Train service to Jaffna on Sri Lanka's northern track to commence in April

People in the south will once again be able to travel to Jaffna by train, the General Manager of Sri Lanka Railways B.A.P Ariyaratne has said.

Reconstruction of the Northern Railway Line to Kankasanthurai in Jaffna peninsula will be completed by April this year and the service will resume by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the official told the state-run radio.

The 146-km long track with a design speed of 120km/h was constructed in two phases - from Omanthai to Pallai and Pallai to Kankasanthurai.

The 63-km long first segment of the reconstructed railway track from Omanthai to Kilinochchi was opened for train traffic in September 2013.

The train service on the next segment of 40 km from Kilinochchi to Pallai is scheduled to commence from the first week of February allowing the train service to operate from Colombo to Pallai.

Sri Lanka Railways also completed the reconstruction of first 43 km section of the Thalaimannar Line from Medawchchiya to Madhu Road. The next 65 km section from Madhu to Thalaimannar is also scheduled to be completed soon and the train service will commence before April, the official said.

Ariyaratne said the northern track will be used for the transportation of fuel and the Railway Department hopes to import several more power sets and compartments.

The Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) is carrying out the construction work of both projects which is being financed under a US$ 425 million credit facility from India.

Sri Lanka's Northern Line from Vavuniya to Kankasanthurai in the northernmost tip of the island was completely destroyed by the Tamil Tiger terrorists during the three-decade long war. The rebels uprooted the rail tracks to build reinforced underground bunkers.

Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_14A/Jan11_1389424541CH.php

We need to move forward and rebuild the North - Jaffna University VC

Chief Minister of the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) C.V. Wineswaran had to take a dose of his own medicine at the National conference on Post-terrorism Socio-Economic Development of the Northern and the Eastern Provinces organised by the University Grants Commission under the patronage of its Chairperson Prof. Kshanika Hiriburegama at Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo on Thursday.

Vice Chancellors of the University of Jaffna and the Eastern University countered baseless allegations made by the NPC Chief Minister who was the chief guest at the conference. Wigneswaran said the powers vested with the NPC was inadequate, the Northern province has not been developed after the end of terrorism, inadequate living standards of the people and the presence of the Security Forces. Vice Chancellor, Jaffna University Prof Vasanthy Arasaratnam and the Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University Dr. K. Kobindarajah shot down wild allegations made by Chief Minister Wigneswaran with statistical and research data.

The findings of the two Vice Chancellors is a setback for Wingeswaran as the two eminent academics have been with the people in the North and the East and have first-hand experience on the situation whereas Wigneswaran, living in Colombo 7, is a political parachute.

Jaffna University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Arasaratnam spoke at length about her personal experience and said that when infrastructure development is taking place, they should move forward. We as academics will give our fullest collaboration in livelihood development of the Northern people,” she said adding that she and the people in the North had suffered enough due to LTTE terrorism. We need to move forward, try to forget the past and rebuild the North, like I have rebuilt my home that was destroyed due to terrorism,she said.

Eastern University Vice Chancellor Dr. Kobindarajah suggested forming a committee of academics to work with President Mahinda Rajapaksa with the support of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA). All parties concerned should address the real cause and genuinely work hard.

I firmly believe that if you work with an open heart we could definitely sort out whatever the problems we have. We as the academics are ready to play a key role to promote ethnic harmony and reconciliation,he said.

Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2014/02/16/new05.asp

Trial train-run reaches Madhu Road Station

A trial run on the 43-km new railway track between Medawachchiya and Madhu Road was conducted recently. The rail track was reconstructed by Ircon International Limited, a government company under the Ministry of Railways of India. Project Director, Sri Lanka Railway, M.P.L.N Peiris, Team leader, CECB, M P De Silva and General Manager, Ircon International Limited, S L Gupta, undertook the trial run. The trial run commenced from the Medawachchiya station and ended at the newly constructed Madhu Road Station.

“The trial run was successful and comfortable and we are pleased that this phase of the project has been completed,” said Gupta.The reconstructed track is a 43-km long segment of the Northern Railway Line project, comprising 252-km of rail track, which is being executed by Ircon International Limited.

The project is funded by the Government of India, under an Indian line of credit.

“This segment has been completed within schedule,” said Gupta.

The reconstructed railway track has been designed with a speed potential of 120 kmph. Rail joints are minimised using the latest modern welding technology.

Pre-stressed concrete sleepers have been used to lay the tracks, instead of traditional wooden sleepers to ensure durable and stronger tracks, simultaneously helping to preserve the environment.

CMS (Cast Manganese Steel) crossings with standard turnouts, long welded rails with switch expansion joints, panel interlocking and flash butt welding have been incorporated to provide a long-lasting track, with minimal maintenance effort.

“For the execution of the project, local manpower and agencies have been deployed to generate employment and skills development,” said Gupta.

Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2013/04/28/fin05.asp

Jaffna Music Festival a resounding success

The Jaffna Music Festival 2013, held at the Jaffna Town Municipal Grounds recently was a resounding success. Organizers say the event was witnessed by a collective audience of over 25,000 people over the two days. Many groups of people from the North, South, East and West travelled to the grounds to witness together the excitement of hosting a wide array of musicians and performers from both all over the country and internationally-who entertained the crowd with their colourful costumes and unusual instruments.

There were numerous family-friendly activities lined up during the daytime programme which included an intimate and informal setting on which artists of Folk, Classical, Contemporary genres could entertain and educate audiences about their various musical genres. The performers were colourful and lively and most engaged the audience by getting off the stages to encourage members of the audience to join in on the singing, dancing and general merriment.

A participant named Thush said, “It felt like we were all part of the show, and the atmosphere was as if we were in a village somewhere in Jaffna – it was exciting but also very relaxed at the same time.”

