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.” 

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Sri Lanka looks to give the freedom of getting incoming payments through Paypal

Sri Lanka looks to give the freedom of getting incoming payments
through Paypal

"We have to move with the times"

Sri Lanka is looking to give the freedom of getting incoming payments through Paypal, a cost-effective global remittance and payments system that has helped boost e-commerce in many countries, the current Governor of the Central Bank  Ajith Nivard Cabraal said.
Lack of Paypal incoming remittance had been a key problem for expanding internet based business in Sri Lanka especially small time outsourcing work done through the internet by independent workers.

Sri Lankan's can currently make use of the Paypal system to make payments via their credit cards which results in an outflow of cash but cannot receive cash because the system's accounts are not allowed to be linked to banks accounts in this country.Paypal has expanded worldwide helping make small payments to internet based businesses.

People from USA to Vietnam are using Paypal to run a variety of businesses ranging from selling goods online through ebay.com an auction site running flower delivery businesses and small time outsourcing activities.

"We are looking at it seriously," Ajith Nivard Cabraal Said.

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GREY GROUP Welcomes new head for Sri Lanka

Rachita Dutta GREY GROUP new
head for Sri Lanka

"We are delighted to have her back,” said Singh"

Grey Group has appointed Rachita Dutta, as its new country head for its Sri Lanka operations. In this role, Dutta is responsible for developing and executing strategies to expand Grey’s client base and capitalize on the business opportunities arising as a result of digital media and a shift towards the integration of media campaigns. The industry veteran brings with her close to two decades experience in account management and strategic planning and will be reporting to Nirvik Singh, Chairman and CEO of Grey Group Asia Pacific.
Prior to Grey, Dutta led Rediffusion Y&R’s LG business out of its Delhi office and held a two year stint as the vice president of Lowe Delhi. It’s a homecoming of sorts for Dutta who early in her advertising career joined Grey Delhi as a senior account executive. During her seven years with the agency, which saw her promoted to the position of account group head, she managed the launch of GSK’s Aquafresh oral care as well as Revlon’s Colorstay make-up range in India, the brand’s first foray in developing a local brand strategy and communications.

She left Grey to take up the position of account director at Contract Advertising, managing ABN AMRO Bank for consumer and retail banking and senior brand services director at Lowe Delhi. In 2006, Dutta re-joined Grey as regional group account director at its Kuala Lumpur office where for the next two years she managed the regional brand communications for Sara Lee – Ambi Pur, KiwiShoes and its other household brands and GSK’s Horlicks, Ribena, Sensodyne and Eye Mo. She holds a Masters in English from the University of Delhi.

“Rachita is a veteran with many years of hands-on experience in account management, brand strategy and new business acquisition. Needless to say, we are delighted to have her back,” said Singh. “Sri Lanka is an emerging market for Grey in the Asia Pacific region. The appointment of Rachita is the right move to guarantee our clients the best expert advice coming from a person with a deep understanding of strategic brand communications and experience in the advertising industry,” he added. “ I'm excited to be back and thrilled to lead the business development efforts of Grey in this key emerging market,” said Dutta. “ I'll endeavour to continue with the good work of my predecessor and work with the team to expand and further strengthen Grey’s presence in the local market.”

About Grey Group

Grey Group ranks among the largest global integrated communications companies. Its parent company is WPP (NASDAQ:WPPGY). Under the banner of “Grey Famously Effective Since 1917,” the agency serves a blue-chip client roster of many of the world’s best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Diageo, Pfizer, Canon, 3M, Eli Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim and Allianz. Grey was featured in FAST COMPANY magazine’s “50 Most Innovative Companies in the World” issue in both 2010 and 2011. In the Asia Pacific region, Grey Group covers 28 cities in 16 countries. For information on Grey Group Asia Pacific, please visit: www.greygroupasiapacific.com.

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UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardhana passed away

UNP Parliamentarian Dr Jayalath Jayawardhana
passed away

UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardhana

UNP Gampaha District Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardhana passed away in Singapore hospital. the parliamentarian passed away while he was receiving treatment at a hospital in Singapore.

Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana was born in 1953 and obtained his MBBS Medical Degree from the Medical Faculty of the University of Colombo.  He has also obtained several Postgraduate degrees from the USA, Russia, etc.,  He has been the Personal Medical Doctor to the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa and to his family.

