Culturally Colorful South Africa the Land of Rainbows By Srimal Fernando I Daily Mirror I Impulse

Culturally Colorful South Africa the Land of Rainbows

Monday , 25th November 2013

By Srimal Fernando

South Africans call their beloved nation   the “Land of Rainbows”. This great homeland of the South Africans is a magnificent landscape in Africa to visit for its contrasts, high cultural interest and for its spectacular natural atmosphere. In history, its size South Africa is a world of its own. As one of the populous countries in Africa, this county plays an important role in politics, socio- cultural and in commerce throughout the continent contributing towards prosperity. The cultural aspect of South Africa is one that comes with a great story with its ancient history and strong traditions.

The country knows the lessons of its past all too well. One of the towering figures of the twentieth century the anti –apartheid revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela credited for molding the great nation was elected as the first black President of South Africa.  The iconic leader is often referred to by his clan    as “ Madiba,” or “Father” had endured 26 years of imprisonment in his fight to end apartheid. He   won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to introduce democracy to South Africa and has become a worldwide symbol of hope and endurance. Thus in a space of little more than a decade after “ Madiba,”  became President ,  Jacob Zuma was elected as the President of South Africa  in 2009. “God Bless Africa” ( Nikosi Sikelel iAfrika ) and the “Call Of South Africa”  (Die Stem van Suid-Afrika )  hybrid song  combining   new English  lyrics  was the noteworthy inspirational  national anthem adopted by  the countryman  since 1997 . The true spirit of the country's culture is reflected in the South African  flag .Today twenty years after the  fully representative multicultural  elections   were held in South Africa ,it is a  cradle of democracy and continues to  foster greater  understanding among its 53 million population. 

The cosmopolitan cities such as  Johannesburg ,Cape Town ,Bloemfontein ,   Pretoria  with full of traffic and crowds and  changing sky lines  are   occupied by various corporate entities. Western  styles have become increasingly popular in big cities  .Latest fashion are put on display in numerous specialty shops in Cape Town , Durban and in Johannesburg .The country provides some of the best-value tourist vacations in Africa .The country  possesses an enormous beautiful and historic sites with uncountable  attractions to see and offers an unmatched experience to the travelers. As one of the populous places the coastal towns of Hermanus, Cape Town, Knysna and Durban are unique scenic destinations that offer the visitors an exhausting list of attractions. The other noteworthy historical sights visitors can   see in this charming country are   Robben Island , Soweto ,Wild Coast .The two  million hectares Kruger National Park with sixteen ecosystems, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve,Garden Route are  arguably some of the picturesque tourist destinations in the country. Cape Town ,Cape Peninsula  , Cape Winelands  and Garden Route are some of the prominent places of attractions that appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world.

South Africans are excellent sportsman . The most popular spectator sports in South Africa today are Soccer, Rugby and Cricket . South African national Rugby team “The Springboks,”    and the Cricket team   has had the privilege and honour of being at the forefront in the Global sporting arena. The music, art, literature and cultural practices of the country have provoked attention and admiration throughout the world. Film industry in South Africa has seen the production of internationally recognized movies and the rise of actors, actresses and writers. Afrikaans music is currently one of the most popular and best selling industries in the South African music scene. The contrasting influences of the African, European and Asian heritages create a variety of influences throughout the music, dance, arts and crafts of South Africa.

Source Daily Mirror 

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Today's Special 

Culturally Colorful South Africa the Land of Rainbows

 

" War to Peace - the Role of the Sri Lankan Security Forces in the Development process in Killinochchi "Exclusive Interview with Major General Udaya Perera I thediplomaticsociety

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War to Peace - the Role of the Sri Lankan Security Forces in the Development process in Killinochchi 

Exclusive  Interview with Major General Udaya Perera.

