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Volume 1, Issue IV

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

25th September 2012

Philippine Sri Lanka Business Council

Sri Lanka at the 16th NAM Summit in Tehran


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t is indeed reassuring to note that the impact of the global financial crisis has been minimal in many of our countries in the South due to lessons from previous crises and the sagacity with which we managed our economies. I take modest pride in the fact that Sri Lanka is one of the economies in Asia where impressive successes have been recorded during these turbulent times, the President said at the 16th NAM Summit in Tehran.
Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran & Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, At the outset, I express deepest sympathies for the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquakes that occurred a few weeks ago in North Western Iran. I wish the people of Iran a speedy recovery from this unfortunate natural disaster. I am pleased to be in this magnificent city again, this time with the brethren of the Non-Aligned Movement. I take this opportunity to thank the Government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the meticulous organization of this event, and gracious hospitality extended to me and my delegation. While warmly welcoming President Ahmadinejad as the new Chair of NAM, I wish to acknowledge the extensive contribution made by Iran to the Movement over the years. I am confident that under his able leadership the work of NAM will continue to flourish. I also offer my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Morsy, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, for their impressive initiatives to the NAM in its capacity as Chair from 2009 to 2012. Sri Lanka is pleased to welcome the Republic of Fiji and the Republic of Azerbaijan as the newest Members into the NAM family. The admission of these two Members into our fold, brings added strength and diversity to us, and clearly establishes the relevance of NAM in the global arena. We strongly advocate solidarity among NAM countries, especially now. Mr. Chairman, We are living through challenging times and the theme for this Summit, Lasting Peace through Joint Global Governance is particularly pertinent. It is through joint global action that we will be able to address many of theses challenges. While the world is still grappling with one of the worst financial crises in memory, we continue to be confronted by an array of difficulty issues; ranging from global warming, food crisis, demands of energy access, terrorism, widespread poverty, cyber security and threats to the security of States. The situation in the Middle East causes also serious concern. Our deliberations here must focus on developing practical policy, through the multilateral framework, and pragmatic approaches to deal with these complex issues. Mr. Chairman, Many of us attended the Rio+20 Summit in June this year, with the hope of securing policy outcomes, seeking to address the sheer range of environmental and developmental concerns. While the results may have been less than expected, it has provided a solid foundation to develop pragmatic policy approaches, in dealing with these pressing challenges. We look forward to continuing discussions in this
cont. p.7 - 16th NAM Summit... H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, President of Sri Lanka

Donation to flood affected in Manila

Travel Life Cover Story

Special Supplement

Towards Lasting Peace & Stability

Deepika Priyadarshani for Gusi International Peace Award

A NEW ERA OF RECONCILIATION - NEW ERA OF RELATIONS


SRI LANKA HEADS OF MISSIONS MEETING JULY 06-07 2012 - DIYATHALAWA
workshop to apprise the Sri Lan kas Foreign Envoys abroad on the rapid development work taking place in Sri Lanka, specially in North Eastern provinces during the post war era was held in Diyathalawa from 06-07 July 2012. President Mahinda Rajapaksa delivering the keynote address envisioned the Sri Lankan envoys on the need of the day to overcome all kind of challenges in protecting and uplifting image of our motherland in the international arena. Among the other salient points the President deliberated on drawing foreign investment and further promoting Sri Lanka as a unique destination for tourism this special workshop. It was the expectation of the country that while fostering bilateral rela-

Dhamma Sermon

tions with the host governments the Heads of Missions should ensure the welfare of the Sri Lankan communities resident in the host countries and encourage them to contribute for na-

Street Food Festival

Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs Sri Lanka

tional development. Towards achieving these objectives the staff of all the Sri Lanka Missions abroad should unite and work together in harmony. The Heads of Missions should bear direct responsibility to ensure such affairs in our Missions abroad, the president stressed. We won an important hurdle in 2009, nevertheless we must won the whole series of this competition, the President laid emphasis on the remaining challenges in order to improve the quality of life of all our fellow citizens. The ruthless war that devastated our lives for nearly thirty years was concluded and life has been restored in the war affected areas substantially. No more emergency laws, no high security zones, no check points or road barriers, no landmines or bus bombs and

no more refugee camps in Sri Lanka. This is our message to the international community today. Look at this phenomena of peace dawned to all the peoples of Sri Lanka in contrast to the thousands of lives lost, families deserted, children became orphans, farmers lost lively hoods and waste their energy in unproductive refugee camps, children lost their education and the national wealth poured on a disastrous and futile war. Since 2009 we have managed to maintain the economic growth at 8%. The rehabilitation and redevelopment programmes undertaken in the war affected northern and eastern areas accounts for a 22% growth rate during a period of three years, one of the highcont. p. 7 - A NEW ERA

