FREEDOM DAY celebrations 2012 in SRI LANKA by Srimal Fernando

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FREEDOM DAY celebrations 2012 in SRI LANKA

    By Srimal Fernando, Asia Correspondent

 

High Commissioner of Republic of South Africa Geoff Doidge and Sri Lankan Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera at the celebration

On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of South Africa’s Freedom day, the High Commissioner of Republic of South Africa His Excellency Geoff Doidge and Mrs Carol Doidge hosted a grand reception at Hotel Taj Samudra Colombo on Friday the 27th April 2012. His Excellency Doidge together with the high Commission staff greeted arriving guest personally at the entrance of the reception hall. The reception brought together policy-makers, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of prominent think tanks and many businessmen.

After the arrival of Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera the reception commenced with the singing of the national anthems of Sri Lanka and South Africa. The celebration cake was cut by the host High Commissioner of Republic of South Africa Excellency Doidge and the Sri Lankan Minister Amaraweera. Friends of South Africa, the diplomatic community and music lovers were also associated with the event to showcase South Africa’s relationship with Sri Lanka at its best.

High Commissioner of Republic of South Africa Geoff Doidge

The guests also had the opportunity to witness the remarkable performance of a melody by a group of Sri Lankan talented young singers led by Ms Soundarie David. The singers entertained the audience to coincide with the official ceremony of the celebration of the Freedom day. Their spirit of singing heightened the day’s wondrous celebrations.

In welcoming guests High Commissioner Doidge highlighted a few of South Africa’s main endeavors over the last few years and his country's efforts to promote bilateral relations between the two countries. During his remarks at the reception, Hon Minister of Disaster Management Mahinda Amaraweera stressed the importance of the Sri Lanka – South Africa bilateral relationship and thanked his fellow diplomats for their commitment.

High Commissioner Geoff Doidge with Embassy staff 

 

 Shortly after the remarks on the status of Sri Lanka – South Africa bilateral relationship, the High Commission of South Africa in Colombo hosted the Freedom day ceremonial banquet that proceeded at the roof top banquet hall at the Taj Samudra Hotel.

Source http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=336

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The Vietnam Embassy in Sri Lanka commemorates Ho Chi Minh 122nd Birth Anniversary by Srimal Fernando

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The Vietnam Embassy in Sri Lanka commemorates Ho Chi Minh  122nd Birth Anniversary

     By  Srimal Fernando Asia Correspondent 

The Vietnam Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka and the Solidarity Association of both countries hosted a ceremony to commemorate the 122nd Birth Anniversary of Ho Chi Minh, the great liberator of Vietnam at the Russian Cultural Centre auditorium on 21st May 2012.

Ho Chi Minh was the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party and the  leader of the revolution who carried the torch of Vietnam’s independence movement for over half a century.  Ho Chi Minh made great contributions to the victorious Viet Minh and Viet Cong forces that unified the country. He carried the torch of independence and freedom as a representative of the people of Vietnam. He was the symbol of hope and endurance. As a revolutionist, Ho Chi Minh made a great contribution to unify Vietnam. He is the best-loved and most famous political figure in the country.  As revolutionist his work had a very strong influence on Sri Lankan post Independence history. He visited Sri Lanka thrice in 1911, 1928 and in 1946.

To mark the birth of Ho Chi Minh the Sri Lankan organizers invited friends of Vietnam and had an essay competition followed by a cultural programme.

Sri Lankan Senior Minister D.E W Gunasekeara

After the arrival of the two Senior Ministers, D.E .W Gunasekara and Professor Tissa Vitarana, the Vietnams Ambassador, His Excellency Ton Singh Thanh joined the guests at the hall. The day’s event started with a lighting of the traditional oil lamp.

Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka Ton Sinh Thanh

In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador Ton Singh Thanh reminded the audience of Ho Chi Minh’s great contributions to the Vietnamese War of Independence and reunification. During his speech at the commemoration the Ambassador stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation between Vietnam and Sri Lanka. He also extended his best wishes to the winners of the essay competition.
The competition was followed by  educational and informative addresses by Senior Ministers Hon D.E .W Gunasekara and Professor Tissa Vitarana.

Rhythmic guitar by a group of Sri Lankans

The guests also had the opportunity to witness the remarkable performance of rhythmic guitar by a group of Sri Lankan young female guitarists which was followed by an entertaining performance by Mr. Iqbal  Mohamed’s  rhythmic poetry dedicated to Ho Chi Minh.  

Remaining true to Vietnamese roots,  a group of Vietnamese Sailors and a group of singers from the embassy staff entertained the audience.

