Visit to Vibrant India (May 2014 ) Destination : Delhi and Agra Pictured By Srimal Fernando

 Visit to Vibrant India (May 2014 ) Pictured By Srimal Fernando
Destination :  Delhi and Agra

Srimal Fernando  is a International Journalist and a Global Editor . He is also a International Editor for a globally famous life style Magazine.as a recognized international travel photographer he has received tremendous appreciations from different Heads of States, Ministers and Diplomats
Important notice  Reflections of a Tour to Singapore Pictured By Srimal Fernando ..Do  not publish or use  these images without the permission of the author 



Srimal Fernando  Front of
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, .



The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz MahalPictured by Srimal Fernando


The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz MahalPictured by Srimal Fernando


The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, .Pictured by Srimal Fernando 


The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal



The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz MahalPictured by Srimal Fernando

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz MahalPictured by Srimal Fernando

The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz MahalPictured by Srimal Fernando


Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru Pictured by Srimal Fernando


Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pool inside its complex, Pictured by Srimal Fernando


Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, and the pool inside its complex, Pictured by Srimal Fernando


Siekh Worriersat  Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in DelhiPictured by Srimal Fernando

Singing at Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi,


 Siekh Worriers at  Gurdwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, Pictured by Srimal Fernando


 Front of  Humayun's tombThe Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India.



Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum. Pictured by Srimal Fernando 


Humayun's tombThe Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. Pictured by Srimal Fernando 


Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega BegumPictured by Srimal Fernando

Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega BegumPictured by Srimal Fernando


Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega BegumPictured by Srimal Fernando


Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega Begum Pictured by Srimal Fernando



Pictured by Srimal Fernando



Humayun's tombThe Mughal Emperor HumayunPictured by Srimal Fernando


Humayun's tomb is the tomb of the Mughal Emperor Humayun in Delhi, India. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife Bega Begum in 1569-70, and designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect chosen by Bega BegumPictured by Srimal Fernando



 Front of Agra Fort, is a monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, IndiaPictured by Srimal Fernando


Pictured by Srimal Fernando


 Agra Fort, is a monument, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India


Front of  The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial


The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial Pictured By Srimal Fernando



The India Gate, originally called the All India War Memorial Pictured By Srimal Fernando



Front of  Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi

 Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi  Pictured By Srimal Fernando 


 The old Mosque at  Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi Pictured by Srimal Fernando 



at  Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi Pictured by Srimal Fernando 


Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi  Pictured By Srimal Fernando


Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi  Pictured By Srimal Fernando





Purana Qila is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi  Pictured By Srimal Fernando

Front of Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585


Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585Pictured by Srimal Fernando

in Front of thethe tomb of a Sufi saint, Fatehpur Sikri. Sheikh Salim ChristiPictured by Srimal Fernando


Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585Pictured by Srimal Fernando


Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Fatehpur Sikri Fort -The city was founded in 1569 by the Mughal emperor Akbar, and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Front of the Roman Catholic Church in DelhiPictured by Srimal Fernando




Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati BhavanPictured by Srimal Fernando



Lokshabha Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati BhavanPictured by Srimal Fernando

Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan

Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati BhavanPictured by Srimal Fernando

Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan

Raisina Hill is an area of Lutyens' Delhi, New Delhi, housing India's most important government buildings, including Rashtrapati Bhavan

BJP victory celebration Pictured By Srimal Fernando

BJP victory celebration Pictured By Srimal Fernando

Pictured by Srimal Fernando

Pictured by Srimal Fernando

 IGA Delhi   Pictured By Srimal Fernando 

Areal view of Delhi from a flight  Pictured By Srimal Fernando 

Important notice  Reflections of a Tour to Singapore Pictured By Srimal Fernando ..Do  not publish or use  these images without the permission of the author 

Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp commemorating President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam (.thediplomaticsociety)

Foreign Exchange (Africa & Asia Edtions )

http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/

Sri Lanka issued a postage stamp commemorating President Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam

H.E.Ton Sinh Thanh, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka (centre) with Sri Lankan Ministers and representatives of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Sri Lanka

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor

The Embassy of Vietnam in co-operation with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications of Sri Lanka released a commemorative postage stamp to mark President Ho Chi Minh’s 124th birthday. At a ceremony in Colombo a first day cover and a commemorative postage stamp honoring President Ho Chi Minh designed by painter Kumudu Tharaka was issued on 28th April 2014. The first stamp and the cover were presented to H.E.Ton Sinh Thanh, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka and to several senior government Ministers by the officials of  the Department of Posts.

