Women - Out of The Frame Photographic Exhibition

Women - Out of The Frame Photographic Exhibition

Out of The Frame

The Women - Out of The Frame Photographic Exhibitionwill be held from 5th to 10th July 2013 at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery, Colombo, Sri Lanka. Undertaken by Sri Lankan photographer Menika van der Poorten   in conjunction with the National Peace Council of Sri Lanka this landmark photography project and exhibition on women provides the ideal platform to showcase the talent of 45 photographers (men and women) from across the island, and beyond, both professionals and enthusiasts.

These photographers’ perspectives help to change the way we see women. The photographs selected for this exhibition capture a moment or moments revealing the complexity of women’s lives - whether it is women from different walks of life in the same frame, women living in a war and conflicted affected environments or elders going about their daily routine.

The project’s aim is to provide photographers in Sri Lanka a platform to present images that ‘go beyond the traditional, objectified and stereotypical portrayal of women common in mainstream media’. Submissions came from Battaramulla, Batticaloa, Bemmulla, Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa, Jaffna, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matara, Hambantota, Vavuniya,  Warkapola and beyond, achieving one of the project’s main objectives which was to reach out to photographers countrywide, particularly those who, due  to war, had limited access to this type of cultural exchange. As Cynthia Cohen’s study Creative approaches to Reconciliation illustrates, “investment in the arts and cultural work are critical to promoting coexistence and reconciliation in the aftermath of violent conflict.”

As a country emerging from a thirty-year conflict, visual media is pivotal in shaping opinions and perceptions. During the period of the exhibition a series of presentations and workshops that support the education, and development of conceptual and technical photographic skills, will be conducted. The workshop programme will encompass digital workflow, telling a story through photography and will encourage discussion and debate on context, ethics and the importance of visual media in making meaning.

“To say that photographs lie implies that they might tell the truth; but the beauty of their nature is exactly to say nothing, neither to lie nor not to.”

—Stanley Cavell (1985)

An exhibition catalogue will be available and the exhibition website (www.outofthrframe.lk) will be launched to coincide with the opening of the exhibition. These exhibition and workshops are supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, the National Peace Council, and the Goethe Institute.

For more information on this project and exhibition email outoftheframe.sl@gmail.com

or visit Face Book:  http://www.facebook.com/outoftheframesrilanka

Sri Lanka to introduce new Technology subject for GCE A/L

Sri Lanka to introduce new Technology subject for GCE Advanced Level

New Subject Stream of Technology

Sri Lanka introduce the new Subject Stream of Technology to the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level curriculum initially in 200 schools island wide, news source said.The new Technology stream will be introduced in 200 selected Secondary Schools equipped with Mahindodaya Technological Laboratories. The schools have been selected to have at least one such school for each electorate.The program is introduced with the collaboration of National Education Commission, the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development and the University Grants Commission.

Initially the teachers of the University of Vocational Technology of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development will be assigned for teaching the new subjects that will be introduced in the new stream.A joint proposal put forward by the Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardena and Minister of Youth Affairs and Skills Development Dullas Alahapperuma to proceed with the arrangements to set up the schools to teach the Technology stream has been approved by the Cabinet of ministers.

Sri Lankan President’s Secretary answers questions on a Twitter

Sri Lankan President’s Secretary answers questions on a Twitter

Twitter Q&A

Secretary to the President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa, Lalith Weeratunga will answer questions on a Twitter Q&A session next week,Wednesday, 19 June, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.The chat will take place via the official Twitter account of President Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa).

Submit your questions with #AskLW. www.twitter.com/PresRajapaksa.The session will run up to one and half hours.

Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya promoted as General

 Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya promoted as General

Sri Lanka Army

Army Commander Lt. General Jagath Jayasuriya has been promoted to the rank of General by President Mahinda Rajapaksa,with effect from June 1st, the Army news source said.

General Jagath Jayasuriya is currently serving as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. 

Commander Jagath Jayasuriya prior to his appointment as Commander, served as the Commander of Security Forces Headquaters- Wanni during the final Ealam War, with overall command of the SLA offensives in the Wanni region during 2008-2009 that led to the victory of the Civil War.

Sri Lanka and Slovenia ready to strengthen trade and economic relations

Sri Lanka and Slovenia ready to strengthen trade and economic relations

Strengthen trade and economic relations with Slovenia

Sri Lanka and Slovenia have agreed to further strengthen the bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries at the conclusion of an official visit under taken by Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris to Ljubljana on Monday. 

According to a statement released by the External Affairs Ministry, the Ministers resolved to conclude agreements relating to investment promotion, avoidance of double taxation and air services. 

