Archive for November 7th, 2008
Army commander reviews progress of military operations in Wanni
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, With view to having an update of the security situation in the Wanni war front and reviewing the progress of the military operations directly conducted under him, flew to Vavuniya Friday (7) morning along with a few Senior Officers in Army Headquarters.
The Army Commander addressed senior ground commanders present at the Wanni Security Forces Headquarters auditorium after taking a stock of ongoing military operations briefed by Commander Security Forces Headquarters Wanni Major General Jagath Jayasuriya.
Dispatch of food convoys to un-cleared areas across the Omanthe entry/exit point, providing basic facilities to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) arriving from un-cleared areas and explore possibilities to arrange schooling facilities for children of IDPs were also discussed during the same meeting.
Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka gave necessary instructions to implement when mapping out future contingency plans.
Gem sector targets US Dollars 1 billion export earnings in 2010
Sri Lankan gem sector, which currently earns US$ 500 in exports earning, needs to be developed into a US$ 1 billion sector by 2010 Dr Sarath Amunugama Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion revealed to French Television Channel M6.
Dr Amunugama described the long history of gems in Sri Lanka, which had a worldwide reputation that went back even to Roman times. He added that it was important that an equitable price was paid for Sri Lankan gems and that the most modern methods are introduced to determine their value.
The French Television Channel M6 is preparing an in depth documentary on the global gem industry that will cover the sector from the mining of gems in Ratnapura to their eventual sale in the exclusive boutiques at the Place Vendome in Paris, where many of the leading names in jewellery are located.
Over 8 million viewers in France and about 40 million viewers worldwide watch M6 programmes
It was also revealed that Gemted Private Ltd, a French company is to establish a state of the art gem-testing laboratory in Sri Lanka shortly.
By Christine Hettiarachchi
Courtesy: Lankapuvath
Chinese Language facility on SriLankan Airlines flights to Beijing
SriLankan Airlines has made its Beijing service even more convenient for Chinese passengers, and now has a Chinese Language Assistant on board each flight in addition to the airline’s award-winning cabin crew.
Captain Milinda Ratnayake, Head of Service Delivery, said SriLankan, airlines constantly looking for ways and means to further enhance the level of convenience and comfort of our passengers. The introduction of Chinese Passenger Assistants will greatly assist the Chinese passengers, many of whom are not fluent in English.
SriLankan has a global reputation for Caring, Warm, and Friendly service both on board and on the ground. The airline has won such prestigious awards as “World’s Friendliest Cabin Staff”, and First Runner-Up for “World’s Best Cabin Crew”.
The airline has recruited several Chinese Passenger Assistants, all of whom have prior experience in the travel industry.
The airline is expecting strong growth in the China market, with that country’s sustained economic growth providing more and more of its people with the ability to travel overseas for leisure. In addition, a large number of Chinese visit Sri Lanka on official or business travel.
SriLankan also provides convenient connections through Colombo to the Middle East, Europe, and India.
By Christine Hettiarachchi
Courtesy: Lankapuvath
The 2nd ODI between West Indies and Sri Lankan women’s cricket team today
The second One day international (ODI) between West Indies and Sri Lankan women cricket teams commenced today (07) at the Rangiri Dambulu Stadium.
The West Indies were able to win the first match by 40 runs in the tournament consisting of 05 matches.The captain of the Sri Lankan women’s cricket team, Shashikala Siriwardena said that they expect to win the second match and would play with better strategies
Courtesy: Lankapuvath
Five organizations file petition against Gazette
Five organizations including TNL, EAP, Dialog and the Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) today filed a petition in court against the Private television broadcasting station regulation introduced by the government.
Courtesy: Dailymirror
