News
31 March 2009 Volume 02 Issue 07
Let innocent civilians free and face SL troops reminds President
No matter what the religion or culture is, all the people in Sri Lanka are his people and all the needs of the civilians in the North will be provided, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President said that if there is any concern for the welfare of the innocent civilians he will urge the LTTE to let the civilians free and face the SL troops. The President stated this at the meeting which was held at “Temple Trees” on 26/03 to discuss the matters regarding the prevailing conflict in the north with the representatives of the Tamil political parties. The President also said that all political parties who are concerned about the welfare of the civilians in the North should participate in such discussions. (Lankapuvath)
Sri Lankan forces do not target no-fire zone, Foreign Minister tells Denmark
“SL armed forces are one of most disciplined and their advances are carefully planned. And, especially inside the no-fire zone, servicemen never resort to armed confrontation. Even though the LTTE tests our patience by way of incessant artillery fire, servicemen never return even at the stake of their own lives as civilian protection is the first priority,” Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said. The Minister was explaining Sri Lanka’s stance in the battlefield to the Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller over the telephone on 25/03 during a discussion about current developments in Sri Lanka with reference to humanitarian operations in the North. (Dept.of Information)
Indonesian Foreign Minister Dr. Hassen Wirajuda on official visit to Sri Lanka
Indonesian Foreign Minister, Dr. Hassan Wirajuda visited Sri Lanka from 29th and 30th March, 2009 on an invitation extended to him by his counterpart Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama. During his stay in Sri Lanka, Minister Dr. Hassan Wirajuda held bilateral discussions with Minister Bogollagama and also called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka. The Agreement on Visa Exemption was signed by two Foreign Ministers in the presence of the President. (Dept. of Information)
US$ 889 million FDI in 2008: Highest ever growth at 21%
The Sri Lankan economy registered a USD 889 mn. worth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2008, despite the challenging global economic environment. This is the highest ever FDI recorded in the Sri Lankan economy – by passing the previous best of USD 734 mn in 2007. This also reflects an impressive 21 per cent growth in the year 2008 compared to 2007. The sector wise analysis of FDI inflow in Sri Lanka reveals that the maximum FDI has taken place in the services/infrastructure sector accounting for 78% of total FDI (USD 697 mn.) followed by manufacturing sector with 21% (USD 189 mn.). The services / infrastructure sector has been the fastest growing sector recording a 25% growth in 2008. (Lankapuvath)
South Asia’s first ‘green flight’ from Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Airlines has begun transforming its worldwide operations into environment friendly “Green Flights” becoming the first airline in South Asia to make a full and unconditional commitment to environmental conservation. Sri Lankan Airlines flight UL 557 rose in to the sky from Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) to Frankfurt on 21/3 and began a new chapter in the history of Sri Lanka’s national carrier, as the first green flight in the region. (Lankapuvath)
(C) Sri Lanka High Commission Singapore
Last updated on February 2009