Singing by Vietnamese Sailors and embassy staff

The Vietnam Embassy also gave prizes to local students who participated in the essay competition.

Source http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=356:the-vietnam-embassy-in-sri-lanka-commemorates-ho-chi-minh-122nd-birth-anniversary&catid=16:home&Itemid=1

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Vietnam an incredible diversity of culturesBy Srimal Fernando

Source : http://www.vietnamembassy-srilanka.vn/en/nr070521165843/nr070815092257/ns120520000301

Vietnam an incredible diversity of cultures

By Srimal Fernando 

 

14th and 21 May 2012

Vietnam became synonymous for its amazing natural splendor and for safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage. It is a country in Southeast Asia, on the Indochinese Peninsula. The country retains its cultural traditions and lives truly up to the title “The Land of Dragons”. The culture of the country has passed through several stages during its history. The great theme of modern Vietnamese history is the Vietnam’s War of Independence and reunification. The Vietnam War was proved to be an extremely sobering experience which caused so much suffering for the Vietnamese people. April 30th marked the 37th anniversary of reunification of Vietnam and fall of Saigon. Ho Chi Minh’s name comes to mind when we remember the recent history of Vietnam. He is the best-loved and famous political figure in the country. Ho Chi Minh the founder of the Vietnamese Communist Party and leader of the revolution carried the torch of Vietnam’s independence movement for over half a century. As a revolutionist he made great contribution to the victorious Viet Minh and Viet Cong forces that unified the country. Mausoleum Ho Chi Minh a monumental marble edifice at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi was built to show the deep gratitude of the countrymen to their great leader. His remains are displayed inside the chamber of the mausoleum. 

After the end of war in 1975 the Saigon city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of this great Leader. Today, nearly four decades after the war, Vietnam is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Vietnam culture possesses several distinctive characteristics that give its own unique style. There are grottos, temples and pagodas that still exist and are for the young generation to see and appreciate their roots and origin. The country has many vibrant and modern cities, but the two most important are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city. The capital Hanoi, is located on the right bank of the Red River. It is also called the “City of Lakes”. Some of the prominent land marks in Hanoi are Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum , The Presidential Palace ,Turtle Tower ,One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple Long Bien Bridge. They attract tourist from home and abroad. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and is situated nearly 1,700 kilometers south of Hanoi near Mekong Delta.

Ho Chi Minh City has many places of interest. Among its highest-esteemed attractions in the city are the Reunification Palace, the Municipal Theatre, Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. The people of the country have a well-deserved reputation for being hard workers, but they enjoy their leisure as much as anyone else. Vietnamese hospitality is the key to understanding the nation .The countries culture has contributed notably to literature, art, music and dance. Vietnamese culture has produced significant masterpieces and accomplished forms of art. Today, the mixture of influences is apparent in art, music and literature. The country has come a long way in the television and broadcasting service in the country. Voice of Vietnam operates as the main Broad casting service in the country. Theater and Cinema of Vietnam originated in the early 1920s. Today modern visual arts, theater and Drama and movie-making has spread throughout the cities of the country. .Many of movies on Vietnam War was shot in the post-war period at private movie studio. Vietnam film industry is a thriving business that is gaining global recognition. 

Music has always played a significant role in the lives of Vietnamese. Indeed, the songs and dances are woven into the very fabric of everyday life .The lyrics of epic Vietnamese folk music are a blend of musical elements from more than 54 different ethnicities. The music of the country is emotional, ecstatic and romantic. Vietnam has a lively music scene and is home to musicians of many different genres. Many popular singers perform in their own dialect. The countries traditional music can be divided into two major types, the Imperial court music and Vietnamese folk music. Countries folk music, both vocal and instrumental, is usually performed by soloists. Epic folk songs are the most important form of vocal folk music in the country.

In Vietnam there are several types of traditional dances. The most popular traditional dance is the lion dance. The other popular dance is the Vietnamese Imperial court dance performed at festivals. 

Taking a trip on “Reunification Express” train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh may be a new experience to many travelers wanting to explore the treasures of Vietnamese culture. It gives you unparallel access to a country’s people, and beautiful landscapes. If one is to understand and experience the surprises of cultures of the world, Vietnam is an emerald waiting to be explored.

 

  Source Daily Mirror (Ref Page C 2 )  and

 Vietnam Embassy in Colombo

Sri Lanka to become an energy hub in South Asia By Srimal Fernando

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Sri Lanka to become an energy hub in South Asia  

  By   Srimal Fernando  Asia Correspondent

Sri Lanka is the fourth largest electricity producing country in South Asia, behind India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. At the start of the new millennium in 2000, electricity power generation capacity in Sri Lanka stood at around 1,838 Mega watts (MW). By 2010 it had increased to 2,847 Mega watts (MW).