In an exclusive interview Srimal Fernando, Global Editor for Foreign Exchange Diplomatic Society (FETDS), was pleased to interview Major General Udaya Perera, Commander, Security Force Headquarters, Killinochchi in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka. The experienced veteran Sri Lankan army general with high academic credentials and years of  military experience during the three decade old conflict and after was a also the diplomat representing Sri Lanka as a  Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia. The Global Editor, in a face to face engagement with the Major General at his Headquarters in Killinochchi finds out about his military experience, the way forward towards reconciliation, the   collaboration provided by the Security forces to the conflict affected people of Killinochchi district, post conflict development, state of civil-military relations and issues, overview about the Harmony Centre and the greatest hopes for peace and harmony.  

Srimal Fernando  (SF)  :  Major General Udaya Perera you have been with the Sri Lankan Army for a long time. As an experienced veteran Sri Lankan army general with years of experience in pre and post conflict period can you briefly tell us about your background?

Major General (MG)  :  I joined the army with the conflict. Initially I joined the Sri Lankan army in 1981 to Kotelawala Defense Academy (KDA), and transferred myself to the Sri Lankan Military Academy. As soon as I passed it was a conflict. In June 1983 I passed out and with the precipitating ambush on 23rd July 1983 in Jaffna where everything changed. Basically I am an infantry officer. From that day onwards I have been leading troops. As an officer I started from Ampara joined an infantry called Vijayabahu Regiment. With the Vijayabahu Regiment with Rajarata Rifles the Gajaba Regiment (GR) was formed.  I served in the Gajaba Regiment (GR) and participated in all the military operations. If I talk about the milestones I commanded the Gajaba Regiment (GR) in Jaffna. Took part in Riviresa I,II, III  and then I proceeded to staff College, Batalanda. From there I went to Kotelawala Defense Academy (KDA), as a Commanding Officer. From there I went for my second staff posting to Wellington in India.  At Second Staff College I obtained a Masters in Strategic studies from University of Madras. After returning to Sri Lanka I was a teacher at Defense Services College Sri Lanka. After that I commanded the Elite air mobile Brigade in Jaffna. After commanding the air mobile brigade I proceeded to United States to do a counter terrorism degree.  I was in Washington DC at the National Defense University. Then I came back as a Brigadier General Staff for a very short period in Vavuniya  Wanni Security Forces Head Quarters. I then went to the Army Head Quarters as Director Training again for a very short period. Then I took the most crucial job as Director Military Operations in August 2006 that went on till 19th April 2009. This was the period we started the “Humanitarian Operation”.  The role of Director Operation is a very crucial and most of the strategic level planning and implementation took off from here. It was centrally planned and coordinated from Colombo. Then I was offered a Diplomatic posting in Malaysia. I was the first wing officer to get an appointment as a Deputy High Commissioner.

There also I had a very crucial role because the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was very active. After Velupillai Prabhakaran died the person who took over the reigns was Kumaran Pathmanathan. The LTTE network was very strong. Firstly dismantling the entire network and secondly winning the hearts and the minds of the diaspora was my priority.  Even today except for few Tamils of Sri Lankan origin of the Malaysian diaspora supports the Government efforts in rehabilitation and in reconstruction. They are a very influential wealthy lot. After completing my assignment in June 2011 I proceeded to Army War College in USA. There also I became the President of the union leading 79 nations.  Obtained my second Masters there too.  I was awarded a Alumina special life time award for the performance and leadership. Then I came to Kilinochchi and took over the Killinochchi command. This is briefly my military life.

SF :  “The Sri Lankan conflict prevailed for nearly three decades.  It was proved to be an extremely sobering experience which caused so much suffering for the people of the country. In 2009, Sri Lanka Government was able to achieve victory over terrorism that had changed the countries’ socio and economic conditions for many years”.

To avoid repeating this cycle of conflict what should be the non-military strategy that should be adopted and the way forward towards reconciliation?