E - m a i l : s l e m b m a n i l a @ p l d t d s l . n e t We b s i t e : w w w. s l e m b m a n i l a . p h Phone No: (632) 812--0124 (632) 812-0125 Fax No: (632) 812-0126

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Philippines Sri Lanka Business Council

he embassy of Sri Lanka in Manila initiated a vigorous programme since 2010 to introduce Sri Lanka to the Philippines as an investment opportunities fertile land and also to strengthen and uplift the trade relation between the two countries. Since then, the Philippine-Sri Lanka relations kept growing at a steady pace. Both countries being recognized as an Emerging Market Economies, it is an important juncture for both countries to strengthen the existing trade relations and explore into different markets that could offer more opportunities. In this backdrop, the mission in Manila under the guidance of H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray initiated the establishment of a Phil-

ippine-Sri Lanka Business Council which is envisioned to uplift the trade relations between Sri Lanka and the Philippines.The preliminary meeting was held on the 24th of July 2012 where more than 50 participants from the Business community was present at the official residence of H.E. the Ambassador of Sri Lanka.H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray in his welcome speech highlighted the importance of the establishment of this institute that would instigate the bi-lateral trade between the two countries. Professor of East Asia and Pacific University Dr. Bernardo Villegas, who was also the head of the Business delegation that visited Sri Lanka last May 24th,

H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, addressing the gathering

delivered the key note address.In his speech, Dr. Bernardo Villegas shared his experience on his visit to Sri Lanka and pointed out that is a timely call to venture out to nontraditional markets as it is a well known secret about the economic calamities in Europe and Japan who have been traditional markets of Asia since antiquity. This is more than enough a reason to forge new partnerships with non-traditional partners, said Dr. Bernardo Villegas.In conclusion, he deliberated on the shared potential of coconut industry in Philippine-Sri Lanka and also emphasized the importance of investing in sectors such as infrastructure, tourism and Ayurvedic medicare. During the course of the meeting the interim committee was appointed. Ambassador Jose Romero as Chairman, Dr. Michael Parimalan as the Vice Chairman, and Mr. Harish Athauda as the Secretary. Concluding the first meeting H.E. the Ambassador thanked the gathering for being present and showing their support for this step towards the strengthening of bilateral trade relation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. The followup meeting to establish the Philippine-Sri Lanka Business Council was held with

Standing from left to right, Mr. Sirimewan Dawulagala (Counsellor), Ambassador Yujuico Benedicto (Pres. CACCI), Ambassador Jose Romero (Chairman, Phil-Sri Lanka Business Council) H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray (Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Philippines), Atty. Miguel Varela (Pres. PCCI), Dr. Michael Parimalan (Vice Chairman Phil-Sri Lanka Business Council), Mr. Ananda Athauda (Secretary Phil-Sri Lanka Business Couincil), Ms. Ruwani Cooray (Second Secretary)

the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry on 29th August .H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, officials of the Embassy, interim committee of Philippine-Sri Lanka Business Council paid a courtesy call to Attorney Miguel Varela, President of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. At the meeting President Miguel Varela, stressed that the initiation of this trade channel is praise worthy at this juncture of enhancing bilateral trade relation between Sri Lanka and the Philippines. The meeting concluded with the decision of electing a permanent executive body and regulating the functions of the Business Council during the exclusive Sri Lanka Trade Promotion forum, A Glimpse of Sri Lanka its Economy and Market Potentials on 8th October 2012.

Dr. Bernardo Villegas, Professor of East Asia and Pacific University, delivering the keynote speech

Donation to flood affected in Manila

Travel Life Cover Story

he city of Manila was inun dated due to Habagat rain that poured down into the streets of Manila for 8 consecutive days. The city of Manila and its

livelihood came to a stand still due to this calamity. Private Organizations, Resident ForeignEmbassies in the Philippines and many more came

forward to help the people of Manila. Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines was one of them that rendered a helping hand. The Mission with the coordi-

nation of the Wisdom Foundation donated dry rations to 50 families. Ven. Keselpotha Maithree Thero was also a witness to this generous act of the Mission.

