Land and police powers are with the government - President

President Mahinda Rajapaksa 

'No one can take land or police powers away from me.' the President Mahinda Rajapaksa made these remarks at the monthly breakfast meeting with the heads of print and electronic media institutions at Temple Trees yesterday. The President  stressed that no one could pressure him to devolve police and land powers and under no circumstances would he change his position. He yesterday made it clear that land and police powers are with the government. The president said this in response to a query by an editor whether it would create problems for the government if the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) is able to emerge victorious at the Northern Provincial Council polls, while referring to a remark made by TNA's chief ministerial candidate, C.V. Vigneswaran, that he will act according to the powers vested to the provinces constitutionally. President Rajapaksa brushed the question aside saying, "Oya mona yakath kiyana tharam kalu nehe" (the devil is not so black as he is painted).

  

"We have faced severe problems and even if the TNA wins the NPC, it will not be a major issue as land and police powers are under me and it will remain like that," he added. When pointed out that the Constitution states the Central Government should seek the views of the relevant Provincial Councils when exercising land powers, the President said, "That is what we are doing right now."

A dynamic inventor in modern era “Kamal Edirisinghe”

                      Some of inventions                                                                     Kamal Edirisinghe

 The future belongs to the young. The youth of today are the leaders, entrepreneurs and policy makers of tomorrow  driving technological, social and economic development globally. Within this context, there is no doubt that Technologies will be the main force behind much of that development,  creating employment, increasing productivity and improving the quality of life the world over. We have to recognize the importance of youth and technology as the twin pillars of development. An integral part of this recognition is a valuable discovery made.

Mr. Kamal Edirisinghe has  demonstrated his technological  creativity by marketing his new devices and solutions to real-world  challenges. His innovative methods of inventions are well tested which have not yet been implemented anybody in Sri Lanka. He found the best solutions by experiments along with his inborn ingenuity.  The inventions he has developed and created made more fundamental breakthroughs that have  commercialized  such as more efficient equipments or improvements in electronics field.  This young man will showcase the innovative thinking and talents  for technology which can provide real-world solutions to real-world problems and change the existing system  for the better. The unique ability Kamal  has shines the world today. Therefore, he has been in the spotlight . 

  

Kamal had his primary education at Ellakakala Maha Vidyalaya, Urapola Maha Vidyalaya and Veyangoda St. Maris College. Having passed grade fiver scholarship examination he was given an opportunity to attend Royal College Colombo.   Thisbriliant charactor  was one of upstanding  electronic engineers  that the University of Moratuwa has ever produced to the world in recent years,  He worked as a Software Engineer for Siemens, Norway, Network Consulting Engineer for  Cisco Systems, Sales Engineer for  Navini Networks, USA and  RF Design Engineer for  Comnet Sys AB, Sweden.  Currently he is a Wireless Expert Consultant for Xtreme Networks Pvt Ltd, Australia and  CEO for  Bravo Solutions, Sri Lanka. This 39 year old inventor was the chief engineer who engaged in setting up the computer systems, IP networks and telephone systems at the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport. With over 15 years experience in Electronics, Wireless Networking and IP Networks, Kamal is on the home soil to work for its people by giving up all job opportunities offered by reputable multinational companies in the world. He had an exclusive interview with CeyNews to discuss his amazing inventions made.

“While working for Comnet Sys AB, Sweden on a scholarship, I struggled with paying my monthly electricity bill  which was higher than expected. I found the power consumption of refrigerator in my apartment was higher than other appliances. So an idea came to my mind to control electricity for my refrigerator there. The KillerWATT designed was well tested at Comnet Lab which had enormous resources. The effort was successful. I further developed my invention and brought it in to Sri Lanka. Monthly electricity units can be reduced up to 50% by KillerWATT which could use for both refrigerator and AC.  

It saves electricity on home and industrial appliances.  The user can easily program the amount of saving into the device and control the electricity bill.  This comes in two different models Std and Pro to suit customers’ needs. Digital Power Guard is a breakthrough innovation of our engineers. The supply voltage is indicated in real time and the shut down happens at a split second using the digital 10-bit microprocessor technology. Audible Alarms indicate the status of the device. Apart from that I have made a number of  following  inventions as well.

TimeTRAP or Real time digital timer has an in built real time clock (RTC) that works even during power failures. This RTC is used to set the times for turning the appliances ON and OFF at predefined precise times. This time setting is done by way of setting the traps in a structured manner. This is also equipped with a Digital Power Guard module and a Surge Protector module protecting your valuable appliances from Voltage fluctuations and surge spikes. TimeTRAP can also be used as an energy saver device for Air-conditioners, Freezers and refrigerators by turning these appliances OFF at predefined times.  

TempMaster is a temperature alarm system suitable for many industrial applications. The Temperature is displayed in 0.5C increments in a Blue LCD display with a backlight. The alarm thresholds and all the internal parameters  can be configured using the supplied TempMaster Software pack. Once the alarm threshold is reached, the TempMaster will generate SMS messages to designated GSM numbers along with a customized message and the temperature values. There will also be an audible melody through the built in speaker.