The children’s stage was a huge hit where children from all over the country were inspired and entertained through very impressive and polished performances ranging from Folk to Blues, Jazz, Choral and Percussion.

The mornings were lively and colourful with a blend of a variety of languages, songs, music and flair floating in the air. Capturing all those special moments were official JMF photographers, accompanied by the participants of the Youth Social Media Programme conducted by USAID together with the National Youth Services Council.

The night-time main stage performances dazzled everyone – the local artists astounded audiences with multi-faceted acts which featured a unique performance from a female drummer and fire eater. It truly was a festival of diverse cultural interaction. The mix of diverse musical genres representing traditions and styles from across Sri Lanka and the world provided an interesting musical experience. The multiple collaborations between Bangladesh, Norway, India and Sri Lanka in forms of both song and dance were a huge hit with the crowds.

The Jaffna Music Festival 2013 was brought to you by Sewalanka in collaboration with Rikskonsertene (Concerts Norway) and Aru Sri Art Theatre and is funded by the Royal Norwegian Embassy and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This time around the festival was conducted in co-partnership with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and the Municipal Council of Jaffna.

Source:http://colombogazette.com/2013/03/29/jaffna-music-festival-a-resounding-success/

Historic Jaffna concerts to mark 60 years of Japan-Lanka diplomatic ties

A series of  events  to mark the the 60th anniversary of  Sri Lanka-Japan  diplomatic relations has been organised by the Japanese Embassy,with the highlight being the first ever  musical concerts it will be staging in Jaffna.

 The celebrations to be held both in Colombo and Jaffna commences today and will continue until December 8.It, is being jointly organised by the Japanese Embassy,the Japan Foundation and  Symphony Orchestra of Sri Lanka (SOSL).

The programme includes several concerts including Premières,Classical and a AUN & HIDE musical performance.

Also lined up are the screening of a Japanese film "Wanko" - The Story of Me,My Family and My Dog,Randooga workshops and Jazz piano performances.

"The cultural shows,particularly in Jaffna  will be of historical importance as  it would be the  first time that  we will be staging such events in the Northern Capital",the Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Nobuhito Hobo said,adding that it would also be a first for  SOSL.

The scheduled events also indicated Japan’s willingness to contribute  towards the Sri Lankan governments efforts to promote harmony and reconciliation between  the various communities,the ambassador noted.

The SOSL,which is in its 55th season was delighted to partner the Japanese Embassy in  celebrating an important occassion,its Chairperson Sharmini Wettimuni said.

The SOSL,assists students through outreach programs both in and outside Colombo and has over the last two years taken music to the South and in  the North,upto Kilinochchi, she said adding "We are delighted that November 17,would mark our  very first concert in Jaffna.Titled "Music from Around the World", it will feature three excellent Japanese professionals as the conductors,Keiko Kobayashi, the main soloist (Clarinet), Ado Kihara and Japanese composer Eiji Suzuki who would introduce his special composition to the Jaffna people."

Entrance to the Jaffna concert will be free and open to all music loving people.The different instruments of the orchestra will be explained and demonstrated.In addition,the music to be performed will be described to give a greater understanding to the audience.The overall experience will  certainly provide great entertainment for students,teachers and the general public,Sharmini  noted.

The "Premières Concert" of the SOSL conducted by Keiko Kobayashi,a renowned Japanese guest conductor,is to be held  at the Ladies’ College Hall, Colombo today.It, will feature Eiji Suzuki, an internationally acclaimed Japanese composer who would showcase his World Première compositions in person, inspired by Sinhala and Tamil folk tunes.Tanya Ekanayaka,an internationally acclaimed classical pianist would be the soloist.

The Japanese film "Wanko" has been scheduled for screening on November 16, at the Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna.Its a miraculous story of friendship and the indelible bond between a dog, a boy and his family based on true events of a family torn apart by an unimaginable natural disaster.

 The Classical Music Concert by SOSL  to be conducted by Keiko Kobayashi and also featuring Eiji Suzuki, is to staged at the  Veerasingham Hall, Jaffna on November 17.

 The Randooga Workshop  which uses the  improvisation method created by Masahiko Satoh,as a means of nonverbal communication to enhance dialogue with oneself and between people to be held also in Jaffna, has been  scheduled for November 27, 28 and 29 .A  study concert  has also been listed for November  29.

Satoh,who is a master pianist would be joined by Sitarist Pradeep Ratnayake in a unique  musical performance that will be spontaneous and improvised.Kei Wada (percussionist), Akiko Uesugi (singer) and Isaac Smith (bassist) will be part of the team.

Satoh,Ratnayake  and their  group will be back in Colombo on December 2, for   a special concert of jazz piano improvisation at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. 

The AUN & HIDE musical concerts  to be held at the National Youth Service Council, Maharagama on   December 7 and at the Hotel School Auditorium, Colombo on December 8, will  feature three talented Japanese artists playing traditional musical instruments such as Taiko (drums), Shamisen (Japanese guitar), fue (Japanese flute) and Japanese traditional percussion, presenting a mix of classics, semi classics and modern music.

Source:http://island.lk

Foundation laid for Rs 700 M hotel project in Jaffna

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne and the Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa laid the foundation Stone for Jetwing Yarl hotel in Jaffna on Friday.

The Rs 700 million project is a joint venture between Mercantile Merchant Bank Ltd, and the Jetwing Group. Jetwing Yarl hotel is to be constructed on a 46 perch land area on the Old Clock Tower Road, in Jaffna. The star class hotel will have 76 rooms, 14 storied, roof top swimming pool, Presidential Suite. According to the project estimation the construction work is to be completed within 18 months.

This hotel will create employment for youth in the area in addition to boosting income and business opportunities to the self-employed, micro enterprises and farmers.

