Commemorating the Bengali Language Movement

( Source :http://www.dailymirror.lk  -  Daily Mirror : Life Page  C4 )

Commemorating the   Bengali Language Movement

Monday, 20 February 2012

By Srimal Fernando

Amor Ekushey is a historic day for the Bengali nation .The people of Bangladesh have been observing it every year on 21st day of February as their glorious and unforgettable Language Martyrs Day. On this day in 1952 number of students who campaigned to advocate,Bengali language as an official language were killed in Dhaka during a Language movement protest. At the request of Bangladeshi people, on 17^th November of 1999 at the 30^th session of the General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Paris, 21^st day of February was proclaimed the International Mother Language Day. From the time of the declaration of this very important day, it has been observed annually throughout the world to promote linguistic and cultural diversity across the world. In Bangladesh, it is a National Day of Mourning. This day in Bangladesh is known as Shaheed Day. Each year at early hours of this solemn day thousands of people queue at the iconic sculpture of Shaheed Minar or the martyr’s monument constructed near Dhaka Medical College to pay tribute to the slain martyrs of the Bengali language movement. Many people bring red and yellow flowers and spread it out in front of the Shaheed Minar martyr’s monument. This five framed monument which is raised fourteen feet above the ground consists of four standing marble frames and a large double marble frame with a slanted top. The four frames at the Shaheed Minar monument are built to bear in mind the slain students who sacrificed their lives for the cause of   making Bengali an official language. The double frame at the martyr’s monument represents their mothers and country. Various competitions, festivals awards and book fairs are held through out the month to remember the Bengali culture and language. Major book fair known as Boi Mela with the corporation of the book publishers and book sellers has been held since 1974 in Dhaka, to honor this significant day. In Sri Lanka the Bangladesh High Commission will commemorate this   significant date in memory of the movement and will pay tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the Bengali national identity. In tribute to the Bengali Language Movement and the ethno-linguistic rights of the people around the world let’s commemorate it on every Year, on        21^st  of February.

My Country…….BANGLADESH -Srimal Fernando engages Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka

My Country…….BANGLADESH

 

 

 

 

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"Bangladesh is a dream investment destination" -  H.E  Mahbub Zaman Bangladesh High Commissioner to Sri Lanka

 

 

Srimal Fernando - South Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange - The Diplomatic Society engages H.E. Mahbub Uz Zaman, Bangladesh     High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. High Commissioner Zaman talks about trade, tourism and investment opportunities Bangladesh can offer beyond its rich cultural past and natural beauty.

 

The present Government is endowed with twenty first century values and objectives. The Government is committed   towards the  process of  creating  conditions  for making Bangladesh a prime investment destination and tourist attraction.

 

 

Bangladesh can be dubbed the  dream investment destination because of the following factors:

(a)  industrious low cost workforce

(b) strategic location, regional connectivity and world  wide access

(c) strong local market and growth 

(d) low cost of energy

(e) proven export competitiveness 

(f)competitive incentives

(g) export and economic zones 

(h) positive climate.

 

Bangladesh is a land of magnificent beauty, the heritage of a natural splendor  and  rich and diversified  historical legacy that dates back to the 7th Century. Unspoiled and often unexplored,  Bangladesh offers the most exciting experiences to visitors ranging from closeness with nature at its pristine best to a cultural  trip into remnants  of ancient  and past civilizations.

       

         

       

Tourist  attractions  includes - Cox's bazaar with the world's longest unbroken (120 kms) beach, Buddhist temples of Ramu and a visit to the coral island of St  Martin's.  The Sundarban Forests are the  home of the famous  Royal Bengal Tiger and has been declared to be a world nature heritage site by UNESCO.  Paharpur , an archaeological  site of a 8th Century Buddhist  Monastery was known to  be the largest Buddhist  seat of learning South of  Himalayas. Paharpur has been declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO.   In Mainamati and Salban one can find Buddhist relics and remnants of  Buhddhist Viharas (Monasteries). This has revealed that once Buddhism  flourished in Bangladesh especially under the Chandra and  Deb dynasties  from 8-12th Century AD.

 

Bangladesh beckons. You can never forget  the enduring beauty and charm of Bangladesh and its people.

 

Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=287:my-countybangladesh&catid=16:home&Itemid=25

 

Iran celebrates 33rd Anniversary of its National Day Srimal Fernando engages Ambassador of The Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka.

  Iran celebrates 33rd Anniversary of its National Day

 

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 HE Mohammed Nabi Hassani Pour
"Iran is one of the strong, emerging powers in the region" - Ambassador Hassani Pour of Iran to Sri Lanka   

Srimal Fernando  South Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange - The Diplomatic Society engages H.E . Mohammed Nabi Hassani Pour, Ambassador of The Islamic Republic of Iran to Sri Lanka. He was joined by Mr Ali Akbar Baba Second Councillor to the Embassy. Relations with Sri Lanka and with other neighboring countries, Iranian history, advancement in science, trade and investment opportunities were the subjects highlighted.

