Indian parliamentary delegation to visit Sri Lanka

Indian parliamentary delegation to visit Sri Lanka

The delegation to arrive in the Island on Monday

A delegation of six Indian parliamentarians will visit Sri Lanka between April 8 and April 12. They will also visit Colombo and Jaffna during the trip, which is being organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The members are likely to meet senior Ministers and political leaders. “The MPs will also visit Jaffna to look at work on projects supported by the Indian government, particularly the owner-driven housing initiative,” said the High Commission.
Meanwhile, trade relations seem poised for improvement, with India recently facilitating greater import of garments from Sri Lanka. In August 2012, Sri Lanka requested that the condition on sourcing of fabric be removed to enable an increase in export of duty-free apparel. Now, a total of 8 million pieces of garments can be exported to India duty-free — under the terms of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement — as against the earlier quota of 5 million.

Jacqueline Fernandez had role in embassy decision

Jacqueline Fernandez had role in embassy decision

Opening Sri Lanka embassy in the Bahrain capital Manama

Sri Lankan beauty queen and Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez who grew up in Bahrain has reportedly played a role in her country’s decision to open an embassy in the Bahrain capital Manama, an Indian news source  said.

“By birth, Jacqueline may be a Sri Lankan, but the actress takes her affiliation to Bahrain quite seriously,” NDTV said. “She recently helped in dialogues that will soon lead to the opening of the Lankan embassy in the Gulf country.”

Citing sources it did not identify, NDTV said that “Jacqueline has spent a lot of her growing up years in Bahrain, as her parents moved there”.

“There was no Sri Lankan embassy in Bahrain but only a consulate and she felt there was a need for someone to protect immigrants of a particular nation in another country. Apparently, thanks to her popularity the actress pulled a few strings and took matters into her hands. She had many meetings with those in power and urged them to open the embassy,” the news source said.

Reports in Manama in December said that Sri Lanka was set to open its first fully operational embassy in Bahrain that will support the more than 20,000 Sri Lankans living in the country.

Jacqueline Fernandez who holds a degree in media and communications was born to a Sri Lankan father and a Malaysian mother. Her family moved to Bahrain when she was three.

Jacqueline Fernandez was crowned Miss Sri Lanka in 2006 and made her acting debut in Bollywood in 2009.

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

TNT Express in Nepal receives award from Thai Airways

Second in the Air Express category for cargo exports

TNT Express in Nepal was recognised by THAI Airways as second in the Air Express category for cargo exports, during an official ceremony held at Godavari Village Resort on the 1st of December 2012.

Thai Airways had started its first flight to Nepalon 4th December 1968, and to mark its 45th anniversary of successful operations in Nepalthe airline honoured the top five cargo agents and the top 10 ticket sales agents. The reception was followed by a team building exercise among the agents and Thai staff.

TNT Express

Sanjay Panta, Country General Manager for TNT Express in Nepal said: “This year, we are delighted to be recognised by Thai airlines as one of the major air Express provider in the country. “

James Edgeworth, Sales and Marketing Director for TNT Express ME and Sub continent Associates commented “This recognition marks an outstanding year for our business in Nepal and highlights our continuous growth in this market.”

Another Sri Lankan sentenced to death

Another Sri Lankan sentenced to death

Death penalty in Qatar

A 22-year-old Sri Lankan Wengadasalm Sudeshkar has been sentenced to death by a court in Doha after he was found guilty of killing an Indian.Wengadaaslam Sudeshkar who is a resident of Kandana has left for employment in Qatar in March in 2010.The incident occurred in 2011.Wengadasalm Sudeshkar was arrested in June 2011 and a Qatar court had sentenced him to death on December 31, 2012.
According to a media report, the Parents of the Indian worker is ready for a negotiated settlement to the case and has demanded more than QR100,000 as blood money(amounting to 3.5 million Lankan rupees).

