News
15
September 2009
Volume 02 Issue 10
Sri Lankan artisans and dancers to perform in Singapore from 25-27 September
15 Sri Lankan artisans and several traditional dancers will perform at the forthcoming “Asia on the Edge” to be held from 25 -27 September 2009 at the Empress Place Precinct and the Singapore River Promenade from 6 pm – 12 midnight daily. The outdoor showcase will bring together artisans from all parts of the country who will demonstrate their unique skills in wood carving, jewellery making, brassware, lace making, basket weaving, pottery and much more. The public will also be provided an opportunity to learn about these traditional crafts and purchase them. The event is open to the public free of charge.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa attends 40th Anniversary of Libyan Revolution
President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Libya on 31 August 2009 for a two day official visit to attend the 40th anniversary of the Libyan revolution, on an invitation extended by Libyan Leader Col. Muammar AL Gathafi. The Libyan Leader reassured his support and commitment to advance Sri Lanka-Libya relations, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and employment opportunities. During the visit, the President also had bilateral meetings with the President of Republic of the Philippines Mrs. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of Venezuela Mr. Hugo Ch’avez Frias and Prime Minister of Pakistan Mr. Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani.(Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Government resettles 9,920 more IDPs
A further 9,920 IDPs, who were sheltered in Menik Farm in Vavuniya, were re-settled in their original habitats by the Government of Sri Lanka on 11th September 2009. 6,838 persons were re-settled in the Jaffna district, 2170 in Trincomalee, 638 in Batticaloa and 274 in Ampara. This included 74 students of the University of Jaffna. In this regard, a ceremony was held at the Vavuniya Cultural Centre with the participation of Senior Advisor to the President Basil Rajapakse, Minister of Resettlement and Disaster Relief Services Rishard Bathiudeen and Minister Douglas Devananda. (Lankapuvath)
Statement by Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama: Channel 4 UK Television Programme
The Government of Sri Lanka reiterates it’s strong and unequivocal rejection of the contents of the video footage telecast on Channel 4 on the grounds that there is absolutely no truth in its concocted story. It is also a deliberate and sinister attempt to cause embarrassment and bring disrepute to the Government of Sri Lanka. It is indeed deeply regretted that despite the Government of Sri Lanka refuting these allegations, some sections of the international community are repeating these allegations which appear to be an orchestrated campaign against Sri Lanka. (For full text, please visit: http://www.slmfa.gov.lk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2113&Itemid=75)
Massive flow of investment into the country
As peace returned to the country, foreign investment continues to flow in an unprecedented manner with more and more joint ventures coming under the Board Of Investment (BOI). Over the past few days, several such agreements were signed to kick off business ventures. On 10th September 2009, the BOI signed agreements for five ventures involving investments from Korea, Australia and the United States. These ventures are to the tune of US $ 11.75 million. The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka granted investment approval to five companies for investments worth US $ 11.75 million. Dhammika Perera, Chairman / Director General signed the agreements on behalf of the BOI and formally presented the BOI Certificate of Registration to the investors. (Dept. of Information)
(C) Sri Lanka High Commission Singapore
Last updated on February 2009