 MG : When we talk about the way forward for a  small developing country like Sri Lanka, any strategy should be a  Government strategy. The Government machinery including the military has a role. Every segment of the Government has a role in the overall strategy. In that strategy to achieve economic development while trying everything possible to achieve economic prosperity the political issues that are put forward by the various segments of the society should be taken cared of and resolved.
Why I say the main thing is economics, my diplomatic experience in Malaysia has shown that the economic prosperity can resolve many issues. Even in Malaysia the original Malaysians called Bumi Puthra are considered to get more privileges than other segments of the society. But still all of them work together because of economic prosperity. See how to achieve prosperity through whole of government strategy that is a national strategy. In a third world country such as Sri lanka  the military   is very professional and is a fully volunteered citizen’s army. These types of armies are responsible to be  a part of the development process. Not like the western armies. Western armies are trained to wage war in their countries and in other countries. Our army is trained to prevent wars because it is a citizen’s army. Therefore this army has a great responsibility in the development process.

SF  “During the post conflict period in Sri Lanka displaced persons began to leave the Internally Displaced Camps (IDP) for areas closer to their original homes in the North and Eastern provinces of Sri Lanka. However, upon return the people were faced with various problems including lack of basic services, missed educational and economic opportunities, social and psychological problems.”

What level of cooperation or collaboration towards the conflict affected people of the Killinochchi  district has been  provided  by the Security forces  in the  past four years ?

MG  : Now if you take Kilinochchi it is the place where most crucial battles took place. We fought a “hybrid terrorist organization”. If I further explain why it is a hybrid terrorist organization, this is a terrorist organization that had three wings; land, sea going force and a very rudimentary air force. The LTTE strategy was a hybrid strategy. Whenever they wanted, whenever the conditions and the environment demanded they used terrorist tactics.  That’s terrorism.  Whenever the conditions demanded they used insurgency and whenever the conditions demanded and the situation demanded they used conventional war. They used all these three very effectively. When we liberated the Eastern Province it was insurgency and terrorism. When it comes to the Northern sector this was a conventional fortified defense with layers and layers. If we penetrate one line there was another line. When we penetrate that particular defense line there is another one.  They learned tactics from India too, which is “Ditch Cumban” defense style. If you take Kilinochchi it was like a fortress because it was LTTE headquarters. In a conventional arrangement they could defend this place. They called it an “impregnable” defense line that was so strong.   So you can imagine for us to come and penetrate the defense of that nature we also had to use lot of fire power and conventional tactics here in Kilinochchi. For our advantage they have taken the civilians out of Kilinochchi town periphery. So it was a tough battle. It was a high intensity battle with a high rate of attrition. Both sides used conventional tactics and ultimately we were able to liberate Kilinochchi.  Now you can imagine what happens to a township  when it goes through a high intensity battle. So it was a ghost city and all the buildings were vertically destroyed due to collateral damage and also due to the damage done by LTTE to put up defenses.

