The National Thai Pongal ceremony was held at the Durraiappa Stadium in Jaffna in this morning.
President President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest of the ceremony called ‘Suriya Pongal’ held at the Stadium with a participation of a large number of Tamils gathered from all parts of the peninsula.
A pongal rice using 500kg of rice was cooked and over 100 Hindu priests, 50 Tamil musicians and students who have excelled in the Advanced Level Examination 2010 were honored at the ceremony.
Minister of Small Industries Douglus Devananda, Governor Northern Province G.A. Chandrasiri also participated at the ceremony.
President Rajapaksa also visited the Nallur Kovial and Nagadeep Buddhist Temple in Jaffna.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sri Lanka opens first model pre-school in Jaffna
Colombo, 25 January, (Asiantribune.com):
Situated in the Nallur Municipal Complex, this Rs. eight million Piyawara Pre-School is funded by Hemas Holdings PLC, implemented by UNOPS and is the 33rd Hemas Piyawara Pre-School in the country.
The project is the second phase of the post war development process initiated by Hemas. In February 2009 as a short term relief to the IDPs, Hemas set up a series of Pre-Schools and play areas in Menik Farm relief villages in Vavuniya.
These facilities provided pre-school education to several thousands of IDP children. The second phase was to set up model preschools in all war-torn districts in the region.
Present at the opening were Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda, Minister of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development Hon. Douglas Devananda, Mayor of Jaffna Mrs. Yoga Patgunarajha and other officials from Ministry and Hemas.
Hemas’ community investment is focused on ECCD (Early Childhood Care & development) in partnership with the Children’s Secretariat of Ministry of Child Development. The project has created a great impact to the wellbeing of children in Sri Lanka. At present nearly 3000 children is receiving education in 33 centres islandwide. The company has invested approximately Rs. 200 million since 2002 and all projects are carried out through Hemas Outreach Foundation, which is a Government Approved Charity. It is managed by a Trust that includes eminent personalities in Sri Lanka together with members from the Board of Hemas Holdings PLC.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda said, “Hemas has set an example to many corporates. ‘Piyawara’ is a sustainable model taking into consideration the national need. It is admirable to note that Hemas has invested millions of rupees in the future generations of our country in a silent manner. We are very thankful to Hemas for being a responsible corporate citizen and being a partner to the development process of our country”.
- Asian Tribune -
Indian Bank opens second branch in Jaffna
(Source: Datamonitor)
Indian Bank, a public sector bank in India, has opened its second branch in Sri Lanka at 100, Stanley Road, Jaffna.
With this, the presence of Indian Bank has gone up to three viz., in Singapore , Colombo and Jaffna. 
(Source: Datamonitor)Indian Bank, a public sector bank in India, has opened its second branch in Sri Lanka at 100, Stanley Road, Jaffna. Speaking on the occasion the CMD, Indian Bank, Mr T M Bhasin said that after the cessation of hostilities, the Governments of Sri Lanka and India have been making joint efforts for economic development of the Region. Indian Bank with its 104 years of active market presence and considerable exposure in Rural Development and Micro Finance, shall strive hard to bring about a positive economic change in the life of the inhabitants of Jaffna.
U.S. opens 'American Corner' in Sri Lanka's Northern city of Jaffna
The United States this afternoon opened its fourth 'American Corner', an information center in Sri Lanka's northern city of Jaffna.
The U.S. Ambassador to Colombo Ms. Patricia Butenis opening the center to the Jaffna public said the event expands the American partnership with the people of Jaffna.
"The opening of the American Corner today is a symbol of our sustained commitment to the people of Jaffna," Ms. Butenis said.
The Ambassador said the American Corner is much more than a library as it is the first facility in Jaffna to have an operating ADSL internet connection.
The people have the facility for digital video conferences to communicate with the world or hold business meetings as well as connect to other American Corners in the country at Kandy, Oluvil and Colombo.
Ms. Butenis expressed hope that the American Corner will quickly become a vibrant community center, and provide a space for dialogue between Sri Lankans and Americans.
Northern Provincial Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, and Jaffna Government Agent, Ms. Imelda Sukumar also participated in the event.
