Pakistani Air Chief shares views with Army commander

Pakistani Air Chief shares views with Army commander

A Warm Welcome was extended to Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman, Chief of the Air Staff Pakistan Air Force at the Army Headquarters (AHQ) Colombo this morning (14) when he visited Army Headquarters to meet Commander of Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel of the Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery Major General Jammika Liyanage received the visiting Pakistan Air Chief on his arrival at the entrance to the AHQ. Then the troops of Sri Lanka Artillery accorded a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour to Air Chief Marshal Suleman.
Later, he was welcomed by the Army Commander who introduced his Principal Staff Officers to Pakistan Air Chief at the entrance to the Commander's Office complex.
During bilateral discussions that subsequently took place at Army Commander's office, Air Chief Marshal Suleman shared views with Army Commander on issues related to mutual security developments and concerns in the region.
At the end of the official meeting, two military chiefs exchanged mementoes. Air Chief Marshal Suleman placed his signature in the Visitors' Book to mark his visit to Army Headquarters.
Defence Attach‚ of the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka Colonel Syed Khurram Hassnain Alam, Military Secretary Major General Milinda Pieris and few senior officers were present on the occasion.
Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman who arrived in the country on Thursday (12) is scheduled to meet several senior military officers during his brief stay in the island.

More:http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20091116_04

Chief of the Airf Pakistan Air force visits Sri lanka

Chief of the Airf Pakistan Air force visits Sri lanka

Commander of the Pakistan Air Force (P.A.F) Air chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman arrived to the island for a three day visit yesterday (12 Nov). According to Air Force sources, the visit was made following an invitation extended by the SLAF Commander. The visiting Pakistani Air Force Chief is also due to meet several dignitaries in the Sri Lankan defence establishment.
The visit underscores the historic ties and friendly cooperation between the two forces, SLAF sources said. The Pakistan Air Force had extended technical assistance and training for the SLAF during its air campaign against the terrorists.

The Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force (CAS, PAF), Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman accompanied by Pakistan Deffence Attache Colonel Syed Khurram Hassnain Alam called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe at the Naval Headquarters in Colombo 14th November 2009.

The Pakistan Chief of Air Staff, who is in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit at the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was accorded a token Guard of Honour on his arrival at the Naval Headquarters. He was warmly received by the Commander of the Navy and was introduced to the Principal Staff Officers at the Naval Headquarters. Thereafter, they had discussions on matters of bilateral relevance and mutual interests. Mementos were exchanged between the Commander of the Navy and the visiting Pakistan Chief of Air Staff to mark the occasion.
Air Commodore Azsar Hassan Rizvi, PSO to CAS, PAF and Flight Lieutenant Shehzed Ali, ADC to CAS, PAF were also in the delegation.

Sri lanka tourist arrivals up 7.0- pct in Oct

Sri Lanka tourist arrivals up 7.0-pct in Oct

Nov 10, 2009 (LBO) -

Sri Lanka's October tourist arrivals grew 7.0 percent to 37,575 from a year earlier, but were slightly lower than the September figure of 37,983, data from the tourist promotion office showed.

Visitors from Western Europe rose 11. 0 percent to 13,873 with France up 33, percent to 1,120, UK up 1.8 percent, to 6,592 and Germany up 13.1 percent, to 2,700.
Visitors from Eastern Europe were down 23.8 percent to 1,983 with Russia sending 1,311 tourists, 28.7 percent less.

East Asian arrivals were up 0.5 percent at 3,759, with China generating 755 visitors (up 14.4 percent) and Malaysia generating 643 up 45.8 percent.

Freedom

South Asian arrivals grew at a double digit 15.3 percent to 12,587. India generated 9,219 visitors (up 14.7 percent), the Maldives 2,428 (up 18.2 percent) and Pakistan 675 (up 20.3 percent).
A long-running conflict with Tamil Tiger separatist ended in May raising new hope that the tourist sector will revive despite a global economic downturn.

After falling steadily till May, arrivals grew 8.0 percent in June (to 30,234), 28.0 percent in July (to 42,223) and 34.3 percent (to 41,207) in August.

Meanwhile the state has also mandated minimum prices for Colombo's five star rated hotels, and at least one hotel owner has said he wanted the hotel to be down graded to regain pricing freedom.

