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
http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=350:sri-lanka-energy&catid=16:home&Itemid=1

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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”

"The Living Heritage of Bangladesh " by Srimal Fernando

The Living Heritage of Bangladesh

Monday, 16 April 2012 08:43 ( Refer Daily Mirror Life pg  C 2 )

By Srimal Fernando

Bangladesh is unique, not just for its most striking natural wonders but for the veritable treasure lying in the diversity of its rich cultural heritage. It is bordered by India, Burma and by Bay of Bengal. Bengali culture is one of the oldest cultures of South Asia. The Bangladeshi people strongly preserve their national values; they honor the sacred traditions and have loyalty to their culture. The magic of the crystal clear mighty river network with more than seven hundred branches of the river are the natural asset of this country. Farming in the country is an activity that goes back to the very beginning of human settlement. A rice-based farming system forms the backbone of Bangladesh agricultural sector. The name Bangladesh in Bengali means "Country of Bengal". After declaring independence in 1971, the Bangladeshi Bengali’s regained their national identity and their cultural heritage. The country celebrated more than four decades of independence on 26 March with a series of events such as military parades and mass displays involving school children, musicians and dancers from all parts of the country. One of the towering figures of the twentieth century and a strident campaigner for Bangladeshi independence was the founder of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. His dream of the countrie’s independence and self rule was realized on 26 March 1971.The national anthem of Bangladesh “Amar Shonar Bangla” or “My Golden Bengal” was written and composed by Rabindranath Tagore. The capital city of Dhaka located on the banks Buri-ganga River is dotted with attractive buildings, shopping malls and many historical sites. Many historical edifices like Lalbagh Fort, built in 1678 by son of Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, University of Dhaka , Ahsan Manzil, Shahid Minar  the Symbol of Bengali nationalism ,the palace of the Dhaka Nawab Family, the 17^th centaury Sixty Dome Mosque and the Parliament are located at different corners of the city. The city is also known as the Rickshaw capital of the world, where low-cost and non-polluting cycle rickshaws are one of the major modes of transportation for thousands of people in the city. Luckily, the country’s most amazing architectural marvels of  yesteryear is well preserved in the historical sites around the major cities of Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Rangpur. The countries diverse landscape is rich with wildlife and natural beauty. One of the world’s most striking natural wonders Sundarbans mangrove forest is the home of the famous Royal Bengal tiger. The country has produced a large number of leading writers, intellectuals’ playwrights and poets. Among the most famous prolific contributor of the 20th century to the field of Bengali literature are Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam. The country is well supplied with museums and art galleries and offers a wide range of cultural events. Bengali New Year celebration known as Pohela Baishakhis  the  most popular colorful  cultural festivals in the country is celebrated annually around 14 th April.

 With a long history of yarn spinning, weaving and fashion design, Bangladesh is one of the leading centers in South Asia for fabric and textile manufacturing.

Watching a couple of Bengali films is certainly one of the best ways of tapping into the country's culture. Most cinemas in the country show Bollywood movies. Homegrown Dhally wood films have made their mark on the film world. After a brief spell the country’s film makers enjoy a renaissance with some brilliant films being made by younger film makers of the 70s. A River Called Titas or Titash Ekti Nadir Naam in Bengali in 1973 was the first film produced after the countries independence by Bangladeshi film director Ritwik Ghatak. The famous stages in the countries theatre still bear this rich history of Indian Bengali Theater. The country is home to a diverse array of music and dance styles from its various geographic regions. The music and dance of the country are of a blend of Asian and native cultures and are unique in Indian sub-continent.

The musical communities in the country are well versed with raga, talas and the melodic modes that have rhythmical notes. Traditional Bengali music is at the heart of the countries culture and its roots can be felt in Indian sub-continent. Nowadays both Hindustani, Carnatic, Qawwali and Ghazal music has become integral part of the culture of Delhi and Dhaka. The traditional music in Bengal shares the perspectives of the Indian sub-continent. Bengali poetry is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Bengali classical music is one of the most elaborate and inspiring artistic forms found in the region. The music is enriched with Jari, Shari, Bhatiali, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet , Murshidi and other types of folk songs.