Elected to parliament in 1994 representing the United National Party, Jayawardena was known for his strong loyalty to the UNP.

He once held the cabinet portfolio of Minister of  Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees during the UNP regime which came to power in early 2000’s.

Jayawardena who was 59 years of age at the time of his demise was a medical doctor.

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Injured Chanaka Welagedara replaced by Dilhara Lokuhettige

Injured Chanaka Welagedara replaced
 by Dilhara Lokuhettige

ICC Champions Trophy

Sri Lanka fast bowler Chanaka Welagedara will be replaced by Dilhara Lokuhettige for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in England following an ankle injury to Welagedara,Sri Lanka Cricket announced. The decision was approved by Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.
Mahindananda Aluthgamage has approved the above replacement. SLC have written to the ICC Event Technical Committee regarding this replacement. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.

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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.

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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.

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David Beckham retires from football

David Beckham retires from football

"I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams,"

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid superstar David Beckham will bring the curtain down on his glittering  20-year carer after Paris Saint-German's final home game of the season against Brest.
The former England captain made 115 appearances for his country and 394 for Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

"I'm thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level," he said.

"I wouldn't have achieved what I have done today without my family. I'm grateful for my parents' sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams," he said.

"I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period."

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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.

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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.

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NPC polls in first week of September 2013

NPC polls in first week of September 2013

Wayamba and Central PCs later

Polls for Central and Wayamba provincial councils are likely to be postponed.the government is planning to hold the Northern Provincial Council elections in early September and to conduct the polls for the Central and Wayamba Provincial councils later in the same month,news source said.
The official announcement by President Mahinda Rajapaksa regarding the holding of Northern Provincial Council elections is expected to be sent to the Elections Commissioner by the end of next month.

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Tokyo Cement’s new frontier - Sri Lanka’s first cement company to offer products online

Tokyo Cement’s new frontier - Sri Lanka’s first cement
company to offer products online

www.tokyocement.lk

Sri Lanka’s premier manufacturer of cement, The Tokyo Cement Group (TKYO), has reinvigorated their online presence with a fresh, new website that facilitates unprecedented access between consumer and cement manufacturer. The launch of this refreshed website will make Tokyo Cement the nation’s first-ever cement manufacturer to offer a direct-to-consumer online retail environment for cement and similar value added products.

Accessible at http://www.tokyocement.lk the website enables customers to order products online with the click of a button. Delivered at no cost to the customer within 48hrs of the order being placed from their factory to your door (within Colombo city limits). This service enables customers – especially
full time workers unable to go to the store during office hours – to deal directly with the company at their convenience, without concerning themselves with “shopping around” or organizing transport.

Tokyocement

Commenting on the launch, Dashantha Udawatte, Marketing Manager of Tokyo Cement Group had this to say: “Cement traditionally is a B2B, which over the decades has allowed us to nurture healthy, reciprocal relationships between us – the manufacturer – and our sprawling dealer network.

However, with the dawn of the information age comes the evolution of the consumer – those that hold corporations responsible for how they act and the quality of what they produce and that take greater personal responsibility for their purchasing.

The concept of selling cement and cement-based products online is to equip our consumers with the information of what different types of cement are used for, their applications and limitations. Our hope is that by helping consumers appreciate and compare the nuances of different types of building materials,
they will be able make informed decisions that are tailored to their needs. So by venturing into this new frontier of online retail, we hope that our refreshed web presence not only conveniences our customers,but informs and empowers them.”


www.tokyocement.lk offers an intuitive interface that guides customers to select the products they need and pay online. Payment methods include direct bank deposit or credit via Visa or Mastercard. The products available for online purchase are Tokyo Super Cement, Premixed Concrete, Tile Adhesives,
Plasters and Flooring or Waterproofing Solutions. The website will also feature a FAQ and an inquiries section to answer any queries from customers. Furthermore, customers are welcome to supplement their web experience with Tokyo Cement’s trilingual hotline number - 011 2030030.

Tokyo Cement Group is the market leader in cement manufacturing and is reputed for its role as innovator and pioneer in adding immense value in cement and other related products. Ensuring it operates in a sustainable manner, Tokyo Cement offers superior quality cement and related products at

competitive prices. It is also the pioneer of the “green cement” concept in Sri Lanka.