The country’s energy requirements are met from six different types of resources. These resources include 48 percent from thermal, 45 percent from water and the balance from wind, solar, wood etc. The country’s thermal power sources of electricity are oil, natural gas and coal. The thermal power sector electricity generation is followed by power generation from hydro-electricity. Of the major thermal energy sources petroleum products, natural gas and coal are imported while the rest are renewable energy sources of the country. Sri Lanka’s state owned energy giant Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company remains the principal players in the field with a total of over four million consumer accounts. China, Japan, the United Kingdom, India and several Scandinavian countries have generously provided valuable financial and technical resources to implement these mega projects in Sri Lanka during the past 30 years.

Water is a resource that is found in great abundance in the mountainous region in the south-central part of the country. The climatic characteristic of this part of the country has endowed Sri Lanka with a fair amount of hydro-power potential.  Out of the ten mega hydro-electricity generating plants, the one hundred twenty meter tall Victoria project with eight spill-ways and a crest length of nearly five hundred meters is the largest hydro-electric generating project in the country. It has an electricity generation capacity of nearly two hundred Mega -watts (MW) of power.

The Samanalawewa with almost hundred meters high and five hundred and thirty meters crest level dam is the second-largest hydroelectric project in the country with four hundred Giga watts (GhW) of annual energy. The Upper Kotmale project also known as the Upper Kotmale Hydro-power Project is the third largest hydro-electricity producing power source. The twelve kilometer long Upper Kotmale tunnel is the longest excavated tunnel in Sri Lanka that delivers water to its power-house. One hundred and fifty five Mega watts (MW) of electric power generation are expected to the national electricity network when the project is completed in few months time. Water is the cheapest source of renewable energy in Sri Lanka, as such to get the maximum use from this source the state is targeting to set up six hundred micro hydro plants that can contribute five hundred Mega-watts of power to the national grid. As a non-conventional renewable energy source the state encourages private companies to install these mini projects especially the ten Mega watts capacity mini hydro electricity plants.

Sri Lanka’s principal source of electricity generation comes from thermal energy. As such the demand for thermal energy has seen a large year-to-year increase. As new thermal energy plants come online Sri Lanka has planned a number of large oil, gas and coal electricity generating projects, which could require private sector investment. The Oil Refinery at Sapugaskanda commissioned in August 1969 processes about two million metric tons of light crude oil annually. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) owned Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery has the capacity to produce 50,000 barrels per day.

Sri Lanka has identified sedimentary deposits containing natural gas and oil in the Gulf of Mannar. Mannar basin in the Indian Ocean is located in the Northern part of the country which appears to be a promising site for future gas and oil.

Kelanitissa Power Station (KPS) was the first gas and diesel powered electricity generating plant established in mid sixties. This plant was upgraded with 115-MW “FIAT” gas turbines to increase its capacity to two hundred mega watts of power.

After the conclusion of the war in the country a 36 Mega watts power plant was set up in Chunnakam in Jaffna peninsula in the north ending one-and-a-half hour power cut that prevailed in the peninsula previously.  The Power and Energy Ministry in Sri Lanka is rehabilitating the 150 kilometer power transmission line from Vavuniya to Chunnakam  in Jaffna peninsula via Kilinochchi sub depot to boost the availability and supply of power to Northern Province of the country. There are twelve thermal power generating plants in Sri Lanka. Most of these thermal power plants have been upgraded over the past several years. The Kerawalapitiya power plant with three hundred megawatts of power is the latest thermal power plant that was added to the national electricity supply line in the country. Using alternative channels to benefit the people of the country the Ministry of Power and Energy commissioned the country’s first three hundred Mega-watts coal-fired power plant at Norocholai in Puttalam district last year.

The other renewable energy sources in Sri Lanka lag well behind that of hydroelectric and thermal power generation sectors. A five NEG Micon M1500-600 wind turbines were set up at Hambantota Wind Farm in South Sri Lanka to accelerate and develop power generation through wind energy. Energy Authority is currently constructing a solar electricity generating park in Buruthakanda in the Hambantota district to make the power generation more environment- friendly.

Sri Lanka’s vision is to provide electricity for all its citizens by end 2012.   During a recently held seminar in Colombo for senior journalists the Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka stressed the importance of conservation of energy by properly managing electricity consumption. The ultimate goal of the Ministry of Power and Energy of the Government of Sri Lanka is to transform Sri Lanka to a energy hub in South Asia following the three ‘E’ s policy energy, economy and environment.