Full text of Ambassador's speech
The U.S. Ambassador to Colombo Ms. Patricia Butenis opening the center to the Jaffna public said the event expands the American partnership with the people of Jaffna.
"The opening of the American Corner today is a symbol of our sustained commitment to the people of Jaffna," Ms. Butenis said.
The Ambassador said the American Corner is much more than a library as it is the first facility in Jaffna to have an operating ADSL internet connection.
The people have the facility for digital video conferences to communicate with the world or hold business meetings as well as connect to other American Corners in the country at Kandy, Oluvil and Colombo.
Ms. Butenis expressed hope that the American Corner will quickly become a vibrant community center, and provide a space for dialogue between Sri Lankans and Americans.
Northern Provincial Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, and Jaffna Government Agent, Ms. Imelda Sukumar also participated in the event.
Full text of Ambassador's speech
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NIBM, now in Jaffna
Shattered lives of people in the northern region of the country are now regaining with lot of aspirations and needs. It is a fact that students in the region were deprived of better education and industrial exposure over the period of the past 30 years. As a result, they missed almost all opportunities created in other parts of the island and the world.
The cost of the devastating war is untold and incalculable. Parents and students in the north were destitute of not only the freedom and means to live, but also to know what is happening in and around the world. In fact, they missed better opportunities to acquire new knowledge produced in the other parts of the world. Moreover, it caused a huge brain drain of a highly valued body of knowledge, which had accumulated in the region.
With the end of the war it is now the right time to research into different sources of new knowledge to build up the knowledge in the region so that lives of people will thrive with comfort. We at NIBM are of the view that it is a national cause to help people in the northern region to enjoy real benefits and facilities of Business and IT education enjoyed by citizens in the other parts of the island. We have already set high standards for Management and IT education in the other parts of the country. Today we are moving to Jaffna with the same highly valued, international experience in business education to fulfil expectations of students in northern region, which is long overdue.
Quality of Business education in Jaffna - a snapshot
NIBM in its informal survey on business education in the Jaffna peninsula found that many of the educational Institutes are in the business of training students but lack the interest in developing their capabilities. This was clearly evident when NIBM conducted a test for diploma holders of IT and English language to recruit office staff for its Regional Centre in Jaffna. Almost all tested candidates were not capable of practising what they have learnt in the classrooms though, they possess diploma certificates in the relevant subjects. It is our firm belief that all certificate holders should exhibit what he / she is certified for. In fact this simple and true story depicts the pathetic reality of the story of business education in the region.
NIBM makes the difference
This is where NIBM makes the difference. Our students possess all required knowledge, skills and right attitudes to take current challenges in the industry. Being knowledgeable is not enough, if you are unable to convert knowledge in to practice. Being able to do something is not enough, if you are not capable of doing it accurately and wholeheartedly to solve problems of your clients.
NIBM is a problem solver and a provider of solutions for its clients. It is the place where students are groomed with all personal, technical and conceptual competencies to make their professional lives better.
NIBM to touch the hands of Jaffna students
It is with love and affection that we invite students in the peninsula to experience the real business education at NIBM. While respecting cultural values in the region, we simply take you through a virtual journey of universal knowledge and the wisdom of the business and IT education. IT will teach you on how to make connections by reducing distance and time between B2B, B2C, C2C and S2S while business management provides the knowledge on how to make products and services cheaper, faster and better.
Quality of education matters a lot in taking your children to a greater height. We take this opportunity to request parents in the region to take wise decisions on the path of education of your sons and daughters not only looking at the price of a particular course but also by analyzing the recognition of certification process and the quality of academic life that they are going through.
NIBM is really happy to note that parents in Jaffna are now making every possible action to make sure that their children are realizing their true potentials in order to be better citizens of the country.
Five great reasons to study at NIBM
" You will be studying at a Business School with an outstanding reputation
Ranked as a leading Business School in the country for Training and Education it is rich in academic excellence of 42 years with a national and international recognition " NIBM offers a truly global education with Internationally recognized and professionally accredited courses
Ranked as a leading Business School in the country for Training and Education it is rich in academic excellence of 42 years with a national and international recognition " NIBM offers a truly global education with Internationally recognized and professionally accredited courses
15 years of experience in offering international degrees in IT and Business from the world renowned University College Dublin, Ireland, Limkokwing University of creative Technology in Malaysia, Victoria University in Australia.