Douglas Devananda, Minister of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, Major General G. A. Chandrasiri, Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. Milinda Moragoda, Mr. Ruwan Samarasinghe, Managing Director, Jetwing Hotels and Ms. Shiromal Cooray, Managing Director of Jetwing Travels (Pvt) Limited also participated on this occasion. Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya

Source:http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1412-foundation-laid-for-rs-700-m-hotel-project-in-jaffna

Colombo-Jaffna expressway construction to be launched

The launching of construction work on the Colombo-Jaffna Expressway is to commence parallel to the Deyata Kirula exhibition, government information department announced.

 

It is to be constructed along Puttalam, Nikawewa, Oyamaduwa, Mannar and Silawathura areas. 

 

Source:http://sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=15479:-colombo-jaffna-expressway-construction-to-be-launched-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=547

Colombo-Jaffna expressway in the offing

 PUSHING INFRASTRUCTURE: Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa seen with his wife Shiranthi in Galle, after completing a journey on the country's first expressway on Sunday. The toll highway linking capital Colombo with the southern city cost $700 million, with much of the money obtained from Japan and the Asian Development Bank. Photo: AFP

Soon after opening Sri Lanka's first expressway connecting the capital, Colombo, with the southern port city of Galle on Sunday, President Mahinda Rajapaksa began the spadework for the next major infrastructure project: An expressway linking Colombo with Tamil-dominated Jaffna. 

“I will work on the Jaffna expressway so that the distance can be covered in three hours,” said Mr. Rajapaksa. Jaffna is about 400 km from Colombo. The A-9 highway to Jaffna, which had not been re-topped in a few decades, is being repaired in stages. A one-way journey takes upwards of 10 hours by bus now. 

“The President is determined about it [the Colombo-Jaffna expressway],” said Director-General of Presidential Media Bandula Jayasekara. “He said the country needs more connectivity to bring people together,” he said. 

Eyeing foreign investments

Mr. Rajapaksa is pushing to get Sri Lanka infrastructure-ready so that foreign investments are not held back by shoddy transport and lack of facilities. Work is already on to build a second passenger terminal at the gateway to Sri Lanka, the Bandaranaike International Airport; a second international airport is coming up at Hambantota; and other smaller airports are being developed.

India, for instance, has helped rebuild the runway at the Palaly airport in Jaffna. The country's main airline, Sri Lankan, has begun operating air taxis to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bentota, Trincomallee and Arugam Bay. 

Recently revived

Besides, work on the Colombo port's second terminal is apace and India is working on the Kankesanthurai harbour, which is closest to the Tamil Nadu coast. Roads across the country are being re-laid and air-connectivity between Colombo and some world capitals have recently been revived.

In November the number of tourist arrivals crossed the 7.5-lakh target set for the year. 

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/article2667341.ece

Jaffna gets a 15 storied Star Class hotel

The rapidly developing Northern Province following the defeat of terrorism has become a springboard for local and foreign investors seeking investment opportunities in Sri Lanka. Construction of a 70-room, 15 storied star class hotel in the heart of Jaffna will be launched tomorrow. Mercantile Merchant Bank Ltd, and the Jetwing Group through an equally-owned joint venture will invest Rs. 700 million on this hotel project.

Launching of the construction will be jointly officiated by Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne and the Minister of Economic Development Mr. Basil Rajapaksa.

The hotel named Yarl Jetwing will be constructed on a 50 perch land area on the Old Clock Tower Road, in Jaffna. Designed by Design Group 5, the hotel will have a roof top swimming pool and a Presidential Suite and the construction work is to be completed within 18 months.

The location of the hotel will be adjacent to Rs. 500 million new shopping and entertainment complex being built by Cargills (Ceylon) Plc.

The new Cargills shopping complex of 4 floors with a total floor area of 74,000 sq ft would comprise of retail/shopping space, a bank, a food court, a Cineplex with three cinema screens and a basement car park. The construction work of this complex is to be completed by mid-2013.

Meanwhile, the MMBL is also implementing several other eco tourism projects in Delft Island in partnership with several other companies.(niz)

ExpoAir resumes flights to Jaffna:

ExpoAir, the pioneering domestic aviation company in Sri Lanka in operation since 1997 announced the resumption of regular flights from Colombo - Jaffna Offering a unique service, based on value for money, with stringent service standards, ExpoAir stands out as the only domestic airline which continued operations from Colombo to Jaffna during the armed conflict of the past decades.

Revamped with a brand new aircraft and new flight plan, ExpoAir aims to woo the business traveller with the promise of “Jaffna in just over 1 Hour”, with twice-daily scheduled flights; underscoring its understanding of the need for affordable and fast travel between the northern capital and Colombo. A brand new Cessna Grand Caravan 12 seater aircraft with leather seats, individual reading lights, air-vents, equipped with a drop-down monitor which will be screening silent movies during the flight.
The journey promises to be invigorating and comfortable with the added bonus of 2 flight crew members to take care of safety and comfort.

Taking off on February 01 ExpoAir will fly twice daily from Ratmalana Airport at 07:00 hrs. and 16:15 hrs. and return flights from Jaffna will be at 08:45 hrs. and 16:45 hrs. respectively, with arrival times approximately one hour after takeoff. The one-way tickets are priced at Rs. 10,000/- and return tickets at Rs 19,100/- which includes a 15 kg baggage allowance per individual. The excess baggage charges are limited to a nominal Rs. 150/- per kilo. ExpoAir will operate a special shuttle service to and from the Palaly airport to the Jaffna town to ensure maximum safety and comfort for the passengers.

Since 1997, ExpoAir has successfully established a strong standing among domestic air passengers based on its commitment and dedication to providing a service of the highest quality while adhering to the most rigid safety standards. ExpoAir commenced scheduled daily passenger flights to Jaffna after the signing of the peace pact, with the first flight to Jaffna taking off on June 03, 2002. Even during the peak of the armed conflict, with uninterrupted services throughout, ExpoAir was the business and leisure traveller’s first choice for travel to the country’s north.