I take immense pleasure in extending my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of the 33rd Anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution and National day of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the kind, friendly people of this beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka. It is noteworthy that this important event in our calendar closely coincides with the National Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

Iran has a rich history which is over 2500 years old and is widely regarded as the cradle of world civilization. During its long history, Iran has had many kingdoms governing the country. It was during the Sasanian dynasty that the people of Iran embraced Islam.

With the leadership of Imam Khomeini and the tremendous resolve of the people, the problems were overcome and an economic growth of 6% to 8 % was registered. Iran became the first Muslim country to send satellites to space. In 2006, Iran achieved the distinction of producing the Middle East’s first cloned animal and Iranian scientists continue to make many contributions to global advancements in Science and technology.

Iran has attained progress in all areas of Science and technology, and our atomic energy programmes are intended purely for peaceful purposes.   Today, Iran is one of the strong, emerging powers in the region.  I wish to reiterate that according to Islamic principles, Iran cannot produce atomic weapons.

We strongly believe in living peacefully with our neighboring countries with love, friendship and mutual respect. There is an urgent need for dialogue and mature democratic behavior so that there will be goodwill and understanding. Our good relations with our neighbours numbering more than 12 are a testimony to our peaceful coexistence with all countries and the people of the world.

There are many opportunities particularly in the field of tea, oil, agriculture, tourism, science, technology, fisheries, shipping and aviation that we must continue to explore for mutual benefit and well-being.

 

  Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=289:iran-celebrates-33rd-anniversary-of-its-national-day&catid=16:home&Itemid=25

Pakistan - The Best Investment Regime of South Asian Region -Srimal Fernandoengages Mr Muhammad Daud Ehtisham Press Attache Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka.

Pakistan - The Best Investment Regime of South Asian Region

  

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Pakistan - The Best Investment Regime of South Asian Region

 

   Mr Muhammad Daud Ehtisham, Press Attache  Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka

  

  Srimal Fernando  South Asia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange- The Diplomatic Society engages Mr Muhammad Daud Ehtisham Press Attache Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka. The discussion was based on trade, tourism and investment and  other lucrative incentives the country  can offer. Shortly after the discussion Mr Ehtisham from the Pakistan High Commission in Sri Lanka  released the following.

Located in the heart of Asia, Pakistan is the gateway to the energy rich Central Asian States, the financially liquid Gulf States and the economically advanced Far Eastern tigers. This strategic advantage alone makes Pakistan a marketplace teeming with possibilities. Additionally, today Pakistan has over 170 million consumers with an ever growing middle class.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan, with its democratic government is actively promoting trade and investment in the country to pave the way for sustained economic growth. Pakistan with positive growth trajectory over the years, despite global economic turmoil, is focusing on development and up gradation of various sectors of economy, like, agriculture, textile, telecom, IT, energy, power, services, construction and housing. These sectors are open for foreign investment with attractive incentives.

The Centaurus Hotel Islamabad, the symbol of New and Modern Pakistan is currently under construction in Islamabad, Pakistan. It's estimated cost is $350 million USD

A large part of the workforce is proficient in English, hardworking and intelligent. Pakistan possesses a large pool of trained and experienced engineers, bankers, lawyers and other professionals with many having substantial international experience.

Current investment policies have been tailor made to suit investor needs. Pakistan's policy trends have been consistent, with liberalization, de-regulation, privatization, and facilitation being its foremost cornerstones. The capital markets are being modernized, and reforms have resulted in development of improved infrastructure in the stock exchanges of the country.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has experienced an upward trend by reaching 4.1 percent in the year ending June 2010 while Foreign Exchange Reserves have surpassed US$ 17.44 billion whereas remittances are sharply up to a record level of US$8.5 billion.

Our investment regime being one of the best in the South Asian Region with lucrative incentives has attracted many foreign and local investors who are satisfied with the investment scenario in Pakistan.

 (Source  : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=291:pakistan-the-best-investment-regime-of-south-asian-region&catid=16:home&Itemid=25 )

 
 

Vibrant Culture of Beautiful Nepal by Srimal Fernando ( Published by Daily Mirror)

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(Source :  DailyMirror Life Page C 2)

Vibrant Culture of Beautiful Nepal 

Monday, 30 January 2012 00:21

By Srimal Fernando

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal with its beautiful landscapes had long been known world over for its majestic Everest Mountain, the highest mountain peak on the planet, Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and for  the world renowned kukri-wielding Gorkah warriors who are reputed for winning many battles .

