“Sri Lanka : Amazingly Beautiful Highlands of Nuwara Eliya” By Srimal Fernando, South Asia Correspondent & Life Style Tropics- South Africa

Tropics -Celebrating 55 issues -The leading global fashion & Lifestyle magazine (In French & English ) – Clickhttp://issuu.com/tropicsmagazine/docs/jpegg ( Connect Asia and Africa Print Edition copays available )JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

“Sri Lanka : Amazingly Beautiful Highlands of Nuwara Eliya” By Srimal Fernando South Asia Correspondent & Life Style Editor AFRICAhttp://issuu.com/tropicsmagazine/docs/jpegg/12…

The Diplomatic Society Global Editor meet with Senior Afghanistan Diplomat -

The Diplomatic Society Global Editor meet with Senior Afghanistan Diplomat
The Diplomatic Society Global Editor, Mr Srimal Fernando (r), paid a courtesy call on First Secretary Mr Homayon Nezami Embassy of the Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan . Accompanying Mr Fernando another Journalist from Afghanistan Mr Jalal Khan attended the meeting.

 
The Diplomatic Society Global Editor, Mr Srimal Fernando (r), paid a courtesy call on First Secretary Mr Homayon Nezami Embassy of the Islamic Republic Of Afghanistan

Seasons of Change: Sri Lanka's Newfound Optimism" Update Srimal Fernando

"Seasons of Change: Sri Lanka's Newfound Optimism" discussion at India International Centre (IIC) New Delhi 16th March 2015
Speakers at the Discussion -Professor Sasanka Perera ,South Asian University ,Professor Pradeep Jeganathan, Shiv Nadar University
Amit BaruahResident Editor ,The Hindu,Padama Rao Sundarji
Author , Foreign Correspondent and Professor Shweta SinghSouthAsian University

                                                     Professor Sasanka Perera speaks

Srimal Fernando Raising question about Issues relating Sri Lanka and suggesting a away forward

Professor  Muni ,Professor Pradeep Jeganathan, Shiv Nadar UniversityPadama Rao SundarjiAuthor , Foreign Correspondent Professor Sasanka Perera ,South Asian University
, and Professor Shweta SinghSouthAsian UniversityAmit BaruahResident Editor ,The Hindu

Culturally Colorful United States of AmericaBy Srimal Fernando ( Daily Mirror ,English Daily )

Culturally Colorful United States of AmericaBy Srimal Fernando 

 Monday, 9 March 2015 -1:18 ( Daily Mirror English Daily Print/Online Page 29 )“

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”  was a  famous passage delivered by John F. Kennedy the 35th President of the United States of America during  the inaugural address on, January 20, 1961. America a global superpower was always recognized throughout the world as the land of opportunity. This great nation founded on the principles of democratic governance and freedom enjoyed unparallel prosperity that had driven the hopes and aspiration of Americans for generations was known as the "American dream” by the American society. Every year since 1776   hoisting  the  Stars and Stripes American  flag in a patriotic spirit and singing of the national anthem the “ Star-Spangled Banner"  at sunrise   on   fourth of July   is one of the proudest moments of celebration for  millions of Americans  living in and  around the world .When we remember the recent history of America  George Washington the first President and  father of the Nation, Abraham Lincoln, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy , Martin Luther King,Bill Clinton and Barack Obama are some of the greatest legendary names that come to mind . President Barack Obama the first African American to be elected as the US president was an unbelievable charismatic leader who transformed the two hundred years of American political history for the countrymen to see beyond the immediate future.

United States of  America or USA  needs little introduction to many visitors to the country for its  stunning scenic beauty , important cultural landscapes, historic structures, and archaeological sites is  one of the most scenic extremely popular tourist destination in the World. Every city or town in the US has a different story. Washington, D.C the capital city of the United States since 1800 named after Americas first President and the father of the Nation George Washington has a vastly different historic narrative than many other places in the country. Among its highest-esteemed attractions in the city are  the Capitol Hill the seat of the United States Congress, Washington Monument, the White House ,the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and  the  US Supreme Court Building. The splendid panoramic city  of New York  is a global financial centre situated has one of the finest skylines in world. The city is a quality filled place with passion, innovation that provides an opportunity for millions of  people with a rich social life. The city of New York 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. This Global cosmopolitan city possesses an enormous cultural richness with uncountable attractions to see and offer s an unmatched experience to the traveler. The city of New York  offers  visitors an exhausting list of attractions .As one of the populous places the National September 11 Memorial and  Museum respectively, commemorating the September 11 attack on  2001 on the World Trade Center bombing  located  at the Greenwich Street and   the  Manhattan is home to the  United Nations Headquarters Wall Street,  and the New York Stock Exchange ( NASDAQ) needs little introduction to many visitors to the city.Statue of Liberty  gifted to the United States on October 28, 1886 from the people of France is one of the most recognizable tourist spots  that attract thousands of visitors every day.

The  people of United Sates   are known worldwide for their sophisticated approach towards life, combined with great concern for style, fashion and appearances. - Since the yester years besides sports, Americas has given the world some of its greatest musicians and dancers .The American   cinema  the world’s  largest film industry known as   Hollywood, dramas ,animation  pop ,rock, country music and dance  boast the fame of artistic performances. The journey into United States of America is   filled with fun, happiness and adventure.