Minister Peiris also invited business leaders from Slovenia to attend the Commonwealth Business Forum, on the fringes of the Commonwealth  Heads of Government Meeting, which will be hosted in Sri Lanka in November.

During the visit, the Minister met with the Mayor of Bled and made a proposal regarding a twinning agreement between the cities of Bled and Kandy.

New Zealand supports for Sri Lanka to hold CHOGM 2013

New Zealand supports for Sri Lanka to hold CHOGM 2013

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully reaffirmed its support for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that will take place in Sri Lanka in November 2013.

The New Zealand Minister wished Sri Lanka well in preparing for CHOGM and said the entire Commonwealth needs to see the progress in the country, pointing out that success in trade and the economy is important to the process.

New Zealand Minister also held discussions on several other areas including agriculture, tourism and education with the President Rajapaksa.tourism and education.New Zealand expressed interest in supporting model farms in Sri Lanka as well as increasing tourism between both countries. In the education sector, New Zealand hopes to increase scholarships for tertiary education across the board, particularly in the field of agricultural, and the Foreign Minister said this includes more Commonwealth scholarships as well.

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Secretary to the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilaka Amunugama, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Sri Lanka's High Commissioner in Australia who is also accredited to New Zealand, Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe participated in the discussions at Temple Trees.

Sri Lanka's inflation increases in May 2013

Sri Lanka's inflation increases in May 2013

Inflation Rises

Sri Lanka’s inflation during the last month of May (2013) has increased to 7.3-pct during the month of May, an increase compared to 6.4-pct in the previous month states Central Bank.

According to the Central Bank core inflation on a YoY basis decreased to 5.7 per cent in May 2013 from 6.1 per cent in the previous month while it increased marginally on an annual average basis to 6.6 per cent in May 2013 from 6.5 per cent in April 2013.

The price of most varieties of vegetables, fresh fish, chicken, red onions, limes and milk powder increased during the month. However, a decrease in the prices of some varieties of fruits, eggs, big onions and sugar was reported. 

Sri Lanka to launch cancer prevention programs on Cancer Survivors Day 2013

 Sri Lanka to launch cancer prevention programs on
National Cancer Survivors Day 2013

National Cancer Survivors Day

Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health has organized several cancer prevention programs to mark National Cancer Survivors Day of 02-06-2013.The 26th Annual National Cancer Survivors Day will be marked worldwide on June 2 for cancer survivors to celebrate life.

The Health Ministry has organized several awareness programs to educate the public on the disease.

Accordingly, a lecture series on detection, prevention and treatment of cancers will be conducted by oncology specialists on June 3 at the Sri Lanka Medical Association building in Wijerama Mawatha in Colombo.

New Zealand FM to visit India and Sri Lanka

 New Zealand FM to visit India and Sri Lanka

“I also intend to discuss progress towards reconciliation following the end of the civil war and human rights issues.” 

McCully to visit India and Sri Lanka Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully will depart Monday on a trip to India and Sri Lanka.
In India, Mr McCully will meet the External Affairs, Sports and Commerce ministers to discuss ways to further strengthen the bilateral relationship. 

“This is also a chance to take stock of the NZ Inc India Strategy and review progress in our bilateral FTA negotiations,” Mr McCully says. While in Sri Lanka, Mr McCully will meet the ministers of External Affairs and Economic Development. 
“This is a good opportunity to discuss Sri Lanka’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November, as well as prospects for our quarter-billion dollar dairy trade,” Mr McCully says. “I also intend to discuss progress towards reconciliation following the end of the civil war and human rights issues.” 

14th Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013

 14th Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013 

"Re-Balancing the Economy"

The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013 organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce to be held in Colombo in July 2013 will focus on "Re-Balancing the Economy" with seven sessions focusing on seven subtopics,announced the Island’s premier business Chamber.

The summit under the rebalancing economy theme will comprise sessions on 

‘Managing the Fiscal Deficit, Export Strategy: Time to re-think and re-focus’, ‘Enhancing Competitiveness through higher Productivity’, ‘connecting to untapped Resources and Demography’ and ‘Skills Development’.

The sessions will also discuss topics such as, ‘Powering the Nation for the Future and Challenges to Re-balancing the Economy’.

CCC says, this year’s main title was chosen after careful deliberations.

"The Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2013 is the ultimate platform to gain a comprehensive understanding of the county's economy, the investment climate and the diverse opportunities available for investors and businessmen", the CCC said.

