Pakistan Speaker calls on President

Pakistan Speaker calls on President

Speaker of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr.Fehmida Mirza, who is currently in Sri Lanka to attend the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s Regional Conference, paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapakse at Temple Trees on Saturday, Feb 12.

She was accompanied by Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Seema Illahi Baloch.

The Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Fehmida Mirza and the Pakistan Parliamentary delegation paid a courtesy call on the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees on 12th February 2011.

The Honourable speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Chairman, Senate of Pakistan, the Speakers of Provincial Assemblies of Sindh and Balochiatan and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka M.E. Mrs. Seema Ilahi Baloch. The Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa and the Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga also attended the meeting.  

The Speaker thanked the government and the people of Srilanka for the warm welcome and the hospitality extended towards the Pakistani delegation. She also appreciated the arrangements made by the Srilankan Parliament for organizing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's 3rd Asian Regional Conference.

The Speaker congratulated the President for his re election as President for the second term and commended his government’s resolve with which the menace of terrorism was eliminated from Srilanka. She said that the Government and people of Pakistan greatly values its relations with Srilanka in the regional and bilateral context. The Speaker said Pakistan fully supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Our two countries enjoy commonality of views on regional and international issues and coordinate their positions at the United Nations and SAARC, she added.

She underscored the need for enhanced exchange of Parliamentary delegations between the two countries to promote people-to-people contacts. Such visits will help promote greater cooperation between the two Parliaments, she said. She also appreciated the establishment of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentarians Friendship Association and said that efforts are underway to reactivate the Srilankan Parliamentary Friendship Association in Pakistan.

While apprising the Srilankan side on the damage and devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan, the honourable Speaker said it is the biggest human tragedy in the history of Pakistan, floods have left the entire agriculture sector in shambles, livestock have been equally devastated, standing crops worth billion of dollar have been destroyed. She said that the victims of this immense tragedy need solidarity, concrete help and assistance from the world community.

On the occasion, the Speaker conveyed the appreciation of the Government, parliament and people of Pakistan for the flood relief assistance provided by the Government and people of Sri Lanka. She also said that during devastating floods in Srilanka the Government of Pakistan has extended support by sending the much needed humanitarian relief assistance. The Honorable President appreciated the Speaker for the efforts made by the Pakistani government for alleviating the sufferings of the flood victims.

The Speaker expressed satisfaction over the volume of trade between two countries which has been doubled from US$ 140 million to around US$ 300 million in the last four years. She hoped the figure of US$ 1 billion will be achieved by 2012. She also assured that Pakistan will continue to work towards economic progress of Sri-Lanka and urged the Srilanka side to encourage the flow of investment towards Pakistan.

While talking on the cultural cooperation between the two countries, the Speaker said that the Government of Pakistan attaches great importance to the preservation of the Gandhara heritage, Buddhist relics and sites, as a standing tribute to the shared past of our two nations.

The two side agreed that the high level visits from Pakistan (including that of the President, Chairman Senate, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Naval staff) and those from Srilanka including that of the Srilanka Parliament Speaker have reinvigorated the traditional friendly ties between the two brotherly countries.

In a separate development the Prime Minister of Srilanka D.M. Jayaratne called on the honourable Speaker on 12^th February 2011. The Honorable Speaker thanked the Government of Srilanka for the hospitality and warmth extended by the Srilankan side and attributed it to the historic ties between the two brotherly countries.

The Srilankan Premier appreciated the support extended by the Pakistani Government for the flood affectees. He also noted that Pakistan was the only country which extended unflinching support to Srilanka during the 3 decade internal conflict and immensely helped for the elimination of the menace of terrorism from the Srilankan soil.

The two sides agreed to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and stressed upon the need to work closely in the regional and global context.

The Honorable Speaker National Assembly has arrived in Colombo to attend the 3rd Commonwealth Parliamentary Association's Asian Regional Conference which is being held from 11th to 16th February, 2011 at Colombo, Sri Lanka. She is accompanied by a 5-member Parliamentary delegation from the National Assembly of Pakistan. The delegations of the Provincial Parliaments of Pakistan are also attending the CPA Regional Conference.