Sri Lankan Embassy in Qatar had informed the situation to the External Affairs Ministry.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that all steps will be taken to release Wengadaslam Sudeshkar.

Stop attacks on the independence of judiciary:UN expert

Stop attacks on the independence of judiciary: Gabriela Knaul 

Impeachment against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake 

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul has expressed serious concern about the impeachment proceedings against the Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and the recent attacks against lawyers who have been fighting for the independence of the judiciary in Sri Lanka.

According to information received by the independent expert, attacks and threats against members of the judiciary and lawyers, as well as interference in their work, have dramatically increased over the past few months.

The case risks a destabilizing clash between President Mahinda Rajapaksa's government and the judiciary. Opposition parties have withdrawn from the process, saying it was unfair. 

"The recent steps taken by the executive and legislative towards impeaching the chief justice appear to be the culminating point of a series of attacks against the judiciary for asserting its independence,"Gabriela Knaul said in a statement. 
A parliamentary impeachment panel found Bandaranayake guilty on three counts earlier this month. She has appealed against the decision and the United States, the United Nations and Commonwealth have all raised concerns about the process.
Gabriela Knaul said article 107 of the Sri Lankan constitution, read together with Standing Orders of Parliament, contravened international human rights law and needed amending so that disciplinary proceedings against judges were conducted by independent commissions.

Sri Lanka welcomes1000,000th tourist

Sri Lanka welcomes1000,000th tourist

1,000,000th tourist in year 2012

Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 1,000,000th tourist in year 2012 at Bandaranaike International Airport last night. Accordingly Ms. Jiang Ying and her husband were the 1,000,000th tourist who arrived in the country.
Sri Lanka Tourism took steps to arrange a special ceremony to welcome the 1,000,000th guest.

The tourist was greeted by senior officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, SriLankan airlines and Airport Aviation.

"I had heard a lot about Sri Lanka from my friends. I found out details about your country before deciding my holiday destination. I was simply bewitched by the photos on the internet. Sri Lanka is as beautiful and breathtaking as presented in the photos. Moreover, Sri Lankans are very hospitable and kind."said  Ms. Jiang Ying.

Sri Lanka has set a target of 1.3 million tourist arrivals for 2013.

‘Leo Burnett Solutions Inc.(LBSI), the best advertising agency in Sri Lanka’

Leo Burnett Solutions Inc

Sri Lanka’s No. 1 creative agency

Leo Burnett Solutions Inc.(LBSI), the local office of the global advertising network Leo Burnett Worldwide was both awarded as ‘South Asia Creative of the Year’ and ‘South Asia Account Person of the Year’ runner up awards respectively, said its managing director of Ranil de Silva.

"in their annual creative rankings, identified us as Sri Lanka’s No. 1 creative agency and Subhash as the country’s No.1 creative director. So now I can without hesitation state that Leo Burnett really is the best agency in Sri Lanka!"said Ranil de Silva.

Its been an exceptional 2012

"Arc’s progress has been equally gratifying. We strengthened the team with specialists who have the knowledge and skills to serve up a truly differentiated product and the results have been gratifying. Our PR team at Arc will begin functioning independently in 2013 with the competency to deliver the latest, most advanced communications solutions. A partnership with the world’s largest PR brand, MS&L, will add unprecedented verve and effectiveness to our work in this sphere."

Best Agency in South Asia -
 Murtaza and Subhash collecting the
 Gold Award in Singapore!

 "Advertising is a fun business, if we fail to have fun in this business we will not be doing things right."he said.

this was speaking recently in Colombo at a function where Leor Burnett’s many achievements were highlighted.

Afghan foreign minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul to visit Sri Lanka

Afghan foreign minister Dr Zalmai Rassoul
to visit Sri Lanka

“Afghanistan today and beyond 2014”

Afghan Foreign Minister Dr. Zalmai Rassoul would visit Sri Lanka and would meet Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa and other high officials to enhance bilateral ties,Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai said. 
Afghan Foreign Minister received recently invitation from his Sri Lankan counterpart Prof.G.L Peiris to visit the country. Zulmai Rasoul would discuss trade and political ties. 