"Employability of Graduates
NIBM is a well known and proven national business school of the country for producing employable graduates who are fully employed and placed in executive positions in reputed business organizations in Sri Lanka and abroad.
"Stability and reliability
A fully state-owned National Business School, governed by a reputed Council with an eminent group of professionals. Internationally recognized and accredited courses with a globally recognized quality assurance system. University Grants Commission has recognized NIBM as a degree awarding institute in Sri Lanka.
"Faculty and teaching quality
Facilitating and coaching students through a well experienced faculty of over 220 Internal and External Consultants, who are academically and professionally qualified in the business and IT fields.
Facilitating and coaching students through a well experienced faculty of over 220 Internal and External Consultants, who are academically and professionally qualified in the business and IT fields.
Northern Regional Centre of NIBM in Jaffna
In keeping with the above objective in mind, NIBM has set up a modern regional campus in Jaffna. Similar centres are now being operated in Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala under the supervision of the main campus in Colombo.
In keeping with the above objective in mind, NIBM has set up a modern regional campus in Jaffna. Similar centres are now being operated in Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala under the supervision of the main campus in Colombo.
Aims
It is expected to provide high quality, business education in the fields of management, languages and IT for school leavers and employees in public, private and NGOs in the region. Specific goals in establishing the North are;
"To set up modern learning facilities for students in Jaffna to obtain higher education in the fields of IT, Management and languages.
"To Provide better opportunities for people in the region to gain employments in different industries
Learning Facilities
Regional Centre in Jaffna has the following facilities to provide modern learning environment for prospective students:
Learning Facilities
Regional Centre in Jaffna has the following facilities to provide modern learning environment for prospective students:
1. 4 - Fully equipped modern lecture rooms with a capacity of 350 seats
2. 1- Computer Laboratory
3. Library
4. Study Area
5. Proggramme Office
In total, nearly 2000 students can be trained in a given year with the available facilities.
Training programmes
NIBM has already taken action to commence programmes in IT, languages and management development areas.
Training programmes
NIBM has already taken action to commence programmes in IT, languages and management development areas.
" Management Development
- Business Management
- Human Resources Management
" Languages - Business Communication
- Business English
- English Language
- Sinhala for Tamil speakers
- Tamil for Sinhala speakers
- " Information Technology
- Certificate of Computer Science
- Certificate of Computer Applications
For more information, please contact the Programme office in Jaffna NIBM Centre . (Tele: 0212220360 Fax: 021-2220363 Email: Jaffna@nibm.lk Website: www.nibm.lk
Source:http://www.sundaytimes.lk/101212/Education/ed01.html
Achchuveli Industrial Estate
The Indian Government has provided Rs 235 million as a grant while the Sri Lanka Government has also provided Rs 45 million to support the establishment of the Achchuveli Industrial Estate in Jaffna, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary, P. Sivagnanasothy told Daily News Business.
The Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) has planned to support four major companies, MAS Holdings, Orit Apparels Lanka, Timex and Shore to Shore (Pvt) Ltd., to set up factories in Jaffna’s Achchuveli Industrial Estate. He said the initial total investment of this project is Rs 280 million.
The investment will be utilized to develop the infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, sanitation, electricity and wastewater treatment plants in the Achchuveli Industrial Estate.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate has 65 acres and in phase I of this project only 25 acres are being offered to set up these four factories while the balance 40 acres will be given to set up small and medium industries.
Nevertheless, MAS Holdings have requested more land in the Estate to further expand their businesses. There is a good demand for space in the estate and the Ministry is considering providing more land.
The Secretary said the Ministry is hoping to complete the phase one by the end of 2011 while promising that the Achchuvelie Industrial Estate will be fully operational by early 2012.
The commencement of the project will create employment for 2,000 to 3,000 people in the Jaffna peninsula.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate was one of the best productive industrial estates with over 30 units operating before the war.