Apart from Pakistan Parliamentary delegation, delegates from Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka will participate in the Conference. The Conference is focused upon variety of subjects that commonly affect the region. The main Poverty alleviations, climate change and Mother and child healthcare will be the topics for discussion at plenary level.

Sri Lanka bans Cricket World Cup Song

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has banned the World Cup song which carries passing remarks against certain cricketers of other countries.

It is reported that  President Mahinda Rajapakse upon hearing the Sinhalese and Tamil mixed song was appalled that the song was allowed in the first place and has instructed it be taken off from all state-run radio and television channels. He has also censured sports authorities for allowing the "insulting" lyrics.
The news report further said that the President felt the song was in poor taste, and what he wants is a song to inspire the team and fans and not to insult other nations.

First Colombo-Tuticorin Ferry sails on 28th

First Colombo-Tuticorin Ferry sails on 28th

Ferry Services between Colombo harbour and the Indian port of Tuticorin are set to start next week.  The first ferry, a vessel with a capacity of 500 passengers run by a private Indian operator, is scheduled to sail from India on February 28.
Reports said that a big warehouse in the Tuticorin port has been converted into a passenger terminal and passenger seating, baggage scanning and immigration counter facilities have been installed in this terminal.
Initially there will be two voyages a week and will be increased to three voyages subsequently.
The Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Ports Mr. Anura Jayawickrema, who visited the South Indian Port recently to check on arrangements there, said the Colombo Port is also refurbishing its passenger terminal building.
Sri Lanka’s ferries will be operated by the state-owned Ceylon Shipping Corporation, and negotiations have been concluded for chartering vessels required for this service.   The Shipping Corporation officials said that they are looking to hire a ferry with a capacity of 500-600 passengers, including cabins.
Shipping Corporation sources also said that fees for the voyage have not yet been decided but it will be lower than air fares.  Each passenger will get a baggage allowance of 100 kilos which would be the main attraction for the travellers using the ferry service. However, each item of luggage on the ferry will be restricted to a maximum of 25 kilos. The voyage between Colombo and Tuticorin is estimated to take 10 – 12 hours.
Meanwhile, the airline sources said that many of the passengers on board the usually heavily booked flights between Colombo and Chennai are businessmen and traders who are frequent flyers to the South Indian city for shopping. They said that due to lack of big shopping complexes in Tuticorin, as in Chennai, the new ferry service will not affect much on the heavily booked air travel between Colombo and Chennai.  They said that the ferry services are likely to cater to a different market than airlines unless or until voyages become quicker than the proposed 10-12 hours or fares much cheaper than the air fares.  They also said pilgrims and others who go on package tours are unlikely to switch unless the tours are changed to suit ferry services.(niz)

Vaiko, workers taken into custody for trying to stage protest in Chennai

Vaiko, workers taken into custody for trying to stage protest in Chennai

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko and Communist Party of India's Tamil Nadu secretary D Pandian, besides 400 party workers, were taken into custody today for trying to stage a protest in Chennai against the alleged disrespect caused to the mortal remains of slain Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) chief Prabakaran's mother, Parvathy Pillai, in Sri Lanka.
The protesters alleged that the Lankan army had "caused disrespect" to the remains of Parvathy, who died at a private hospital in the island nation recently following illness.
The protesters also demanded closure of the Sri Lankan deputy high commission in Chennai and tried to march towards it but they were not granted permission for the protest, the police said.
Those taken into custody included Tamil Nationalist Movement leader P Nedumaran.

Sri Lanka new port factory construction to start in March

Sri Lanka new port factory construction to start in March

 (LBO) -

Investors who bid to set up industries in a new port in southern Sri Lanka are to start building their factories in March, Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Priyath Wickrama said.

 

He said 23 proposals of 27 received for the deep-water Hambantota port on the south coast had qualified. "Three parties have said they plan to start building their factories during March," Wickrama told a seminar organised by the Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce on opportunities in port development.
He said that although the port was not yet equipped with cranes it can handle ships with their own cranes bringing in project cargo for construction work.
 