Nepal is famous for its extraordinary scenic beauty and salubrious climate and is known  as  “the Land of Paradise”. Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayan Mountains and share borders with India and China. Of the world’s fourteen high peaks, the country has eight that include Mount Everest. The countrymen call it  Sagara –Matha. It is 8850 meters above sea level. The Himalayan Mountain range in the country has more than hundred snow-laden peaks rising above seven thousand meters.

Wildlife in the country is as diverse as its landscape, ranging from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers in the Baridia, Shiva-puri national park to the one-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park and the Himalayan black bears loitering in the Himalayan foothills.

Many of the countries lakes are considered sacred and have religious significance in the social lifestyle of the communities living near them. Nepal’s cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but many have lasting influence on the country’s culture. The culture of the county is composite and over centuries had assimilated the influences of the two main religions of the Indian sub continent, the Hinduism and Buddhism.

The city of Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha is located in the south-western side of the country .It is another heritage attraction. It was once an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. This world heritage site is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists from all over the world.  “Hidbhudhejate Shakyamuniti” which means “Lord Gautama Buddha was born here” is mentioned in the Asoka pillar of Lumbini erected by King Asoka  . The Nepalese Government has declared 2012 as Visit Lumbini Year .

As the most populous cosmopolitan city of Nepal, Kathmandu known as the ‘City of Temples’ is situated amidst a splendid panorama in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the most vibrant city in the country with number of buildings and fair assortment of other country style houses. It has a vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in this city. Among its highest-esteemed attractions is the Durbar Square nestled in the heart of the city.It was the ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The entire palace complex named after a monkey god called Hanuman. The best-known Bouddha-nath stupa on a three tiered platform is one of the most recognizable tourist spots that attract thousands of visitors every day. Swoyambhu-nath located on a 360 steps hillock is the world’s largest Shiva temple. The Pashupati-nath temples is another  prominent land marks in the city. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in itself as choices and variety for items here is incalculable.

"Tourism high priority for Nepal" - Srimal Fernando engages Hon Dilip MaharjanMinister for Tourism and Civil Aviation

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"Tourism high priority for Nepal"  - Minister Dilip Maharjan

         

Srimal Fernando – SouthAsia Correspondent for Foreign Exchange - The Diplomatic Society, engages Hon Dilip Maharjan State Minister for Tourism and  Civil Aviation to Nepal . Also speaking with Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation, discussion centered around the unique initiative taken by the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation to Nepal to develop the tourism in the country.

          Hon Dilip Maharjan State Minister for Tourism and  Civil Aviation
                                       

           Dr. Ganesh Raj Joshi Secretary for Tourism and Civil Aviation

Srimal Fernando (SF): Nepal has received tourist arrivals exceeding 800,000 in 2011. What are your future plans of selling Nepal to the World?

Hon Minister (HM): Tourism is one of the most important foreign income earning sectors of Nepal. The Government of Nepal has placed tourism on high priority in its new policy agenda for national development. After the dawn of peace and normalcy in the country, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in collaboration with the National tourist board (NTB) had initiated several programmes to develop the tourist industry in Nepal.

Tourism is given high priority since it is a major contributor to the country’s economy.  Tourism is also helping Nepal socially and culturally and addressing wider issues related to the industry. Increasing tourism-related employment at a wider scale of the sector will lead to equitable distribution of benefits and greater harmony in the society. Accordingly, Nepal’s Tourism Ministry will continue to expedite strategic development plans up to 2020. The tourism sector, which has started sending positive signals of its promising future with all its promotional activities with the aim of promoting Nepal as an attractive safe, exciting and unique destination that will gradually change the tourism sector within the coming years. Through peace, the tourism sector can spread its benefits to build peace and prosperity for the stability of Nepal.

SF: To meet the growing demand of the country’s tourism sector , what are the development plans prepared by the Ministry of Tourism, the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Civil Aviation for the year 2012?

HM: To meet the growing demand of the country’s tourism sector the capacity of Nepal’s Tourism Board (NTB) have to be strengthened. It needs to develop and improve strong collaborations with its partners in the industry. The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has achieved a successful year for tourism in 2011. The launching of visit Lumbini 2012 and the Tourism vision 2020 will be future targets for the booming tourist industry of the country. Further the Ministry had identified for development seventeen potential tourism zones from east, west, mid west, far west and from central regions of the country. These zones will chart seventeen wonderful experiences a tourist can enjoy. Further, the continuity of a wide-range of promotional campaigns starting from 2013 will promote Nepal as a favorite tourist destination for the travelers from all corners of the world.

SF: How can South Africa and countries from South Asia such as India and Sri Lanka,  which have fairly developed tourism sectors, support Nepal to overcome the challenges that are faced by Nepal’s tourism sector?

