City Of Hong Kong with a different Cultural Story By Srimal Fernando I Daily Mirror

 Daily Mirror  -Impulse  Page C 2

Monday 14th October 2013

City Of Hong Kong with a different Cultural Story

Daily Mirror  -Impulse  Page C 2

Monday 14th October 2013

 By Srimal Fernando

 Every city or town has a different story; the city of Hong Kong has a vastly different historic narrative than many other places in the World. Hong Kong a perfect getaway to China is a premier travel destination and a cultural melting pot in Asia. The city is a quality filled place with passion, innovation that provides an opportunity for the 7 million people with a rich social life. The booming territory was often called “Asian Tiger” after the export driven economy began to gather steam in the1960s. The splendid panoramic city is a global financial centre situated on China's south coast, on the opposite side of the Pearl River Delta. It is a bustling place where ancient culture and modern urban life co-exist together. The roots of the historical events that changed Hong Kong are fresh in the memories of many Asians. 

The British occupation of Hong Kong from 1841 to 1997 saw a new era of political, cultural and religious landscape of the territory. Japanese gained control of the British crown colony from 1941 to 1945. With the victory over the Japanese by the Allied forces the territory was once again governed under British administration aftermath of the Second World War. Under the principle of “one country ,two systems” the British took a momentous step on 1st July 1997 and transferred the 150 year old sovereignty over Hong Kong from United Kingdom to Peoples Republic of China . Chris Pattern was the last governor of the British depended territory. 

The patriotic national anthem “March of the Volunteers” written by Tain Han and composed by Nie Er was adopted by Hong Kong since re-unification with mainland China. Today this modern city hopes to face the future by drawing on its past. The city has one of the finest skylines in Asia with over 1,200 high-rise skyscrapers. The International Commerce Center (ICC) with 118 floors occupied by various corporate entities at Austin Road in West Kowloon is the tallest building towering over the cities skyline. The city has many beautiful and historic sites that are well worth a visit. 

As one of the populous places the Avenue of Stars overlooking the Victoria habour is a perfect choice for a tourist to experience the iconic film stars who made Hong Kong the 'Hollywood of Asia. Life size bronze sculpture of the “Kung fu” action hero Bruce Lee is one of the most recognizable monuments in this particular avenue visitors can see. The fascinating Hong Kong Disneyland is a place filled with fun and happiness for children and parents .The other breathtaking sites visitors can see in this charming city are the Clock Tower from the colonial period , Ocean Park , the Hong Museum of Arts ,Victoria peak, Botanical gardens ,Tsim Sha Tsui the huge world bazaar in south of Kowloon Peninsula and the splendid Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC ) in Wan Chai North. Cathay Pacific the international flag carrier of Hong Kong on a par with the world's best airlines operates daily flights from the Hong Kong International Airport to a number of destinations. Many consider Hong Kong’s education to be exceptional. Its was called the “East Meets West” educational system.

Source : Daily Mirror  (http://epaper.dailymirror.lk/epaper/viewer.aspx)

Sri Lankans decisive moments in conflict and lesson for future generations By Srimal Fernando I Published By Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE)

Sri Lankans decisive moments in conflict and lesson for future generations

Author: Srimal Fernando

(Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies -IEEE an agency of the Ministry of Defense of Spain ) – http://www.ieee.es 

The main purpose of this article is to provide a perceptive about the importance of security and stability of a country. The paper examines some of the different ways Sri Lankans Northern and Southern insurrections affected the country and neighbouring countries as result of cycle of violence.Sri Lankans decisive moments in conflict, reducing the risk of another conflict and how to find a more tolerant future after war is a lesson for future generations.

  Read    more  on

  http://www.ieee.es/en/contenido/noticias/2013/10/DIEEEO98-2013.html

Source Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies -IEEE

Another Stepping-Stone In Seychelles Football Development I thediplomaticsociety.asia

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Deplomatic update : Srimal Fernnado, Global Editor

Another Stepping-Stone In Seychelles Football Development

September 12, 2013 -- President James Michel received the former player for Manchester United, Mr. Dwight Yorke, who is also the ambassador for the world-renowned club. Mr Yorke is currently on a three-day visit under the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) programme at the invitation of Airtel Seychelles, this afternoon at State House. He was accompanied by the Development Officer at Manchester United, Mr. Michael Hitham.