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ravel Life Magazine the best selling Travel Magazine of the Philippines issued an eighteen paged cover story on Sri Lanka. Ms. Christine Cunanan, Travel Life publisher handed a copy of the magazine to H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, Ambassador of Sri Lanka, at the Embassy premises and emphasized that this is the biggest cover story ever done from the Travel Life Magazine. H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray thanked the publisher of Travel Life Magazine for their support in promoting Sri Lanka Tourism in the Philippines and for airing video documentaries on Sri Lanka on Living Asia Channel that was produced during their visits to Sri Lanka. H. E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray expressed that Travel Life Magazine has always been a close friend of Sri Lanka and wished to continuate for Sri Lanka Promotional activities organized by the Embassy in future as well.

Ven Keselpotha Maithree Thero and H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray, giving away the donation.

Ms. Cristine Cunanan presenting a copy of Sri Lanka Cover Story of Travel Life Magazine to H.E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray

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Message of H. E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray


Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Manila
strengthen existing bilateral relations between the two countries through 1st Sri Lanka Trade, Investment & Tourism Promotion Forum a two day event held at Dusit Thani Hotel in Manila with the participation of more than 400 distinguished partners from both Sri Lanka and the Philippines. Thus, the long march started in July 2010 has strengthened economic relations during the past two years, paving way for several successful business delegations to exchange visits between Manila and Colombo finally discovering the potentials for a sound trade and economic partnership between the two countries. Among the business and media delegations visited Sri Lanka with the undertaking of this strategic awareness campaign, I am happy to place in record the contributions by Mr. Glen Gale of Manila Times-Foreign Column, Ms. Christeen Cunanan Editor in Chief and the media crew of Travelife Magazine and the Business Delegation headed by Dr. Bernardo Villegas of Asia Pacific University. They have created a land mark impact on our people to people contacts by giving due prominence to Sri Lankan Affairs through their humble presentations to the general public in the Philippines. At this juncture I wish to recall the guidance and patronage received from all the distinguished including Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development of Sri Lanka, Hon. Professor G.L. Peiris Minister of External Affairs, Hon. Neomal Perera Deputy Minister of External Affairs of Sri Lanka as well. I am equally grateful to all the Philippine Government officials, especially of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of Trade and Industries for their guidance and unreserved support during our promotional efforts in the host country. Also I thank Atty. Miguel Varela, President of the Philippine Chambers of Commerce and Industries and his officials and also all other trade Chambers in Sri Lanka and the Philippines in making this event a great success. Before conclusion, I cordially invite all the interested business entrepreneurs to visit the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Expo where you will have a glimpse of Sri Lanka through elegant presentations by the Sri Lanka Tourism promotion Bureau and to witness the quality Sri Lankan products such as gems and jewellery, apparels & clothings, Batiks and paintings and confectioneries etc; while meeting Sri Lankan business partners for B2B meetings. Also at the pavilion, the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka will present you with the latest investment opportunities in Sri Lanka in mega development projects and highly attractive investment benefits for the foreign investor which includes full ownership of foreign companies under BOI approved projects and fifteen year tax holidays for the investments etc; You all are most welcome to the Sri Lanka Pavilion and Business Conference at the 38th Philippine Business Conference and Expo. Thank You.

H. E. Nawalage Bennet Cooray

t is a great privilege for me to send this felicitation message to the members of business communities in both Sri Lanka and the Philippines and all other friends and well wishers of Sri Lanka at the launch of A Glimpse of Sri Lanka Its Economy and Market Potentials 8th-11th October, 2012 co-sponsored by the Export Development

Board of Sri Lanka and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Guided by Mahinda Chinthanaya concept of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa President of Sri Lanka the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Manila embarked upon a fast tracked Sri Lanka Promotional programme in 2010 to

Message of Chairman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board


port equipments, industrial & surgical gloves of rubber, products of plastics, tea packets, tableware & kitchenware, woven fabrics and processed food were the major exports to the Philippine in 2011. Major imports to Sri Lanka from Philippine included confectionary & bakery products, paper products, perfumes, cosmetics, shampoos & makeup preparations, products of plastics, natural sands, activated carbon, products of base metal, wadding gauze, bandages & similar pharmaceutical articles, automatic data processing machines, articles of stones. These facts demonstrate business potentials for both countries. I hope this event will generate new business avenues for both the Sri Lankan and the Philippines businessmen. I wish to extend my best wishes to the organizers of this mega Expo and the businessmen of Sri Lanka and the Philippines all success in their endeavors.