HM: Due to the advancement in technology and development of Science the whole world has become a Global Village.  Promoting tourism in this Global Village is significant for the development of Nepali Tourism.  The long history of diplomatic friendship between South Africa and Nepal has expanded steadily over the years. The flights from Johannesburg to Katmandu through Mumbai has increased the chances for South African travelers to reach Nepal easily. It is time for the two countries to identify potential areas for development in tourism and discuss it in detail. Tourism and Civil Aviation will be the key sectors that need improvements and strengthening. South Africa, with a wealth of experiences in tourism and aviation can share its experiences with Nepal to overcome these challenges.  

India, Sri Lanka and Nepal are historically linked by a common culture and religion. These are important factors that can improve relationships between our societies. Over the last several decades, the civil aviation industry and travel pattern in the region has changed dramatically for good. To meet further demands as passenger air traffic rises between India and Nepal, opening additional air routes from India will be an added advantage.  Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a place of pilgrimage for many Sri Lankans. In recent years relations between the two countries are growing steadily as evidenced by increased bilateral trade especially with the increased number of visitors from Sri Lanka.  

SF: What are the specific sectors that offer the greatest opportunities for outsiders to invest in tourism?

HM: Unity and diversity are the specialties of Nepal. Diversity in geography, environment, ethnicity and Culture are the main specialties of our country. 

Growth in the tourism sector of the county can be achieved by developing infrastructure connected with tourism, also by spreading the benefits of tourism to the people at the grass root level within the country and by giving publicity to improve its image.  These will open up a host of opportunities for investors to tap the tourism market of Nepal.

 Source: (  http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=277%3Aqtourism-high-priority-for-nepalq-minister-dilip-maharjan&catid=16%3Ahome&Itemid=25)

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South African investor to bolster Sri Lanka Tourism BySrimal Fernando

South African investor to bolster Sri Lanka Tourism

By Srimal Fernando South Asia Correspondent

Foreign Exchange The Diplomatic Society of South Africa

(http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za)

Sri Lanka is the tear drop-shaped island located 30 kilometers off the south eastern coast of India. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. During the past three years, after the dawn of peace and normalcy in Sri Lanka, the number of foreign companies investing in Sri Lanka has been increasing steadily. The island nation boasts of a progressive and modern industrial economy. It has one of the highest per capita incomes in the South Asian region with a remarkable economic growth.

 

At present, South African Investment in Sri Lanka has also been growing steadily. The long history of diplomatic friendship between the two countries lifted their relationship to a new stage, with an investment of 800 million dollars by a South African gaming and hotels group in 2011. According to media reports the investment will be made in a 200-acre private property in the coastal city of Katana, north of the Colombo by the Sun City Resorts run by South Africa's Sun International Ltd.

The growing bilateral ties between the two nations have opened up a host of opportunities for South African companies to tap the rapidly expanding Sri Lankan market and to do business in Sri Lanka. The South African Sun City Resorts investment will be the biggest investment in tourism sector development in Sri Lanka up to now. This will be followed by 500 million dollar investment by the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia to build a 500-room luxury hotel in Colombo and a 300-room city resort in Hambantota on the southern coast. The growing   bilateral ties between the two nations have opened up a host of opportunities for South African companies to tap the Sri Lankan market and for the Sri Lankan companies to do business in South Africa. In 2010 the two way trade between two countries Sri Lanka and South Africa stood at 38.61 million dollars.

Travel and tourism is one of the fastest growing industries in Sri Lanka. The country’s tourism industry is growing very rapidly and has become one of the major tourist destinations in the region.  Comparisons with other countries in the region have shown that Sri Lanka offers the most business friendly environments in South Asia. The expansion of tourism in the country continues to achieve spectacular gains in recent years. There have been new trends in tourist arrivals that give much expectation for the industry. Up to the end of December 2011, the number of tourist arrivals has recorded 855,975. This is 30.8 per cent more than the number of arrivals to the country in 2010.

Recently one of the reputed travel magazines in Britain “Cond’e Nast Traveller” has nominated Sri Lanka as one of the top five destinations to watch in 2012. Sri Lanka has been placed third among the worlds top five in the list of destinations, ahead of Britain, Australia and Abu-Dhabi.

As one of the populous countries in South Asian region, the growth and achievements in the Tourism sector of Sri Lanka are outstanding. Sri Lanka Tourism Board forecast that the contribution that will be made from the tourism sector to the national Gross Domestic Production (GDP) in 2012 will pass the one billion dollar mark from 950,000 arrivals. Further, the government aims to bolster the tourism sector and targets annual revenue of 2.7 billion dollars by 2016 from 2.5million visitors.

 

South Africa's Sun City Resorts recent investments in the Sri Lankan Leisure sector will boost the growth of the tourism sector of Sri Lanka. On the other hand South African’s will feel the confidence to travel and to invest in the countries of this region.

 

( Source : http://thediplomaticsociety.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=268:south-african-investor-to-bolster-sri-lanka-tourism&catid=16:home&Itemid=25)

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