Liyansooriya's Punchi Baba in 1968. She first earned recognition, when she won the 'Best Actress Award' at the 1969 National State Drama Festival This was followed by Sarasaviya Best Actress Awards for Hingana Kolla in 1980, Aradhana in 1982 and Yasa Isuru in 1983.[2]
Malini Fonseka who is recognized as the ‘Queen of Sri Lankan cinema’ entered the Sri Lankan cinema after I did. Malani became queen of the silver screen competing with many contemporary actresses.
Although I do not exactly remember the first time I saw her, her debut film "Punchi Baba" was shot at Wijaya Studio. Probably she would have spoken to me during this time which I do not remember. However people in the studio spoke high of her acting abilities in her first movie.
Our first film together was "Parawalau". By this time she was popular after acting in a few movies. Also she hasd already proved to be a talented actress by this time. The first movie we acted together as lovers was "Nidhanaya", which became one of the most distinguished films of Sri Lankan cinema. I played the part of Willy Abeynaike and Malani played the role of Irene. Malini's extraordinary acting skills were polished by it's director Dr. Lester James Peiris. Subsequently Malani and I played the leading roles opposite each other in many movies and as fans named this era as the Gamini-Malini decade in Sri Lankan cinema. Some films were directed by me anonymously.
Malani is qualified with all the qualifications of an actress. She has the ability of understanding a role instantly. She was never hesitant to accept a wise decision given by a director. She understood the postural of any actor or actresses instantly.
Also she inherits something which has not been inherited by any other actress or may be a very beautiful woman. She looks beautiful in every angle.
Malani has not studied acting, just as other prominent Sri Lankan actresses. But it is obvious that she can compete with other international actresses effortlessly. Malani was talented enough to give the Sri Lankan identity to Indian movies copied in Sri Lanka. Therefore her fans saw the Sri Lankan identity through her at all times. This did not even changed when she acted in low class films which she did for her friends as favours.
Malani is not just an actress, but she is a heroine of Sri Lankan Cinema.
Sri Lankan journalists tour to Pakistan Chandan Wijekoon from Pakistan "During the third day of the tour we went to Lahor. Lahor which is people friendly city in pakistan. there situation is tourist friendly." says www our special correspndant Chandana wijekoon over the phone towww.newsonline24.blogspot.com
Here is the Chandan's report
Sri lanka journalists visited important places and TV channels stations in Pakistan.Also they paid tribute to the memorial pillar of late leader of Pakistan Mohomad Ali Jinnah the founder of Pakistan . He is the Father of the pakistan .
Journalists went from Karachchi to lahor by internal flight spending one and half hour.
Sri lanka journalists visitedd two main TV channels stations in Pakistan and had mutual discussions with the pakistan Media personls.
During the third day of the tour the team went to Lahor. Lahor which is people friendly city in pakistan. there situation is tourist friendly.
Sri lankan journalists team paid a visit to Art Council in Lahore.Director of the Art Council said they give helpinghand for the youths to prompote their talent the field of art. Amidst prevailing crisis in pakistan implementsyouth of promotional programs are praiseworthy. Then our team visited India -Pakistan border (wagha border)in Panjab. We able to view the ceremonial closer of Indian Pakistan border gate.
Wagha Border, the Flag Lowering Ceremony is an impressive and exciting ceremonythat takes place every day at the Pakistan-Indian border at Wagha, 29 kms far from Lahore. The ceremony begins with the handshake of the captains of the two countries, followed by a fierce martial and war like drill. Watch this unique
ceremony which will thrill and excite you. You will never forget it.
Tissa nominated for RSF Award The Paris based media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has nominated journalist J. S. Tissainayagam for an award for his principled stand and attitude displayed to support freedom of information.
Pakistani govt. not involved in Mumbai attacks, US trusts Pakistan’s cooperation pledge:White House
WASHINGTON, Dec 1 (APP): The White House on Monday reposed its full confidence in Pakistan’s anti-terrorism resolve as well as its promise to cooperate with India in investigating the Mumbai attacks as it worked towards calming down of tensions between the two South Asian nuclear armed neighbors.
Press Secretary Dana Perino welcomed Pakistan’s pledge to cooperate in the investigation as a “good and positive step” and also said she has not heard anything suggesting the Pakistani government’s involvement in last week’s tragic events in Mumbai. “I have heard nothing that says that the Pakistani government was involved,” she stated in response to a question in the context of Indian insinuations of a Pakistani link to the attacks.
Pakistan again offers joint investigation on Mumbai incident
ISLAMABAD, Dec 2 (APP):Pakistan on Tuesday while again condemning the Mumbai incident, extended its offer to India to help in the investigation process to unearth the culprits behind this incident. Giving a policy statement Foreign MinisterShah Mahmood Qureshi strongly condemned the incident and said no justification could be given for such a horrendous act.
The Foreign Minister said cooperate with India in investigation Pakistan was willing to fully of the Mumbai attacks.
He termed terrorism a major challenge of the times and said it was common enemy that needed to be tackled through joint efforts.