The airline constantly kept upgrading its aircraft and operated 3-4 flights daily with two 52-seater aircraft namely the Fokker F-27-500. ExpoAir temporarily suspended its domestic operation in 2010 due to the fact that the general public opted to drive to Jaffna sans any security threat and the non-presence of the rebels. Curiosity drove the public to drive and see for themselves areas held by the rebels for almost three decades where free movement was not possible due to the presence of the rebels.

Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/01/25/bus01.asp

India to construct a cultural center in Sri Lanka's Tamil heartland of Jaffna

As part of its development partnership with Sri Lanka and in response to the request by the Government of Sri Lanka, the Government of India is undertaking a project to construct a Cultural Centre at Jaffna at an estimated cost of Rs. 900 million.

In a ceremony held Tuesday, India's Minister for External Affairs S. M. Krishna and Sri Lankan Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa presented awards to the top three designs submitted by architects whose entries were selected by a jury after the completion of the National Design Competition for the Jaffna Cultural Centre.

The awards involve a prize amount of US$ 3,500 for the 1st prize, US$ 3,000 for the 2nd prize and US$ 2,500 for the third.

The Jury has unanimously selected the design submitted by Architect Madura Premathileka as the first place design, the design submitted by Cynthia & Athula Ranasinghe Chartered Architects as the second and the design submitted by Design Consortium (Pvt) Ltd. as the third.

The first place winner presented his design before the Indian and Sri Lankan ministers at the ceremony on Tuesday.

India has undertaken the project to preserve and foster the rich cultural heritage of the Jaffna District and other nearby areas, which are replete with historical, archeological and religious resources.

"It is decided to develop the Jaffna Cultural Centre as an iconic building that would serve as a cynosure of cultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka," the Indian High commission said in a statement.

The Centre is also intended to create opportunities for cooperation amongst all Sri Lankan communities, including Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese.

The primary purpose of the Jaffna Cultural Centre would be to provide a cultural and social space for the people of Jaffna to enjoy various local and international cultural products, apart from serving as a delivery centre for training, instructions and education in a variety of cultural disciplines. For these purposes, the Centre would comprise a theatre-style auditorium (with projection facilities) with a capacity of about 600 people, a multimedia library with on-line research facilities, exhibition and gallery space and a museum. It would also have an instructional wing, which would have facilities for the conduct of classes in vocal and instrumental music, dance and languages, including a language lab. It would also be able to serve as a hub for civil society activities, for which purpose it would include a conference hall-cum-seminar room.

Both governments have jointly decided to conduct a National Design Competition in order to select the best design for the Cultural Centre that would take these requirements into account.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was entrusted with the task of conducting the National Design Competition in two separate rounds.

A seven-member jury, co-chaired by High Commissioner of India Ashok K. Kantha, and President of SLIA Ranjan Nadesapalli, one architect each from SLIA and India, one representative each from the governments of India and Sri Lanka, and the Mayor of Jaffna evaluated the entries received during the National Design Competition. The entries were evaluated by the jury without the knowledge of the architects, through a process of assigning code numbers to each entry.

During the first round of the design competition, the jury shortlisted eight designs for the second round of competition out of 29 designs it received. The evaluation of these eight entries was based on a number of carefully identified criteria such as the technical acceptability, context plan, aesthetic / architectural language, space efficiency, buildabillity and environmentally friendly, sustainable architecture.

At the end of the process, the Jury unanimously selected the best three designs.

This Project is one of the many initiatives taken by the Indian government to assist the people of Sri Lanka.

It will be implemented under grant assistance from the Government of India with the cooperation of the Ministry for Economic Development and the local Government.

Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_12/Jan18_1326867552CH.php

Kolaveri Di: New version by Jerry Stalin of Jaffna

On account of the popularity of Dhanush’s Kolaveri di, many counter versions of Kolaveri Di is releasing day-by-day. The latest is Jerry Stalin’s ‘Yarlpanathilirunthu Kolaverida’, which is receiving a huge popularity among youngsters. S.Jerry Stalin, 28-year-old is an eminent Tamil music composer & director from Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The young music composer and lyricist has put on YouTube a song to counter what he describes as “lust for the blood of Tamil” evident in Dhanush’s Tamil-English Kolaveri. Jerry Stalin wrote and recorded Yarlpanathilirunthu Kolaverida (Bloodlust From Jaffna) to praise the Tamil language and the Tamils’ heritage. The song is written in pure Tamil. Yarlpanathiliriunthu Kolaverida is set to the tune of Dhanush’s Kolaveri, but the lyric conveys the anguish of a young Tamil who sees the Tamil language disappearing in its heartland – Tamil Nadu. Through cleverly-inserted visuals, the video also shows the stress that Tamils are facing in post-war Sri Lanka. The video has gone viral among browsers trapping 1,80,000 hits so far. Earlier, Sonu Nigam’s son Nevaan Nigam made the Milk version, which too became very popular. “The response has been unexpected. People have written to say that the quality of the music and the recording matches that of Dhanush,” Stalin told on Monday. Having studied in St Patrick’s College in Jaffna, Stalin is a computer professional. He works with audio productions & sounde, with CPArts, Kalaithuthu Studios, and SJ Studio AV Pro. He also composes advertising jingles in his spare time. “I am also working on albums of my own compositions,” he said, in his residence-cum-studio in Colombo. The song ends with a call to Jaffna, the ‘home of pure Tamil’, to protect the language. Source:http://truthdive.com/2012/01/11/kolaveri-di-new-version-by-jerry-stalin-of-jaffna.html

Deccan to launch int’l cargo flights

Deccan Aviation Lanka is looking at launching intentional logistics and cargo flights to the region and beyond this year. The airline hopes to lease out a suitable aircraft for this purpose.