Speaking on the occasion at the Auditorium of the Department of Posts H.E.Ton Sinh Thanh, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka extended his warm greetings to the President of Sri Lanka and to the Government. Ambassador Thanh said, “the first agreement signed between Sri Lanka after the country was re-unified in 1975 was a postal deal.  We believe that issuing a Ho Chi Minh stamp would be another step to foster bilateral co-operation and promote more people to people and business between our two countries."

H.E.Ton Sinh Thanh, the Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka

 
Paying homage and respect to President Ho Chi Minh, the Senior Minister for Human Resources D.E.W. Gunasekara stated that, "along with Mahatma Gandhi, the Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh was one of the few international political figures to be featured in Sri Lankan stamps." The Senior Minister said that the Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh is reputed to have visited the island several times. At least on one occasion he had stayed at Colombo's Colonial Hotel, in front of the main railway station on his way to Paris.

 
In extending his warm greetings to the issuing of a commemorative postage stamp to the Vietnamese leader President Ho Chi Minh, Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Tissa Vitarana, highlighted Ho Chi Minh’s unique contribution to the  global society.

Among the other important dignitaries present on the occasion were Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Jeewan Kumaranathunga, National Languages and Social Integration Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Senior Minister A. H. M. Fauzi.

The ceremony at the Department of Posts brought together  several ministers, politicians, policy-makers, members of the media, diplomats from the Embassy of Vietnam in Colombo, representatives of prominent think tanks and many  who admired the great revolutionary leader President Ho Chi Minh.

 Source  http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/972-sri-lanka-issued-a-postage-stamp-commemorating-president-ho-chi-minh-of-vietnam

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Nigeria and Sri Lanka enjoy strong diplomatic relations – thediplomaticsociety (South Africa )

http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/

Nigeria and Sri Lanka enjoy strong diplomatic relations

This month the Global Editor for Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society, Srimal Fernando was pleased to interview His Excellency Mr S. U. Ahmed, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Sri Lanka. In this exclusive interview Ambassador Ahmed talks on diplomatic relations, tourism, bilateral agreements under negotiation and major challenges Nigeria is facing at present.

His Excellency Mr S. U. Ahmed, the Ambassador of Nigeria to Sri Lanka
Srimal Fernando (SF): Give a brief background of yourself?

Ambassador S. U. Ahmed (Amb): I am from the North Eastern part of the country, and particularly from Gombe State. I studied History at the University of Maiduguri and graduated in 1981, did national service for one year and joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1982. Since then, I have served in Italy, Guinea Conakry, Republic of Gabon, Ghana, and People ’s Republic of China, South Korea and now the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. I was appointed last year as Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Sri Lanka. I am married to Michelle and have five children, three daughters and two sons.

(SF): As the Ambassador, what will be your role to enhance diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Sri Lanka?

(Amb): To consolidate on the existing platform on the relationship between Nigeria and Sri Lanka and also to explore the abundant opportunities in trade, commerce, friendship as well as the promotion of the socio-cultural and economic frontiers that exist in the two countries.

(SF): What are your thoughts of marketing the Nigerian tourism sector to Sri Lankans?

(Amb): The tourism sector in Nigeria presently is at a very low ebb. Happily, Sri Lanka happens to enjoy a vibrant tourism sector that is growing in leaps and bounds. Therefore, it becomes necessary to tap from their expertise to harness the huge potentials of Nigeria’s tourism which lies dormant. Furthermore, the lack of adequate awareness among Sri Lankans and beyond makes it imperative for the promotion of Nigeria’s tourism so that Sri Lankans and other people could visit Nigeria and savour the array of tourist sites that abound in Nigeria. Finally, the collaboration of Nigeria and Sri Lanka will help to tap from Sri Lanka’s reservoir of knowledge in tourism and in turn promote the same in Nigeria.

(SF): What are the areas where Sri Lankans and other nationalities can invest in Nigeria?

(Amb): There are numerous areas Sri Lankans as well as others can invest in Nigeria. These include solid minerals, agro-allied industries, telecommunication, real estate, oil and gas, etc. In fact, President Jonathan’s transformational agenda is aimed at the attraction of foreign investment that will create job opportunities, and the creation of wealth and development.

(SF): What are the major bilateral cooperations which will take place between the two countries in the future?

(Amb): For now, there is the bilateral agreement on power and energy, maritime and security as well as that of technical and cultural agreements which are all at different levels of negotiations.