The first phase of the port project built with Chinese loans and by a Chinese consortium was completed last November.
The port is meant to be an industrial and bunkering port in the first phase.
"We had to wait until we competed the project to attract investors to the port and then only generate cargo at Hambantota," Wickrama said,
"After that ships will come."

Wickrama said a range of industries and activities will be set up at the industrial zone of the new port including cargo consolidation, cement grinding and bagging, automobile assembly, LPG distribution, warehousing and ship services.

More:http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=981163236

Friendly Pakistan extends it hand in the hour of need

Friendly Pakistan extends it hand in the hour of need

In the aftermath of the devastating floods in Sri Lanka, the Government of Pakistan is sending the much needed humanitarian assistance worth over Sri Lanka Rupees 11.2 Million (US $ 100,000) for the flood affectees. The emergency relief items includes tents and blankets which will be distributed to the affectees through the Government of Sri Lanka. 

These items have been sent following an appeal made by the Pakistani mission in Colombo on the request of the Sri Lankan Government. Flooding has left at least 40 people dead and more than 1 million people displaced in the north, east and central parts of the country in recent days.

The Plane carrying the relief material is expected to arrive at the Katunayake International Airport at 5.00pm today (26/1/2011). Pakistan has always stood by Sri Lanka in the hour of distress in the past and will do so in the future as well.

The civilizational links between Pakistan and Sri Lanka date back to the dawn of Buddhism. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in 1948, the two countries have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relationship. The two countries, upholding their friendship and brotherhood, have been helpful to each other during difficult times.

Pakistan and Sri Lanka being located in the South Asian region and being members of various regional and international bodies like UN, commonwealth, NAM and SAARC are mutually important for each others. The relationship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is based on mutual trust and commonality of interest in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. Pakistan has always supported the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka.

Both countries have shared common perceptions on almost all regional and international issue and are working together on all these forums for shared values and interests.

Although Pakistan itself has suffered from the devastating floods which had affected over 20 million people and damaged huge swathe of crops, yet in this hour of need the people and the government Pakistan have not hesitated to help their Sri Lankan brethren.

EMBASSY( WASHINGTON DC)OF SRI LANKA MARKS HINDU FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL

EMBASSY( WASHINGTON DC)OF SRI LANKA MARKS HINDU FESTIVAL OF THAI PONGAL
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington, D.C. recognized the Hindu harvest festival of Thai Pongal last week with a ceremony at the Embassy attended by a large number of Sri Lankans living in the Greater Washington area.

Sri Lankan Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya and Hindu Priest Sivanth Kurukkal light the traditional oil lamp in observance of the Hindu festival of Thai Pongal.
Thai Pongal is a major festival in Sri Lanka, marking the harvest, the gifts of the earth and sun and the renewal of the seasons. People are encouraged to let go of the past and to focus on growth and the promise of the future. In Sri Lankan households, this often means re-arranging items as an act of renewal.
Hindu priest Sivanth Kurukkal, conducted the religious observances and offerd blessings of prosperity and harmony among all communities in Sri Lanka. The traditional Hindu oil lamp was lit by Ambassador Jaliya Wickramasuriya. Next followed a program of devotional songs by Ms. Deepa Srikumar and Mr. Earnest Dharmapala to Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Murugan to mark Thai Pongal.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya addresses the members of the Sri Lankan community in Washington, D.C.

Ambassador Wickramasuriya, told the gathering that, “Thai Pongal puts a special spotlight on renewal. Today in Sri Lanka, renewal is taking place. I have been home several times in the past year, and each time that I travel to the North I am amazed by the changes there. The North is today is free. It is coming back to life.”

At the reception that followed the religious ceremony, the refreshments served included an array of foods traditionally associated with Thai Pongal.        

The celebrations were held in keeping with the tradition of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington DC of celebrating the important religious festivals of Sri Lanka.

Maiden Launch of the Quetta Association in Srilanka and the visit of Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Maiden Launch of the Quetta Association in Srilanka and the visit of Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Zahida Kayani is currently on a visit to Srilanka. 

Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history.

Besides meetings with the top leadership of the country and address to the student officers at the Srilankan Defense Services Command and Staff College today, General Kayani will also be formally inaugurating the Srilanka Chapter of The Quetta Association.