The visiting Minister will deliver a Public Lecture on “Afghanistan today and beyond 2014” on Wednesday 19th December at the Main Conference Hall of the Ministry of External Affairs.
Janan Mosazai told media-persons that Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Hence, strengthening of bilateral relations is in the interests of both countries. 

Australia offers Sri Lanka $34m of aid for education

Australia offers Sri Lanka $34m of aid for education

"stable society with economic growth"

Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr visiting Sri Lanka announced on Saturday millions of dollars in aid to boost educational opportunities in Sri Lanka, hoping it will help stem the flow of illegal immigrants from the island. Australian Foreign Minister Bob Carr told reporters in Colombo that US$36 million will be spent over four years to help some four million primary and secondary school children in Sri Lanka and contribute to a "stable society with economic growth". 

During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka from December 14-17, the Australian Minister is scheduled hold talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Professor G.L. Peiris and President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

Sri Lanka's defence ministry announced on Friday that nearly 3,000 of the country's nationals had been stopped from illegally journeying by boat to Australia during the current year.

Australia has sent more than 500 Sri Lankans back to Colombo since August. The country is struggling to deal with a record number of asylum-seekers, many from Sri Lanka, Iran and Iraq, who are paying people-smugglers to take them on the perilous journey, often on rickety, wooden fishing vessels.

Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh to visit Sri Lanka

Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh
to visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka-India bilateral defence cooperation

Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh and  a delegation of senior Indian Army officials will visit Sri Lanka on Wednesday to step up bilateral defence cooperation and meet the country's top leadership, including President Mahinda Rajapaksa.Chief General Bikram Singh will visit the north, north central and central provinces, the Sri Lankan army said.

The Indian Army Commander will visit Security Force Headquarters Vavunia and the Ex Combatants' Rehabilitation Centre at Poonthottam which will be followed by a visit to Anuradhapura heritage sites.The Indian Army Chief will be the Chief Guest at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (Diyatalawa) Commissioning Parade of 157 Officer Cadets, which includes 18 female cadets. Two female cadets among them are from the Republic of Maldives.

These 157 Officer Cadets will receive their commissioning swards from the Indian Army Chief. The parade will be held on 22 Dec.

The Indian Chief is also scheduled to donate a collection of books to the Sri Lanka Military Academy library and witness the final research presentation conducted by the passing out batch of Officer Cadets on the 21st evening.

On the 23rd after visiting Kandy DaladaMaligawa and sightseeing tour of the hill country the Chief of Indian Army Staff will leave for India.

"This visit will mark another important milestone in the warm and cordial relations between the Indian and Sri Lanka armies", a statement said. 

Munjal Savla wins the Polo Race at the Colombo Night Races 2012

Munjal after winning the Polo Race

Munjal Savla steals the show in Volkswagen Race Polo at the Colombo Night Races 2012

Volkswagen Polo R CupIndia driver from Mumbai, Munjal Savla steals the show at the Colombo NightRaces 2012 (CNR) in a combination of high speed and excellent driving. Munjal, who was also the pole sitter, made no mistake and used his 3 years of Race Polo driving experience to the fullest. He was followed by the Polo R Cup India 2012, Pro-category champion from Chennai, A. Sandeep Kumar and 2012 JK Tyre National Karting Champion from Mumbai, Ameya Bafna. Early day break and time constraints resulted in few races being cancelled including Race 2 of Volkswagen Polo.

Munjal speeding past the super-charged crowd
 in Colombo Night Race 2012

Last night saw the Qualifying session being dominated by Munjal. Qualifying was restricted to 3 timed laps owing to time restrictions, forcing the drivers to adapt quickly and put in hot laps right from the start with no room for error. Munjal set the pace and set the fastest lap time of 2:05.71 minutes. Ameya was almost a second slower and joined Munjal on the front row at the 2nd position. Sandeep and Angad Singh Matharoo were at 3rd and 4th position respectively.