Sri Lanka tourism offers chance for quick post-war jobs

Sri Lanka tourism offers chance for quick post-war jobs: report

Sri Lanka tourism offers chance for quick post-war jobs: report
Nov 17, 2009 (LBO) - Post-war Sri Lanka has an opportunity to generate employment quickly by developing tourism to ensure employment for youth especially in conflict-affected areas, a new report said.
The study by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) said it was important to initiate efforts that would have a "tangible impact' on target communities in conflict affected areas in the short run while contributing to long-term tourism development.
Building new hotels is a more long-term venture whose benefits in terms of employment and income generation would take several years to be felt by the affected communities, it said.
The study was part of a USAID effort through its CORE (Connecting Regional Economies) project to examine six industry sectors to identify growth opportunities in the east for the private sector.
The other sectors were dairy, horticulture, fisheries, aquaculture and logistics.
Sarasali Fonseka, private sector/policy advisor at USAID, said the usual post-conflict trend is for domestic and adventure tourism to take off first.
"The government should fast track domestic and adventure tourism," she told a seminar by the agency to disseminate the study's recommendations to key stakeholders in the government, private sector, and other industries.
Sri Lanka's tourism industry has set a target of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016, requiring the development of at least 15,000 new hotel rooms and major investment in large-scale resorts at new locations.
"The Eastern coast in particular has the potential to absorb many new investments with the right mix of tourism products and development planning," the report said.
The government has earmarked the east coast as one area for tourism development as it has some of the island's best beaches.
The east and north of the island were the worst affected by the 30-year ethnic war which ended in May when government forces defeated the Tamil Tiger separatists.
Fonseka said government and industry should promote focused events such as surfing contests in Arugam Bay, a beach well-known for surfing on the east coast, and the literary festival in southern Galle.
They should also focus on development of small and medium enterprises as that would give employment and income generation opportunities for people in conflict-affected areas.
"The aim is to create entrepreneurship. It is important for the bigger firms to work with people there and to get the communities involved. That type of work needs to start now."
The USAID study also suggested the SME sector be encouraged to develop tourist attractions and activities like water sports, guided tours, adventure hikes and cultural tours.
"Larger lodging enterprises and tour companies need to encourage and support these smaller SME managed attractions because they add life and variety to the destination and help attract more visitors in future."

Gen. Fonseka mulls options

Gen. Fonseka mulls options

General Fonseka stepped down from his post on Monday after differences with Rajapaksa [AFP]
Sri Lanka's senior general has said he will announce a decision on entering politics within two to three days, amid speculation he may run for the presidency.
Sarath Fonseka's comments came after he officially stepped down from his post on Monday following differences with Mahinda Rajapaksa, the country's president.
"I expect to announce my future steps in two or three days. I will be serving the country in the future," Fonseka said soon after signing an official document to quit as Sri Lanka's top military officer.

Sri Lanka High Commission holds Deepavali Festival

Sri Lanka High Commission holds Deepavali Festival

The Sri Lanka High Commission together with the members of the Sri Lanka community in Singapore organized a cultural and religious festival on 25th October 2009 to celebrate Deepavali.

A unique feature of this event was that while celebrating the significance of Deepavali, it also celebrated the multi religious and multi cultural nature of Sri Lanka. The event was observed in keeping with the traditional rituals associated with Deepavali such as lights, kolam and kumbuam.

The event commenced with musicians from the Sri Arasakesari Sivan temple and dancers from the Sunday School of the Kelaniya Vidyalankara Pirivena leading the religious leaders in procession to the venue. This was followed by blessings conducted by the religious leaders of the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Islamic faiths.

Welcoming the audience, consisting of Singaporeans and Sri Lankans, High Commissioner Jayathri Samarakone wished everyone a Happy Deepavali and called for unity and harmony among all Sri Lankans.

The cultural performances commenced with a dance by the Kelaniya Vidyalankara Pirivena Sunday School dance troupe. Cultural items representing various dance forms from Sri Lanka followed. These were performed by accomplished performers from both Singapore and Sri Lanka. The performances, reflective of the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, included such items as the Bharatha Natyam and Ves, as well as folk dances and the famed “Pantheru” dance. Renowned singer Mrs. Shobha Shankar too performed a Hindi song at the event. A tri lingual song celebrating Deepavali and the cultural unity of Sri Lanka, especially composed for the evening by Ms. Jeyasundari Sivakumaran, was sung by members of the community and the High Commission. Following the performances, the vote of thanks delivered by the Counsellor Ms. Panabokke. The evening concluded with refreshments, which included traditional sweets and food associated with Deepavali, being served to the audience.