 Srilanka will have the privilege of being the first country in the world where Quetta Association will be launched. This Association comprises the Srilankan graduate officers of the Command and Staff College Quetta Pakistan. The Command and Staff College Quetta is the oldest training institution of Pakistan Army and it was established in 1905. The total member of the Quetta Association in Srilanka is 42, who hold highly significant assignments in their respective institutions.

The Quetta Association is a non-governmental, non-political, non-religious, non-ethnic, non racial and non-profitable organization. It provides a platform of interaction to the Graduates of the Command and Staff College Quetta and provides them an opportunity for intellectual exchange of current developments in the region with particular focus on Srilanka and Pakistan.

The Quetta Association will operate as a dynamic forum for both the defense forces to identify common threats and evolve common strategies to face current regional and global threats and challenges. The scope of the Quetta Association will be gradually enhanced to also engage Ex graduates of the other premier defense institution of Pakistan like National Defense University, School of Infantry and Tactics, Air War College, Naval Staff College, etc.                  
   Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.                               

  

General Ashfaq Parvez is the focal leader behind this challenging Global War against Terrorism efforts. With his superb command and prudent strategic direction Pak-Army has successfully flushed out militants from picturesque Swat Valley, where peace and normalcy has been completely restored.


The COAS with his deep understanding of the GWOT and patriotic intent has not only safeguarded vital national interests but also brought admiration for Pakistan amongst the whole world.  

 As COAS he never overlooked the welfare of his brave troops and declared his first year of command as “Soldier’s Year” that witnessed extensive welfare projects for the soldiers of Pak-Army.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took over as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) after General Musharraf's retirement on November 28, 2007. General Kayani is the first officer in the history of Pakistan who held the position of DG ISI and then went on to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Presently in Global War on Terror (GWOT), a major and critical role is being played by Pak-Army.

The visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief is highly significant as it is the first visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief to Sri Lanka following the defeat of LTTE in 2009. During the 3 decade long war against LTTE, Pakistan played a crucial and decisive role by assisting the Srilankan Government and the armed forces. The visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief provides an opportunity to the two brotherly countries to exchange expertise and also provide an occasion for further strengthening of future relationship in the present context.

PAKISTAN GREATLY VALUES ITS RELATIONS WITH SRI LANKA

PAKISTAN GREATLY VALUES ITS RELATIONS WITH SRI LANKA.

OUR RELATIONS ARE BASED ON MUTUAL TRUST AND SHARED INTERESTS IN MAINTAINING REGIONAL PEACE, SECURITY AND STABILITY: NAEK

Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka. Our relations are based on mutual trust and shared interests in maintaining regional peace, security and stability. This was stated by Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek while talking to a visiting Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament, H.E. Chamal Rajapaksa and members of his delegation who called on him at the Parliament House here this evening.

The Chairman said Pakistan fully supports the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sri Lanka. Our two countries enjoy commonality of views on regional and international issues and coordinate their positions at the United Nations and SAARC, he added.

            He said Pakistan is against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We are victims of terrorism; we lost our great leader Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto at the hands of terrorists. We have lost thousands of innocent civilians and valiant personnel of the armed forces. Terrorism has badly affected our economy and day to day lives, he further added.                                                     

Chairman expressed happiness that Sri Lankan Government has been able to defeat terrorism. He said, rehabilitation of the victims of violence and unrest is an issue, but I am confident that would be managed successfully.

            He underscored the need for enhanced exchange of Parliamentary delegations between the two countries to promote people-to-people contacts. Such visits will help promote greater cooperation between the two Parliaments, he said. He also appreciated the establishment of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentarians Friendship Association.

While apprising the delegation on the damage and devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan, the Chairman Senate said it is the biggest human tragedy in the history of Pakistan, floods have left the entire agriculture sector in shambles, livestock have been equally devastated, standing crops worth billion of dollar have been destroyed. He said that the victims of this immense tragedy need solidarity, concrete help and assistance from the world community.

On the occasion, the chairman conveyed the appreciation of the Government and people of Pakistan for the flood relief assistance provided by the Government of Sri Lanka.