Message of Hon. Minister of Industry and Commerce I


t gives me great pleasure to send this message on the occasion of Sri Lankas participation at the 38th Philippine Business Conference & Expo and the Sri Lanka Business Forum in Manila, Philippines from 8th 11th October 2012. This is the 51st year since Philippines and Sri Lanka established their formal diplomatic relations. The bilateral trade volumes have been growing over the years and the trade balance

Rishad Bathiudeen M.P.


Minister of Industry & Commerce of Sri Lanka

Janaka Rathnayake Chairman &Chief Executive Export Development Board

have the pleasure of sending this message on the occasion of Sri Lankas participation for the first time at the 38th Philippine Business Conference & Expo. It is timely that a focused Sri Lanka Business Forum anchoring the theme of A Glimpse of Sri Lanka Its Economy and Market Potentials in Manila, Philippines. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the apex government body for the development and promotion of Sri Lankas exports to the world which comes under the Ministry of Industry & Commerce in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Manila has played a key role in making Sri Lankas presence at this program. Sri Lankas total export to the Philippines was US$ 9.4 Mn, while total trade between Philippines and Sri Lanka was US $ 33 Mn in 2011. Garments, pneumatic & retreated rubber tyres & tubes, trans-

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board # 42, NDB-EDB Building, Nawam Mawatha, Colombo 2 Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11-2300705 to 11, Fax +94-11-2300715 Website: www.srilankabusiness.com
E-mail: chairman@edb.tradenetsl.lk

stands in favor of Philippines as a result of high value imports to Sri Lanka from Philippines. The Export Development Board of Sri Lanka, functioning under my Ministry, is spearheading the export and market diversification thrust as envisioned by HE the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa and I believe that 38th Philippine Business Conference & Expo is a timely opportunity for Sri Lanka and Philippines to explore new opportunities in this regard. Sri Lanka, with its strategic logistical positioning and a resurgent economy, has been identified a Global Growth Generator (3G) Country by the global banking giant Citi Bank. More importantly, it is the gateway to South Asia. I have no doubts whatsoever that this event is an important platform for business and investment communities of both countries to showcase their products and services to each other and explore bilateral opportunities and synergies in trade, investment and tourism between the two historic friends thereby the Philippine business and investment community is able to leverage advantage of establishing in the gateway to South Asia. I also believe that developing and the strengthening bilateral trade and investments and examining ways to strengthen existing trade integrations such ASEAN will pave way for Sri Lanka to realize such policy objectives. To this end, I wish to congratulate and acknowledge the role played by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Manila in jointly initiating and hosting this milestone event. I wish the 38th Philippine Business Conference & Expo and the Sri Lanka Business Forum in Manila all success.

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course of these three days, all of the participants will have the opportunity to learn about the strategies adopted by the Government of Sri Lanka in addressing its post conflict development challenges. I particularly encourage the foreign delegates to make full use of their time here to interact with and learn from the people who were instrumental in our post-war efforts. I am confident you will learn a great deal of value from their experiences. Furthering on the theme selected for this year seminar, the Defence secretary told that the Government of Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable progress on all this fronts during a remarkably short span of three years. During the course of this address, he briefly discussed on each of the post war challenges and outlined the ways in which they were dealt with. The most pressing issue that needed to be addressed was insuring the wellbeing of the civilians who had been displaced from their homes. As the war progressed, the LTTE moved people out of their towns and villages and retreated to its strong holds near the Northeastern coasts. By the time the war ended with the LTTEs defeat, 295,873 internally displaced people were left in the governments care. They could not return home because their towns and villages were no longer safe for human occupation. As it retreated the LTTE had large quantities of anti tank mines and many different types of improvised explosive devices in the areas it left behind. Demining those areas swiftly and resettling the internally displaced was a significant challenge for the state. While relocating the IDPs, the primary focus of the rehabilitation and reintegration programme was to equip the former LTTE cadres with alternative means to a meaningful existence. It was felt that the best way to deradicalise these individuals was by granting them the chance to become productive members of society who had no reason to feel marginalized or insignificant. A preliminary report on research conducted about the rehabilitation programme by Dr. Kruglanski and Dr. Gelfland of the University of Maryland, College Park, in the USA, has indicated that even hard-core ex-LTTE cadres have undergone a significant reduction in their support for violence. The more the beneficiaries built up a rapport with the staff members and guards at the rehabilitation centres, the less likely they were to support the violence they believed in while they with the LTTE. These finding are not only very encouraging from the point of view of restoring normalcy in Sri Lanka, but they also vindicate the approach adopted by the Government towards rehabilitation and reintegration. This approach has been extremely generous. Most of these cadres who were beneficiaries of rehabilitation and reintegration were involved in attacks against Armed Forces personnel on the field of battle. Some may also have participated in atrocities against civilians. As a result, the normal response by the state would have been to keep them in detention and prosecute them. Indeed, this has been the practice in most post-conflict situations. However, His Excellency the President had a very different view. Instead of prosecuting the majority