Deccan Aviation Vice Chairman Suren Mirchandani, said that they are the first company to announce the launch of cargo flights based on the proposed Mattala International Airport. “One of the main reasons for this is that the airport is focusing 60 percent on cargo operation and we see great potential from Mattala,” he said. We also plan to launch cargo flights from the Colombo Airport as well.

The airline has announced firm plans to commence daily scheduled operations to Jaffna in 2012. “For this purpose, we are currently looking at purchasing a 12 to 14 seater commuter aircraft in a few months,” he said.

Domestic helicopter and aircraft operator, Deccan Aviation Lanka (DAL) also said that Millennium Aero has acquired a 48% shareholding in DAL held by Bangalore based Deccan Charters Ltd recently.

Singapore based Millennium Aero has acquired the entire equity interest of Deccan Charters and infused additional working capital into DAL.

When asked whether Deccan Lanka would rebrand, Mirchandani said, “There is no doubt that the airline has a strong brand presence in the corporate and travel industry, but the new shareholder group may look at rebranding in the medium term,” and did not comment when asked to reveal the growth plans of the company only saying “That would be giving away too much to our future competition, I can only say we intend to maintain and further cement our market leadership position.”

Deccan’s Sri Lanka venture was put together in 2004 by local investor Suren Mirchandani in partnership with Indian aviation mogul Captain Gopinath. Regarded in industry circles as a pioneer who played a key role in re-building the domestic airline sector, Mirchandani’s family holding company Favourite Investments will continue to have a significant equity stake in the venture.

Airline operates helicopters to all parts of the country and flies to all local airports. In addition to its own operations the airline maintains and provides services for a number of private aircraft owners. Widely acknowledged as the market leader, the airline has a strong pipeline of new business bolstered by the entry of Millennium Aero of Singapore.

The new board of the company comprises Chairman Kevin Pocock, Vice Chairman Suren Mirchandani, Harsha Amarasekara, Denham Schokman and Yeo Sock Hwa.

Walk from Dondra to Jaffna - a heartwarming event

A recent event that underlines the innate good nature of man was the great walk from Dondra in the South to Jaffna in the North covering a distance of 670kms to generate funds to build the Paediatrics Cancer Ward in the Jaffna General Hospital. The walk named Trail, a journey of 27 days was undertaken from July 1 to 27. The Trail was initiated by the Colours of Courage Trust, a nonprofit organization which from its inception in 2008 has dedicated itself to provide the infrastructure for the treatment of cancer in Sri Lanka, a noble task where early detection and care could save numerous lives.

A noteworthy feature of this walk was that numerous people, rich and poor, young and old, spontaneously supported the walk which symbolized a noble gesture providing relief to children in the North who are afflicted with cancer. Some walked a part of the distance to record their support for a noble venture. There were others contributing in cash or kind to raise the necessary funds for the Pediatric Ward.

The brains behind this noble exercise was Sarinda Unambowe, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a leading commercial organization who with the support of his friend and colleague, Nathan Sivagananathan, also the CEO of a successful business undertaking and Director of the Colours of Courage Trust, launched this most worthy project. The willing support and generosity of many others enabled the vision of Sarinda to be made a reality.

The walk captured the imagination of a vast cross-section of the people of this country. It yielded Rs 186 million up to early November 2011 but what was worthy of note is that it did not come from a few of the most affluent but from a large cross-section of the people.

From a Buddhist stand-point, it is significant that a majority of those who participated in this great effort were Buddhists indicating their adherence to those qualities emphasized in the Dhamma, namely, Metta and Karuna or goodwill and compassion towards all living beings without any discrimination. In this case, these qualities were generously extended to the Tamil people of Jaffna who have suffered most from the ravages of three decades of war. This endorses the contention of our beloved Foreign Minister, the late Lakshman Kadirgamar, who declared to the world that the Sinhala people and large are not racists.

It is unfortunate that this great event did not receive in adequate measure the publicity and recognition that it so richly deserve both at home and abroad. At a time that Sri Lanka is being severely criticized regarding Tamil civilians killed or wounded by the repulsing of terrorism, this noble event should have been highlighted to reveal the overall humane nature of our people.

It was heartwarming to observe the popular support for this great walk and its objectives from all walks of life. During the walk, it is reported that a man shirtless, emerged from a mud hut to put a few rupees to the trail till. Furthermore, schoolchildren from their savings gave whatever they could for this noble cause. Schoolchildren lined the streets to clap and wave at the walkers while school bands from numerous schools performed to encourage the walkers. The bands were also playing for the children in Jaffna and the North afflicted with cancer and to provide some entertainment so as to offer momentary relief for the walkers from their pain and agony.

Well-known cricketers, Mahela Jayawardena former Captain, Tilakaratne Dilshan present Captain and bowler Dilhara Fernando were among those who joined this walk, on certain days as support for the walk. Eighteen walkers covered the entire distance of 679 kms over 27 days without a break. With swollen and damaged feet, they were encouraged by the invaluable cause for which they had committed themselves. Sarinda's father, Stanley Unambocwe, at 79 years walked for 18 days with a short break in between.

We generally tend to look upon successful business magnates to be over-conscious of material gains and neglect social responsibilities, but these pioneers were of a different mould. They not only organized the walk but many of them walked the entire distance spanning 27 days and 670kms. Twenty six others achieved this feat with great discomfort for an outstanding cause.

The government has to be commended for taking decisive action to end terrorism that reigned in the island for three decades and the substantial economic development that is taking place today. However, there has been a sharp deterioration of moral and spiritual values, both in Sri Lanka and in many other countries, with the rise of the underworld, abundant violence and serious threats to life and property. Corruption has become the order of the day. It was earlier confined mainly to the public sector but now unfortunately it is penetrating the private sector as well. There is also the abuse of power by those in authority to the detriment of the welfare of the country and its people. Some are being harassed because of their views and actions when what is require is tolerance and patience as advocated in the Dhamma. The silence of religious leaders, including the Maha Sangha, in this sad situation is most disturbing.