The Chairman expressed satisfaction over the volume of trade between two countries which has been doubled from US$ 140 million to around US$ 300 million in the last four years. He hoped the figure of US$ 1 billion will be achieved by 2012. He also assured that Pakistan will continue to work towards economic progress of Sri-Lanka.

While talking on the cultural cooperation between the two countries, the Chairman said that the Government of Pakistan attaches great importance to the preservation of the Gandhara heritage, Buddhist relics and sites, as a standing tribute to the shared past of our two nations. He invited a delegation of Buddhist monks and scholars to visit Gandhara sites in Pakistan.

Leader and members of the Sri Lankan delegation thanked the Chairman Senate, Deputy Chairman Senate and Honourable Senators for warm welcome and hospitality extended to them and assured all possible help and assistance in consolidating the Pakistan-Sri Lanka relations.

The meeting was attended by Leader of the House in the Senate, Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari, Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Wasim Sajjad, and Senators Professor Khurshid Ahmed, Raja Muhammad Zafar-ul-Haq, Mrs. Saeeda Iqbal, Mrs. Semeen Yusuf Siddiqui, Mr. Salim Saifullah Khan, Mr. Abbas Khan Afridi, Saleh Shah and Senator-in-Waiting Sardar Ali Khan.

The Sri-Lankan delegation included Mr. A. H. M. Fowzie, Minister of Disaster Management; Al Haj A. H. M. Azwer, MP; Mrs. Kamala Ranatunga, MP; Mrs. Anoma Gamage; Mr. Seeniththamby, MP and Mrs. Vijayakala Maheswaran, MP.

Earlier, Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation who is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Honourable Chairman Senate, Mr. Farooq H. Naek was received by Deputy Chairman Senate, Mir Jan Muhammad Khan Jamali, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi on its arrival at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport, Islamabad.

Later, the Honourable Chairman Senate hosted a dinner in honour of the Speaker Sri Lankan Parliament and Members of his delegation which was attended by Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Honourable Senators, senior government officials and other distinguished guests.

Sri Lanka Election Commissioner rejects 84 applications seeking registration

Sri Lanka Elections Commissioner has rejected 84 applications from political parties sought registration. Elections Commissioner calls for applications for registration of new political parties every January according to the Elections Amendment Act No 58 of 2009.

Additional Commissioner of Elections Mr. W.W. Sumanasiri said that during elections no political party is registered. The applications were last called for in May 2010, a month after the completion of the 2010 Parliamentary General Election.

“Every January we call for application to register new political parties. But when there is an election around it is suspended and within one month of the completion of an election we call for application” Mr Sumanasiri told  to  Media.

Accordingly, he said, his Department called for application in May
2010 after the election of 2010 Parliamentary elections. In between
the Commissioner had exchanged letters with parties sought
registration requesting for necessary documents as per the new
amendment to the Elections Act.

local government polls open on January 20

local government polls open on January 20 Nominations for the 308 dissolved local government bodies will be accepted from January 20 - 27 at relevant District Secretary's offices, Election Department has told the local media.  The Sri Lankan government on Thursday night terminated the term of office for 308 local government bodies out of the total of 330 institutions. Minister of Local government and provincial councils Mr. A.L.M Athaulla had issued the gazette notification in this regard yesterday. Read More:http://www.lankapage.com

Pakistan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association Commemorates Dr. Allama Iqbal, the greatest poet of Pakistan

Pakistan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association Commemorates

Dr. Allama Iqbal, the greatest poet of Pakistan

The Pakistani Philosopher, Sage, and the Great poet, Dr. Allama Iqbal is a living legend in the minds of the people even-though he is no more, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) Leader and Minister of Justice, Rauff Hakeem observed.  Minister Hakeem noted that Dr Allama Iqbal is a visionary in his day who foreseen the creation of Pakistan for the Muslim community which suffered enough under the colonial subjugation. Hakeem described Allama Iqbal as the philosopher of the 19th century.