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TOWARDS LASTING PEACE AND STABILITY


Lanka to reconciliation can be gauged through this fact. Further, Mr. Gotabaya noted that great deal of work has been done by the military to help the civilians. As the people of the North and East resume their day-to-day lives in a peaceful and stable Sri Lanka, they do so with fully restored democratic freedoms, greatly improved standards of living and with unrestricted opportunities to make a better future for themselves. I have every confidence that as a result of the many beneficial developments that have taken place since the end of the war, there will be no space for the reemergence of our previous problems. He also expressed that, Sri Lankas journey during the three years since the dawn of peace has seen the country transform itself from a nation at war to a country that is amongst the most peaceful, stable and secure in the world. The unwavering commitment and resolve of the Government to swiftly implement measures for Reconstruction, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Reconciliation has laid the foundation for a prosperous future for all our citizens, irrespective of their diversity and differences. Closing his remarks Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, expressed that I have every confidence that as we step forward into this brighter future, we will do so together as Sri Lankans. That is the greatest accolade that can be paid to the success of Sri Lankas post-conflict development; that will be our legacy to future generations. (Please refer www.slembmanila.ph for full speech)

Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa

ddressing the gathering as the key note speaker during the Second Fefence seminar organized by Sri Lanka Army,under the team of Towards Lasting Peace and Stability, Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa welcomed all distinguished delegates who have come from many countries around the world to attend this event. Sri Lanka today is one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world. It is a country in the midst of a national revival. How this transformation has been achieved is at the heart of this seminar. During the

I have every confidence that as we Step forward into this brighter future, We will do so together as Sri Lankans
Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa Secretary Defence , Sri Lanka

DEEPIKA PRIYADARSHANI PEIRIS, POPULAR SRI LANKAN VOCALIST HAS BEEN LISTED FOR GUSI INTERNATIONAL PEACE AWARD IN THE PHILIPPINES.

eople to People contacts be tween Sri Lanka and the Philippines has been thriving in the wake of the cultural sector promotional programmes launched by the Sri Lanka Mission in Manila during the past few years. Encouraging such relations between the two countries during this period has paved way for flourishing bilateral relating in all other spheres as well successfully. In this context the Mission is pleased to announce the listing of popular Sri Lankan vocalist Ms. Deepika Priyadarshani Peiris for a prestigious Gusi International Peace Award for 2012 among several other elite personalities from all over the world. Deepika has been recognized for her talents and also for the services to the Sri Lankan music, according to the Gusi Peace Foundation in Manila. During her professional life of more than two decades she demonstrated her unique talents through her singing and Sri Lankan songs, Saroja has become memorable for the public in view of Deepikas performance. She has been honored with more than twenty highest local and international awards so far. For the first time, Deepika was introduced to the Philippine audience attending the three day anniversary programme held in Manila from 21-23 September, 2011 to mark the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries. During this performance, among the fascinated audience were Ambassador Barry Gusi the President of the Gusi Peace Foundation, Madam Dr. Evelyn Gusi and also Ms. Christine Cunanan the Editor in Chief of Travelife Magazine of the Philippines. En-

of the cadres, he insisted that they be rehabilitated and reintegrated to society as fast as possible. He understood that these former cadres had been misled by the LTTE, and that they needed an opportunity to be guided onto the correct path. As a result of this vision, the vast majority of cadres were rehabilitated and released to society in just two years. That is a truly remarkable achievement. Nowhere else in the world have enemy combatants been treated with such generosity and rehabilitated at such speed. The sincere commitment of His Excellency the President and the Government of Sri