Russia to donate eight helicopters to Sri Lanka

 Russia to donate eight helicopters to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is prepared to help Russia

Russia Federation announced that it has taken steps to provide eight large helicopters to Sri Lanka as a total donation; the Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Office said.
Russia, which has submitted a bid for obtaining “Expo 2020” Exhibition to Russia also urged Sri Lanka’s support for the same. He told that they are not prepared to give up that opportunity at any cost as their country owns one of the stable economies in the world. To win this opportunity the vote of Sri Lanka is very important to them. Hundred and sixty two countries are competing for this exhibition. There are some Asian countries among them.

Prime Minister Jayaratne said that Sri Lanka is prepared to help Russia, if it requests for a help as the Russian Federation is a intimate friend of Sri Lanka. United Soviet Socialist Republic as well as the Russian Federation assisted Sri Lanka financially and institutionally to uplift the economic and political stability in the country. He added that Russia volunteered dedicatedly to support Sri Lanka at difficult stages in defeating the 30 year long war and this support is clearly visible at international level today. When some Western countries including USA accuse Sri Lanka on false human rights violations Russia and China came forward to mitigate such allegations, the statement added.

Massive protest on the 21st against the electricity tariff hike

Massive protest on the 21st against the electricity tariff hike

Protest against Government urging to withdraw power tariffs

Trade unions, opposition parties and civil society organizations are to hold a massive protest on the 21st against the electricity tariff hike and the performance of the government.

The Coordinating Committee for a Joint Trade Union Alliance of Sri Lanka that has called for the nationwide strike on the 21st says it would be a protest against the increase in electricity tariffs as well as the government's current performance.

The Committee will canvass for the support of the agriculture, fisheries and other sectors and also the civil society and continue to broaden its platform with the support of other organizations to further strengthen the agitation campaign against the increase tariffs.

Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya (JSS), a trade union affiliated with Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP), has also decided to fully support and participate in the nationwide strike next week.

Rolls Royces and BMWs to be imported for CHOGM

Rolls Royces and BMWs to be imported for CHOGM

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 

The External Affairs Ministry has made arrangements to import 12 Rolls- Royce's and 100 BMW's cars for the use of the heads of state, scheduled to visit Sri Lanka to participate in the 23rd Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November,news source said.

However it is not known whether these vehicles are to be re-exported after use. 

The price of the Rolls- Royce Ghost car varies between US$ 246,500 and US$ 290,000. (Rs.31,500,000 and Rs. 37,000,000). A Rolls- Royce Phantom Car costs between US$ 399,000 and US$ 470,000.(Rs.51,000,000 and Rs. 60,000,000). A BMW 5 Series car costs between US$ 58,000 and US$ 70,000.( Rs.7,500,000 and Rs. 9,000,000). A BMW 7 Series costs between US$ 73,000 and US$ 140,000 (Rs.9,000,000 and Rs. 18,000,000). 

It is usual to import Rolls Royce and BMW cars for such events. The prices mentioned do not include customs duty and shipping costs.

Sri Lanka ensures safety of fishermen

Sri Lanka ensures safety of fishermen

National Fishing Safety Plan

Sri Lanka has launched a national plan to ensure the safety of fishermen and fishing vessels at sea under the patronage of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne.

According to the Minister the plan formalizes the national approach to safety at sea in Sri Lanka and creates a strong foundation for activities which were previously taking place on an ad hoc basis while clarifying the responsibilities of relevant organizations.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will take the plan forward and coordinate its implementation.

According to the Ministry, the National Plan has been developed with the active collaboration of all major stakeholders, including the National Aquatic Resources and Development Agency (NARA), Ceylon Fisheries Harbors Corporation (CFHC), Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and all fishing communities themselves.

Samsung launches Galaxy S4 in Sri Lanka

Samsung launches Galaxy S4 in Sri Lanka

“The GALAXY S4 brings people together, makes everyday living better and sets the standard in mobile innovation” 

Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the much-anticipated Samsung GALAXY S4, the next generation handset that’s designed to bring people together and enrich everyday life, into the Sri Lankan market.

“The GALAXY S4 brings people together, makes everyday living better and sets the standard in mobile innovation” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung. Announcing the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4 in the Sri Lankan market, Mr. H K Chang, Managing Director, Samsung India Electronics Limited, Sri Lanka,stated: “At Samsung, we are committed to innovation and to our consumers. We are always listening to our consumers and innovating to give them products that meet their needs. This has led to the successful introduction of iconic devices like the Galaxy SII, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Note 2 and today, we are proud to announce the launch of our flagship device and the much awaited , Samsung Galaxy S4 .”