In the race, Munjal capitalized on his pole position and took a good lead. He pushed his Race Polo to the maximum, never having to look back. He led throughout the race to take an easy victory. Sandeep, starting from 3rd position on the grid, had a great start and made an early move in lap 1 to move up a position ahead of Ameya. Sandeep and Ameya had a good battle between them in the first few laps for the 2nd spot but later Sandeep managed to pull away from the young karting champion to finish 2nd on the podium while Ameya had to settle at the 3rd position.

Volkswagen Race Polo taking on the streets of
 Colombo during the race

Race winner Munjal was ecstatic on his incredible win. He said, “Winning here for second time in a row feels amazing. Winning the pole position by a second made me confident of winning the race. Though I started with a few mistakes in lap 1, I managed to keep my lead and made no further errors. My driving experience here last year really helped me to be at the top of my game. Street racing is absolutely fun and driving in front of a super-charged crowd is a hair-raising experience. I hope we get to do this more often.”

"The ColomboNight Race last year is a memorable experience and this year it was incredible with drivers enjoying this experience thoroughly! It requires special fitness on both physical and mental level to be driving under flood lights on a street circuit but the racers adapted quickly to the situation. Our drivers proved their mettle by bringing out excellent results here in Colombo and we are proud of them,” said Prithviraj Siddappa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India. He further added, “We are grateful to Carlton Motor Sports Club, Asian Motor Racing Club (AMRC) and Sri Lanka Motor Cycle Club (SLMCC) for the support and coordination. We look forward to continue this association in the years to come.”

Qualifying Grid:

1.     Car no: 78       Munjal Savla

2.     Car no: 80       Ameya Bafna

3.     Car no: 77       A. Sandeep Kumar

4.     Car no: 76       Angad Singh Matharoo

5.     Car no: 73       Romani De Silva

6.     Car no: 79       Saurav Bandyopadhay

7.     Car no: 71       Upulwan Serasinghe

8.     Car no: 72       Rohitha Rajapakshe

9.     Car no: 70       Sumanapala Mannapperuma

10.  Car no: 75       Niranjan Todkari

Results of the Race:

1.     Car no: 78       Munjal Savla (Mumbai)

2.     Car no: 77       Sandeep Kumar (Chennai)

3.     Car no: 80       Ameya Bafna (Mumbai)

4.     Car no: 73       Romani De Silva (Sri Lanka)

5.     Car no: 71       Upulwan Serasinghe (Sri Lanka)

6.     Car no: 72       Rohitha Rajapakshe (Sri Lanka)

7.     Car no: 75       Niranjan Todkari (Aurangabad)

8.     Car no: 70       Sumanapala Mannapperuma (Sri Lanka)

9.     Car no: 79       Saurav Bandyopadhay (Mumbai)

Did Not Finish

10.  Car no: 76       Angad Singh Matharoo (Chandigarh)

Motor sports enthusiasts interested in getting further information can log on to the website, www.polocup.in. This website displays information about Polo R Cup format, race updates and driver profiles. Follow Polo R Cup onwww.facebook.com/vwpolocupIndia.

  

About Volkswagen Motorsport

Volkswagen is committed to broad-scale motor sport as in internationally staged cross-country rally racing programmes in countries including Germany, Europe and the United States apart from other countries in Asia and has a long tradition of promoting young talent. Following the legendary Formula V as of 1966 the brand, in 1976, sponsored a one-make touring car cup for the first time. Among others, the Scirocco Cup produced drivers like the subsequent Formula 1 racer Manfred Winkelhock. In 1977 the first-generation Golf GTI replaced the Scirocco as the cup vehicle and remained the popular competition car for a generation of young racers up to 1982. In 1983, the second-generation Polo followed as the cup vehicle – initially using the 88-hp normally aspirated engine version and, from 1986, the 112-hp compressor engine. At the relaunch in 1998, Volkswagen presented the Lupo, which offered top-class sport at fair prices, as well as the Volkswagen New Beetle Cup.