Tokyo Cement’s 10 megawatt Biomass clean-energy power plant in Trincomalee is a first of its kind and frees the company from reliance on thermal power generation via the national grid. The company plans to open a similar plant in Mahiyangana which will contribute 5 megawatts to the national grid. Such progressive projects typify the company's approach to its business in terms of positive contributions to both the nation and the environment.

No stranger to being “the first”, Tokyo Cement has set up the country’s first automated cement factory.Coupled with Tokyo Cement’s silent mantra of “setting the standard” they surpassed the low-hanging fruit of local standardisation to become the first local corporation to achieve ISO 14001 Environment Management Systems certification, and the first cement manufacturer to achieve the ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems certification, all while surpassing UNFCCC’s strict protocols to accomplish 40,000tons of Certified Emission Reductions.

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BBS challenges Sri Lankan Minister over claim of Norwegian funds

BBS challenges Sri Lankan Minister
 over claim of Norwegian funds

BBS accuse Minister Wimal Weerawansa 

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) challenged the Construction, Engineering Services and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa to prove his accusation that it has raised funds from Norway or any international non governmental organization (INGO) or other western countries.


"If anyone could prove that our organization had taken money from America or Norway we will obtain pardon from the people and dissolve the Bodu Bala Sena within just two hours," the general secretary of BBS Ven. Galabodaaththe Gnanasara Thero stressed.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa accused that the BBS has benefited from the funds donated by Norway for educational purposes.

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UNP drafts a new constitution for Sri Lanka

UNP drafts a new constitution for Sri Lanka

New constitution for the country

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) has taken measures to draft a new constitution for the country to address the current issues and decided to appoint a committee to draft the constitution. Parliamentarian and former Bar association President Wijedasa Rajapaksa is slated to be appointed as the Chairman of the committee,party sources said.

UNP general secretary Tissa Attanayake said the committee would meet for the first time on May 29 to start the drafting of the constitution.
He said that all ethnic communities would be consulted and views of other parties would also be taken in to account when drafting the new constitution.
The party expects to present the draft constitution at the future elections to seek a mandate to enact it, UNP sources said.

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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.

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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.

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Air Arabia Cancels Mattala/Hambantota Service

Air Arabia Cancels Mattala Service

Sri Lanka's second international airport

Air Arabia, the Sharjah-based United Arab Emirates has cancelled its services to Sharjah – Mattala/Hambantota route,just 6 weeks after it became the first foreign carrier to service the newest international airport in Sri Lanka.The airline previously operated twice weekly service.

Reservations on the airline's website is no longer available, the Airline Route  reported.

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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.

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Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka Meteorology Department

Heavy rain continues-Sri Lanka Meteorology Department

The island will experience heavy rains during the next few days

More than 2000 persons from Gampaha, Kandy and Matale districts have been affected by heavy rains during the past two days, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said.In Wattala, 2212 persons from 479 families are affected from flash floods while 331 persons are presently housed in temporary shelters. During the last 24 hours, Colombo recorded 70.1 mm rainfall followed by Katunayake with 69.3 mm, Ratmalana with 37.8mm and 22.3 mm in Vavuniya. 

The Meteorology Department states that due to atmospheric disturbances in the vicinity of the country,Meanwhile the Department of Meteorology states many areas in the island will experience heavy rains during the next few days due to a disturbance in the lower atmosphere. General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize the damages caused by lightning activities.

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Coca-Cola & Habitat for Humanity dedicate revitalized wells and schools in Batticaloa

Coca-Cola & Habitat for Humanity dedicate revitalized
 wells and schools in Batticaloa

Coca-Cola Sri Lanka

Coca-Cola Sri Lanka and Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka dedicated more than 1700 wells and 4 play schools to the community members and students of Batticaloa today, under a joint community revitalization project. The project was begun in 2011 after the devastating floods in the Eastern Province of the country rendered 1 million people homeless, with 200,000 acres of paddy fields destroyed and 100,000 wells contaminated. The two partners have helped in the clearing of 1783 wells and the rebuilding of 4 playschools, impacting more than 3,800 people in the region.