Dilshan gives Sri Lanka solid start against India

Dilshan gives Sri Lanka solid start against India
Associated Press

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan led a strong Sri Lanka reply with a brisk unbeaten 88 on Tuesday after India was dismissed for 426 on the second day of the first cricket test.
Sri Lanka's was scoring well at 155-1 by tea, losing only opener batsman Tharanga Paranavitana (35) in the middle session.
Dilshan faced 106 deliveries in his stroke-filled innings, hitting eight of his nine boundaries on the offside on an easy paced wicket at Motera.
Paranavitana helped Sri Lanka to a confident start, the tourists reaching 74 before India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni held a low, one-handed catch off paceman Ishant Sharma's delivery which left the left-hander and got a thick outside edge.
Dilshan faced little trouble in negotiating spinners Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra as he punished loose deliveries with some attractive boundaries.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara (23 not out) was giving a good support to Dilshan, the pair adding 81 runs for the second wicket at a good scoring pace.
Earlier, tge Sri Lankan bowlers rallied with four wickets in the morning session after India had resumed at 385 for six.
Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, playing what could be his final test series on foreign soil, took three wickets in the session.
But it was Chanaka Welegedara who made the early breakthrough, as he had on Monday, by removing Rahul Dravid for his overnight score of 177.
Dravid had withstood Welegedara's damaging first spell on the opening day _ when the rookie paceman took three wickets and had the hosts reeling at 32-4 _ and led India's innings revival in important partnerships with Yuvraj Singh (68) and Dhoni (110).
But Welegedara knocked back the stumps in the second over Tuesday when Dravid left a big gap between bat and pad as he attempted to drive down the ground.
Dravid's innings lifted him to fifth in the all-time test scorers after Sachin Tendulkar (12,777), Brian Lara (11,953), Ricky Ponting (11,345) and Allan Border (11,174).
He faced 261 deliveries and hit 26 boundaries and a six in a display of brilliant temperament and strokemaking.
Muralitharan ran through the Indian tailenders as he trapped Zaheer Khan lbw for 12, bowled Harbhajan for 22 and got last man Sharma stumped without scoring.
Welegedera finished with 4-87 while Muralitharan returned 3-97.

Dilshan gives Sri Lanka solid start against India

Dilshan gives Sri Lanka solid start against India
Associated Press

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan led a strong Sri Lanka reply with a brisk unbeaten 88 on Tuesday after India was dismissed for 426 on the second day of the first cricket test.
Sri Lanka's was scoring well at 155-1 by tea, losing only opener batsman Tharanga Paranavitana (35) in the middle session.
Dilshan faced 106 deliveries in his stroke-filled innings, hitting eight of his nine boundaries on the offside on an easy paced wicket at Motera.
Paranavitana helped Sri Lanka to a confident start, the tourists reaching 74 before India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni held a low, one-handed catch off paceman Ishant Sharma's delivery which left the left-hander and got a thick outside edge.
Dilshan faced little trouble in negotiating spinners Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra as he punished loose deliveries with some attractive boundaries.
Captain Kumar Sangakkara (23 not out) was giving a good support to Dilshan, the pair adding 81 runs for the second wicket at a good scoring pace.
Earlier, tge Sri Lankan bowlers rallied with four wickets in the morning session after India had resumed at 385 for six.
Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, playing what could be his final test series on foreign soil, took three wickets in the session.
But it was Chanaka Welegedara who made the early breakthrough, as he had on Monday, by removing Rahul Dravid for his overnight score of 177.
Dravid had withstood Welegedara's damaging first spell on the opening day _ when the rookie paceman took three wickets and had the hosts reeling at 32-4 _ and led India's innings revival in important partnerships with Yuvraj Singh (68) and Dhoni (110).
But Welegedara knocked back the stumps in the second over Tuesday when Dravid left a big gap between bat and pad as he attempted to drive down the ground.
Dravid's innings lifted him to fifth in the all-time test scorers after Sachin Tendulkar (12,777), Brian Lara (11,953), Ricky Ponting (11,345) and Allan Border (11,174).
He faced 261 deliveries and hit 26 boundaries and a six in a display of brilliant temperament and strokemaking.
Muralitharan ran through the Indian tailenders as he trapped Zaheer Khan lbw for 12, bowled Harbhajan for 22 and got last man Sharma stumped without scoring.
Welegedera finished with 4-87 while Muralitharan returned 3-97.

Sri Lanka Chief of Defence Staff gen. Sarath Fonseka bids farewell

The most controversial Chief of Defence Staff of the country, General Sarath Fonseka Yesterday (16th Nov) bid farewell to the Sri Lanka Army.

General Fonseka this morning retired from his post as President Mahinda Rajapaksa has granted him permission to retire with immediate effect.

Speaking to the media at his last assignment as an Army officer, General Sarath Fonseka said that he will make a official announcement over his future decision after three days.

He stressed that he will serve the country furthermore as he did in the past.

According to General Fonseka he had served the country for the last forty years more than enough. "I am satisfied" he said.

During the media address the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff said has not forgotten the great sacrifice made by the brave soldiers during the war, especially the final days of the war and appreciated the support given by them to him to achieve a historical victory.
Finally General Fonseka thanked the media for its support given to him and asked to give further support for his future activities.

Meanwhile the journalists, invited to cover the farewell ceremony to General Sarath Fonseka this morning were not allowed into the Army Headquarters in Colombo where the event took place.

Later the Journalists were allowed to enter after the intervention of outgoing Chief of Defence Staff into the matter.