Last Sunday the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2011 ended its successful second edition with an impact on Northern business and community activities.
Participants including local and foreign business delegates and the people of Jaffna were happy with this massive trade exhibition - a rare event for this part of the island.
Contributing towards the Government’s action plan to speed-up development in the North and East of Sri Lanka, JITF 2011, organised by Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd - (LECS), provided entertainment and educational facilities to the masses through a series of seminars, lectures and musical shows.
Co-Chairman Organising Committee and Immediate Past President FCCISL Kosala Wickramanayaka was happy with its impact paving the way to a better future for the Northern region. Managing Director LECS/Deputy Chairman Visit Lanka Arjun Dharmadasa said “The exhibition showed maturity. One could understand the difficulties in this part of the country with the limited resources available. We look to a bigger event in 2012.”
Appreciating the involvement of the State Engineering Corporation which constructed the largest dome in Sri Lanka especially for JITF 2011, Dharmadasa said that it will be a requirement not only for LECS but for anyone organising exhibitions without such facilities.
He was happy about the improved living standards of the people of Jaffna which was clearly reflected with a number of motorcar agents at the trade fair and with the response received by them during the fair. While stressing on the importance of improved road, rail and air transportation to Jaffna, Dharmadasa was hopeful that enhanced infrastructure development in Jaffna would support a major exhibition next year.
JITF 2011 made Jaffna busy with more than 1,500 visitors arriving in town for preparations and exhibition work, including around 100 foreigners and business delegations creating an effect of MICE tourism in Jaffna where most of them visited the places of interest in the Northern peninsula.
Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants were busy catering to the visitors.Contributing to the success of JITF 2011 was a satisfied exhibitor - Macksons Holdings.
General Manager Sales and Marketing of Macksons Holdings, M. Irshad Maruzook was happy on the returns received.
Involvement of the Indian High Commission and India joining the event as the Partner Country had helped in the success of JITF 2011.
At the inauguration Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Sri Ashok K. Kantha flashed back to last year’s event and thanked all organisers for moving a step forward in 2011.
Stressing-out on the importance of going beyond regular business activities by venturing in to long lasting business tie-ups between Indian and Sri Lankan organisations, both could reach much mileage.
He also mentioned that the strategic location of Jaffna peninsula could help business growth creating links between India and Sri Lanka and described the importance of improving the Palali Airport offering easy passenger access and also connecting both countries by sea.
Bank of India is planning to open its branch in Jaffna to help business with financial assistance. The Indian Ambassador hoped that JITF would be included to the business calendar of Sri Lanka.
Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/01/30/fin06.asp
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sangupiddy to facilitate Northern economic boom
The opening of the new Sangupiddy Bridge which connects Pooneryn in the mainland and the Jaffna peninsula will hereafter facilitate passengers and goods transportion from the South to North and vice versa promoting trade and commerce in the North, spokesperson for the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna said.
He said the commissioning of the bridge will further strengthen good relations between the North and South while supporting to uplift the economic standard of the public in many ways which is another historic measure taken to make our country the Miracle of Asia.
He further said that especially, people in Pooneryn area will find easy access to Chavakachcheri hospital which was recently equipped with many medical facilities under the Government’s Northern Development Program or even to Jaffna Teaching hospital.
The spokesman added that in the same way, Jaffna Hindus and Catholics who used to go to Thiruketheeswaram and the Madhu church can resume their journey using the new bridge. On the other hand, agriculture in Pooneryn popularly known as the granary of the North, and Mannar which encompasses the Rice Bowl, will flourish in days to come with the completion of construction.
Completion of the bridge on the A-32 road provides an alternative route from Colombo to Jaffna via Chilaw, Puttalam, Silavathurai, Mannar, Pooneryn, Kerathivu and Navatkuli. The new iron bridge which cost the Government about Rs 1,037 million is another phase of the Jaffna Development Project under the Uthuru Wasanthaya or Wadakkin Wasantham program initiated by the Government. The 288 m long bridge with a width of 7.4 m cuts short the traveling distance from Puttalam by about 80 km.
Earlier, the residents in nearby areas travelled via Sangupiddy using a ferry service. However, they were deprived of the ferry facility after the terrorists destroyed the famous Sangupiddy jetty in the early 90s. Civilians had to spend many hours travelling an extra mileage to reach both ends lying within a six kilometres.
Moreover, this engineering marvel which was completed within eight-12 months will make history as a peace building bridge.
Various governments under various political parties and leaders have attempted to construct the Sangupiddy bridge at 17 occasions by laying foundation stones. But all those attempts were confined only to foundation stones until the Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a historical leap to complete the construction within a short period to uplift the living standard of the people in the North. Former Minister M Thiruchelvam also attempted to construct the same bridge but proved unsuccessful.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/25/news27.asp
He further said that especially, people in Pooneryn area will find easy access to Chavakachcheri hospital which was recently equipped with many medical facilities under the Government’s Northern Development Program or even to Jaffna Teaching hospital.
The spokesman added that in the same way, Jaffna Hindus and Catholics who used to go to Thiruketheeswaram and the Madhu church can resume their journey using the new bridge. On the other hand, agriculture in Pooneryn popularly known as the granary of the North, and Mannar which encompasses the Rice Bowl, will flourish in days to come with the completion of construction.