Outdoor Moving Character LED Digital Display Series enable a new horizon in outdoor LED displays. The products are available in different sizes and prize ranges and are carefully custom designed inside elegant black enclosures enabling it to fit into any colour wall without destroying the aesthetics. The thickness of the display is just under 2 inch super flat. We can also design and manufacture the outdoor fixture depending on customer requirement.  

Digital Price and Currency Rate Display enables a new horizon in display of numeric information in digital format.The products are available in 5 (BDPD-5) or 20(BDPD-20) value versions and are carefully designed inside elegant black enclosures enabling it to fit into any colour wall without destroying the aesthetics. The thickness of the display is just under 1 inch super flat. It is also possible to customize the product for battery operation.

The BEB-21N is a 21 character Tri Color (Red, Green and Orange) display E-Banner for indoor/ semi-outdoor applications. Programming the running messages can be easily done using the provided EasyProg software. It stores up to 1000 characters at a time inside the E-Banner and contains 100,000 programming cycles for the Non Erasable Flash EEPROM memory, unlimited programming cycles for the other memory areas and Rugged and non-corrosive construction using Aluminium enclosure etc.

BQM-999 is a Queue Management Solutions line. It  manages queues up to 999 counts enabling more flexible and useful queue management at very attractive prices. The indoor and Outdoor units are carefully designed inside elegant black enclosures enabling it to fit into any color wall without destroying the aesthetics. BQM-999 operates from 110 V – 230V AC and consumes less than 3W. Power supply unit is built-in. The number changes are indicated using audible melodies.” Kamal told

  

A Kamal’s  message for those who are keen to make inventions was” to see the limits of possible, you need to venture a little into impossible.” High rates of youth unemployment are becoming a social emergency. Many young people seek livelihoods to survive.  He is ready to improve youth employments and empower young innovators to achieve their goals.  “ I have already created  job opportunities for 5 school leavers to assemble and manufacture my items.  Hope to do more in future as I am determined to introduce new inventions in time. Young people are the source of grass roots innovation. Therefore, it is important to guide them to go on the right track.  I am here for them, Anybody could reach me on 077 -0884303.  Many academic and non academic people  and my university colleagues were behind my success, ” Kamal further added. 

South Asian Regional Consultation in Kathmandu next month

The members of all five nations of the South Asian Alliance of Grassroots NGOs (SAAGN) will meet at the South Asian Regional Consultation Summit to be held in on August 30th and 31st, next month  in Kathmandu, Nepal.  17 Sri Lankan participants including members from Kantha Shakthi, Jaffna Social Action Center, Lanka Muslim Women's Society- Kurunegala,  Rural Women's Front- Galle, Changers Foundation- Batticaloa and government officials will represent Sri Lanka for the summit.

The meeting will be the first of its kind, under the ‘Civil Society Alliance for Child Rights in South Asia’ project where members of NGOs, stakeholders along with key actors from relevant ministries and government bodies will meet, consult and put forth recommendations to the governments of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Sri Lanka. This consultation aims at positioning SAAGN  at the SAARC convention and to suggest recommendations which will be the final outcome of the consultation. The summit marks the culmination of the communication campaign initiated by the alliance on Children’s Right to Family. Apart from sharing highlights of the campaign, the 139 net-work partners of SAAGN will use the two-days to draw up the network’s roadmap and commitment towards specific issues within Child Rights protection and promotion in the region.

The core agenda for the meeting is as follows:

1-Release of the Research Study conducted by SAAGN on the Status of Children in South Asia with specific recommendations to SAARC and regional governments.

2-Sharing of Case Studies and Best Practices from Workshops with children and stakeholder groups.

3-Screening of Documentary Film developed by the alliance along with release of a booklet of Images from the project and excerpts from the Research Study.

4-Sharing overview of the five nation campaign on ‘Children’s Right to a Family’.

      5-Releasing Roadmap for SAAGN coalition on collaborations on Violence against Children

The meeting will also include the launch of a Documentary Film made on the activities and achievements of the SAAGN forum along with the release of a Research Book that will carry excerpts of a lengthier research study conducted as part of the project to understand the Situation of Children in the South Asian region. 

Colombo would be the best "Liveable City" in 2016

                   Krrish Square                      Platinum One Tower           Hyatt Regency         Dawson Grand Towers

The Colombo City is fast changing with heavy construction going on, initiated by both the public and private sector to meet the demands  of becoming a regional hub. These developments are mainly targeted towards achieving a historic goal of making Colombo the best 'livable city' in 2016. Plans are already being made to bid for the 'Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize' for the 'Best Livable City' award in 2016. This ambitious task has been undertaken by the Urban Development Authority (UDA).

The 2012 prize was awarded to New York City, for its remarkable transformation from one at risk in the post-September 11 period. New York is the second winner of this award since the prize was started in 2009. It was selected by the Nominating Committee and the Prize Council from 62 nominations received from across the world, after a rigorous two-tier selection process. In Colombo, steps have been taken by improving the quality of the road network and beautification of the city to make the metropolis one of the greenest and cleanest cities in Asia. One of the biggest problems in Colombo was flooding, Several artificial lakes were created with parks being built in these areas to collect excess water and this has proved to be successful as the flooding has decreased to a great extent. Canals were cleaned and a new speed boat service is on the cards which would help passenger transport to a great extent.