Dhamma Sermons conducted by Ven. Maithree Thero in Manila


Sri Lankan vocalist Ms. Deepika Priyadarshanee Peiris

thralled by her performance the Travelife Magazine arranged a special public performance for Deepika to sing for an exclusive Travelife audience in Manila towards the end of her tour in September, 2011. Among the other nominees for the Gusi Peace Foundation Awards 2012 are Mr. Kenneth Kauanda an Ex-President of Zambia, A Royal Princess from Thailand, several famous doctors excelled in their professions who have been dedicated for the humanitarian services and also Chief Justices, musicians and TV personalities from several other countries. The awarding ceremony will be held on 28th November, 2012 in Manila. While congratulating Deepika for this memorable achievement, the Sri Lanka Embassy in Manila recalls with great appreciation the good gesture by the Gusi Peace Foundation to honour another Sri Lankan Major General Mahinda Hathurasinghe for the first time with the same peace award, who was also a merit awardee of the Gold Medal by the Philippine Defence College in 2010.

STREET FOOD FESTIVAL


Embassy of Sri Lanka is joining hands with the Asia Society once again for a street food Promotion. Hoppers and Tea, a Sri Lankan delight and a popular street food would be a new experience to the Philippine food lovers. The Programme is scheduled for 9th and 10th November, 2012 with the participation of local as well as Resident Foreign Embassies in the Philippines where a variety of delicacies will be available for food lovers at a lower rate. This occasion is a rare and unique experience to all. Therefore, the mission invites all food lovers to come and enjoy this moment! Come join us on November 9th and 10th at Midnight Mercato, Fort Bonifacio from 7.00 10.30 p.m.

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from page 1 - 16th NAM Summit...

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grammes we have been addressing rural poverty alleviation and ensuring food security respectively. We are ready to share our experiences in this regard with other countries, as our achievements are for all. Mr. Chairman, We are still burdened seriously disadvantaged by the weight of the global crisis that originated in the financial hubs of the world. In many cases, financial markets and economies operated irresponsibly, bringing calamity to millions of lives, and disrupting the social fabric putting at risk, the future of the young. Unemployment and debt remain unsustainably high casting doubts on a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, developing countries still continue to get policy prescriptions from these very countries where economies and financial markets have been mismanaged. It is of the greatest importance to ensure that the proposed solutions do not impose unjustifiable burdens on developing nations. It is indeed reassuring Mr. Chairman, to note that the impact of the global financial crisis has been minimal in many of our countries in the South due to lessons from previous crises and the sagacity with which we managed our economies. I take modest pride in the fact that Sri Lanka is one of the economies in Asia where impressive successes have been recorded during these turbulent times. Mr. Chairman, This leads to the pressing need to re-structure the global financial architecture. Global financial institutions must reflect the changes in the international arena today. In the face of numerous challenges, not only are many developing countries managing their economies successfully, but global financial power has also been shifting from the industrialized North to the power houses of the South. It is time that this shift begins to be reflected in the global structures. Mr. Chairman, The security of nations is another imperative that needs to be addressed. While, the United Nations has successfully helped to avoid a global war in the last 66 years, regional conflicts and strife continue to mar the international landscape. The world continues to be confronted by the threat of globalized terrorism closely associated with organized crime, as well as non-traditional threats by transnational criminal cartels that impede the socio-economic progress of mankind. Sri Lanka continues to support multilateral efforts to enhance peace and security, and eliminate all forms of terrorism. Sri Lanka was fortunate to have ended the terrorist challenge three years ago, largely through its own efforts. I strongly believe that ending a threat of this nature and overcoming the challenges in its aftermath requires a homegrown, people based approach, as in the case of my country. Similarly, the international community must support countries facing the threat of terrorism. There can be no double standards or the selective application of standards and principles, if we are to eliminate this menace. We also uphold the principle that sovereignty must be respected and equal treatment accorded to all. Noninterference in the internal affairs of States, as clearly reflected in the UN Charter and the principles of NAM, must remain an abiding principle to be followed in spirit and letter. Mr. Chairman, Finally, after over six decades, it is regretted that the Palestinian question remains unresolved. There is no moral or legal justification for not creating a State for the Palestinians as envisaged by the United Nations in 1948. We reiterate the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and as rightful member of the World Body without delay. Mr. Chairman, In conclusion, Sri Lanka stands committed to support you in your endeavors ahead, to further the principles and objectives of the Movement under your stewardship. May the blessing of the Noble Triple Gem bless all of you.