President Michel welcomed him to Seychelles and conveyed his appreciation and gratitude for coming here.

“I hope that your visit here in Seychelles as a role model will be an inspiration to many of our young footballers who wish to further their potential in that sport. I would like you to encourage them and explain the necessity for hard work, discipline and dedication. These are good qualities that I wish you pass on to our youth as it will be good for them to espouse that and be able to become professional athletes like you one day,” said President Michel, who is also the patron of the Seychelles Football Federation.

Several issues were discussed, amongst which was the promotion of the Airtel Rising Stars, a programme which was launched here by Airtel Telecom Services in July 2013 in partnership with Manchester United, the Seychelles Football Federation and Samsung Electronics which is the official device partner for the ARS programme. The programme in Seychelles (ARS) is aimed at offering two most talented Seychellois youths the opportunity to attend a top notch soccer clinic in the United Kingdom run by Manchester United Football Club. During the meeting, Mr. Yorke stressed that a key objective of Manchester United Club has been youth development and the programme is one of the ways to offer talented youths the opportunity and hope for success in the future.

The President hailed the initiative and underlined the importance of putting the youth at the centre of development for the future and allowing them to achieve their dreams.

In response Mr. Yorke said: “It is the discipline that I’ve developed throughout the years that have led to my success and I hope that I can pass on that message to the kids…There are so many doors and avenues that are open and with the relationship that we have built with the Airtel Rising Star, it’s a great opportunity for kids to try and fulfill their dreams.”

While in Seychelles, the Trinidad and Tobago national is expected to lead a series of soccer clinics for young Seychellois players aged 15 to 17 who are presently following the Airtel Rising Stars programme, visit the vocational training centre for the disabled at North East Point, have a series of talks with youths, meet the local media, attend the Airtel Cup final between Côte d’Or and St Michel among other programmes scheduled for him throughout his visit.

Story and Photograph Office of the President of the Republic  of Seychelles

Source : http://www.thediplomaticsociety.asia/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=651:another-stepping-stone-in-seychelles-football-development&catid=16:home&Itemid=25

UK welcomes Sri Lankan elections, urges investigation into intimidation I thediplomaticsociety.asia

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Update Srimal Fernnado

UK welcomes Sri Lankan elections, urges investigation into intimidation

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt

Following Sri Lankan provincial elections, FCO Minister Alistair Burt welcomed progress but urged investigation into reports of intimidation.

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said:

I welcome the Sri Lankan provincial elections that took place on 21 September. Polls have been described as largely peaceful by Commonwealth and domestic observer missions, with high turnout across all three provinces. This demonstrates the desire of the Sri Lankan people to engage in this democratic process which ensures all provinces now have a council for the first time since the end of the military conflict.

I call on the Sri Lankan government and parties who won provincial seats to work together to contribute meaningfully to effective and inclusive regional governance in Sri Lanka. The lasting reconciliation all Sri Lankans deserve cannot be delivered by these polls alone, but the elections remain an important step in recognising the rights and aspirations of all citizens.

I welcome the access given to international observers and the overall conduct of polling day. However, I note with concern the credible reports of the misuse of state resources for campaigning, incidents of intimidation, and violence in the run-up to elections. I call on the authorities to investigate these serious allegations and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Photo and Story   Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt, Foreign & Commonwealth Office & the  British High Commission in Colombo.

 

Julie Bishop sworn in as Minister for Foreign Affairs I thediplomaticsociety.asia

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Julie Bishop sworn in as Minister for Foreign Affairs