Both ethnic and modern dances are featured in the dance festivals in Bangladesh.  All dances are structured around common emotions such as happiness, anger, disgust, fear, sorrow, courage, compassion, wonder and serenity .There are number of dance  styles but the most popular dance styles are Brita, Chaau, Tusu, Santhal, and Gambhira. Pop and rock, along with Hindi film music, have also gained considerable popularity among the young Bengali’s. The countries  music and dance are considered national treasures whose rhythmic cadence and melodies echo the indigenous flavor; it has become the flagship of Bengali  musical genres. Art is considered one of the defining features of the countries culture.

Bangladeshi   culture is both distinctive and varied a land where Bangladeshis are proud of their heritage and very passionate about being Bengali.

Gujarat of India poised to become a global trading hub by Srimal Fernando

Passion for Sport is increasing in the Indian sub-continent

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Passion for Sport is increasing in the Indian sub-continent

Srimal Fernando South Asia Correspondent

 (the diplomaticsociety.co.za)

Sport is a passion in South Asia. The fantastic sporting events in the region attract thousands of passionate spectators. The professionally talented players are often treated like national “heroes” in the Indian sub-continent. Among the well-liked games in the region, Cricket is by far the most popular participatory sport that is enjoyed by over one billion people in the sub-continent. Apart from cricket, the other most accepted sport in the region is football. Of the South Asian countries India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are the countries having most commanding cricket teams in the region. The ever growing popularity of the game in the sub-continent has vivid and interesting histories in the world of sports.

Cricket was brought to the South Asian region in the 18th-century by British colonial rulers. When the sport enjoyed a considerable popularity in the sub-continent the first cricket club came in to existence in the Indian city of Calcutta in 1792. Its world renowned Eden Garden cricket stadium was built in1864 and was one of the early cricket stadiums to be built in the world. This stadium can provide accommodation to more than one hundred thousand spectators. In June 1932, India made its international debut in cricket at Lords as the sixth test playing nation in the world.

Cricket is not simply a sporting event in India; it is a sign of national unity and pride. Tens of thousands of fans sometimes take to the streets in celebration and people mob their heroes when the Indian cricket team plays an international match. In 1983 Prudential World cricket cup victory changed the way the world looked at India and Indian cricket. Last year’s triumph against Sri Lanka at the Cricket World Cup finals has brought the Indian cricketers fame and glory in the national and international arena. India is the third team in the world to have won the World Cup twice. Legendary cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and M.S Dhoni has succeeded in bringing India to the forefront of the International cricket. In India the controlling body for cricket is the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Pakistan was given test match status in 1952. Its first test match was played in October 1952 in Delhi, India. It was led by skipper Abdul Kardar of Pakistan. After decades of playing the sensational last-ball, victory by the brilliant Pakistanis at the 1986 Australasia Cup played in Sharjah against arch-rivals India, was a shock to the entire cricketing world. Skipper Imran Khan joined the elite captains after Pakistan’s first ever World Cup victory in Cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Grounds (MCG) in 1992. Captain Imran Khan and his men will remember for rest of their lives holding the most valuable trophy in the world cricket after the 1992 victory against England in Australia. Some of the Pakistani greats like Javed Mianded, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul – Haq dominated the game for many years.
The Sri Lankan cricket team played their first One Day International (ODI) in 1975. The country had its first ever cricket World Cup victory against India in 1979. The International Cricket Council (ICC) awarded the country test cricket status in 1981.  The Islanders shocked the world after clinching the “1996 Wills Cricket World Cup” at the Gadaffi Stadium in Pakistan.  Sri Lanka showed the world that “one day” cricket is not all about batting, bowling and fielding.  Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and his men redefined the shorter version of the game with pinch hitting openers like Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana setting a 100 runs score in the first 15 overs. Aravinda de Silva, Muthaia Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene inspired Sri Lanka cricket revival in the past two decades. Sri Lanka is the fourth nation to reach two consecutive World Cup Finals in 2007 and in 2011.Today the islanders hold several world records, including world record for highest team totals in all three forms of the game.
In November 2000, Bangladesh played their inaugural test match, against India in Dhaka. The world cricket has seen explosive batting from Habibul Bashar and Mohammed Ashraful of the Bangladeshi Team. In March 2011, Bangladesh co-hosted the Cricket World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Given the South Asian mania for cricket, the Bangladesh cricket team has yet to win a world cricket cup.