In sharp contrast, we have the attitude of the King of Thailand in his dealings with the people.

When the army came to ensue that the Palace was safe and not adversely affected by the recent major floods in Bangkok his response was that there should be no special treatment for the Palace, but to assist the people who are suffering from the deluge. It is said that he has always wielded power and authority for the welfare of the people.

It is heartening to note that there are dedicated people ready to initiate projects or good causes and the general public willing to give a supporting hand when the cause is noble and the sincerity of the organizers are impeccable.

The recently concluded, walk, the Trail, was above all a triumph for the innate good nature of man. We salute the organisers and all those who participated and supported this noble event in whatever way they could in the true Buddhist spirit of Metta and Karuna - goodwill and compassion for all living beings without any discrimination. Let this walk be an inspiration to others to engage selflessly in good deeds of this nature.

Global warming, natural disasters, climate change and health
Other ways of reducing GW include less use of paper by encouraging communication on-line and re-cycling of paper. Re-cycling of garbage and production of biogas and fertilizer is another example of an environment friendly venture. Concept of minimalisation should be popularised so as to reduce the usage of fuel-powered personal items. As demonstrated in most Western countries and China, cycling should be encouraged by providing cycling lanes in urban areas. If public transport is improved, the need for the use of private motor vehicles would be reduced thereby consuming less fossil fuels. In Colombo, the results of terrible traffic jams during the rush hours is a good example of environmental pollution at it's worst, reduction of work-hours and wastage of personal finances.

Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/12/26/fea02.asp

Why not sing Kolaveri Di in Jaffna Tamil?

It was less than 200 years ago that the title of “orator” or “navalar” was bestowed on Kandar Arumukam Pillai, by the grateful inhabitants of South India. Leaving his native Jaffna for a time, he had spearheaded a renaissance of the Tamil language and culture in South India preaching, printing and endowing educational institutions. Thus began a long history of Jaffna Tamil involvement in the renaissance of Tamil. Thamotharampillai, Winslow and Kanagasabai Pillai are but a few whose contribution to the Tamil renaissance that rushed through South India and Jaffna.[1]

Jaffna’s isolation from Sanskritic influence and its commitment to education has meant that it considers itself culturally superior to the natives of Tamil Nadu, it considers it language and culture purer and closer that of that Sangam ideal. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the blast of the trumpet against the now infamous  “Kolaveri” song should be so strong in Jaffna. The day before yesterday SJ Stalin released a fascinating response to the song, entitled “Yarlpanathilirunthu Kolaverida”, a rough translation would be “Dude, Bloodlust from Jaffna”.  Its essence is a celebration of Tamil language and culture, a deploration of the bastardisation of Tamil and chastisation of those who are ashamed of their Tamilness.

At first glance, the music video appears to be primarily targeted at Dhanush. His mix of English and Tamil in the Kolaveri song has proved immensely popular with over 30 million hits on Youtube. Stalin considers his song a war on the Tamil language and describes his attitude toward it as bloodlust. He wonders why Dhanush chooses to use English – he asks why Tamil is scarce in its heartland, Tamil Nadu. He seems to imply that if Tamil gave sufficient creative freedom for Kamban, Valluvar and Bharathi it should be enough for Dhanush. Stalin thinks that Dhanush doesn’t give Tamil the respect that it deserves. As an ancient language, one which Stalin describes as predating the creation of stones and sand, Tamil has a rich literature and culture and Dhanush appears to ignore this and consider Tamil lacking. This is brought out by the poignant contrast between the focus on the keyboard in Dhanush’s work as opposed to the harmonium, perceived to be a more indigenous instrument, in Stalin’s video.

From a political point of view, the vehemence with which Dhanush is attacked is notable. In India, Tamil feels more secure now that the policy of replacing English with Hindi, popular in the 1960s, is dead. In contrast, the Tamils of Ceylon, whose numbers have dwindled considerably as a result of the war and migration, now feel that their language and culture are under attack –  just as when the first missionaries arrived in Jaffna in the 1800s. The reaction, as then, is one of Tamil pride and yearning for the glory days of Dravidian power and culture – the Sangam period.

The politics does not end there. The opening scene highlights an official government signboard, at the entrance of Jaffna, which has Singhalese at the top and an indigenous signboard where Tamil is above Singhalese. This juxtaposition highlights the vulnerability of Tamil and the divergence of official and popular sentiments toward language policy in the North. The continuous flow of buses from the South into Jaffna must demonstrate a concern with the increasing settlement of people from the South (read Singhalese). The police board in the corner (again Singhalese top, Tamil bottom) takes the mind down an associative track that ends in colonisation and cantonments. Another associative track is set in motion by the constant reference to bloodlust, intermingled with references to Ahimsa (non-violence) and revolutionary zeal – we all know where it leads.

It also highlights the threat to Tamil from within. After years of persecution some Tamils have chosen to hide or disassociate from their Tamil identities – especially in the metropolis of Colombo. The victory of the Sri Lankan Army, and the present occupation of sorts constantly reminds Tamils that they are second-class citizens. Stalin’s video is an exhortation for Tamil’s to embrace their culture; hence his parting cry to the Tamil is, “keep your head high”.

Why this bloodlust toward my Tamil language?
My tamil language, my mother tongue
Beautiful tongue, poor thing dude

Tamil, before the creation of sand and stones, dude
If you are a Tamil, you need have a little self respect dude

In the Tamil heartland
Where Tamil is praised
Why is Tamil scarce?
Listen, Tamil who abandons Tamil
Who accepts medals

Kamban’s lines
Valluvar’s sayings
Bharathi’s poems, where?
From birth
To maturity singing
Where has Tamil’s pride gone?

