Queen of Sinhala cinema, Malani Fonseka is to receive the Rajatha Mayura award at 39th International Indian Film Festival

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.

Previously, the film `Gamperaliya` was awarded `Ran Mayura` award at the International Indian Film Festival earlier.

http://akasakusum.blogspot.com/2008/03/malani-fonseka-returns-to-akasa-kusum.html

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

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 to www.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 implements youth 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 ceremony that 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

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

World news 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

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 Minister Shah 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.

The attackers "non-state actors says President Zardari

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

Pakistan Government’s point of view is very clear that we want peace in the region-Sherry Rehman

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. Source:High Commission of Colombo

President meets Pope

President meets Pope


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.

China assures full support to Pakistan

China assures full support to Pakistan

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.

Pakistan president Zardari assures India of full cooperation in investigating Mumbai terror attacks

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.

Source: High Commission office in Colombo

Good relations with India in Pakistan’s interest: Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

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.

Sri lanka journalists team leaving for Pakistan on a special media tour

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.

Today is World AIDS Day

Today is World AIDS Day

Today(1st December) is the World AIDS Day, a day especially set aside for awareness creation on what is arguably the world's deadliest disease.
This is also an occasion to remember the victims of AIDS and to educate the general public on the causes of the disease as well as methods of prevention.

The World AIDS Day also focuses on generating a more understanding and sympathetic society regarding victims. It is estimated that over 33 million people live with HIV/AIDS the world over, with 90% of reported cases being in developing countries. Over 2.1 million children under the age of 15 are said to be living with HIV/AIDS. It is also estimated that at least 4000 Sri Lankans live with AIDS

President mahinda rajapaksa arrived in ROME

Sri Lanka President arrived ROME

President Mahinda Rajapaksha arrived for oneday visit to Rome in Italy on 30th. SriLankan Ambassador Mr.Hemantha Warnakulasooriya welcome President and Madam Shiranthi Rajapakshe at Fumicino Intenational Airport. Foreign Minister Mr.Rohitha Bogollagama, Mrs.Warnakulasooriya also in the pictures

Presidnet meet XVI Pope Benedict

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is expected to meet XVI Pope Benedict at the Vatican today (01) at 9.00 pm Sri Lankan time during the brief visit to Italy.

H.E. The President will leave on a four day official visit to Turkey afterwards.(PIX: Sudth Silva)

USA extended the ban on LTTE

USA extended the ban on LTTE

US extended the ban on LTTE for five more years since it considers it as a terror organization.US first banned LTTE in 1997 and it was extended in 2003 for fivemore years until 2008. US State Department has informed the Colombo US ambassador that the ban will be effect until 2013.India also banned LTTE for two years recently.

TMVP boycotts All Party Conference

TMVP boycotts All Party Conference

Tamil People's Liberation Tigers (TMVP) has decided to boycott future meetings of All Party Conference in protest of the rapid increase of killings in the Eastern province charging that the government is responsible for the situation.

TMVP Secretary E. Kaileswararajah has informed this decision i writing to the Chairman of the All Party Representative Committee Thissa Vitharana.

Previously Karuna Amman participated in the deliberations of the All Party Representative Committee but the TMVP says that his future participations will not be party representation.

Maharashtra Chief minister also resign

Maharashtra Chief Minister also resign

Vilasrao Deshmukh said he was awaiting a Congress party decision. His deputy, RR Patil, has already resigned.

Correspondents say there are calls for more resignations amid questions over whether all the gunmen have been found.

Attackers with guns and bombs targeted multiple locations from Wednesday, killing at least 172 people.

On Monday, Mumbai began to return to normal with markets and schools open and heavy traffic on the streets.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief minister resign

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister resign

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh on Monday to own up moral responsibility for the Mumbai terror siege that killed at least 183 people.

"Patil tendered his resignation to Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh in the morning owning up moral responsibility for the Mumbai attack," Patil's aide said.

"He has gone by his conscience and decided to step down," the aide said.

Patil, who was also the state Home Minister, had drawn flak for his remark that "small incidents like this do happen in big cities," a reference to the Mumbai terror attack that began on Wednesday and went on till Saturday.

Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil resigns

Indian Home minister Shivraj Patil, under tremendous criticism over a spate of terrorist attacks in the country since last year, has resigned from his post in the wake of the Mumbai terror strikes. Patil has said that he felt obliged to take "moral responsibility" for the brutal attacks in Mumbai, an official government source said.

Finance minister P Chidambaram will take over as the new home minister and the finance ministry will now be under the direct charge of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

National Security Advisor Narayanan also resigns

India’s National Security Advisor, M.K. Narayanan handed in his resignation today following the lead of Minister of Home Affairs Shivraj Patel. Both faced heavy criticism for the handling of the Mumbai terrorist situation as well as previous terror attacks hitting a string of major Indian cities.

Sri lanka Army captured kokavil

Sri lanka Army captured kokavil

After 28 years Army gained full control over this area
Troops of Sri Lanka Army 57 division today (Dec 1) reached long awaited milestone on1 their march into terrorist dens in Wanni with the liberation of the Kokavil town.

According to the battlefield sources, troops launched an offensive early last morning extending their forward boundaries towards east of the A-9 (Jaffna-Kandy) road. Infantrymen of the 57 division first reached the A-9 at a location few kilometers north of the Kokavil town and then turned the thrust southwards destroying all remaining LTTE strongholds down to Mankulam.

This is the first time after 28 years Army gained full control over this area, the sources added.