Sports in Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives are mainly associated with Football. The game enjoys considerable popularity in these countries.There are numerous world-renowned sporting stadiums located in the Sub-continent. South Asia’s most popular sports channels broadcast live through commentaries in English and in local languages during the matches. Most of the sporting bodies in the area are getting more investments and sponsorship to develop the infrastructure and facilities to lift their sporting professions than in the past. However further support is required for sports like cricket and football in south Asia to overcome the challenges and develop in to one of the world’s most popular sporting regions.

Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=302

Discovering South Africa’s Beautiful Culture

http://www.dailymirror.lk/
(Ref Page C 2 Life daily Mirror)


Discovering South Africa’s beautiful Culture

Monday, 19 March 2012 09:19
By Srimal Fernando

Unparalleled in its cultural and ethnic diversity South Africa, known as the “Land of Rainbows” is one destinations for which any number of praising words seems inadequate. Home to eight of the world’s official UNESCO heritage sites the country is a tranquil destination, ideal for newcomers. The countries rich history dates back to some of the earliest human settlements in the world. South Africa has always held an attraction for the outsiders since the historic times. In 1487, the Portuguese became the first European nation known to have reached South Africa. After the British annexure of the Cape Colony in the nineteenth centaury the country witnessed an outburst of immigrants during the time of mineral discovery.

At present South Africans could proudly hold their heads up high because of Mandela’s struggle to end apartheid. Nelson Mandela known as Madiba had endured two decades of imprisonment and was one of the greatest figures, who brought a renaissance to South Africa’s unique social and political history. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for his efforts to introduce democracy to his country and has become a world wide symbol of hope and endurance. This year, the country celebrates 18 years of freedom and democracy on National Freedom Day. Every year on April 27 the significance of Freedom Day is remembered throughout the country. The road to advent of non racial democracy in the country was a long and difficult one. South African Freedom Day has a unique story that eventually shaped and molded the country’s progress. Since1994, the first democratic and non-racial national election was held on this day. As a result, today South Africa has a multicultural population living side by side with equal respect and pride. The nation has produced several world-renowned authors, musicians and artists and hosts a broad variety of colleges, academies and universities. The country boasts a wide variety of interesting places.

The Cape of Good Hope, Kruger National Park, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, Drakensberg and Table mountains are some of the prominent attractions that appeal to many visitors from all parts of the world. South Africa is also known for its rich varieties of cuisines and wines. Cape Town, Bloemfontain and   Pretoria are some of the thriving cities with vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .and centers of intellectual and artistic achievements. The modern buildings with array of giant cranes show the development fever in these cities. The culture of the country   has profoundly influenced the entire African continent. South Africa possesses an exciting year-round calendar of world class and unique local events. Besides all the modern offerings, the country is also famous for cultural performance of songs, dances and entertainment. History South African cinema and drama is the record of generations of young actors, filmmakers and behind-the-scenes workers, cultivating their art through a succession of distinct cultural eras. Theatres and dance venues are mostly alive in many cities presenting classics to home grown dance, drama and comedy.

Glorious Heritage of South Korea by Srimal Fernando

Glorious Heritage of  South Korea 

http://www.dailymirror.lk/ 
( ref Page C 2 Life )
Monday, 05 March 2012 07:35

By Srimal Fernando

South Korea  needs little introduction to many visitors to the country .A country   with its magnificent heritage, glorious culture with its rich royal past is  one of the most scenic extremely popular tourist destination in whole of Asia. This picturesque 99,392 square kilometers landscape is diverse, with mountains, gorgeous lakes, beautiful country side with more than three thousand islands, fantastic  beaches and coastline occupies the southern portion of the mountainous Korean Peninsula. It is bordered by North Korea to the north,  China to the west, Japan to the east and the East China Sea  to the south. South Koreans have undergone tremendous transformation following the changes in the economy. .