Samsung GALAXY S4

About Samsung GALAXY S4 

Meaningful Moments - Gives Greater Enjoyment

An enriched life is one filled with meaningful moments and the GALAXY S4 captures those special times and allows users to share them with friends and family. The GALAXY S4 has the world’s first Full HD Super AMOLED display to showcase images at their very best. Its 5-inch large screen has 441ppi for stunning viewing quality. 

Equipped with a 13 megapixel rear camera, the GALAXY S4 enables users to take pictures in several exciting different ways. ‘Dual Shot’ allows simultaneous picture-taking of both front and rear cameras. Users can choose from a variety of frame effects which blend the two pictures naturally as well as outstanding shooting modes. ‘Drama Shot’ enables users to see all the action in one continuous time-lapse image. ‘Sound & Shot’ stores sound and voice in unison as the picture is taken so those special moments are captured in the truest form imaginable. While ‘Animated Photo’ allows the user to take a series of shots, and pick one part of the photo to move while the others stay still. 

samsung galaxy s4 smartphone

True Connections – Brings People Together 

Samsung GALAXY S4 understands the value of relationships, enabling true connections with friends and family regardless of where you are; more than a personal device that can be enjoyed by one user, it allows us to easily share and experience many of life’s pleasures together with loved ones. 

‘Group Play’ enables users to enjoy music, photos, documents and games with those around them without requiring a Wi-Fi AP or cellular signal. Users can connect directly with others to share, play and co-create content and entertainment instantly. With ‘Share Music’ they can have the same song playing on multiple phones in sync to create the best party atmosphere. 

Effortless Experience - Makes Things More Convenient 

Smart enough to detect your face, voice and motions to enable screen control with no need for finger touch activation, GALAXY S4 delivers effortless tasking, making life easier and hassle-free.

‘Air Gesture’ allows users to, for example, change the music track they are listening to with a wave of their hand.
‘Air View’ will preview photos and emails by hovering over the screen with your finger. 
‘Samsung Smart Pause’ enables you to control the screen by where you look. When you are watching a video, the video pauses when you look away then it starts right up again when you are back. 

Empowered Living - Takes Care Of Your Health and Quality of Life 

The GALAXY S4 empowers your life by keeping you up-to-date with health and wellbeing information using the new ‘S Health’ application. The combination of sensors built within the device systematically and automatically monitors your health, food, exercise, sleep and so much more to help improve your quality of life and help you stay fit and healthy. 

As well as monitoring, its ‘Samsung Adapt Display’ provides an optimal viewing experience, customized for each type of application, and ‘Samsung Adapt Sound’ offers an optimal level and type of sound, personalized for each user, to further make the most out of life. 

About the Content & Services 

‘ChatON’ for GALAXY S4 offers a holistic communication experience by combining fun and creative text messaging with a high quality mVoIP/Video Chatting service. You can enjoy high quality video and voice chat with up to two friends on a WiFi and mobile network, as well as easily switching from text chat to video/voice chat and vice versa. And for the ultimate sharing experience, the ‘Share Screen’ feature enables you to share your phone screen and the ability to control this with a friend during a one-to-one chat, without having to download and upload files to their device. 

Talking about the key proposition of the Samsung Galaxy S4, Mr. Chang stated: “The Galaxy S4 is a device that enables us to do more, it’s a companion that helps us experience life to the fullest and makes our life simpler and richer… That’s the promise of the Samsung Galaxy S4.” 

Commencing from 9th of May, 2013, the Galaxy S 4 will be available at the Samsung mobile channel in Sri Lanka. 

Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0

Galaxy Grand and Galaxy Note 8.0 launched in Sri Lanka

Samsung today also announced the launch of the Samsung GALAXY Grand, a revolutionary smartphone that promises to redefine Smartphone experience for consumers. Samsung GALAXY Grand is powered by Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system and runs on a 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor. Even though it supports a massive 5.0” screen with WVGA TFT display powered with mDNIe technology, the device is incredibly slim and comes with an ergonomic design which makes is comfortable to hold. The device also sports the Multi Window feature that allows seamless multitasking and running of multiple applications simultaneously without having to switch screens. Its innovative Smart Dual SIM feature provides total communication flexibility, allowing users to manage two phone numbers from a single phone. The GALAXY Grand comes with various intuitive features that enable the consumers to seamlessly engage with the device.