We took out a ghost town without buildings or people.  So 133,000 people with 50,000 children got displaced.  Because the terrorist also took these people with them. Every man, women and child today you see in Kilinochchi are resettled. So the Military played an active role in resettling them. Firstly we had to demine the area and demining is not an easy task. Because the terrorist which used conventional tactics laying of mines are concerned are not conventional mines. In conventional mines you have about 35 grams of explosives in an anti personal mine. But they have used 125 grams of explosives. It was the First challenge. Secondly when conventional armies lay mines they have a plan . It is easy to detect mines in the laying of mines in the sketch. When Terrorist groups lay mines they do not have a plan.  However within a very short period we were able to demine the entire area. The entire area means the area which is required to resettle people. We demined the area as early as possible.  The military took the lead and did it. In order to resettle we had to reconstruct all the houses and then give food and water. We had to clean all the wells.  Even the toilets were destroyed. I think this is the only army in the world that went to the extent of washing toilets of the civilians. In order to reconstruct them the army took the lead in reconstructing and providing shelter. 44,000  families  were to be resettled and next 12,000  carders  surrendered to the army. Out of that 3000 are from Kilinochchi.  Through the national efforts there again the army took the lead. These carders were rehabilitated and they were re integrated to the society. The Army being an entity that has the  capacity, capabilities than other arms  of the government took a lead in the reconciliation purpose. I am happy to say even reconciliation work has been very very successful in Kilinochchi. There is a huge  debate  because one school of thought  says that  reconciliation is not working  and the other  is saying reconciliation is very effective  process  as far as the Northern area is concerned.  I can prove reconciliation has worked out in Kilinochchi.  Because in 2012 we launched a recruitment drive to take women to the army. In that drive 100 Tamil girls joined the army and few are ex combatants.  This is highly good proof Sri Lankas reconciliation is working. I rather call the  6 R process. First R when constituting the government rule in the LTTE controlled areas was the first task. Second R is reconstruction. The third R is resettlement the fourth R is Rehabilitation. The fifth  R is Reintegration  and the sixth R is Reconciliation. So in this 6 R process the army not only has given the fullest support to the government but has taken the lead role. Now if you take Kilinochchi it is a brand new Kilinochchi. It was not the Kilinochchi that was there before 1983. Not the Kilinochchi that was there during the conflict. The New Kilinochchi is an effort of the Sri Lankan Government.

4  SF  :  “Post conflict development is the significant task of transition from war to peace and economic development.  In this process Government has to consider several things including re-establishment of democracy, decentralisation, managing the development processes, building government capacities in conflict areas, Youth development, reintegration, reconciliation, rehabilitation, Government policy reforms and liberalisation if necessary”.

From the above mentioned facts can you briefly tell us what significant task Killinochchi Security forces  and the Sri Lankan  Government  was able to achieve in the post conflict period in the  Killinochchi district ?

MG : Whatever you have pronounced we have achieved in various degrees. I will first talk about democracy.  If you count the number of elections that were held after the conflict ended, there are many. We had the Presidential Election. Then we had the Pradeshiya Sabha (PS) elections. Then we had the Provincial Council Elections. We also had the General Elections before the Provincial Council Elections. See the number of elections that were held in the war-torn city after the conflict ended. Out of this the major step the government was to hold the Provincial Council elections after fully stabilizing the area.  The First Example of achievement for decentralizing was holding the Provincial Council Elections. After holding the Provincial Council Elections a provincial governance was established and they have started their activities.

Then building government capacities is even during the war though we called it uncontrolled areas even those days. Government tentacles were here in the form of Government agents, divisional secretaries, Grama Seva  Niladaries, Government doctors, teachers you name it all those government servants  were paid right through out the conflict period. It was part of the Government strategy.  So you have some hold in uncontrolled areas in order to defeat terrorist theory running a counter state.  The capacities which were there may have been nullified to a certain extent by the LTTE due to their tactics. But still they were there. After the conflict it was a matter of giving them their proper place and giving them to do what they want. Capacity building is concerned this area runs the same way as other areas of the country is run by the government. Government is working to its fullest capacity. 
There is a vision on youth also. Youth development process starts from rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is done for the Ex carders. So for them vocational training for the youth, education for the children was a part of rehabilitation. As far as other youth are concerned unemployment being an issue the government has taken many steps. Vocational training to improve their skills and also the civil society has come in a big way in order to improve areas like sports, cultural activities, etc.  The army with its capacity is carrying out vocational training in a big way.  The army through its harmony Centers in Kilinochchi is conducting many programmes for the development or capacity building. One major thing our women’s battalion does is empowering the women. It has been very successful. The empowering programme is done specially because there are many widows. They have become a very vulnerable lot. Therefore we take great efforts to empower these women through various programmes   

SF  What  is the state of civil-military relations in the Killinochchi District ? What are the key civil-military issues that need to be address in the same area?