regard at multilateral for a, in order to manage in a sustainable manner the depleting resources for our future generations. Our collective action must be to achieve better standards of living, healthcare, education, food and energy, security and jobs for the youth. If we are to avoid a calamity, we must develop a new model of development, appropriate to the needs of our people. In my own country, we have achieved much, in meeting the stipulated targets of the Millennium Development Goals despite a fragile world economy, the constraints imposed by a debilitating three decade terrorist conflict, now happily behind us. Since the end of the conflict, Sri Lankas economy has grown at over 8% per annum while bringing inflation, unemployment and poverty levels down drastically. We have also ensured that the fruits of economic development are equitably distributed and reach the most vulnerable sectors of society. Through Gama Naguma and Divi Naguma profrom page 4 - A NEW ERA

est economic indicators and no one expected, including the international community has been so humble to accept these facts today. Rapid development plans launched under the concepts of Village reawakening, life reawakening, roads reawakening programmes at rural level have brought about a vast change in the economy while strengthening lively hoods of the people across the country. The changing face of development is visible through mega projects such as Hambanthota Port Development Project and other port development projects at Colombo South harbor, Galle, Oluvil, Trincomalee and KKS have been underway. The new port at Hambanthota has begun its operations already. Several hydro power projects set up with the private entrepreneurship have been added to the national grid to cater the increasing demand for power supply due to development in industrial sector. The new Air port in Mattala will certainly usher a new era in tourism to the Southern Sri Lanka in near future. The expansion and refurbishment projects undertaken at the Banadaranaike International Air Port will facilitate the increasing arrivals to Sri Lanka following the Sri Lanka Promotional Programmes launched abroad and also the encouraging online visa system with relaxed features to suit current economic and security contexts of the country. Foreign Policy While addressing the Sri Lanka envoys the President underlined the importance of a new foreign policy to strengthen existing relations in the international sphere. We have placed high in agenda the aspirations of the Sri Lanka nation in re-designing and shaping our foreign policy mainly based on friendship. While maintaining healthy bilateral relations with neighboring countries we strive to maintain non-aligned policy while respecting sovereignty of all the countries in the world. The west is now turning towards Asia due to its high market potential and political and geographical significance. We have entered the Asian era. The Asia is re-awakening and we are bound to further strengthen our relations with the host countries with which we maintain diplomatic relations while looking forward to establish new relations with others. We look forward to work in close cooperation with the United Nations as a responsible member of the prestigious world body as well. Furthering on the protection of Sri Lankas image abroad, President Rajapakse alerted the envoys that the LTTE remnants living in western coun-

tries and their supporters have not given up the task of tarnishing Sri Lankas image up to now and therefore it is the responsibility of the Sri Lanka envoys abroad to surmount such heinous efforts by educating the concerned parties and LTTE sympathizers in the host countries. During the two day workshop Hon. Prof. G.L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs briefed the gathering on the progress of implementing the LLRS report recommendations while Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development lectured on the mega development projects undertaken by the Government since 2009 and the impact brought about by these projects on the economy so far. Among the other speakers were Hon. (Dr.) Sarath Amunugama, Hon. Nimal Siripala de Silva, Hon. Dilan Perera, Mr. S.B. Divaratne, Mr. Mohan Pieris and Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa Secretary Defence. The meetings were attended by several Ministers including Hon. Reginold Cooray, Hon. Neomal Perera, Deputy Minister of External Affairs and Monitoring MP to the External Affairs Ministry Hon. Sajin Vass Gunawardena. The high Government officials, Mr. Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the President, Dr. P.B. Jayasundara Secretary Finance, Mr. Ajith Nivard Cabrral Governor Central Bank of Sri Lanka also attended. Envoys Visiting Development Projects The two day workshop was followed by a trip to Jaffna by road through Batticaloa and Trincomalee covering a distance of more than 200 kilometers in a four day tour. Thanks to the superb road network built all across these areas it was a comfortable journey by bus, when compared to the hassle we had experienced in the past. I highly appreciate the opportunity granted to us to witness these mega development projects unparalleled to any other in the recent history. Hambanthota Ports Development project, Matthala new Air port and the network of other facilities in and around the sea port and air port and the hotels in the South may have certainly provided employment opportunities for many and they will certainly contribute for the national economy in the years to come. Neluwa Yaya Rural Development Project Among the rural development projects designed to uplift farmers under Divi Neguma programme, we had the chance to visit Neluwa Yaya project which found to be very successful. Every family has been provided with a water pump for irrigating their agricultural lands and a