The Diplomatic Society Global Editor pays courtesy call on Ambassador of Vietnam (Published By Diplomatic Society -South Africa )

The Diplomatic Society Global Editor pays courtesy call on Ambassador of Vietnam in India (Published By Diplomatic Society -South Africa (http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za )

 The Diplomatic Society Global Editor, Mr Srimal Fernando (r), paid a courtesy call on Ambassador of Vietnam to India, Nepal and Bhutan, His Excellency Ton Sinh Thanh (l) on Monday, 2 March 2015 at the Vietnam Embassy in New Delhi, India. Mr Fernando pointed out his wish to maintain close communication with Ambassador Ton Sinh Thanh. The two discussed issues concerning bilateral relations and friendly cooperation in various fields, the deepening of mutual understanding and strategic trust between India and Vietnam so as to safeguard the political basis for developing bilateral relations.

(http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/…/1302-the-diplomatic…

The 67th National Day of Sri Lanka Reception at Sri Lanka High Commission New Delhi –India –Srimal Fernando

The 67th National Day of Sri Lanka Reception at Sri Lanka High Commission New Delhi –India( Invited by High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne ) –Srimal Fernando

 

High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne

( Sri Lanka Independence- SF –TDS South Africa ) “Mother Lanka We Salute Thee” is the inspirational national anthem of Sri Lanka composed by Ananda Samarakoon, a student of Laureate Rabindranath Tagore in the 1940s. Every year since 1948 the Independence Day of Sri Lanka is commemorated on 4 February in a patriotic spirit by more than 20 million people in the Indian Ocean Island nation.
(http://www.thediplomaticsociety.co.za/…/894-66-years-of-sri…)

Srimal Fernando with Sri Lankan High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne

My good Friend Excellency Ton Sinh Thanh Ambassador to Of Vietnam to India and Former Vietnam Ambassador to Sri Lanka

My Good freinds Nicole PillayFirst Secretary: Political
South African High Commission, New Delhi

Honarable Minister of India and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Professor Sudharshan Seneviratne

Professor of Economics Anoma Rajaguru and Srimal Fernando

UNESCO Representative, H.E Madam Khan Phan (Vietnam )

Srimal Fernando with Minister Fonseka (Sri Lanka High Commission

Sri Lankan Diplomats

Srimal and Sri Lankan High Commission Diplomats

SriLankan Dancers at the Independence Day Celebration in India

SriLankan Dancers at the Independence Day Celebration in India

Srimal Fernando and A.Vora Foreign Affairs Editor CBN -IBN Television India

Srimal Fernando front Sri Lankan High Commission in New Delhi -India

US President Barack Obama Visits India By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor The Diplomatic Society

US President Barack Obama Visits India

By Srimal Fernando, Global Editor The Diplomatic Society

New Delhi, India

US President Barack Obama concluded his three day trip to India on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Obama’s arrival in New Delhi marked the first United States sitting President to visit India twice during his tenure at the White House. President Obama and the First Lady were greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi upon their arrival in New Delhi, India.

 
US President Obama, Prime Minister Modi and First Lady Michelle Obama (Photograph: United States Embassy in New Delhi)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his one on one session with President Obama said, "Barack and I have forged a friendship. There is openness when we talk on the phone and we also crack jokes," the Prime Minister said. "This chemistry has brought Barack closer to me but also brought the people of India and America closer."

On January 25, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle began their three day landmark visit to India with a booming 21-gun salute and the inspection of the guard of honour at the presidential palace known as Rashtrapati Bhavan. After his ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the visiting US President went straight to Rajghat to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

 
President Obama pays tribute to the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi (Photograph United States Embassy in New Delhi)

President Obama accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama were the star guests at President Pranab Mukherjee's banquet. Among them External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, L.K Advani and  Congress President Sonia Gandhi were some of the well-known guests who were invited to the Presidential banquet.

President Obama has become the first US president to be the guest of honour at India's annual Republic Day parade, a colourful display of the military might and cultural diversity in the capital, New Delhi. Greeting the people of India on its Republic Day, President Obama said while extending his greetings on the occasion, “I am honoured to be the first American president to attend this celebration, as well as the first president to visit India twice."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama attended the Indo-US CEO Forum meeting, which was held on Monday at the Hotel Taj. While speaking at the meeting, President Obama said, “Today, I’m proud to announce additional steps, a series of U.S. initiatives that will generate more than $4 billion in trade and investment with India and support thousands of jobs in both our countries.  Specifically, over the next two years, our Export-Import Bank will commit up to $1 billion in financing to support “Made-in-America” exports to India.”

The visit resulted in agreements at the highest level on joint implementation of civil nuclear deal six years after it was signed. This was a “breakthrough understanding” that would make it easier for U.S. and foreign firms to invest in Indian nuclear power plants. Among the other agreements, renewal of the broad 10-year defence framework, with the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), climate change, and the strategic partnership with a Declaration of Friendship that strengthens and expands the relationship between India and the United States of America.

 
US President Obama’s address at the Siri Fort auditorium (Photograph Srimal Fernando)

US President Barack Obama concluded his three-day visit to India by addressing a selected gathering at Delhi's Siri Fort Auditorium. During his address at the Siri Fort auditorium Obama said, “I bring the friendship and greetings of the American people. On behalf of myself and Michelle, thank you so much for welcoming us back to India, 'bahut dhanyawad,” which drew massive cheer and applause from the audience.

 
Invitees from the South Asian University for US President Obama’s address at Siri Fort New Delhi. Pictured (l-r) Sandhya Nair (India ), Nilanjana Sen (India), Ratan Roy (Bangladesh),  Srimal Fernando  (Sri Lanka ) and Chaminda Padmakumara (Sri Lanka )

He also said, “In India, what we have seen is enormous progress in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, but still enormous work has to be done.” His speech at Siri Fort Auditorium drew strong applause. President Obama's visit to India was strategically important and has boosted India-US diplomatic relations.