Source
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Remembering architect of Bangladesh and the Father of Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his 92nd Birth Anniversary by Srimal Fernando

Remembering architect of Bangladesh and the Father of Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his 92nd Birth Anniversary by Srimal Fernando

Commemoration speech on the 92^nd Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was delivered by Srimal Fernando at the High Commission of Bangladesh in Sri Lanka on 17^th March 2012.

A very good day to you all …..

Today is the 92^nd Birth Anniversary of the architect of Bangladesh and the Father of Nation late Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The late Mujibur Rahmans often called ‘Bangabandhu’ which means ‘Friend of Bengal’ was one of the great men of the Indian sub-continent who brought resurgence to the Bangladeshi independence movement. He was a symbol of hope and endurance.

Bangladeshis of today could proudly hold their heads up high, because of Mujibur’s struggle to bring Independence to Bangladesh. He carried the torch of independence as a representative of the people of Bangladesh.

In an interview with Sir David Frost on BBC, in 1972 Mujibur Rahman articulates

“My greatest strength is the love for my people; my greatest weakness is that I love them too much”

As we commemorate the 92^nd Birth Anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on this day, in 1920 one of the greatest sons of Bangladesh was born to a respectable Muslim family of Bangladesh who lived in Tungipara village in Gopalganj of Faripur District. His political career started to shape when he was a student at Gopalganj missionary school in 1939. When A.K Fazlul Huq Chief Minister of undivided Bengal visited this missionary School in1939 the young Mujibur led a group of students to demand the repair of the cracked roof of the school. Ten years later in 1949 Mujibur was elected as the Sectary General of Islamia College students Union. In that year Mujibur was arrested and was jailed for two years and five months for leading demonstrations.

In 1952 Mujibur condemn the killings of five students by police who campaigned for Bengali language to be made an official language. As a protest Mujibur  was on hunger strike for 13 days when  he was in prison. After his release from the jail in 1953 in July the same year Mujibur was elected as the General Sectary of the East Pakistan Awami League .In 1954 Mujibur Rahman contested and won Gopalganj constituency by a margin of 13,000 votes defeating the influential Muslim League leader Wahiduzzaman.  On May 15 the same year he took oaths as Minister of Agriculture and Forest in the new Provincial government.  In 1957 Mujibur resigned from the cabinet.  From 1961- 66 Mujibur Rahman was jailed for several times.

The year 1966 was a turning point in his political carrier. He placed a historic six point pograme before a select committee at  a National conference of the Opposition. In the same year he was elected as the President of Awami League. In the general election of 1970 the   Awami League won 167 seats out of 169 seats in the then East Pakistan. On March 1st 1971 President Yahya Khan abruptly postponed the National Assembly. This prompted a storm of protest through out Bangladesh.

On 7^th March of the same year, Bangabandhu addressed a mammoth public rally at the Race Course. Where he declared “The struggle” and said

 “This time is the struggle for emancipation and the struggle for Independence, Joi Bangala”.

Moments after the Pakistani ruling junta crack down began on the innocent Bengalese, on the night of 25^th March 1971 the architect of Bangladesh and the Father of Nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence at 12:30AM on 26^th March. The declaration was transmitted through radio to every place of the country. By saying

“This may be my last message, from today Bangladesh is Independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh wherever you may be and with what ever you have, resist the army occupation to the last.”

Sheikh Mujib was arrested at 1.30 a.m from his Dhanmodhi residence and was taken to Pakistan after midnight via Tejgaon international airport.

The road to independence was a long and difficult one. Too many mothers’ sons & daughters never came home from the bloody  Bangladesh Liberation  War  that lasted for nine months. Following Indian  intervention in December 1971, the Pakistani army surrendered to the joint forces of Bengali Mukti Bahini and Indian Army, and the League leadership created a government in Dhaka. Bangladesh was finally established .The national flag of Bangladesh was raised and the Bangladeshi flag fluttered proudly. Mujib was released from the prison and was able to assume office as the first president of Bangladesh.

In the pre dawn hours of August 15^th in 1975 the greatest son of Bangladesh was assassinated with his family by a handful of treacherous military officers in  Dhaka. Too much time has been wasted, too many chances missed, too much blood spilled during the pre and post Independence period of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujibur will always be remembered fondly as the founding father of Bangladesh

This is what Cuban leader Comrade Fidel Castro had to say about Sheikh Mujibur during 1973 Non-Aligned Summit in Algiers.

“I have not seen Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib in personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas”. 

Let that be Bangabandhus legacy to Bangladesh and beyond.   “Joi Bangala”