World News-The attackers "non-state actors says presidnet Zardari
The terrorists who attacked India's financial capital had no links to any government, Pakistan's president said Monday amid claims that at least one of the gunmen belonged to a banned Pakistani militant group.
President Asif Ali Zardari called the attackers "non-state actors," and warned against letting their actions lead to greater enmity in the region.
Tensions between Muslim Pakistan and Hindu-majority India flared after the attacks last week in Mumbai that killed at least 172 people and wounded 239 others.
"Such a tragic incident must bring opportunity rather than the defeat of a nation," Zardari said in an interview with Aaj television. "We don't think the world's great nations and countries can be held hostage by non-state actors."
A top Indian police officer said Sunday that the only gunman captured after the attacks said he belonged to Lashkar-e-Taiba, a Pakistani militant group with links to the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir
World News Pakistan Government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region-Sherry Rehman- Minister for Information and Broadcasting
ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman hoped here on Monday that political leaders would succeed in evolving a consensus strategy to tackle the situation confronting the country in the wake of Mumbai mayhem. Talking to ARY ONEWORLD she said All Parties Conference being held on Tuesday would reflect country’s democratic and political stability and it is hoped that democratic forces would give a unanimous decision on how to face the situation .
She said a unanimous policy to deal with the situation would prove the supremacy of democracy . Thus far politicians have worked with responsibility.
She said APC would show the true character of the country as a responsible nation.
Lauding the role of media she urged them not to create unnecessary hype.Pakistan’s interests should be kept supreme, she added.
To a question she said the government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region. Some allies and leaders already agree with the government’s viewpoint.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI when he visited the Vatican this morning (December 1) and appraised the Pope about current developments in Sri Lanka, especially the clearing of the Madhu Shrine from terrorists, restoring it and making it possible for the faithful to worship there.
Pope Benedict expressed a keen interest in the developments in Sri Lanka and the measures taken by the Government to provide humanitarian assistance to those who have been temporarily displaced and restore democratic freedoms. The Pope also expressed concern about the spread of terrorism in the region and the need for a more concerted effort internationally to eliminate terrorism, wherever it may occur.
Later, President Rajapaksa met with the Secretary of State of the Vatican, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and briefed him about the successes in the military operations in the North and told him how the LTTE is holding civilians as buffers in areas they control. The President also assured him that all possible measures are being taken to ensure the safety of civilians.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP): China has assured full moral, financial and material support to Pakistan in the wake of situation arose after terrorist attacks in Mumbai (India). China in a message to Pakistan’s top slot said that the country would assist Pakistan in any situation to overcome the problems and challenges being faced by it. The Chinese leadership is in constant contact with Pakistan to know the nature of assistance the latter requires and ensure its immediate availability. However, according to officials sources, Pakistan is self-sufficient in defence and it is impossible for any state of the world to harm the country. They said Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force are well equipped to protect the homeland.
President Zardari assures India of full cooperation in investigating Mumbai terror attacks President Asif Ali Zardari has assured India of Pakistan’s full cooperation in investigating the Mumbai Terror attacks. But let the evidence come to light and investigation take its course, he said. Speaking at Karan Thapar’s ‘Devil’s Advocate’ programme, Zardari said there was miscommunication with India over sending ISI Director General to India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during a telephonic talk with him yesterday, had requested for sending “Director”. “There was a miscommunication... We had announced that a Director will come from my side.. That is what was requested by the Prime Minister and that is what we agreed,” he said. “It is too early for the Director Generals to meet at the moment. Let the evidence come to light, let the investigations take its course. Then perhaps there is a position where the Directors General could meet,” Zardari said.
Good relations with India in Pakistan’s interest: Foreign Minister Qureshi
Indian government has yet not provided any evidence to Pakistan regarding the Mumbai incident Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Sunday that good relations with India is in the interest of Pakistan. In an interview with CNN, he said “The government feels good neighborly relations with India are in the interest of Pakistan”. “Pakistan has said the premier intelligence agency will cooperate with India in probing the Mumbai incident as our hands are clean we have nothing to hide and nothing to be a shamed of”, the Minister said Shah Mahmmood Qureshi said Pakistan itself is the victim of terrorism and both the countries can jointly defeat menace of terrorism. To a question the Minister said Indian government has yet not provided any evidence to Pakistan regarding the Mumbai incident. Qureshi said Pakistan would take action against a groups or individuals if Indian government provided proof or evidence against them.
A team of Sri Lanka journalists leaving for Pakistan on a special media tour
A team of Sri Lanka journalists comprising seven journalists left for Pakistan yesterday (30thNov.) evening. This tour has been organized by Pakistan High commission office in Colombo in Sri Lanka.
This media group will visit cultural, historical and tourist places ,media instutets in Pakistan. And they will meet and discuses VIP’s of chamber of Commerce, political field and government officers in Pakistan. Our special correspondent Mr. Chandana Wijekoon (picture) is accompanying in this tour. The reports submitted by him will be made available for our www.newsonline24.blogspot.com readers.
New Era in pakistan 
r was equivalent to Pakistan Rs. 84/- whereas present valuation increased to pakistan Rs.77/-