Neeraj Garg - Vice President, South West Asia & Juice Business,
 Coca-Cola India & South West Asia Business Unit;
 unveiling the commemorative plaque to
open the Navalar pre school in Batticaloa

Mr. S. Giritharan – Divisional Secretary (MN) of Batticaloa; dedicated the Navalar Pre-School in Batticaloa,in the presence of Neeraj Garg - Vice President, South West Asia & Juice Business, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia Business Unit; Sanjeev Kumar - Vice President-Finance, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia Business Unit; Tony Senewiratne – National Director for Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka, Kapila Welmillage, Country Managers- SABCO, Sri Lanka and Abhishek Jugran, Country Manager-Sri Lanka,Coca-Cola Far East Ltd.
Cleaning the contaminated wells in the affected areas was crucial, since the community depends almost exclusively on these wells for their daily supply of water. The project acquired a unique element when home-owners began providing unskilled labour to help the project teams in their work. This reduced the overall time and the monetary benefits than what was initially planned. The support extended by the community enabled the project committee to complete 1783 wells, versus the 1600 that were initially budgeted for.

Neeraj Garg - Vice-President, South West Asia & Juices, Coca-Cola India & South West Asia Business Unit said, “The Coca-Cola Company has a world-wide focus on sustainability and undertakes a number of initiatives on water, climate protection and promoting healthy living in the community. We believe
that sustainable businesses thrive only amidst sustainable communities. Therefore it is crucial for us to support community initiatives across the world, including in Sri Lanka. We undertake various programs in partnership with organizations like Habitat for Humanity to improve sanitation, hygiene and water conditions.

We are very happy that we have been able to make a positive difference to the lives of people in Batticaloa.We hope we can partner with more organizations in the future as well and impact the society and the environment in more positive, sustainable ways.”

Coca-Cola Sri Lanka and HFHSL not only ensured accessible clean water to people of the region, but also empowered the local community through training programs on water conservation, water preservation and critical, immediate disaster response techniques.

Tony Senewiratne - National Director for Habitat for Humanity Sri Lanka commented - “Habitat for Humanity has been working in Sri Lanka for many years now, yet when we rebuild a school or clean a well,it is the same satisfaction we get – that we have made a difference to someone else’s life. We are very happy that we have brought about a change in the lives of the young children who can now gain access to education through these pre schools. We are glad that Corporates like Coca-Cola are partnering with us and we hope that more and more companies join us in our endeavors.”

The teams also distributed posters to homes, schools and government institutions on water filtration and conservation methods to ensure that the water used by people is not contaminated. A total of 20 training programs were held for community members in 8 villages and 43 training programs were held in schools across the region.

Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka

Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka refreshes thousands of consumers throughout the country with an exciting range of beverages including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light, Sprite, Fanta Orange, Fanta Portello, Fanta Cream Soda, Lion Soda, Lion Tonic Water, Lion Gingerale, Lion Ginger Beer, Schweppes Tonic Water, Minute
Maid Orange, Minute Maid Mango, Minute Maid Apple and Minute Maid Mixed Fruit. The Coca-Cola System in Sri Lanka employs more than 400 people. Coca-Cola undertakes a number of community development and sustainability projects like the Coca-Cola Cricket Pathways to promote healthy active living, water and sanitation projects in partnership with organizations like United Nations Development Programme and Habitat for Humanity and PET collection and recycling with the Central Environmental Authority.

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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.”

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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” 

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Sri Lanka Champions Trophy Squad

Sri Lanka Champions Trophy Squad

ICC Champions Trophy 2013

Sri Lanka Cricket announced the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2013,to be played in England in June 2013. 

The Sri Lanka team will be led by Angelo Mathews while Dinesh Chandimal acts as his deputy. Experienced TM Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will join the squad along with Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath and Nuwan Kulasekara.

Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake has been included in the squad as an expert spinner while explosive opener Kushal Perera too has been included into the side.  

Sri Lanka will have the services of five fast bowlers with the inclusion of Thissara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga and Chanaka Welagedara. 

Sri Lanka playing Group A alongside New Zealand, England and Australia.

Sri Lanka squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2013: 

• Angelo Mathews (Capt)
• Dinesh Chandimal
• TM Dilshan
• Kushal Perera
• Kumar Sangakkara
• Mahela Jayawardene
• Lahiru Thirimanne
• Jeevan Mendis
• Thissara Perera
• Lasith Malinga
• Rangana Herath
• Nuwan Kulasekera
• Shaminda Eranga
• Sachithra Senanayake
• Chanaka Welagedera

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