Press Release




The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait celebrated Sri Lanka’s 64th Independence Day today at the chancery in Jabriya. The   Ambassador C A H M Wijeratne and the staff of the Embassy staff observed the event with stirring ceremony of religious observances which included Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim & Christian prayer services.

The Ceremony began with hoisting of the national flag by the Ambassador followed by singing of the National anthem by the Sri Lankan students. 2 minutes silent was observed remembering the scarifies made by the war heroes. The Independence Day messages from H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President, Hon. D.M Jayarathne the Prime Minister and Hon. Prof. G.L.Peiris , Foreign Minister were also  read.  While delivering an Independence Day message, the Ambassador stressed the importance of the unity of all communities towards development of the country.  He also valued the contribution made by the expatriate community  abroad  for the betterment of the country. The participants were served with traditional Sri Lankans foods after word.

Over a period of 2,500 years, the island was known by a variety of names – “Taprobane” by the ancient Greeks and Romans and “Serendip” by the Arab writers and sailors in olden days. However, according to the Sri Lankan historical tradition, “Lanka” was the original name of the island. It was in use for centuries until the European invasions in the 15th Century. During the British period (1815-1948), the island was popularly known as “Ceylon.” This name was used even after the country gained independence in 1948. With the adoption of the New Constitution in 1972, the traditional name “Sri Lanka” (Resplendent Island) was adopted, in keeping with the rich and varied culture of the nation. Colombo is the country’s capital and largest city.

The country is famous for the production and export of tea, coffee, coconuts, rubber, and cinnamon. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s tropical forests, beaches, and landscape, as well as its rich cultural heritage, make it a world famous tourist destination.

Relations between the Kuwait  and Sri Lanka, from the time immemorial  have always been cordial and friendly. Over the years, bilateral agreements relating to trade, cultural cooperation, and an investment have been concluded. We greet the people and government of Sri Lanka led by Their Excellencies, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, House Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, and Chief Justice, Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake, and it’s Embassy in the Kuwait, headed by H.E., Ambassador CAHM Wijeratne on the occasion of the 64th Anniversary of its independence. We wish them all the best and success in all their endeavors. CONGRATULATIONS!

 SL ‘hottest’ new destination this year
*Lanka ahead of Britain, Australia, Abu Dhabi
*SL among world’s top five destinations

Sri Lanka is one of the top five destinations to watch this year, according to the world’s leading and most discerning and trusted monthly travel magazine in Britain, Conde Nast Traveller.  The magazine’s travel experts have predicted that Sri Lanka will be among the hottest new holiday destinations for travellers this year.

Unveiling the list of destinations, the magazine reveals that: “One of the great joys of travel is the feeling you’ve discovered somewhere special, somewhere that’s all yours, for the first time-before the developers move in and the crowds descend.

It could be a new and unexplored region, like the Arctic Circle, or an entire country such as Sri Lanka and Burma”.

Sri Lanka has been placed third in the list of destinations ahead of Britain, Australia and Abu Dhabi. Courtesy:

Sri Lanka Tourism

SRI LANKA

The coasts less travelled

Until recently, the north and east parts of Sri Lanka were off-limits to tourists, and under the occupation of the Tamil Tigers. Going anywhere vaguely remote, other than the most popular spots, was ill-advised and meant tedious journeys bogged down by military checks.

But now the country is Tiger-free, and for the first time in a long time travellers are being encouraged to return.

As a consequence, the north and east coasts are undeveloped, their natural beauty unspoiled. You can find yourself the only tourist in the traditional villages, and the only person on some of the country's most beautiful beaches. Indeed, those beaches on the east coast have fine sand and calm, clear waters, unlike the surf destinations on the west.

This does, of course, mean top-class accommodation is still limited - but for many, finding charming guesthouses or rustic beach huts is all part of the adventure; and being first to discover a place never loses its thrill.

STAY

There are a few options, mainly around Trincomalee, which was once a popular tourist destination and is now being re-established. And on Pigeon Island, a nature reserve, a new resort has smart rooms and a pool right on the beach.

Source:

http://www.cntraveller.com/news/2011/december/destinations-to-watch-in-2012/sri-lanka

If democracy is to be meaningful and command their respect, it must have a direct impact on their everyday lives. This necessarily calls for the closest possible interaction between government and the community. The mechanisms of government must have effective application at the grassroots level, in order to address issues and to provide relief, President Mahinda Rajapaksa said addressing the Bali Democracy Forum IV in Bali, Indonesia this morning (Nov 08).

It has always been important to us to ensure that the forms and institutions of democracy, far from being an ideal remote from the people, should be part and parcel of their experience, President added.

It is worthy of note that Sri Lanka is the first country in Asia to have accorded women the right to vote, and they secured this right just two years after the en-franchise-ment of women in the United Kingdom.

The diversity of Sri Lanka's experience of constitutional and electoral systems is probably unique in the annals of political history. Our country has been governed under both the Westminster style Cabinet system and the Executive Presidential system which was introduced into our public law in 1978, he said at the inaugural session of the Forum.

We have had experience of the first past the post electoral system, which continues to operate in many of the countries participating in this Forum, as well as a version of proportional representation which applies in Sri Lanka today. We are now contemplating a hybrid system, combining elements of both these approaches, as the solution best suited to the needs and circumstances of our country. The sum total of these comparative approaches has imparted to us a maturity of outlook and a breadth of vision which have greatly enriched our political culture.

It is a matter of deep pride to us that Sri Lanka is one of the oldest practising democracies not only in the Asian continent but in the world at large. Our people have enjoyed universal adult franchise since 1931, and they have been accustomed, without interruption, to electing and changing governments in an entirely orderly and peaceful manner for eight decades. Even under the LTTE threat we were continuing election, President further said.