Completion of the bridge on the A-32 road provides an alternative route from Colombo to Jaffna via Chilaw, Puttalam, Silavathurai, Mannar, Pooneryn, Kerathivu and Navatkuli. The new iron bridge which cost the Government about Rs 1,037 million is another phase of the Jaffna Development Project under the Uthuru Wasanthaya or Wadakkin Wasantham program initiated by the Government. The 288 m long bridge with a width of 7.4 m cuts short the traveling distance from Puttalam by about 80 km.
Earlier, the residents in nearby areas travelled via Sangupiddy using a ferry service. However, they were deprived of the ferry facility after the terrorists destroyed the famous Sangupiddy jetty in the early 90s. Civilians had to spend many hours travelling an extra mileage to reach both ends lying within a six kilometres.
Moreover, this engineering marvel which was completed within eight-12 months will make history as a peace building bridge.
Various governments under various political parties and leaders have attempted to construct the Sangupiddy bridge at 17 occasions by laying foundation stones. But all those attempts were confined only to foundation stones until the Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a historical leap to complete the construction within a short period to uplift the living standard of the people in the North. Former Minister M Thiruchelvam also attempted to construct the same bridge but proved unsuccessful.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/25/news27.asp
President hands over Sangupiddy Bridge to public
His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the Sangupiddy Bridge and the causeway on 16 January, as a Thaipongal gift to people in the North.
The 288m long bridge together with 3Km long causeway lying across the Jaffna lagoon connects Jaffna peninsula in Northern Province to the mainland in the shortest distance at Pooneryn.
It reduces three hours in travelling time and 110 Km in distance to reach Jaffna from Colombo and it is the shortest route to Jaffna from Colombo via Puttlam along A-32 road. This will benefit the people along the A-32 road which was heavily affected by LTTE terrorism.
It took eight months to complete the construction of the bridge and the causeway.
The Government funded the project with a soft loan of Rs. 1.037 billion from the United Kingdom.
Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Douglas Devananda, Governor of the North Major General Jagath Chandrasiri, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasooriya, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake, Inspector General of Police Dr. Mahinda Balasooriya, and senior government officials also were present.
Source:www.defence.lk
Indian Consulate in Jaffna begins issuing visas
The Indian Consulate here began issuing visas, despite severe logistical constraints and skeletal manpower.
“We have begun giving visas from today [Monday],” Indian Consul-General in Jaffna V. Mahalingam told The Hindu, when asked about the progress of works in the Consulate since it was set up in November-end. “We can issue between 50 and 100 visas each day,” he said.
The process of application remains the same: the applicant has to approach the facilitating service, VFS, for a visa. This would be sent to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, which will verify passports and the genuineness of the applicant. The passport, stamped with the visa, can be picked up from the Consulate in Jaffna.
“We are expecting some more software and personnel to come down from India. Once that is done we will be able to provide better service,” said Mr. Mahalingam.
He said other consular services had also commenced in Jaffna. The consulate caters for the whole peninsula — Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar.
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1097952.ece
Army joins Jaffna cricket fans to greet Sri Lankan team
Sri Lanka Army joined hands with cricket fans and enthusiasts in Jaffna to convey their best wishes to the Sri Lankan cricket team taking part in the ICC World Cup 2011.
Large gathering was witnessed, when former Sri Lankan cricketer Mr. Ravindra Pushpakumara reached Jaffna town on Tuesday (18 Jan) with the ICC World Cup won by Sri Lanka in 1996.
The Cup was brought to the centre of the town in a procession preceded by the Western Band of St. Patrick College and placed for exhibition.
Thousands of cricket fans together with school children lined up to wave friendly greetings and best wishes to our team for the coming World Cup. They placed their signatures on the large replica of a cricket ball displayed at the event.
General Officer Commanding 51 Division Major General Janaka Walgama, Brigadier General Staff Security Forces - Jaffna Brig. B.C.J.A.F. Rodrigo and military officers placed their signatures representing the Army.
The team will receive blessing of clergy at Sri Naga Vihara, the Bishop House and the Nallur Kandsawmi Hindu Temple tomorrow.
Source:http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110119_03
President pays homage to Nagadeepa Temple in Jaffna
an 17, Jaffna: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa this afternoon paid homage to the Nagadeepa Temple in Jaffna peninsula.
Following his participation in the National Thai Pongal festival held at the Doraiappa Stadium in Jaffna earlier in the day President Rajapaksa visited the Nagapeeda Temple and received blessings form the chief incumbent of the Temple venerable Navadagala Padumakiththi Tissa Thera.
The President also laid a foundation stone for the proposed museum and library complex at the Nagadeepa Temple premises. He also took time out to chat with the devotees who visited the Temple.
Naga Deepa Viharadipathi Ven. Navadagala Padumakiththithissa Thera, Naga Viharadipathi Ven. Meegasadure Gnanarathana Thera, and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/Jan18_1295294319CH.php
Following his participation in the National Thai Pongal festival held at the Doraiappa Stadium in Jaffna earlier in the day President Rajapaksa visited the Nagapeeda Temple and received blessings form the chief incumbent of the Temple venerable Navadagala Padumakiththi Tissa Thera.
The President also laid a foundation stone for the proposed museum and library complex at the Nagadeepa Temple premises. He also took time out to chat with the devotees who visited the Temple.
Naga Deepa Viharadipathi Ven. Navadagala Padumakiththithissa Thera, Naga Viharadipathi Ven. Meegasadure Gnanarathana Thera, and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/Jan18_1295294319CH.php
National Thai pongal ceremony in Jaffna
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.
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.
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