Samsung today also announced the launch of its 8 inch tablet, Note 8.0 in Sri Lanka heralding a new era of intelligent ‘Note’ technology .Providing unrivalled multimedia performance within a compact one-hand-grip screen, the GALAXY Note 8 has the power and advanced technology to evolve the tablet experience and ensure you achieve new levels of efficient multi-tasking while benefitting from superb voice call functionality. Furthermore, the intelligent S Pen brings together the latest innovation and the ease of using a traditional pen and paper; creating a sophisticated mobile experience that will enhance life on the go. 

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in consumer electronics and the core components that go into them. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 227,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales exceeding US$183 billion. Our goal is opening new possibilities for people everywhere. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.

Sri Lanka to boost deep sea fishing

Sri Lanka to boost deep sea fishing

increase exports from $250 million to $500 million

Sri Lanka is planning to boost deep sea fishing and double tuna exports by 2015 with the help of new vessels from Japan and China."We hope to increase exports from 250 million US dollars to about 500 million" Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senarathne has said.

He said Kiyoshi Kimura of Japan known as Tuna King has visited Sri Lanka and he expects to bring about 4 vessels for deep sea fishing. Kimura runs a sushi restaurant chain in Japan.

The Minister said Sri Lanka had exported 256 million dollars worth of fisheries products last year out of which about 45% was tuna.

Sri Lanka had taken steps to ban purse seining, dynamite, light course fishing and stopped the sale and import of nets that damaged the fishery resources.

In the Indian Ocean Tuna commission Sri Lanka was about to be blacklisted when he was made minister but the country has made so much progress that they were now deeply involved in international fishery rule formation, he said.

David Cameron to attend CHOGM in Sri Lanka

David Cameron to attend CHOGM in Sri Lanka

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 

British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Foreign Secretary William Hague, will be attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Sri Lanka, Dr Chris Nonis, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK confirmed.

The Commonwealth biennial meeting in November this year, will be preceded by the Commonwealth People’s Forum, the Commonwealth Youth Forum, and the Commonwealth Business Forum, and usually attracts several thousand delegates, and global media coverage. It will provide the opportunity for the 54 Heads to meet to discuss matters of global and Commonwealth concern, and agree collective policies and initiatives.
“The prime minister believes this is the right thing to do for the Commonwealth and he will take a very tough message to the Sri Lankan Government: that they need to make concrete progress on human rights, reconciliation and political settlement,” the official said. “This Government is a strong supporter of the Commonwealth and we firmly believe that it can continue to be a force for good around the world, promoting the important values about freedom and democracy and rights.”

Import tax on potatoes increased by 10 rupees

Import tax on potatoes increased by 10 rupees

Competitive market for the local farmer

The Import tax on potatoes has been increased by Rs.10 per kilogram  with effect from today(03-05-2013), Finance Ministry said.
The aim of the measure is to ensure a competitive market for the local farmer.
Accordingly, special commodity levy charged per kilo of imported potatoes has been increased from Rs.15 to Rs.25.

“The Government provides seeds and fertilizer to the farmers in order to boost local agrarian products. Particularly, high import taxes are imposed on products such as Chili, Cowpea, Green gram, Peanut, Sugar, Kurakkan which are locally produced to ensure a high price for the production of local farmers. Consequently, the country is self - sufficient in some of these products, such as rice and Maize and currently, local farmers are able to supply their production to meet 50% of the consumption requirement of the country” 

Sri Lanka may reduce electricity tariff

Sri Lanka may reduce electricity tariff 

Sri Lanka Power Flow

Sri Lanka's privately owned The Daily Mirror newspaper quoted power ministry secretary M M C Ferdinando as saying there “would be a possibility of bringing down electricity prices for the low income category.” 
The Lankadeepa newspaper said there was speculation of a 20 percent reduction in the increase for users below 150 units.
The report said President Mahinda Rajapaksa was unhappy at the increase amid rising opposition.The Opposition parties have held protest rallies throughout the country against the price hike.
Besides, some government ministers viz. D.E.W. Gunasekara, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Wimal Weerawansa had spoken against it. 

Power and Energy Ministry Secretary M.M.C. Ferdinando told yesterday that President Mahinda Rajapaksa had expressed his displeasure over the new pricing formula at a recent meeting. Asked whether there would be a reduction, he said, “There may be a possibility.” However he did not say when it would happen. The Cabinet of Ministers is also to discuss this matter further at the meeting scheduled for Thursday. 

Sri Lanka official government news website hacked

Sri Lanka official government news website hacked

KURDISH ELITE SECURITY TEAM (KEST)

Sri Lanka official government news website www.news.lk was hacked by a group identifying itself as Sultan Brain.The Director General of the Information Department Dr. Ariyaratne Athugala said that the website was not hacked but the internet firewall had been compromised and the maintenance of the site was underway.