MG  : In a post conflict scenario as I told you earlier the capacity the military  has  got is not there with any other Government institute. Therefore to my understanding the role of the military in development work we have to maintain a very close relationship with the citizens. The Civil -military relations are of two parts. The first part  is the  relationship we have with the bureaucracy and the government officials to carry out development work and to support the 5 R Government plan. Here what we do is we support the civilian establishment to achieve civilian goals.

Now in the second part of civil military relations that is the relationship with the community. In a post conflict scenario many government institutes were dis-functioning and the military had to fill that vacuum.  After filling that vacuum the community expected the military to perform their task continuously due to confidence they got with the military. When we want to reduce certain camps from a certain area the request comes from the community not to remove the camps. Because they have got so inter dependable. The Community has got used to the military camps for all their needs. Military will praise them with both hands for the community and won the hearts and minds of the community. For Example whenever a person is sick she goes to the military before going to the civilian doctor. Whenever there is a need of transporting an expected mother they go to the military camp and request. Whenever a child doesn’t have a pen or pencil due to poverty they go to the military without   fear and ask for pen or pencil. So this is the relationship we have with the community.

SF :Can you give us a brief overview about the Harmony Centre in Killinochchi ?  

MG : The Harmony Center was basically established by the army. Our approach to achieving this goal was through an array of projects. What we expect through these projects firstly to empower the community. Secondly to link the Northern Community with the Southern community. One good example is the scholarship programme under the education project for 33 ,340 school going children  in Kilinochchi. Our desire is to provide scholarships to all these children and establish a link with the South through this scholarship. If I explain further already we have linked 2500 Southern families through the foster parent scholarship scheme with 2500 students or school going children from Kilinochchi. We also have linked Kilinochchi schools with some schools in the south. So likewise we have other projects  like agriculture, women empowerment, employment  for the unemployed, culture, sports and many other activities. We also use information as a tool of harmony to improve the quality of life of Kilinochchi people. Harmony theater in the Harmony center provides an opportunity for the people to watch films of high quality. 40 centers were established to provide 24 x 7 television coverage.

SF  : What are your greatest hopes for peace and harmony among all people of Sri Lanka?

 
MG : The greatest hope is to achieve permanent peace. Vulnerable peace that we enjoy toady should be converted to eternal peace. Why I said vulnerable peace there are certain segments in the international community who are still carrying the LTTE flag and the Ideology instigating local politicians to continue the separatist ideology by funding and facilitating it through various ways and means.  Organisations such as TGTE, BTF , TCC , WTF and head quarter groups are striving hard to revive the LTTE in order to establish a separate state. Therefore this is a threat to peace and security in Sri Lanka. I hope the International community will understand the security threats pose for destabilizing the country like Sri Lanka to take steps and actions against that instigates terrorism in Sri Lanka which shall be a threat to global peace and security.

SF  :Thank you Major General Udaya Perera  for giving us this opportunity to have this interview with you.

 Source 

Asia Edition

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 Africa Edition

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Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting in Sri Lanka 2013 I thediplomaticsociety

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Commonwealth Heads of State and Government Meeting in Sri Lanka 2013

Chief Guest of the Commonwealth Youth Forum (CYF) President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrives for the inauguration ceremony at Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, Sunday, November10, 2013
Photograph  Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013)

The Royal Bandu Dance troupe performs a fusion of traditional Sinhalese and Tamil dances at the inauguration ceremony of the Commonwealth People’s Forum (CPF) in Galle, Sri Lanka

Photograph  Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013)

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa will lead a South African delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) that will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 15-17 November 2013.

CHOGM 2013 is taking place against the prominent international focus on the 2015 target date for achieving the Millennium Development Goals and a number of initiatives examining the Post-2015 global development agenda.  Due to a large number of small, developing and vulnerable states amongst its membership, the Commonwealth has a special interest in both the MDGs and the Post-2015 Development Agenda. This interest is reflected in the theme and focus of CHOGM 2013: “Growth with Equity: Inclusive Development”.

The theme for CHOGM 2013, developed by the host country, emphasises the importance of equity in economic development and that inclusive development should provide opportunities to all members of society.