South Korea is a country on the move. Here, people strongly believe in respecting each other’s culture and religion. The family is considered the centre of the social structure. South Korea is synonymous with big cities like Seoul, Pusan, Ulsan Inch’on, Taegu, Taejon, and Kwangju. Surrounded by cliffs and rugged mountains the capital city Seoul is one of the best loved cities in the world. The city  is one destination for which praising words seems inadequate . Seoul has  been a thriving metropolis with , cloud-tickling  skyscrapers, numerous specialty shops with  ultra-modern one-stop shopping complexes with  subways that symbolizes unhesitatingly  leaping  into the future.The city has previously hosted 1986 Asian Games, 1988 summer Olympics and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The country   is home to many art galleries and museums. Situated in the heart of the city the National Museum of Korea displays a collection of 150,000 artifacts. Among its highest-esteemed attractions in the capital are the   iconic Hwaseong Fortress, Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty and the Seoul Race Course.

It will take hours of roaming around to see everything in the city.South Korea is rich in its traditions and cultures. Ceremonies play the symbolic role of every tradition. For centuries religious socio-cultural ceremonies hold great importance among the Countries people. Festive occasions of South Korea are numerous. Prominent and widely celebrated festivals are Daegwallyeong and Seorak Snow Flower Festival. The country is famous for its delicious food, distinctive culinary traditions, snacks and savories. South Korean people have unique dress preferences. The traditional Korean dress is “Hanbok”. The country is known all over the world for its skill in architectural splendors and for the knack of painting, especially among older generation of Koreans. The Taekwondo martial art is quite popular among the Koreans. Korean cinema, dramas and animation has captured the interest of the entire world. The   music and dances of the country is an undividable part of the culture of South Korea.

Throughout their long history, South Koreans had an outstanding love for music and dance. The richness of the South Korean culture also reflects in the music of the Country. The countries traditional music can be divided into two major types: chong-ak for the noble class and sogak for the common people. Chong-ak consists of music performed at court and tended to be slow and solemn with elaborate melodic lines.  Sogak included shaman and Buddhist music, folk songs and dramatic songs are usually more colorful and lively, appealing to the emotions. Pop music and other forms of European and American music have become extremely influential. Top pop singers have great followings in person and on television. The country crooning contemporary music, often blaring out of karaoke machines, is very much a part of Korean life. South Korea has number of theatres alongside music venues, art galleries, and a range of other places where the arts can be appreciated. Use of drum is an important part of South Korean dance and musical performance. As the singer complete the invocation song, host of drummers and musicians starts beating  drums.

Dance is a way of expression of joy and serves as a means of communication transcending all barriers of culture. Dances and music are traditionally part of the lives of people. Traditional Korean dance may be divided into court dance, folk dance, ritual dance and the dance of professional entertainers. In the distant past, villagers gathered to sing and dance to celebrate planting and harvesting, which were probably the origin of folk music and dance. Korean traditional music can be divided into two major types: chong-ak for the noble class and sogak for the common people. Four other folk dance forms are Court dance, Mask dance, Ritual dance and Confucian Dances. A popular traditional Korean dance known as Bucheachum Dance or “Fan Dance” is a special type of folk dance that is very popular among people of  the country . Another dance known as  Suwon Dance is a traditional Korean dance that was performed during planting and harvesting seasons. Another well-liked dance genera known as    “Great Peace Dance” is one of the most important traditional kinds of folk dance of Korea.

The cultural diversity of South Korea does not stop with music and Dance .Its heritage has variations in its art and folktales .The cultural aspect of South Korea  is one that comes with a great story with its ancient history, cosmopolitanism, strong traditions, modern political and intellectual history.