Full text of the speech:

His Excellency Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chair of the Bali Democracy Forum

Her Excellency Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Co-Chair

Excellencies,

Distinguished Invitees

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my pleasure to express warm appreciation of the invitation extended to me by His Excellency Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia, to participate in the Fourth Bali Democracy Forum. I would like to thank the Government of Indonesia for the excellent and very thoughtful arrangements which have been made to host this important Forum in the enchanting surroundings of Bali.

In a world where every aspect of life is subject today to basic transformation, one of the most significant strands that run through the value systems of all the countries represented here, is our strong commitment to democracy not only as a system of governance but as a way of life. It is, however, a constant challenge to ensure that our practice of democracy remains at all times responsive to the priorities and aspirations of our people, so that their confidence in the system is continually strengthened.

Bhavans celebrated the glory of sports at Khaifan stadium
Posted on 11/30/2011

Sport is where an entire life can be compressed into a few hours, where the emotions of a lifetime can be felt on an acre or two of a ground. Sport is a theater where sinners can turn saints and a common man becomes an uncommon hero, where the past and the future can fuse with the present. Sport is singularly able to give us peak experiences where we feel completely one with the world and transcend all conflicts, as we finally become our own potential. Yes, the deftness, rhythm and vibrancy of sports have united civilizations across the globe. IES Sports Meet 2011 celebrated the glory of sports on November 26, 2011 at Khaifan Stadium, Khaifan.

The proceedings commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Kuwait, His Excellency C.A.H.M.Wijeratne and an impressive array of eminent personalities like Mr Mohammed Fahad El Masoud, the President of Football Federation of Kuwait, Mr.T.A.Ramesh, Mr. Kirshnadas Menon, Mr.E.D.Titus and Mrs. Kalyani Mukherjee, Principal of Kuwait Indian School.

Chairman, Bhavan Group of Schools in the Middle East, Mr.N.K.Ramachandran Menon, Principal Mr T. Premkumar and Vice Principal Mrs. Lalita Premkumar and the students Council members ushered the guests to the dais. The privilege to extend a warm welcome to all the guests for the day was vested on the Head Girl, Miss Sonal Mashankar. She promptly came to the dais and delivered sweet bouquets of welcome through her solemn welcome address.

A euphonious Sinhalese song was sung by the IES minstrels to honour the chief guest and to eulogize the virtues of the majestic island nation –Sri Lanka. The house captains led their respective houses accompanied by the senior house members, holding the flags up as they marched to the catchy beat of marching music that too with military precision and camaraderie, and filled to the brim with sportsman spirit. It was so awe-inspiring that the parents and teachers in the pavilion gave them a standing ovation. His Excellency C.A.H.M.Wijeratne received the salute from the houses. Fourteen sports champions of IES brought the torch amidst cheers, and the torch lamp was lit by the sports captains.

The Sport Meet was declared open by the Chief Guest. In his inspiring speech, His Excellency C.A.H.M.Wijeratne impelled the aspiring young sportsmen of IES to carve a niche in the world of sports. He emphasized the importance of true sportsman spirit in life as well as in sports. He expressed his great respect for athletes and athletics. He urged the young athletes to uphold the true spirit and fundamental ethos of sports, and reminded them that participation is more important than victory itself.

The power of human will to compete and the drive to excel beyond the body's normal capabilities was most beautifully demonstrated by the young athletes of IES who displayed their insatiable quest for triumph and prowess in sports. Other than the usual track and field events, the function also witnessed a pompous pageantry of drill display – an amalgamation of exactitude, politeness, aerobics and dexterity enwrapped in decorum.

Creativity at its helm, the tiny tots of Grade 1 enthralled the spectators with their drill display, exhibiting their love for Mother Nature by presenting an eye-catching formation of a beautiful flower and a butterfly. This was followed by the drill display by Grade 2 students of IES. As a tribute to their foster motherland, the peppy kids displayed a symphonic and rhythmic display of harmony between the two countries, embodying the cordial relationships between Kuwait and India.

Spectators watched with bated breath as the Grade 3 students of IES flooded the stadium in rainbow colours. Their rhythmic and synchronized movements appeared like a celestial feet and indubitably it was a feast for eyes. The bubbly fourth graders exuded the fiery spirit of the sun, the multiplicity of the earth and the magnetism and the serenity of the moon in their enchanting display. Students of grades 5 and 6 performed a scintillating form of aerobics armed with colorful hoops and dancing to the fast beat of music followed by a rain of thunderous applause from the spectators. Girls of grades 7 and 8 displayed breathtaking formations by swaying multicoloured saris rhythmically in a series of lithe movements accompanied by foot-tapping beats. The culmination of the drill display was marked when 120 boys of grades 7 and 8 formed a human pyramid symbolizing the ever-rising fame of Bhavans in the Middle East. The stadium reverberated and crumbled with relentless rounds of applause from the astonished spectators.

Moving forth with the athletic events, the Bhavanites did show their sportsmanship through an attitude of fair play, courtesy, ethical behaviour, integrity and grace in triumph and defeat.

The overall championship for sports was bagged by Seva house with 232 points. Satya house won the second position by securing 218 points and the third went to Tapas house with 211 points. His Excellency the Ambassador of Sri Lanka and the other eminent personalities gave away the prizes to the budding athletes of IES. The virtuous young athletes drew the attention and adulation of the spectators thronged on either side of the stadium. The curtains fell on a successful Sports Day, amidst cheers, celebration, and jubilation when Sanoy Jacob Koshy, the Head Boy, proposed the vote of thanks. The amazing finesse and arduousness of the young athletes confined to the concrete cubicles in a foreign country will remain timeless in the minds of all those who attended the meet.