The second gray area in the City of Colombo was the shanties. Statistics revealed that over 18,000 acres in the city were occupied by them. Though some shanties were unauthorised, the UDA went out of its way, not only to relocate the inhabitants, but also to provide them quality housing with attached toilets and two rooms in place of their current 'all in one room' shelter. In the five-star city hotel segment, a shortfall of 1,500 hotel rooms by 2016 would be seen in meeting the expected tourist arrivals trend where the city is currently equipped with 2,000 hotel rooms. A deficit would be evident till 2016/17 as only two five-star hotels out of the proposed projects are off the ground currently (of capacity 700 rooms).

Currently, Colombo is only equipped with 2,000 five-star rooms which is not enough to meet the demand. With the completion of the Movenpick and Hyatt projects, there would be another 700 rooms being added during the next three to four years. Apart from these city hotels coming up, new luxury and semi-luxury apartments,   At the moment, Colombo and the suburbs have 100 apartment projects ranging from standard to luxury and most of them are fully sold out or al least 80 percent sold.  Some of the main mixed development projects that would help Colombo increase its claim for the 'most livable city' award are Havelock City, Krrish Square, AVIC Mixed Development, Crown Mixed Development Project, Integrated Resort by John Keells Holdings, Hyatt Regency Colombo, EoN Resorts, Liberty Square and Tower and Platinum One.

The apartments that are planned include Fairway Sky Gardens, Iconic 110 Parliament Road, Altair Luxury Residencies, ON320 Apartments and Destiny Apartments, Malls and Residency. The hotels that are currently being built include Movenpick Colombo, Shangri-La Colombo, Sheraton Colombo, Marino Sands Hotel, ITC Hotel and Suncity Business Hotel. Colonial buildings and other large buildings in prime locations in the city have been refurbished and rented to earn an income while catering to the demand, by the UDA.

However, at that time, the only sizeable office spaces available in Colombo were the World Trade Centre (750,000 square feet in total), HNB Towers and Access Towers (200,000 square feet in total). Subsequent to the demand, the rents also doubled in the Colombo commercial complexes. In addition to these areas, the road network coupled with the free flow of traffic within the city, international standard pavements providing access to the visually handicapped, recreational, shopping and entertainment complexes are also being developed. These would take Colombo to a new phase and the country closer to its goal of becoming the Wonder of Asia.

Sri Lanka and Japan to develop further economic ties

Japan’s Minister of Internal Affairs and Communication Mr. Yoshitaka Shindo called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the President’s House yesterday to discuss the existing collaborations between the two countries while also developing new ways of further strengthening economic ties, including in the communications sector.

Minister Yoshitaka Shindo  meets
President Mahinda Rajapaksa

Discussions between the two sides also focused on providing Japanese information and communications technology to Sri Lanka to boost the communication sector. The visiting Minister expressed hope that Japanese ICT system which had been tested and evaluated by the Sri Lankan government would be adopted in Sri Lanka. Mr. Shindo also thanked Sri Lanka for its support and assistance in the aftermath of the tsunami in 2011, noting how much the people of Japan appreciated it.

In March of this year, during a visit to Japan, President Rajapaksa held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. During the President's visit, the government of Japan granted approximately Rs.3.7 billion to Sri Lanka for implementation of four projects for meeting the urgent needs in sectors such as fisheries, roads and health to promote socio-economic development. The Japanese government committed to a total of Rs. 57.8 billion in development aid to Sri Lanka. Since then, this is the second high-level visit of a Japanese government official. In May of this year, Japan’s Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso visited Sri Lanka and met President Rajapaksa. He also observed the progress in the upgrading and expansion of the Colombo Port which is funded with US$ 800 million of Japanese assistance.

New legislation against the slaughter of cattle in two months

Show your kindness towards useful animals

Sri Lanka is ready to impose new low against slaughter of cattle due to  protests  staged throughout the country  last few months. The Legal Draftsman's Department of Sri Lanka has been directed to draft legislation against the slaughter of cattle in the country. The President has instructed the Legal Draftsman's Department to draft the necessary legislation to ban cattle slaughter, the local media reported. According to the report, the drafting of the legislation is expected to be finalized within the next two months.

Meanwhile, the Cooperatives and Internal Trade Ministry has been instructed to import beef. A Sinhalese Buddhist movement, the Sihala Ravaya has been campaigning for the banning of cattle slaughter in the country and in May this year a Buddhist monk of the Sinhala Ravaya organization self-immolated to protest cattle slaughter.

Following ongoing protest against the slaughter of cattle recently President Mahinda Rajapaksa  promised the Sinhala Buddhist nationalist organization, Sihala Ravaya that he would take steps to ban cattle slaughter in Sri Lanka within the next two months. The Chief Priest of the Sihala Ravaya organization, who marched all the way from Kataragama to Colombo in protest of cattle slaughter, met President Rajapaksa and handed over a petition. President of the Sihala Ravaya organization, Ven. Akmeemana Dayarathana Thera has requested the President to impose the ban urgently and take necessary measures to import beef. 