Discussions at the meeting will cover a number of global issues affecting Commonwealth members including: the global financial crisis; attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); development of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); the Post-2015 Development Agenda; access to employment; youth unemployment; education; entrepreneurship; international trade and investment; the Doha Development Agenda of the WTO; and climate change financing.

Since the CHOGM held in Perth in 2011, the Commonwealth has made significant progress in the reform of the organisation as called for by the Heads of Government. Most of the recommendations by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) in their report “A Commonwealth of the People: Time for Urgent Reform”, including the strengthening of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the adoption of a Charter, were formally approved.

The Charter of the Commonwealth, a codification of the values and principles of the Organisation is a ground-breaking development for the Organisation and was signed by Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, on 11 March 2013.

GCIS South Africa

Source :  Foreign Exchange  Diplomatic Society

Post-war Kilinochchi in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is a place of Hope and Healing By Srimal Fernando I thediplomaticsociety

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Post-war Kilinochchi in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is a place of Hope and Healing

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor

The parallelogram-shaped Kilinochchi War Hero Memorial

Post-war Kilinochchi district in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka is a place of hope and healing. Kilinochchi has seen massive progress in development and reconstruction since the war ended in 2009. The Sri Lankan conflict, which had prevailed for nearly three decades, proved to be an extremely sobering experience which caused so much suffering for the people and often had dire consequences for political, economic, social and human development. After a pitched battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam (LTTE) in Kilinochchi, the de facto administrative capital and large swathes of territory that was held by the Tamil Tigers for years, was re-taken by the Sri Lankan Security forces on 2nd January 2009. Kilinochchi, about 340  kilometres North of the capital city Colombo on the A -9  highway that  connects  the  North  and South of Sri Lanka and the Karachchi, Kandawalai, Poonagary, Pachchilipalli divisions within the district, was nothing but rubble and almost everyone was displaced following the end of the Northern insurrection.

State of the art Peoples Bank Building Kilinochchi

Four years after the violent conflict ended in Sri Lanka, post-war Kilinochchi moved on from the destruction of war to peace and economic development. In the early months after the conflict ended in Kilinochchi the burden of these enormous efforts of re-building was shouldered solely by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) to make the area a better place to live in.

Prior to resettling and reintegrating of the internally displaced persons (IDP)s of Kilinochchi the Sri Lankan Security forces and the international demining experts  removal of landmines through advanced demining procedures was carried out . De-mining in the district had been completed in 88 Grama Niladhari (GN) divisions and it is in progress in the remaining seven GN divisions (Ministry of Economic Development). According to the Ministry of Economic Development a total of 35,457 families have been resettled in the district. The re-integration of ex-combatants is an integral part of the demilitarization of post-war societies. With the support of the GoSL Security forces the e ex-combatants got training and material support to re-integrate themselves into activities as the mainstay livelihood for rural Kilinochchi.

T. Parama Sivan Siva Ex combatant said, “I feel very happy about the current situation. I see development in my area.”

The ambitious rebuilding programme was facilitated by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) during the past four years. Under the Indian Government assistance nearly 3480 houses were reconstructed and a total of 17,000 houses will be re-built in Kilinochchi district.

Indian Government assistance reconstructed houses in Kilinochchi

Infrastructure is a major factor in the economic well-being in the area. Efficient transportation is a key factor for economic development of the Kilinochchi providing friendly method of transport as well as a safe and economical way of travelling. With many changes taking place in the area linking Kilinochchi with rest of the country and rebuilding of long neglected roads, rehabilitation and maintenance and upgrading ageing transportation infrastructure within the district  was one of the highest  priorities of the GOSL.

Kilinochchi -Colombo Train and the newly built Kilinochchi Station

After more than 23 years, single track line between Colombo and Kilinochchi was re-constructed by the India Railway Construction International Ltd. (IRCON) with the assistance of the Indian Government. People in the area are optimistic   about the vast development in the transportation sector. However, some daily commuters from the interior areas of Kilinochchi feel that they do not have enough buses connecting villages and the town.