(SF): What are the major challenges Nigeria is facing at present?

(Amb): Of course, Nigeria like every other country at one time or the other is undergoing serious challenges in insurgency and insecurity which boils down to religious extremism, as well as paucity of infrastructures, etc. However, as President Jonathan has continued to say and emphasis, Nigeria will come out of it clean and strong. I must add that currently, the insurgents are feeling the heat with the on-going military action in the North Eastern part of the country.

(SF): How can other countries support your country to overcome these challenges?
(Amb): One of such areas is through collaboration and partnership and sharing of ideas on how to tackle these challenges.

(SF): Would you like to add anything more?

(Amb): I would like to thank the government and people of Sri Lanka for the co-operation we have so far enjoyed since we came into the country and that will further strengthen our relationship as we both share similar experiences within the framework of the South/South co-operation. We also share historical circumstances, as both nations experienced internal conflict and the challenge of reconciliation and reconstruction of our economies. So in this case, Nigeria understands Sri Lanka’s current situation better, when one talks of reconciliation after internal conflict.

Source Link http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/964-nigeria-and-sri-lanka-enjoy-strong-diplomatic-relations

Sri Lanka adopts Five “R” Strategy in Post Conflict Jaffna – The diplomatic society (South Africa )

http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/

Sri Lanka adopts Five “R” Strategy in Post Conflict Jaffna

In an exclusive interview Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society, Global Editor Srimal Fernando speaks to Major General Udaya Perera Commander of the Security forces in Jaffna in the Sri Lankan Northern town of Jaffna which has seen many battles in the past and is now moving towards a bright future in a post conflict era. Major General Perera was also a former Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner to Malaysia and a Former Commander of Security forces Head quarters in Kilinochchi. In a face to face interview  Major General Perera explained the five  ( 5)  “R” (Reconstruction, resettlement,  reconciliation, rehabilitation and re integration are the main areas of Five R ) strategy which the government adopted  in order to bring normalcy and also to improve the economy of the  Jaffna peninsula.

Srimal Fernando (SF):  Major General Udaya Perera it is a pleasure to meet you in the Northern town of Jaffna. As the Commander of the security forces in Jaffna what will be your role?

Major General (MG):  There are many things that we have to do as security forces, but the main role is to maintain national security. There are many secondary security roles that we perform especially after the conflict; however, the main role is national security.

(SF): What is the current security situation and the situation of civilians living in Jaffna?

(MG):  The current security situation on the surface looks calm. However,  due to  the involvement  of some  extremist  elements in the diaspora and some hardliners living in Sri Lanka  from breakaway fractions from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), they  are trying to re organize  the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Dismantling the networks that are being established and re established is a huge challenge. Otherwise you will find a peaceful Jaffna in this area.

(SF):  Can you explain briefly what are the steps the Government of Sri Lanka and the Security forces in Jaffna undertook to stabilize the socio, economic and political aspects of the civilians living in Jaffna after the war ended in May 2009?

(MG):  To answer that question I have to refer to the conflict period. The Government efforts to defeat terrorism as whole were a government effort. I should say departments, ministries and various other government organizations did not partake in isolation. All the organizations took part as a unit.

After the conflict ended this process was a total government effort. The Army was a part of that process. However the Army had a major role to play since most conflict scenarios have certain security issues and our capacity and our capabilities are more than any of the other departments. Now if you take the post conflict era the Government adopted the five  ( 5)  “R” strategy in order to bring normalcy and  to improve the economy of  Jaffna  peninsula where the conflict  largely took place or the battles  largely took place. Reconstruction, resettlement, reconciliation, rehabilitation and re integration are the main areas  of the Five (5) “R”.

Now if you take this reconstruction work, due to the capacity and capabilities of the Army, we took a leading role in reconstructing the war-torn areas. Then as far as rehabilitation is concerned in rehabilitating the twelve thousand (12000) cadres we were the leading agency. The rehabilitation process was really done by an organization which was formed by the Army through government backing. So it was very successful. Twelve thousand (12000) odd cadres were rehabilitated.

Then comes the resettlement after the re construction work.  That was another challenge. We resettled three hundred thousand (300,000) after 2009. When you take Jaffna Peninsula we have resettled more than eight hundred thousand (800,000) people. In 1995 major displacement took place when the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) gave only three hours for five hundred thousand (500,000) people living in the peninsula to vacate.