The year of 1998 stands for an all-new concept in the world of racing. To this day, this new concept featuring centrally fielded vehicles and car swapping among the drivers guarantees maximum equality of opportunity. In 2004 the 150-hp Polo replaced the small Lupo as the cup vehicle and the concept was subjected to further refinement. The Polo Cup’s success story is closely linked to the DTM-Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft. The premier league of touring car racing has evolved into a real crowd-puller and is envisaged as a concrete career goal by many junior racers.

The commitment encompasses the internationally renowned Dakar Rally. Diesel and bio natural gas powered as eco-conscious alternatives to conventional spark ignition engines and clever down­­sizing are the core elements of this strategy. Volkswagen is already in the process of putting the aims of eco-conscious motorsport of the future into action. Bio natural gas engines in the Scirocco R-Cup and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours have already proved that eco-consciousness and top-calibre racing. Volkswagen consistently banks on production-based technology and the conservation of resources. In an overall assessment of racing operations and logistics for the Scirocco R-Cup Volkswagen has achieved a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 80 per cent.

Sri Lanka-Iran ties to be enhanced

Sri Lanka-Iran ties to be enhanced

Iran Sri Lanka bilateral ties and cooperation.

Sri Lanka and Iran have agreed to broaden and strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully ready for supporting and evermore expansion of comprehensive cooperation with Sri Lanka, particularly in political, economic, commercial, transit, and joint investments fields," the Iran Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi said.

Sri Lankan Minister of Industry and Commerce Bathiyutheen in the meeting has appreciated the Iranian officials for their assistance in the process of Sri Lanka's development, the official news agency reported.

The Sri Lankan minister praised Iran's efforts to expand Tehran-Colombo relations and expressed his country's willingness to increase the level of commercial and economic cooperation with Iran, particularly in the field of energy.

Tehran and Colombo have signed different economic cooperation agreements to improve the South Asian nation's infrastructure. Iran has helped fund a number of development projects in Sri Lanka, including the country's sole oil refinery as well as a hydroelectricity and irrigation project.

Sri Lanka the best destination to visit in 2013

Sri Lanka the best destination to visit in 2013

British Airways destination ranking 2013

Sri Lanka has topped the 13 destinations categorized as popular favorite places to visit in 2013. This ranking has been accorded to Sri Lanka by a panel of experts assigned by British Airways to compile a list of the top 13 new destinations and popular favorite places to visit in 2013.


The Panel of Experts have made their determination based on tourists heading to the island in increasing numbers after the end of terrorism, attractions like beaches, elephant treks and a large number of UNESCO world heritage sites to visit in the country.

Rio de Janeiro is second and it has been based in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup taking place across the country in 2014. The World Cup is expected to attract a massive number of tourists which will have an effect on the already rising prices of tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants.

South Korean capital is in the 3rd place in the list. 

The other destinations are
Croatia: Vietnam; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Derry, Northern Ireland; Las Vegas, USA; Tbilisi, Georgia; San Diego, California, USA; Cape Town, South Africa; Alicante, Spain; and Dubai, UAE. 

Volkswagen Race Polo returns to Colombo Night Races 2012

Volkswagen Race Polo returns to
 Colombo Night Races 2012

Volkswagen Race Polo returns

Volkswagen Motorsport India will once again burn rubber on the streets of Colombo, Sri Lanka in the Colombo Night Races 2012 (CNR 2012). The 2^nd edition of the Colombo Night Races will be held in Colombo Fort areas on December 14 and 15. Six Polo R Cup India drivers will compete in this special race weekend along with four Sri Lankan drivers to complete the grid of 10 drivers.