Passengers inside the Kilinochchi –Colombo  Train

The 24 Mega-watts “Uthuru Janani” thermal power plant and the 67-kilometre-long transmission line, from Kilinochchi to Chunnakam, is a modern approach to electric power generation, transmission and distribution to sustain the economic growth in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Electricity Transmission Station Kilinochchi

Health service in the area is provided by both private and state sectors. The Kilinochchi district hospital was renovated at a cost of Rs.13.8 Million. The Government of India provided medical equipment to the Kilinochchi General Hospital worth millions of rupees. Expanding access to primary care for residents in interior areas of Kilinochchi through community health centers is an essential task to develop the health sector in the district.

In telecommunication the area has fourth generation (4G) mobile phone communication technology standards. The Kokavil Multi-Purpose Transmission tower was commissioned to connect the North and South of the country.

Kilinochchi is currently undergoing a structural adjustment with a view to boosting the productivity in all sectors of the economy. The cultivation of paddy is the main occupation for majority of the population in Kilinochchi. Large scale banana, chilies, papaw, mango, grape and lime cultivation is undertaken by farmers in large leased lands. Commercial grapevine nurseries in interior areas of Kilinochchi has been rewarding to the famers.

 

Farmers

“I spent nearly five hundred thousand rupees to restore the nursery. I am now ready to harvest the grapes,” said Kadiramalai, a grapevine nursery farmer from Thiruvaiyaru Village.

In Kilinochchi all field crops are raised largely by natural rainfall. Water from the underground water tables lies near the surface. Iranamadu (Ranamaduva) tank, Kanakampikai Kulam (Pond), Kilinochchi Kulam and several other ponds or small lakes are the major irrigation sources for paddy and various other cultivations. However, many producers are raised in a rainfed culture and have been unable to irrigate because they lack an adequate water source or require familiarity with water management systems.

Kilinochchi  market with 216 temporary shops

In the Kilinochchi town there is a temporary market with nearly 216 temporary shops. The GOSL is constructing a Rs. 200 million modern market complex in a three acre plot of land in the town. Adding value to the lives of 2,000 direct employees the country’s apparel giant MAS Holdings has set up two facilities, MAS Intimates Vidiyal and MAS Active Vaanavil, in Kilinochchi.

Vocational and Skills Development Institute Kilinochchi

The quality of the education given to the students in nearly 120 schools in the area must be equally distributed. Many consider the districts education to be exceptional. Kilinochchi is gifted with some famous educational institutions. Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalya (MV) is one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the district and the Vocational Institute in Kilinochchi had played a pioneering role in the development of the modern education system in the district.

Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalya

“Last year 35 students  entered  University from Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalya stated A . Pangayatselvan Principal, Kilinochchi Maha Vidyalya (MV).

Kilinochchi Harmony Center

The Kilinochchi harmony Center has functioned as a catalyst in bringing together the community.  The 13 projects implemented by the center is also actively involved  in developing culture, arts, skills development and sport as a tool to uplift and involve communities. Kilinochchi Security Forces through the harmony Center has granted scholarships to 33,000 students in the district.

On May 2013 the Asian Development Bank (ADB) commended Sri Lanka's post war development achievements. Kilinochchi, a region that had experienced pitched battles during the Sri Lankan civil war, has successfully recovered from the war's destruction and even developed further.