18 September 2013

The Hon Julie Bishop MP was sworn in as Australia’s 38th Minister for Foreign Affairs this morning at Government House in Canberra.
Ms Bishop will assume this senior frontbench position at a critical time in international relations; when Australia is President of the United Nations Security Council, and as Australia assumes the Chair of the G20 in December. 
As Foreign Minister, Ms Bishop will lead Australian efforts to strengthen relations with our key partners and drive Australia’s contribution to global and regional forums. 
“I am honoured to have been appointed Foreign Minister as we have developed policies that I believe will advance Australia’s economic, strategic and cultural links with countries in our region. 
 “It is vital that Australia’s foreign policy is positioned to take advantage of the global shift in economic power to Asia,” Ms Bishop said.
“Enhancing Australia’s economic diplomacy is integral to enabling Australia to compete for access to emerging and developing markets, particularly in Asia. Expediting the conclusion of free trade agreements with South Korea, Japan and China is a first order priority of the Abbott Government.
 “Through the Coalition’s New Colombo Plan, I am committed to building people-to-people links across our region, by providing an opportunity for young Australians to become “Asia literate” through studying and working in the region, and bringing that expertise and experience home,” she said.
Within the Foreign Affairs portfolio, Ms Bishop will also take on the role of Minister for International Development and will oversee a refocussing of the Australian aid program to ensure a more effective and efficient delivery of development assistance.
“I am proud to be Australia’s first female Foreign Minister and I look forward to promoting and protecting the interests of Australia and Australians,” Ms Bishop said.
 Story and Photo graph  Foreign Minister's Office Australia

  Source 

I thediplomaticsociety.asia

Port of Colombo opens a new Container Terminal By Srimal Fernando I thediplomaticsociety.asia

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Port of Colombo opens a new Container Terminal

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor

Sri Lanka is a strategic maritime linkage between South East Asia and West Asia. The port of Colombo in  Sri Lanka is one of the largest seaports in the Indian Ocean.The Colombo port one of the world's largest marine container handling port saw the ceremonial opening of  the Colombo International Container terminal (CICT) by the Sri Lankan  President  Mahinda Rajapaksa on 5th  August 2013.

The brand new Container Terminal of the Colombo South Harbour expansion project with a 6.8 kilometer main breakwater and the control tower can handle the biggest Triple-E Class vessels carrying 18,000 container units. The facilities at the US$ 500 million new port project will make it the only port in South Asia with a water depth of 18-meters that handle mega container ships. 
The construction, design and management of the Colombo International Container terminal (CICT) was a joint venture established between China Merchants Holdings International, Aitken Spence Private limited and Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

The new Colombo Port City a 230 hectares reclaimed land is set next to the Colombo South Port.According to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) the construction of the master planned state of the art Colombo Port City is expecting an entire investment estimated at US$ 15 billion.

 Source http://www.thediplomaticsociety.asia/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=649:port-of-colombo-opens-a-new-container-terminal&catid=16:home&Itemid=25

Restoring in Italy I thediplomaticsociety.asia

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Update by Srimal Fernnado Global Editor

Restoring in Italy

On the occasion of the “XIII week of Italian Language and Culture”, an event which takes place every year all over the world to celebrate Italian culture, the Italian Embassy in Colombo is organizing an exhibition on the art of restoration at the JDA Perera Gallery from October 12th to 15th.

In fact, not only Italian artists have created some of the most beautiful and worldly renowned works of art and masterpieces of all time, but also they have developed one of the finest school of restoration in order to preserve them and trade them from generation to generation, from century to century.

The exhibition celebrates the activities of the Italian “Istituto Superiore per la Conserva¬zione e il Restauro” (ISCR – Higher Institute for Conservation and Restoration), founded in Italy in 1939 with the aim of directing restoration activities away from the field of empirical practices towards an interdi¬sciplinary methodology based on the integrated efforts of restorers, historians and scientific experts.

For many years the ISCR has played a fundamental role in the fields of research, conservation and resto¬ration at international level. As a permanent member of the General Council of ICCROM (International Centre for Conservation and Restoration of Monuments), it has taken part in several projects promoted by the European Commission and the UNESCO World Heritage Council, for which it is one of the privileged partners. One of ISCR’s goals in international activities is the on¬going training of technicians able to deal with the conser¬vation and restoration problems of archaeological and historical sites, monuments, decorative complexes and movable works of art.

The exhibition, to promote awareness on conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, displays 25 panels that describe restoration processes carried out by the ISCR of important UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy, such as the Tower of Pisa, the Domus Aurea in Rome, the Church of Assisi, just to mention a few.

Furthermore, in order to strengthen cultural cooperation between Italy and Sri Lanka, something which has been done already last year organizing the Italian Srilankan Film Festival, some panels of the Srilankan Department of Archaeology will also be displayed together with some restored paintings by art conservator Udaya Hewawasam to show examples of conservation activities performed in Sri Lanka.
By doing so, the exhibition will provide the opportunity to confront experiences and share knowledge on the art of restoration.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 7pm, the entrance free of charge.