Volkswagen Polo R Cup 2012 Pro Category Champion Sandeep Kumar, along with Munjal Savla, Saurav Bandyopadhay, Angad Singh Matharoo, Niranjan Todkari and 2012 JK Tyre National Karting Champion, Ameya Bafna would be the Indian drivers in Sri Lanka. The Volkswagen Polo Race will be a part of the race weekend which includes eight different categories of races.

The other races will see both cars and motorbikes line up in different categories on a 4 km circuit that is drawn out from the Colombo streets.The practice sessions along with a qualifying session will be held on Friday while the two races will take place on Saturday under the flood lights.

After yet another successful Volkswagen Polo R Cup season, Mr. Prithviraj Siddappa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India, was excited about returning to the streets of Colombo. He said, “After the success of last year's Colombo Night Races, it is exciting for us to return to this mega event. We will be racing the Polo TDI race cars this year as well. This race signifies the popularity of Polo R Cup not only in India but beyond as well.”

The Polo R Cup India drivers participating in the race are:

1.   Sandeep Kumar

2.   Munjal Savla

3.   Saurav Bandyopadhay

4.   Angad Singh Matharoo

5.   Niranjan Todkari

6.   Ameya Bafna

The SriLankan drivers participating in the race are:

1.   Rohitha Rajapakshe

2.   Romani De Silva

3.   Upulwan

4.   Mannaperuma

The unique street circuit sets off opposite Galadari Hotel on Lotus Road and run towards Fort and will take a left turn towards Chatham Street. The drivers will take a right turn to Duke Street which runs towards Main Street opposite Gaffoor Building. Then they will turn left on Sir Baron Jayathilaka Mawatha and run past the Cargills Building on York Street. The route will then take a right turn to Bank of Ceylon Mawatha and towards Ceylon Continental Hotel and turn left towards the roundabout opposite Galadari Hotel where the lap will be completed.

Motor sports enthusiasts interested in getting further information can log on to the website, www.polocup.in. This website displays information about Polo R Cup format, race updates and driver profiles. Follow Polo R Cup on www.facebook.com/vwpolocupIndia.

About Volkswagen Motorsport

Volkswagen is committed to broad-scale motor sport as in internationally staged cross-country rally racing programmes in countries including Germany, Europe and the United States apart from other countries in Asia and has a long tradition of promoting young talent. Following the legendary Formula V as of 1966 the brand, in 1976, sponsored a one-make touring car cup for the first time. Among others, the Scirocco Cup produced drivers like the subsequent Formula 1 racer Manfred Winkelhock. In 1977 the first-generation Golf GTI replaced the Scirocco as the cup vehicle and remained the popular competition car for a generation of young racers up to 1982. In 1983, the second-generation Polo followed as the cup vehicle – initially using the 88-hp normally aspirated engine version and, from 1986, the 112-hp compressor engine. At the relaunch in 1998, Volkswagen presented the Lupo, which offered top-class sport at fair prices, as well as the Volkswagen New Beetle Cup.

The year of 1998 stands for an all-new concept in the world of racing. To this day, this new concept featuring centrally fielded vehicles and car swapping among the drivers guarantees maximum equality of opportunity. In 2004 the 150-hp Polo replaced the small Lupo as the cup vehicle and the concept was subjected to further refinement. The Polo Cup’s success story is closely linked to the DTM-Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft. The premier league of touring car racing has evolved into a real crowd-puller and is envisaged as a concrete career goal by many junior racers.

The commitment encompasses the internationally renowned Dakar Rally. Diesel and bio natural gas powered as eco-conscious alternatives to conventional spark ignition engines and clever down­­sizing are the core elements of this strategy. Volkswagen is already in the process of putting the aims of eco-conscious motorsport of the future into action. Bio natural gas engines in the Scirocco R-Cup and at the Nürburgring 24 Hours have already proved that eco-consciousness and top-calibre racing. Volkswagen consistently banks on production-based technology and the conservation of resources. In an overall assessment of racing operations and logistics for the Scirocco R-Cup Volkswagen has achieved a reduction of CO₂emissions by 80 per cent.