Yal Devi train in Kilinochchi by September, up to KKS in 2014

Yal Devi train at the Thandikulama station 

The operation of Yal Devi train will  be extended  up to Kilinochchi  by Septermber, CeyNews reported. The  80 percent of the construction work of the Omanthai to Pallai section on the Northern railway line has already been completed as of now with the focus on completing the first phase of the project upto Kilinochchi by September this year.  The Yaldevi which travelled only up to Madawachchiya after 1990, was restricted to Vavuniya, during the final stages of the war. It was on June 7, 2009 that the Yaldevi recommenced operations to Thandikulam. The Yal Devi then extended its run to Omanthai on May 29 of 2011. By the end of 2014, the rail track up to Kankesanthurai (KKS) would be completed. The construction of the rail track and fixing of bridges and culverts will also be included under this project at a cost of US$ 185 million. 

This section of the track is having crossing stations and sub-stations at Puliyankulam, Mankulam, Murikkandi, Kilinochchi, Paranthan, Elephant Pass (Halt) and Pallai. The existing railway stations will be redeveloped to facilitate the project. Although the former track was constructed with a design speed of 80 kilometres per hour, the new track will have a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour. There are seven crossing stations between Pallai and Kankesanthurai and the stations are located in Kodikamam, Chavakachcheri, Navatkuli, Jaffna, Kondavil and Chunnakam. The 11 sub-stations are at Elthumadduval, Mirusavil, Meesalai, Sangasthanai, Kachchanthoppu, Punhankulam, Kokuvil, Lunuvil, Mallakam and Thelippallai. This section of the project costs US$ 149 million.  

The main challenge we faced in this project is the supply of gravel. Since the project comes within the Jaffna peninsula where gravel is not available, the gravel needed for the project has to be brought from the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.  Mainly 111 level crossings are there within 65 kilometres and that is not healthy for the speed of the train. There are three stations, between the 43 kilometre stretch between Medawachchiya and Madhu Road and they are Nellikulum, Chettikulum and Madhu Road. The  construction work of this section of the rail track  was started on March 23, 2011. The cost of the project from Medawachchiya to Madhu is US$ 81.31 million.

The US$ 149.74 million project of laying the rail track from Madhu to Talaimannar include the construction of the Talaimannar pier. There are three major bridges to facilitate the project and there will be a 100 foot three span bridge, and a 100 foot two span bridge. The Talaimannar pier is 960 feet in length. Five crossing stations and three sub-stations will be there between Madhu Road and Talaimannar. The five main stations will be Murunkan, Mannar, Pesalai, Talaimannar and the Taliamannar Pier.

 The other three halts are located at Manthottam, Thiruketheeswaran and Thoddaweli. The rail track has a design speed of 120 kilometres per hour, but normally a train can run at a speed of 100 kilometres per hour. That means within one and a half hours you can travel from Medawachchiya to Talaimannar. The completion of the Medawachchiya, Talaimannar rail track along with the Talaimannar pier will pave the way to create the shortest link between India and Sri Lanka with the starting of the ferry service between Talaimannar and Rameswaran.

The Railway Department under the Ministry of Transport and with huge financial assistance from the Indian government under the Indian Line of Credit has embarked on this massive project of restoring the Northern rail tracks to restart the train services connecting the Northern town again to the South through rail links.  The Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) has undertaken the construction work as the key contractor of the project.

Thushani Perera wins Ranaviru Real Star-III Trophy 2013

Leading Aircraft Woman

Thushani Perera 

Leading Aircraft Woman Thushani Perera of Sri Lanka Air force won the Ranaviru Real Star-III Trophy 2013. The grand finale  was staged at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium last night. Five contestants, four servicemen and one servicewoman were selected for the grand finale. Three from Sri Lanka Army and each from Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force competed in two rounds demonstrating their talents at the final show.

The winner received a brand new luxury house valued at Rs. 20 million.  The second placed contestant Corporal Nadish Saranga of the Sri Lanka Army was presented with the key of a gleaming brand new Toyota "Yaris" car worth of Rs. 6.7 million with Rs. 1 million in cash and a trophy. The third and fourth places went to the Corporal Chaminda Kumara and Corporal Manoj Perera of Sri Lanka Army respectively and the fifth place was secured by Able Musician Danuka Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka Navy. They were also awarded with valuable cash prizes, LED (HD) T.V sets, Dialog Satellite Connections and trophies. Maj. Saliya Jayawardene was awarded a special gift for his outstanding performance.   Moreover, competitors who secured positions from 6th place to 36th place were also awarded special prizes.

The widely popular "Ranaviru Real Star" is aimed at the bringing out the hidden musical talents of war heroes. The Mission 1 and 11 which were staged earlier proved to be one of the most popular reality shows in the country and this one proved to be even more popular among the viewers.  The panels of judges were comprised of renowned personalities involved in the local music field namely, Visharada Edward Jayakody, Jakson Anthony and Yashoda Wimaladarma who contributed 60 percent in selecting of winners. The rest 40 percent was allowed public to decide upon their SMS. Over 8.49 million SMSs poured in as it showed in the projection screens showed the popularity of the show among the masses.