The messages of the fame and yeoman service rendered by Dr. Allama Iqbal has reached even the tiny hamlets in Sri Lanka. Minister Hakeem said naming a village on Kantale Muttur road as Iqbal Nagar and another village as Asath Nagar is testimony to his legacy. Several books of Allama Iqbal have been translated in to various languages, Minister Hakeem added.  Addressing the Allama Iqbal day celebrations and the prize giving ceremony of Pakistan Essay Competition organized by the Pakistan - Sri Lanka Friendship Association, he said in today’s context Muslims need to get the trust of the majority community. Hence the thoughts of Allama guide us in this regards he further added.

Mr. Hakim who took part in the deliberations as the Chief Guest has further noted that, Dr. Allama Iqbal’s fame remains among the Muslims who live in countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia. In his poems he expressed the needs of the Muslims. In today’s context Muslims need to get the trust of the majority community. Hence the thoughts of Allama provide guidance in this regards he further added.

The winners of the Pakistan Essay competition received SL Rs. 10,000, Rs. 6000, and Rs 4000 as 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd positions respectively. These prizes were given to the successful winners in each of the categories of English, Sinhala and Tamil languages.

Addressing the event the Attorney General Mohan Peiris said that at the very outset Iqbal showed a remarkable leaning towards philosophy that had caught the attention of his teacher, Sir Arnold who took him to Cambridge University for higher education. Later went to Munich University in Germany from where he earned a PhD for his work on metaphysics.  Iqbal was an awakener of humanity. His message is universal and to the entire humanity. His rank among the immortals of history is unquestionable.  He holds the same place in the line of the world's greatest poets as has been held by Homer, Jalaludeen Rumi, Dante, Shakespeare, Milton and Goethe. The poet of Iqbal is a contribution to human thought and an embodiment of definite mission that is noble innovating.

While speaking on the occasion the Counsellor of Pakistani High Commission, Kaiser Chaudhary said that Allama Iqbal the academician, politician, lawyer, social reformer and a thinker, stressed the integrity not only in the country but also with every nation in the world.  Iqbal’s message of ‘Khudi’ (self actualization), ‘Mard – e - Momen; (The true Muslim) and Shaheen (The Eagle) Is so deep that each and every sense require lot of deliberation to understand the real meanings. But Iqbal’s message is not for the Muslims only. His vision about democracy, his message to the youth, his advice for national integration and his messages on many other aspects of life are for all the people and all the nations. He was not only a philosopher but also a politician and a social activist. He played conspicuous service not only to literacy but also to politics, he added.

Pakistan-Sri Lanka trade to reach US $ 500 m

(30.11.2010)       US $ 250 m export credit line to Sri Lanka:Anjana Samarasinghe and Charumini de SilvaThe Trade between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is to reach US $ 0.5 billion within the next five years. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari addressing the Sri Lanka - Pakistan Business Forum 2010 yesterday said the two countries have had a good relationship as good friends and partners in the region.

“With the restoration of peace; the sky is the limit for Sri Lanka. This is a unique situation for Sri Lanka to recover. Sri Lanka will recover gradually and Pakistan will sincerely assist Sri Lanka,” he said.

He also called for a barter trade with Sri Lanka rather than depending on dollar-denominated trade.

SRI LANKA SIGNS FOUR AGREEMENTS TO INCREASE TRADE AND INVESTMENTS WITH PAKISTAN.

SRI LANKA SIGNS FOUR AGREEMENTS TO INCREASE TRADE AND INVESTMENTS WITH PAKISTAN.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan signed four agreements yesterday to enhance trade and investments between the two countries.  The Agreements were signed in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the visiting Pakistani President Mr. Asif Ali Zardari.  These agreements cover Visa abolition for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports, Memorandum of Understanding on Agricultural Cooperation, Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters, and Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Arts and Creative Studies between National College of Arts  of Pakistan and University of Visual and Performing Arts of Sri Lanka.