Why this bloodlust toward my Tamil language, dude?
Tamil, my mother tongue, sublime language, poor thing dude

Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi all asked us to listen to the call of Ahimsa, listen.

Studying Tamil’s richness will abate your bloodlust, try!
In the company of the Tamil who one an Oscar [2]
Who accepted his honour in Tamil [3]
The Revoulutionary Poet
Who sang in the beautiful tongue
Mixed his life with Tamil!

Make Tamil live, no let it live
My soul still won’t support me
You who call your self Tamil, hold your head high
Only that will do

All who have toiled for Tamil
Stood amidst lost opportunities
He who left Tamil and lived
Calls himself an artist
Anyone who creates for money
Isn’t a true artist
If he’s one who relishes whatever he is given
He isn’t a connoisseur
Why this blood lust to towards my Tamil language, dude
Tamil, my mother tongue, sublime language, poor thing dude

Jaffna that place noted for its classical Tamil,
Tamil, your duty is to protect our Tamil mother-tongue

Source:http://groundviews.org/2012/01/03/why-not-sing-kolaveri-di-in-jaffna-tamil/

From the Northern scars to the Arts

By Shanika Sriyananda

Lara with her team

It is all about a new life in the Wanni. The sun shone brightly while people were rebuilding their lives. It is above his school that birds fly freely where there are no thundering explosions of deadly bombs or shooting to force them into hiding. Children are back in schools, which were abandoned for many years.This is how 10-year-old Pandiyan of Mallavi Tamil Maha Vidyalaya put his feelings about peace in his drawing displayed at a unique exhibition held in Colombo recently.
“We are happy as there is no fighting anymore. We can play and study unlike those days”, Pandiyan, who said he ran away with his parents a few years back to save their lives said.
He ended up at a welfare centre for displaced people, the little boy had no hopes of ever going back to school.
“During the conflict some of my friends got killed and some were wounded. We always lived in fear and my parents had to hide us as LTTE terrorists were trying to snatch us and use us to fight”, Pandiyan recalled the days between death and life.It is a surprise for the boy to reach Colombo and enjoy life in Colombo for two days.
“I am happy to learn about collage which I didn’t know earlier. “I want to do more paintings and continue learning”, he said. Pandiyan dreams of becoming a doctor, someday. P. Janani, S. Priyatharshani and J. Sanusan are grade seven students of Mallavi Tamil Maha Vidyalaya and over 200 students displayed their artistic talents in art and photography at an exhibition by the Cartwheel Initiative of New York, USA.
The team consists of artists and professionals, much respected in their fields. They conducted easy-to-learn, hands-on photography, visual art and music workshops over a period of 10 days for three schools in the Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.

Patricia A. Butenis, US Ambassador “I want to do more paintings and continue learning”, Pandiyan said

Introducing the children to new coping tools, provide each child with a voice to their emotions to help restore their self-confidence, renew their sense of potential for the future, and reinvigorate their joy for living in post-conflict Sri Lanka to support them with ultimately transcending the physical and emotional impact of conflict through understanding, adjusting and healing.
The Cartwheel Trust whose Trustees are Afghar Mohideen and Praveen Dassenaike of United Holidays, Sri Lanka and Ashok Sinha from the USA, has collaborated with Manori Unambuwe who has been promoting psychosocial activities and social integration projects in the North to bring a team of eight artists and educators from the US to conduct easy-to-learn, hands-on photography, visual art, collage making and music workshops.
These workshops took place in three psychosocial centres named ‘Happiness Centres’ established in several schools in Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi Districts in northern Sri Lanka. The chosen schools were Mallavi Central College, Mallavi, Pandiyankulam GTMS in Thunukkai and Poonekary Maha Vidyalam in Pooneryn. These Happiness Centres recognise the importance of the arts as a therapeutic medium for children to readjust and rebuild their lives in a post-conflict environment.The project is being enthusiastically supported by the Zonal Education offices and the Sri Lanka Army who is actively engaged at grassroots level rehabilitation and development activities and recognises the benefits from psychosocial activities as integral to lasting peace.“
My hope was that the children will be able to see their world differently through their art, whether it be the lens of a camera or the strokes of a paint brush. When I conceived this project, I didn’t know what to expect, although, I was confident that we could unleash the hidden potential of these children if they were given a chance.
We don’t expect to change their world over a course of a few days, all we want to do is to show the world that like any other child, these children also have the potential to make great things happen,” Ashok Sinha,Co-founder of Cartwheel Initiative said.
Ashok, who has worked in more than thirty countries on various freelance assignments, said as one child in a workshop at Mallavi aptly put “We want others to know that growing up in the Wanni has its own inherent hardships, especially because of the war, however, we want to learn and we want to succeed, and despite all the hardships we face everyday, we come to school, attend class and want to succeed in life. We want to erase memories of the horrors of war and create new ones... seeing the world through art is different from the world we see every day with our eyes - our hope is that we can look forward to the positive things in life and look forward rather than look back in the past.”