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, the Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Chief of the Defence Staff, Three forces Commanders and renowned artists were among the distinguished invitees present at the final show.  

A US$ 996,000 grant to develop livelihoods opportunities in SL

The United States Government, through its development arm the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), bolsters to develop livelihoods opportunities for vulnerable families in the agriculture and fisheries sectors through new markets, infrastructure and provision of critical training and equipment as a part of part of a $996,000 grant. USAID sponsored Ag-Biz North 2013, an agricultural trade exhibition in Kilinochchi held this week.

"Agriculture and fishing remain essential to the northern economy. This timely initiative will help resettling communities in the region re-start and improve their livelihoods in these sectors, and thereby contribute to the region's economic growth", says Todd Sorenson, USAID Sri Lanka's Acting Mission Director. At the event, participants will be able to explore the latest products and technologies, build new market linkages and learn about new loan opportunities.

Ag-Biz North 2013 is organized by the National Agribusiness Council, a body created with support from USAID in the 1990s, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the international NGO, Practical Action.

Life imprisonment for inmates on death row

The Ministry of Justice is to set up a Committee to review the sentences of condemned prisoners with a view to commuting the sentences to life imprisonment.  The proposal to convert the sentences of condemned prisoners to life imprisonment is under review, and arrangements are being made to set up a panel of experts for the committee.  The committee will be chaired by  a retired Supreme Court Judge. A three-member committee will be appointed by the Ministry of Justice will give recommendations to a draft bill, to be implemented soon. This follows a request made by the Prisons Department to the Justice Ministry last year, to consider the possibility of rehabilitating the prisoners on death row. It is learnt that since death row prisoners are not being hanged, their future is in limbo. Sri Lanka stopped hanging condemned prisoners in 1976.

  

The Ministry of Rehabilitation and Prisons Reforms  has submitted names for the three-member panel of experts for the committee. He said the committee's recommendations will soon enable the ministry to review the sentences of all condemned prisoners. There are 473 males and 20 female prisoners currently on death row in the Bogambara and Welikada Prisons.

Rs. 600 million allocated for the second zoo in Sri Lanka

Animals at our zoo 

The Sri Lankan government has allocated Rs. 600 million for the second stage of the building of a new zoo in Pinnawala, CeyNews reported. The second phase of the project will be constructed to house foreign species. The first stage of the Pinnawala zoo is now being constructed at a cost of Rs. 577 million in a 48-acre land adjacent to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Kegalle district. The internal roads, food stores and the animal sections are now being built under the first stage. The official said over 95% of the first stage of the construction is now over. The government says a second zoo adjacent to the world famous tourist hot spot Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage will boost tourism and provide direct and indirect employment to a large number of the people in the area. The complete zoo built with modern facilities will cover 100 acres of land. Meanwhile,  the first stage of the Pinnawala zoo will comprise only animals, birds and other fauna endemic to Sri Lanka.  The zoo will have a special open section displaying the free-roaming Sri Lankan leopard. 

Measures to control the use of chemical fertilizer and agrochemicals

The Sri Lankan government is taking short and long term measures to control the indiscriminate usage of chemical fertilizer and agrochemicals by the farmers   due to the rising incidences of chronic kidney diseases in the agricultural areas of the island, Ceynews reported. According to the government sources the country is experiencing adverse effects of the use of chemical fertilizer and agrochemicals introduced to increase crop productivity and ensure food security. 

Vegetables displayed on the market are ready for consumers 

Although Sri Lanka has become self-sufficient in rice and some other crops, the adverse effects of chemical usage such as damage to bio-diversity, contamination of water and soil due to chemical substances leading to various health problems, particularly renal diseases in agricultural areas such as North Central and Eastern Provinces, are becoming costly for the country.

The Sub-Committee chaired by the Senior Minister for Rural Affairs Athauda Seneviratne and attended by 13 Ministers has recommended 19 long term measures and 10 short terms measures in their report. Secretaries to the relevant ministries and 58 scientists were also involved in the deliberations and the Committee has also considered the proposals submitted by the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena in making the recommendations.

Among the short-term measures recommended are the maximum utilization of easily available organic substances for cultivations, encouraging farmers to use organic fertilizer in addition to chemical fertilizer, increasing the efficiency of chemical fertilizer being used in cultivations, improvement of soil and maintaining viability of soil fertility, dissemination of compost production with due standard and minimization of environment pollution.  

Meanwhile, a  World Health Organization (WHO) study revealed a significant increase in Chronic Kidney Disease of uncertain etiology cases has been observed in some parts of Sri Lanka in recent years, especially in North Central, North Western, Uva and Eastern provinces. A joint research project conducted by the government and the WHO found that the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the country's main agricultural production regions caused by fertilizer and pesticide use. The Health Ministry, which commissioned the WHO study, says the number of affected people in the country had grown to 450,000 although uncertainty prevails over the exact cause of the kidney disease.