The signing of agreements was preceded by bilateral talks between the Sri Lankan and Pakistani delegations which focused on increasing trade and investment between the two countries, and cooperation in fields such as defence, agriculture, health and education. 
President Rajapaksa stated that it was a good omen that the Pakistani President was the first state leader to visit Sri Lanka after the swearing in of his second term of office. He expressed his appreciation for the support given by Pakistan during Sri Lanka's war against terrorism. 
President Rajapaksa also stated that he hoped Pakistan would recover soon from the devastation caused by floods and come out stronger. He noted that the two countries have common positions on many matters at regional and multilateral forums and relations can be strengthened through the Sri Lanka - Pakistan Parliamentarians' Friendship Association
Pakistani President responded stating that he can feel Sri Lanka's pain as he too is a victim of terrorism. The Pakistani President recalled the unfortunate incident the Sri Lanka cricket team had to face in Pakistan and said that culprits have been punished. The Pakistani President also stated that he has instructed relevant authorities to resume Pakistan International Airline flights to Sri Lanka and is discussing the establishment of a branch of the Pakistan National Bank in Sri Lanka. He added that Pakistan looks forward to Sri Lanka being a foremost tourist destination in the world. 
The Sri Lankan delegation included Ministers Prof. G. L. Peiris, Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Bandula Gunawardena, T B Ekanayake, A H M Fowzie, Basil Rajapaksa, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunge, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Treasury Secretary P B Jayasundara and other officials. 
The Pakistani delegation included the Minister of Defence, C H Ahmad Mukhar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Makhdoom Qureshi, Minister of Finance/ Sindh Provicne Sayed Murad Ali Shah, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Ms. Seema Baloch, Military Secretary to the President Brig. Syed Muhammad Adnan and other government and High Commission officials. 

Pakistan President Asif Ali Sardari's SRI LANKA TOUR

Pakistan President Asif Ali Sardari's  SRI  LANKA  TOUR

Pakistan President Asif Ali Sardari arrived in Sri Lanka this evening in a special flight on a four-day official visit from November 27-30.

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed his Pakistani counterpart at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport.

Sri Lanka Army held an honor guard to welcome the Pakistan President.

Indian Credit line for Northern Railway

USD 416 Million Indian Credit line for Northern Railway

A Credit Agreement for USD 416 million for the construction of the Northern Railway line was signed between India and Sri Lanka .

This was signed in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and India's Minister of External Affairs, S M Krishna who arrived Thursday evening on a three day oficial visit to Sri Lanka. During the visit of Indian Minister two Indian consulates will be opened in Hambantota and Jaffna today and tomorrow respectively while a plaque with regard to
the Northern Railway is to be unveiled tomorrow. The ground breaking ceremony for the housing project will also take place in Ariyalai tomorrow.

The Managing Director of Exim Bank of India, Mr. Nadeem Panjetan signed the agreement for the Indian side while the Treasury Secretary P B Jayasundara signed for the Sri Lankan side.

The construction of the railway line will be carried out in three segments, from Madhu to Talaimannar, Madawachchiya to Madhu and Omantai to Palaly.

In addition, letters were exchanged between Treasury Secretary P B Jayasundara and the Indian High Commissioner, Ashok Kantha for the first phase of the 50,000 housing project for the IDPs funded by India, after the meeting between the President and the Indian Minister.

Initially 1000 houses will be constructed in a cluster format on land given by the Sri Lanka government.

The meeting between President Rajapaksa and the Indian External Affairs Minister was cordial and friendly where Minister Krishna felicitated the President on his assumption of duties for the second term.

It was decided that Kapilawasthu relics will be brought from India to Sri Lanka next May for the 2600 Sambudda Jayanthi celebrations.

The discussion was mainly based on the follow up of the Joint Declaration between India and Sri Lanka when President  Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India in June this year, which the Indian Minister termed as a landmark visit.

The President informed the Indian External Affairs Minister about the resettlement of IDPs which is progressing rapidly.

The Indian Minister noted that the two countries have a historic relationship with a conducive atmosphere to strengthen those relations. He added that the two countries have the ability to discuss any issue in a constructive manner and the President endorsed these sentiments.
                                                                                                          
Both sides expressed satisfaction on Sri Lanka's post-conflict reconstruction and economic progress.

The Indian delegation included the External Affairs Minister, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Indian High Commissioner. The Sri Lankan delegation included Prof. G L Peiris, External Affairs Secretary Romesh Jayasinghe, Treasury Secretary P B Jayasundara, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga and Minister for Power and Energy, Champika Ranawaka.