The resettlement was of two types. Nearly three hundred thousand (300,000) were stranded during the last stages of the war and eight hundred thousand (800,000) who were displaced several times in Jaffna peninsula earlier.

As far as resettlement in Jaffna peninsula is concerned still there are one thousand two hundred and twenty three (1223) families to be resettled and we are taking that challenge very bravely. We are going to resettle even those one thousand two hundred and twenty three (1223) families very soon.

It was a challenge to re-integrate these people into the society, since they were rehabilitated cadres. Through the re- integration process we were able re-integrate the majority of those cadres.

Whatever the challenges we have, through the reintegration process, helped the economy to grow. Most of these people who were rehabilitated were given special skills.  They are getting involved in business ventures and also in the agriculture, fisheries and in many other sectors. It has also helped the economy grow.

Then comes the final R that is reconciliation. As far as reconciliation is concerned it cannot be done by the government alone.  All the interested political parties should join hands with the government. Unfortunately people expect the government to clap with only one hand. The other hand I would say is defunct as far as reconciliation is concerned and it is challenge.

Now with these challenges I should say that the reconciliation process is moving forward. With proof I can give facts and figures as to how the reconciliation is working. At present large numbers of civilians are joining the Sri Lankan Army, Navy and the Airforce from the North.

(SF):  What are your thoughts of enhancing the security forces relations with the civilians who are living in Jaffna?

(MG): Again I have  to go back to conflict era. Now our involvement with civilians took place before the end of the conflict. We won’t be able to defeat the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) if we did not have the support of the majority of the population. Initially to end the conflict the civilians supported to eradicate terrorism.  This support was the first step of the military to win the war and the people.

Now we have many social projects that we have launched to win over the people. We have projects to empower the women, to help the children in their education, to develop the economy, fisheries   and agricultural sectors and also vocational training projects to youth in order to provide them with jobs in order to help the society. All projects lead to a good cooperation with military and the civilians. I call it the Civil –Military inter dependent projects.

(SF): Can you mention few of the major development activities carried out by the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) and the Security forces in Jaffna?

(MG):  Referring to major development projects when you travel by road in this area the standard of road development is on par with the roads of Colombo.  As far as the railway is concerned it is being re-laid with the assistance of the Indian Government.  Currently the railway line is running up to Pallai. I am sure by the end of 2014 it will be running up to KKS (Kankesanthurai).

Many other major infrastructure projects are taking place in Jaffna peninsula. The Government is also concerned about the fisheries industry. There are many other development projects that are  taking place in the area. In the Agriculture sector in order to help the farmers the small reservoirs in the Jaffna peninsula are renovated and irrigation is developed.

Likewise there are many sectors where the government is focusing. If the Banking sector is taken into consideration all the major banks available in Sri Lanka are located in Jaffna. In every city within the Jaffna peninsula you will see that the banking sector is improving.  As far as schools are concerned all the schools are functioning normally and are functioning well.

The University of Jaffna is being developed. Recently the Killinochchi campus of the University of Jaffna was opened. Major infrastructure development in the higher education sector is taking place. The government has not forgotten about the heritage. Jaffna fort which was a Portuguese fort initially became a Dutch fort and later the British occupied it. It was very badly damaged by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Those areas are also being developed in a rapid phase.

(SF):  What are your thoughts of implementing reconciliation and stabilizing peace efforts in this significant area in Sri Lanka?

(MG):  Reconciliation in a real sense is taking place, but there are difficulties. For reconciliation the support of all Sri Lankans are needed, not only from people of Jaffna. It has to be a process where all the parties including the opposition parties, politicians, people from the educational sector and many other sectors should come together to work very closely with government in order to achieve permanent  peace in these areas.

(SF): Would you like to add anything more?

(MG):  If am I to add anything more it is that this is a democratic country where democracy has been prevailing since Independence and the government basically,the provincial government and also other peripheral governing bodies which are elected  have a responsibility on the part of the citizens as well as the international community to support the democratically elected government to progress towards development.

Sometimes we feel hardliners are funded financially from certain International Institutions, International Non Governmental Organizations in order to de-stabilize the country. These type of activities should be avoided in order to progress towards development.  It is alarming because the country has faced thirty (30) years of war, thirty years of conflict. Now we have come out of the conflict after 2009.

Responsibility of all loyal citizens is to get together and join hands with the government of Sri Lanka and work towards a permanent solution. We should work to develop the country is my final thought.

Source  http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php/home/16-home/962-sri-lanka-adopts-five-r-strategy-in-post-conflict-jaffna-