The government has therefore, initiated measures to control the use of agrochemicals and fertilizer consumption and promote the use of organic fertilizer in farm lands.  

BOC to borrow US$ 200 m from NDB Emirates Bank

Wajid Kumaran exchanging the agreement
 signed with  Raju Sivaram 

Bank of Ceylon (BOC) signed  a one year US$ 200 million syndicated loan facility, arranged by Emirates NDB Capital Limited, Dubai, CeyNews reported.  The loan has attracted the lowest rate below 3.00% per annum and the proceeds of syndication will be utilized for trade finance and general corporate purposes. Launched at an amount of US$ 150 million, the loan facility was well received in the market with the total book size reaching US$ 300 million during syndication, representing an impressive over subscription of 100%. The facility was finally closed at an increased amount of US$ 200 million.

 “The signing ceremony of the US$ 200 million syndicated loan facility has confirmed the Bank of Ceylon’s reputation in the international financial market and the trust that these lending institutions have placed on us. The BOC has been in the syndicated loan market over 15 years with an unblemished track record and the signing of the loan facility with Emirates NDB Capital Limited would be a landmark transaction in the syndicated loan market in Sri Lanka,” BOC Acting Chairman Raju Sivaram said. BOC Senior Deputy General Manager (International, Treasury and Investment) P. A Lionel said that BOC is planning to have more substantial deals even below this 3 percent rate in the future.

Emirates NDB Capital Limited Chief Executive Officer Mohammed Wajid Kumaran said the Emirates NDB Capital is remain commited to deliver quality investment banking solutions to Bank of Ceylon in future. Fourteen lenders, including Standard Chartered Bank Sri Lanka, The Commercial Bank of Qatar (QSC), Gulf Bank KSC, Burgan Bank SAK, Doha Bank QSC and National Bank of Abu Dhabi PJSC, Axis Bank DIFC Branch, Bank of Baroda, Indian Overseas Bank Singapore, Union National Bank PSJ, Doha Bank, Habib Bank had participated in the loans . The Emirates NDB Capital Limited is the leading financial institution in Dubai with a strong track record in the syndicated loan market.

Korea has agreed to provide US$ 60 million to Sri Lanka

Hyeog Yim and and  Dr. P.B. Jayasundera signed the agreements

The Government of Korea has agreed to provide financial assistance of Rs.7.5 billion (US$ 60 million) to establish a Vocational Training Centre and a solid waste disposal facility having considered their relative importance and expected long term benefits, the Finance Ministry said today in a release. The Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank) of Korea has agreed to provide Rs. 7.5 billion for the establishment of the Colombo Central Vocational Training Centre, the Gampaha College of Technology and for the construction of a solid waste disposal facility.

The two sides signed the relevant agreements Tuesday at the Ministry of Finance and Planning. Executive Director of the EDCF Seong-Hyeog Yim and Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Planning Dr. P.B. Jayasundera signed the agreements on behalf of the Export-Import Bank of Korea and the Government of Sri Lanka respectively. The EDCF will provide Rs. 3.3 billion (approximately US$ 26 million) investment for the establishment of Colombo Central Vocational Training Centre and Gampaha College of Technology Project, which has been formulated in line with the development policy framework of the Government.

The project aims to establish two vocational training centers with modern technological facilities in Gampaha and Colombo Districts to ensure providing formal professional education to students with the latest technical know-how in the selected areas such as electronics, motor mechanism, tinkering, painting, welding and electric wiring with particular attention to manufacturing sector. This project is also intended to empower labor force with necessary knowledge and skills to meet the demands of both local and international markets and thereby increase job opportunities which will ultimately contribute to the economic development of the country.

The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Skills Development. The EDCP has also agreed to provide financial assistance of approximately US$ 33.54 million of the total cost of US$ 41.8 million for a project to construct a solid waste disposal facility. Realizing the importance of a comprehensive waste management system in controlling the deteriorated environmental conditions around roadsides, swamps and lowlands, the Government is implementing 'Pilisaru' (recycling resources), an Integrated Sustainable Waste Management Program (ISWMP), to reinforce the waste management capacity of provincial governments and other environment related organizations. The construction of a solid waste disposal facility has been identified under the above program.

The objective of this project is to implement effective solid waste management system in selected areas in the Kalutara, Galle, Anuradhapura and Kandy districts by constructing sanitary landfill facilities to minimize environmental pollution and preserve a comfortable urban atmosphere for residents. At the same time, the project will be expected to increase the percentage of the recyclable materials, decreasing waste volumes being sent to landfills by composting organic waste and decreasing revenue. The project will be implemented by the Central Environmental Authority under the guidance of the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy. These loans have been provided at an interest rate of 0.15% per annum with a repayment period of 40 years including a grace period of 10 years.  

Prevent Child Abuse and Protect Our Children

Child abuse consists of any act of commission or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. Child abuse includes any damage done to a child which cannot be reasonably explained and which is often represented by an injury or series of injuries appearing to be non-accidental in nature.