mechanism is in place to purchase their products at their garden. I personally believe thats what rural farmer needs today, that is to recognize and respect their labour and thanks to this encouraging concept by the Hon. Minister of Economic Development, we will be able to revisit the past and operations by the government organizations such as MARKFED and CWE working hand in hand with the rural farmers of Sri Lanka. This project concept may be installed in all over the country, including North Eastern Sri Lanka, certainly there will be a huge impact on national economy and social life of the people in our country. Uma Oya hydro power project sponsored by the Iranian Government will further facilitate irrigating arid lands in Hambanthota through a 24 kilometer tunnel while the underground hydro power plant in Randenigala will add 120 mega watts to the national grid. Dawn of New Life in the Eastern province New Road Network and Bridges It wouldnt be easy to digest the present infrastructure development phenomena in the East today for those who

ing up along the East coast would thrive the tourism industry and generate employment opportunities to the young educated people as well. Ushering a new era to the Northern Sri Lanka What we witnessed through media for the past three decades in and around Jaffna was only a devastated life and battered environment without any hope for reconciliation. There was hardly a day passed without bloodshed and uncertainty was looming in this deadly desert almost three decades. A very little hope was there for a survival or revival of life until President Rajapaksa decided to liberate Tamil people of Northern Sri Lanka. I hope they will not forget, this shared historical achievement than anybody else in Sri Lanka for those are the ones who suffered the most due to terrorism and now blessed with their lives returning to normalcy. The scars of war now almost disappearing, many important land mark buildings including the Jaffna Library has been restored. Almost all the government buildings, clock tower, hospitals, post office and school buildings are among them. The Killinochchi Hospital has been renovated to the fullest and staffed with 35 doctors and more than

for the whole country. Settikulam Menik Farm Refugee Camps It was with the permission of the Defence Ministry of Sri Lanka I visited the above camps on 04-05 December, 2009 which provided refuge for nearly 300,000 people. It was a busy place like a large upcoming township with makeshift housing and all other amenities but with unending demands from the inmates. All the government agencies responsible for supplying utilities were busy while CWE and other agencies provided dry rations and other essential food items to the community. Schools, hospitals and clinics were in place while post offices and centers providing free trunk calls to the relatives abroad were also functioning under Kadirgamar Centre. By the time we visited the same camp on 11th July 2012 the place has been almost deserted by those thousands of inmates and the people left there were not more than 4,000. With gradual clearing of the landmines in the Muhamalai and respective rural areas these remaining people will leave the camp for ever. In whole northern Sri Lanka 90% of the landmine affected areas have been cleared so far and it is remarkable that the maximum contribution towards this risky operation has been received from the Sri Lanka armed forces, though UN experts have been employed for the purpose. There are several housing schemes coming up in Northern Sri Lanka for the IDPs in these areas and some of them have been sponsored by the Indian government. It is peculiar to note that none of the Tamil Diaspora abroad and in Sri Lanka or LTTE supporters or sympathizers have not contributed for relocation of the affected Tamils in the North, either by way of financing or putting up housing schemes or individual houses. At this juncture it is our obligation and duty to support the government effort to conclude the resettlement procedure by way of contribution. Those who clamour for ethnic harmony should get together for the humble cause of putting up new houses for those who are still left in the refugee camps and or installing other amenities in the newly built villages in order to support their livelihood. In the event of launching such programmes abroad with the guidance of the Ministry of External Affairs, the members of the so-called Diaspora will have to decide on furthering on their dubious affairs of tarnishing the name of Sri Lanka Government or they will have run the risk of being exposed to the international community of their hypocrisy.

have not visited these areas some thirty years ago. It is a total reawakening and revival for those who suffered heavily in these areas and deprived of the benefits of modern development concepts and they would not feel anymore that they were left behind, the infrastructure development taking place in the Eastern Sri Lanka is unprecedented. The new highways and refurbished rural road network connecting East and West and also many new bridges replacing almost all the old structures in the East would provide a sound base for a bright economy and a prosperous livelihood of the farming and fishing communities in these areas. In addition to that the new star class hotels com-

800 patients are being cared daily. What has been delivered by the Rajapaksa Government during a period of three years since 2009 is quite enough for anybody who is sincere to admit for the very reason that the same government which has been taken to task by an ungrateful lot (claimed to be international community together with LTTE sympathizers) for so called human rights violations without any justified ground or proof during the final face of the humanitarian operations in 2009, but without a word of appreciation for redeeming hundreds of thousands of civilians from the clutches of the ruthless terrorism and ushering peace

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