Ashok Sinha	Manori

A select group of 60 children and accompanying teachers travelled to Colombo for two-days and took part to exhibit their hidden skills in art and photography were put on display. Lara J. Kisielewska, who has a degree in Graphic Communications Management and Technology at New York University and working toward a masters’ degree in Magazine Publication Management, who taught Collage art said they were not aware of the technique until they take part in the Collage workshop.”Lots of students were interested in painting but didn’t know about this form as they have not done it before. We did lots of painting techniques which they never painted before. We used tooth brushes or charcoal and it’s interesting for them to let think differently. When they finished it, we cut the painting and made into collage. At the beginning they didn’t want to cut their paintings as they love them”, she said.Lara said the kids in her group learned the technique well and she was really stunted by their products.Ashok, an award winning photographer who won several awards including the BBC award, while touring around Sri Lanka was amazed by the stunning natural beauty and also saw the impact of the prolonged conflict which ended two years back.
It immediately made him wonder about the children he encountered in the battle-scarred communities and the unthinkable trauma they must have gone through having witnessed the horrors of war first hand.He decided that there must be a way that he could use his creative talents to help these children.”I was in Sri Lanka last year and what I have saw during my visit to the North had an effect on me. I was always thinking what and how I could contribute something for these children. I see a different world through my camera and I decided to share my artistic skills with children so they might use them to see the world differently.
“The project gave them their lost childhood back a little bit and we wanted to teach them new skills and also some positive ideas”, Ashok said recalling how the children who for the first time saw a sophisticated camera rally around him and how they were surprised to see their images in the camera screen.
“We are leaving some cameras with the schools and we hope to have a dialogue with the children until we come back. There is a message from these children. ‘All of them want the world to hear that living in Wanni is not so easy.
With lives torn apart by the conflict they want the world to know that they are picking up with life slowly forgetting their bitter past.
They also want the world to know that there is beautiful place call Wanni in the North of Sri Lanka and children in that part of the world are standing on their own feet erasing the deadly and bitter memories that hurt them barely two and half years ago”, Ashok said.

Pix: Nissanka Wijeratne

 Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2012/01/01/fea05.asp

Jaffna students shine in A/Ls

With the release of the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination results in Jaffna, ten students of Vembadi Girls College have reportedly obtained 3 As and secured the first place in order of merit in the Jaffna district.

Jaffna Hindu College ranks the second with nine students obtaining 3 As. In the Arts section, Sathiya Sothinathan of Vadamaradchy Hindu Girls College has obtained 3 As with 22798 Zscore marks. He ranks first in the Jaffna district.

Sinhala family in the South donates 1500 books to Jaffna library

Jaffna Library received another round of generous donation of 1500 books from new supporters, this time a Sinhala family in Nugegoda, Colombo. With sheer intention of quenching the thirst for knowledge of Jaffna students and other interested readers, a generous family in the south donated a volume of valuable books to the Jaffna Library recently.


The donation coordinated by the Security Forces Headquarters- Jaffna included 1500 books on various disciplines such as a set of encyclopedia, novels, famous story books for children and a rare collection of educational books. The latest donation by Mr. Vipula Wijeratne, Ms Nilmini Jayasinghe and Ms Menaka Jayasinghe of Nugegoda reached the Security Forces Headquarters- Jaffna as a response to the request.
On behalf of the Sri Lanka Army, Security Forces Headquarters- Jaffna, General Officer Commanding 51 Division Major General Janaka Walgama and Lieutenant Colonel Deeptha Ariyasena handed over the consignment to library authorities on Tuesday 09 July. Both the authority of the library and the Army expressed sincere thanks to the generous family for their book donation. The library authority also said “we are extremely grateful for this assistance. It is certainly a worthwhile cause”.

Donating books to a library is a worthwhile cause. Therefore the Sri Lanka Army have committed themselves to filling the shelves of the Jaffna library and requested the help of the general public to make this happen. Commander of the Security Forces- Jaffna, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe and staff officers of the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna have made requests from various persons and organizations in Sri Lanka and as well as in abroad to contribute to restore the Jaffna public library, once served as the oasis of knowledge to Jaffna intellectuals, in its former glory.

However after Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna made the announcement of filling the shelves of the Jaffna library and donations for the refurbish of the buildings, the library literally receives hundreds of books every week from thoughtful individuals and organizations around the world.

Source:http://www.onlanka.com/?p=5623

Build friendship bridge among students: Puthumadam students meet new friends from Panagoda Army School

A group of teachers and students of the Army school in Panagoda paid a goodwill visit to Puthumadam Roman Catholic Primary School in Inuvil, Jaffna last Sunday on 07 July. This visit was organized by the 513 Brigade of the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna as an ongoing coordination programme for last two years to build the friendship bridge among students between the North and South. This worthy project was introduced by the Sri Lanka Army, Security Forces Headquarters under the leadership of Commander of the Security Forces- Jaffna, Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe.

Twenty teachers and sixteen students of Army School in Panagoda, together with some of their family members, as a goodwill token of new friendship presented parcels of books and other school items to students at Puthumadam R.C. Primary School at a simple ceremony held at the school premises. They also donated some office equipment to the school.

Principal of the Puthumadam RC School, Mrs. S. Sooriyarajan told that the students of her school had a memorable day in their school’s history with their counterparts of Army school in Panagoda. She further added that it was a clear sign that the students had built up strong links between them.

Principal of Panagoda Army School Mrs. Sriyani said that having identified needs of their fellow students at Puthumadam RC School- Inuvil, the students of her school in Panagoda guided by their teachers and parents, donated a stock of books, school items and sportswear to Puthumadam RC School. She further stated that they were received with a warm welcome on their arrival at Puthumadam, Jaffna.

General Officer Commanding 51 Division Major General Janaka Walgama participated in the ceremony as the Chief Guest and said after eradicating thirty years of terrorism students of the Southern part of the country have commenced stretching cooperative hands towards those in the North and East in a major friendship-building exercise which was introduced by the Army. So far they have organized hundreds of such events for last two years. Thus, friendship and cordiality between the young of the North and South will get an opportunity to bloom, after 30 years.

Principal of Panagoda Army School Mrs. Sriyani, principal of Puthumadam RC Primary School Mrs. S. Sooriyarajan, senior Army officers and parents were present on the occasion. The visit was organized by the 513 Brigade of the Security Forces Headquarters – Jaffna as another event of their civil military coordination programme.

Source:http://www.onlanka.com/?p=5633