 We will look after our children

Forms of Child Abuse

Physical abuse

Any non-accidental injury to a child. This includes hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, burning, pinching, hair pulling, biting, choking, throwing, shoving, whipping, and paddling.

Sexual abuse

Any sexual act between an adult and child. This includes fondling, penetration, intercourse, exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, child prostitution, group sex, oral sex, or forced observation of sexual acts.

Neglect

Failure to provide for a child’s physical needs. This includes lack of supervision, inappropriate housing or shelter, inadequate provision of food and water, inappropriate clothing for season or weather, abandonment, denial of medical care and inadequate hygiene.

Emotional abuse

Any attitude or behaviour which interferes with a child’s mental health or social development. This includes yelling, screaming, name-calling, shaming, negative comparisons to others, telling them they are “bad, no good, worthless” or “a mistake.” It also includes the failure to provide the affection and support necessary for the development of a child’s emotional, social, physical and intellectual well-being. This includes ignoring, lack of appropriate physical affection (hugs), not saying “I love you,” withdrawal of attention, lack of praise and lack of positive reinforcement.

Here are some actions you can take to help children and their parents.

1. Be a good example.
Respect your family members. Use a courteous tone of voice with them. When children misbehave, let them know that you dislike what they did, not who they are. Don't hit your kids; violence teaches violence. Apologize when you're wrong. Say "I love you" more often. Reward good behaviour. 

2. Be a friend to a parent.
Listen. Sometimes, just being able to express anger and frustration helps ease tensions. Go shopping with a parent and child. Children are usually better behaved when their adults are happier and more relaxed. Invite a parent to go jogging or bowling or golfing. Exercise helps relieve stress. 

  

3. Reach out to neighbours or relatives with children.
Offer to babysit to give them a much-needed break.

4. Praise and encourage the children you know.
Mean words can make a child feel worthless, ugly, and unloved, and the hurt can last a lifetime. So be positive. Tell a child you're proud of her and why. Stick up for her; don't let others tease or make fun of her. Smile. Let her know she is important to you. Say, "You're terrific. I like you!"

5. Take action...don't wait for someone else to do it!
Arrange for a speaker on child abuse and neglect to come to your temple, church, club, or workplace. The more we all know about abuse and neglect, the more we can do to stop it.

6. Organize safety systems for your neighbourhood.
Arrange for neighbours who are at home most of the day to watch out for children on their way to and from school. Set up "safe houses" where children can go if they feel threatened or afraid. Participate in a telephone network for neighbourhood children who are home alone after school and need help, advice, or reassurance.

7. Volunteer.
Volunteer your time in a child crisis shelter, parenting support program, drug abuse prevention or treatment program, or shelter for the homeless.

8. Form a Carpenters Guild.
Work with others in your temple, church, mosque, club, workplace or social organisation to repair homes of disadvantaged families to make them more liveable for children. 

9. Start a resource room.
Call your local authority and collect diapers, clothing, toys, books, and formula to help ease the transition for children who must be removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect.  

10. Work in a day-care centre.
Volunteer your time in a day-care centre that serves abused and neglected children. Work with your temple church, club, or organization to form a partnership with a child-care centre that serves low-income children.

11. Be a mentor.
Help a pregnant teenager learn parenting skills. Or be a mentor to a pre-teen through one of the school mentoring programs. 

12. Learn more about child abuse and child abuse prevention.
Teach others. Plan an adult education program in your church, club, or organization to inform people about children's needs. Open your group's facility to local education programs for parents. 

13. Become a foster parent.

It's not an easy job, but the rewards are great when you help a child learn what it feels like to be safe. 

14. Get involved with the child welfare body

This could be done either provincial or district level with those who are responsible for.

15. Understand which children are most likely to be abused.
Although child abuse occurs in all racial, ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic groups, physical abuse and neglect are more likely among people living in poverty. Children who are most likely to be abused are children who are mentally retarded, premature, unwanted, stubborn, inquisitive, demanding, or have a disability 

16. Report suspected child abuse and neglect. Please contact your local law enforcement agency if you think a child is being neglected, sexually abused, or physically or emotionally abused. Children are hardly ever abused only once. If you suspect it, you must report it. That's the law. Reporting suspected child abuse makes it possible for a family to get help. For this please contact: 

National Child Protection Authority: http://www.childprotection.gov.lk/ or Children & Woman  Bureau , Sri Lanka Police: http://www.police.lk/index.php/child-a-women-bureau. 

Sri Lanka is ready to share its experience - SL Ambassador to the UN

Ravinatha Aryasinha

SL Ambassador to the UN in Geneva 

Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva Ravinatha Aryasinha has said the approaches used in post-tsunami and post-conflict Sri Lanka, with suitable adaptation, could be deployed in managing humanitarian situations in other countries as well, and that the Government of Sri Lanka continues to stand ready to share its experience as best practices on humanitarian effectiveness, with other countries that are similarly placed, in an effort to relieve those who undergo suffering due to humanitarian emergencies. Ambassador Aryasinha made these observations when he delivered the Sri Lanka statement at the humanitarian affairs segment of the Substantive Session of ECOSOC, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva last week.