Source :  Foreign Exchange  Diplomatic Society

Asia Edition

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Africa Edition
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Imperial City of Kandy a Travelers Paradise in Sri Lanka By Srimal Fernando I Tropics English and French Global Life Style Magazine

Tropics Magazine English and French Global Life Style Magazine –South Africa ( October/ November 2013 Issue )

Imperial City of Kandy a Travelers Paradise in Sri Lanka 

Article and Pictures By Srimal Fernando

http://issuu.com/tropicsmagazine/docs/tropics_magazine__oct-nov_2013_

Source Tropics Magazine English and French Global Life Style Magazine –South Africa ( October/ November 2013 Issue ) http://issuu.com/tropicsmagazine/docs/tropics_magazine__oct-nov_2013_

Murali Cup an effort to develop cross cultural friendships in Sri Lanka By Srimal Fernando I thediplomaticsociety

Murali Cup an effort to develop cross cultural friendships in Sri Lanka

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor

Cricket is still a widely popular sport in the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka. Each region of Sri Lanka has its own version of history during and after the civil war ended. In1996 Sri Lanka’s stunning win over Australia in the Wills cricket world Cup finals prompted the Sri Lankan fans to set aside ethnic differences to cheer and clap on the streets of Sri Lanka as the islanders seized the win in Lahore, Pakistan.

Entertainment at the  Kilinochchi Central College grounds during the Murali T 20 Cup

Muttiah Muralitharan, the indomitable spinner became a global cricketing star in Sri Lanka’s first ever cricket World Cup victory. Even though the Civil war in Sri Lanka had a dramatic effect on the entire nation, the passion for cricket among Northern and Southern people of the country grew in popularity and served as a means to unite a country that was so torn apart by the brutal three decade old conflict. Today, more than four years after the civil war ended in Sri Lanka the Murali Harmony Cup tournament, named after the legendary cricketer, is one of the greatest inter-country cricketing competitions from the post war era that was held for the second time in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.

The Tournament encourages talented school cricketers in rural areas and in war –affected  North and Eastern Provinces  to showcase  their  talents and  develop cross cultural  friendships. This year’s   tournament saw Twelve Under-19 teams and eight women's teams competing in thirty four Twenty20 matches. The Sri Lankan Security forces present in the Northern Province, the Foundation of Goodness a charity organization from the South of the Island and various local and international private companies played an important role in organizing and supporting the tournament.

                                     

                                     Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara                         Charlie Austin  Murali Cup Organizing Committee                             

The five-day Murali Harmony T 20 Cup 2013 cricketing tournament was inaugurated by Sir Ian Botham, a former England cricketing all-rounder as the Chief Guest and Mahela Jayawardene, a former Sri Lankan cricket captain as the Guest of Honor on 1st November 2013 in Kilinochchi. The Kilinochchi Central College grounds, St Patrick's College grounds in Jaffna, Oddusudan Maha Vidyalaya (MV) grounds Vavuniya Central College grounds, Mankulam MV grounds were the five venues in the Northern province of the island where the five day tournament was held. 

Special Guest Seated Colonal Ajith Wickramasekara, Kilinochchi  Security Forces, Brigadier Athula Balagamage Brigadier General Staff Security Force Headquarters Kilinochchi,  Brigadier Manoj Mudannayake Commander Forward Maintenance Regional Security Center Kilinochchi

The passion for cricket in the former war torn  Killinochchi district easily matches those of other provinces in the country. The legendary Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara was the chief guest at the tournament held in Kilinochchi Central College grounds  on 3rd  November 2013 when the  Kilinochchi Combine cricketers from the Northern Province played against Seenigama cricketers from the Southern province of the Island. The ground was packed with excited fans from Kilinochchi wanting to support their home side.

Kilinochchi Combine cricket team

Defending champions St Peter’s College of Colombo retained this year’s Murali Harmony T 20 Cup with a four wicket win over Trinity College of Kandy.  The Sri Lankan spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan presented this year’s Murali Harmony T 20 Cup tournament to Kavinda de Tissera of St Peters College captain on 5th November 2013 at the Kilinochchi Central College. For the first time in decades, the 2012 and this year s, tournament connected more than 300 young cricketers across the country overcoming its ethnic differences through inter-country cricket competition.

Entertainment at the  Kilinochchi Central College grounds during the Murali T 20 Cup

Source :  Foreign Exchange  Diplomatic Society

Asia Edition

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Africa Edition

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