However, now the Ministry has had discussions with the past investors of the industrial estate and some of them have expressed their interest in re-establishing their factories.
The companies that have shown interest are into apparel and plastic manufacturing. The infrastructure development will be completed in an accelerated manner.
The project will also help the people to uplift their livelihoods and bring down the unemployment rate in the province, Sivagnanasothy said.
The discussions the Ministry and the BOI had with these companies were successful.
The investors are keen on setting up factories in the industrial estate and at present there are more inquiries from the industrialists.
The project will offer a great opportunity for people in the Northern province to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate also benefits the companies to expand their business and to increase their workforce.
The Ministry expects that leading companies entering into the Northern province will encourage the rest of the industrialists to establish there as well.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/27/bus01.asp
The Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) has planned to support four major companies, MAS Holdings, Orit Apparels Lanka, Timex and Shore to Shore (Pvt) Ltd., to set up factories in Jaffna’s Achchuveli Industrial Estate. He said the initial total investment of this project is Rs 280 million.
The investment will be utilized to develop the infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, sanitation, electricity and wastewater treatment plants in the Achchuveli Industrial Estate.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate has 65 acres and in phase I of this project only 25 acres are being offered to set up these four factories while the balance 40 acres will be given to set up small and medium industries.
Nevertheless, MAS Holdings have requested more land in the Estate to further expand their businesses. There is a good demand for space in the estate and the Ministry is considering providing more land.
The Secretary said the Ministry is hoping to complete the phase one by the end of 2011 while promising that the Achchuvelie Industrial Estate will be fully operational by early 2012.
The commencement of the project will create employment for 2,000 to 3,000 people in the Jaffna peninsula.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate was one of the best productive industrial estates with over 30 units operating before the war.
However, now the Ministry has had discussions with the past investors of the industrial estate and some of them have expressed their interest in re-establishing their factories.
The companies that have shown interest are into apparel and plastic manufacturing. The infrastructure development will be completed in an accelerated manner.
The project will also help the people to uplift their livelihoods and bring down the unemployment rate in the province, Sivagnanasothy said.
The discussions the Ministry and the BOI had with these companies were successful.
The investors are keen on setting up factories in the industrial estate and at present there are more inquiries from the industrialists.
The project will offer a great opportunity for people in the Northern province to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate also benefits the companies to expand their business and to increase their workforce.
The Ministry expects that leading companies entering into the Northern province will encourage the rest of the industrialists to establish there as well.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/27/bus01.asp
'German Techs' in Matara-Jaffna
Measures have been initiated to expand technical and vocational training programs, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.
He said this while speaking at a meeting of heads of state departments, corporations, institutes and statutory boards held at the Matara District Secretariat Auditorium.
The main objective of this meeting was to discuss the plans pertaining to Urban Development in Matara.
The Minister said that necessary plans have been finalized to decentralize the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute. Under the proposed project, these training centres are to be set up in Matara as well as in Jaffna.
An eight acre land has also been acquired for the proposed Matara new prison. The Uyanwatta grounds is also to be developed as an international cricket stadium with all modern facilities.
The network of roads in Matara town will be developed further with extra lanes at important junctions. Colour lights will be installed at cross roads outside the town.
The Minister instructed the police not to allow motorists to park vehicles down the main roads in Matara obstructing the town.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/05/news18.asp
He said this while speaking at a meeting of heads of state departments, corporations, institutes and statutory boards held at the Matara District Secretariat Auditorium.
The main objective of this meeting was to discuss the plans pertaining to Urban Development in Matara.
The Minister said that necessary plans have been finalized to decentralize the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute. Under the proposed project, these training centres are to be set up in Matara as well as in Jaffna.
An eight acre land has also been acquired for the proposed Matara new prison. The Uyanwatta grounds is also to be developed as an international cricket stadium with all modern facilities.
The network of roads in Matara town will be developed further with extra lanes at important junctions. Colour lights will be installed at cross roads outside the town.
The Minister instructed the police not to allow motorists to park vehicles down the main roads in Matara obstructing the town.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/05/news18.asp
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