Ambassador Aryasinha recalled that as a country Sri Lanka dealt with an unprecedented natural disaster in the form of the Asian tsunami in 2004. Detailing the systems deployed by the government's Centre of National Operations (CNO) to manage natural disasters, he said the 24/7 operational capacity now allows Sri Lanka to evacuate coastal areas within an hour of a tsunami alert. He also enumerated the significant strides made by the Government of Sri Lanka over the 4 years since the ending of the conflict, in re-settling IDPs, de-mining, restoring livelihoods and property of those affected and initiating a program to pay compensation to the conflict-affected residents of Northern Province, who lost loved ones and property and sustained injuries, as part of a process of restitution.

Ambassador Aryasinha said, the recent phasing down of the operational role of the UNHCR and ECHO and the re-orientation of the ICRC's activities in Sri Lanka reflect an acknowledgement by the international community of Sri Lanka's success story in responding to humanitarian situations, both manmade and natural. He said Sri Lanka takes cognizance of the need to not only address the immediate humanitarian needs in the aftermath of a disaster, but also as to how countries could rebuild the lives of affected people by promoting a recovery that is sustainable and development oriented.

Ambassador Aryasinha said Sri Lanka reiterates its support to the humanitarian assistance guiding principles articulated in GA Resolution 46/182, especially on the full adherence to the humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality and independence, while engaging in negotiations for and during humanitarian operations. Sri Lanka also wished to reiterate the need for de-politicization of humanitarian aid and that non-governmental organizations involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected countries should also be accountable, both financially and in the work that is carried out by them.

Ambassador Aryasinha said, in this light, Sri Lanka looks forward to greater engagement in this dialogue, especially at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2015, where the knowledge and best practices on strengthening humanitarian assistance and promoting humanitarian aid transparency and effectiveness could be shared among all stakeholders. Sri Lanka hoped that this Summit would assist in creating a synergy between the development partners and those who work on disaster preparedness.

IMF assures its continued support as Sri Lankan economy is growing

The Sri Lankan economy grew at a commendable rate of 6.4 percent in 2012, following over 8 percent growth in the preceding two years revelled in an  International Monetary Fund (IMF)  report recently.  According to the report the Industry sector grew at a healthy rate with a significant contribution coming from the construction sub-sector. The growth in the Services sector moderated largely due to a slowdown in external trade, while the agriculture sector continued to be affected by adverse weather conditions. 

The unemployment rate declined to 4.1 per cent in 2012. The continued high growth in aggregate demand led to some imbalances in the external sector, increased pressure on the exchange rate and high credit growth. To address these imbalances, the Central Bank tightened its monetary policy and limited its intervention in the foreign exchange market. The government raised duties on selected non-essential imports and allowed upward revision of energy prices, Inflation was maintained within single digit in 2012 although there were upward pressures during the second half of the year largely due to supply side factors.

The year-on-year headline inflation at 2.7 percent in February 2012 gradually increased to 9.2 percent by end 2012 reflecting upward adjustment in energy prices, the pass-through of the currency depreciation, supply disruptions due to adverse weather conditions as well as demand pressures caused by high monetary growth in the preceding years. Inflation has since moderated to 7.5 percent in March 2013. The external sector recovered significantly during the year with lower trade and current account deficits and higher inflows to the capital account leading to a surplus in the balance of payments. International reserves increased to comfortable levels. Despite some setback in revenue generation, the government remained committed to fiscal consolidation and the overall fiscal deficit further reduced to 6.4 percent of GDP in 2012 from 6.9 percent in 2011.

Money supply growth decelerated in the tightened policy environment. These developments provided room for the Central Bank to relax its monetary policy stance in December 2012. The financial system remained stable and sound with high capital adequacy and moderate non-performing loans (NPLs), while profitability of industry improved. Meanwhile IMF Director for Asia and the Pacific region Dr. Anoop Singh said IMF assures continued support to Sri Lanka and focuses on long term economic stability.  IMF board of directors released US$ 426.8 million to Sri Lanka after reviewing the country’s implementation of economic policies attached to a $2.56 billion loan this year and the Executive Board of IMF approved about US$ 415.0 million last year, bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to about US$ 2.49 billion.

SL Army is not in security activities in the NPC election

Sri Lankan voters walk to a polling station  

The Sri Lanka Army  will not get involved in security activities in the North  provincial council election to be held in this September, unless a request is made by the Police said Military Spokesman Brigadier Ruwan Wanigasuriya. He further added that the military will in no way be directly involved in civilian activities. The separatist ideology is still alive both here and abroad. There are several organizations overtly propagating the separatist ideology and carrying out activities aimed at creating a separate state in Sri Lanka and they will try to do everything possible to reignite conflict in the North. Such reigniting of conflict will not help the democratization process of the North.

Therefore, the military's presence in the North will be helpful to ensure that peace and stability remains so that civil authorities can conduct the elections and politicians can conduct their political campaigns in a free and fair manner, According to Wanigasuriya, the army will not provide security or be connected with any of the activities pertaining to the elections unless the Police make a request from any of the three armed forces like anywhere else in the country.