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Reconstruction PottuVille, Abay

Published on 25/12/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

Post-tsunami Reconstruction in Sri Lanka:

an Analysis of Newspaper Content

by Dileep Chandralal

Professor of Okinawa University

1. Introduction

I have done a survey of newspapers as proxies of media coverage of the post-tsunami recovery situation, focusing on different perspectives on the reconstruction effort. It reveals the practices taken by different sectors, sections or groups, the responses of the affected communities or opinion leaders, the tensions between different social groups or camps and the lack of mutuality and cooperation.

The social context of post-tsunami construction can be divided into two large areas: one area includes the representation of the local community and the other that of foreign participants. Crosscutting these divisions, at the background level, there was a wide range of interest groups such as governments, political organisations, independent bodies, NGOs and activists, academics and professionals, social workers, and individual volunteers. The represented discourses inherently invoke a consideration of differences reflecting writersa?? loyalties to different social groups. The focus of the study was how the text producers, strongly backed up by their respective social contexts, produced the texts and messages, depicting different world views and bearing different results for agenda setting.

My text corpus consists of, mainly, newspapers published during the year 2005. A period of one year was thought of as an appropriate period for depicting individual or collective reflections of, and responses for, the tragedy itself. Moreover, it was during this period that national and international media were bursting at the seams with continuous deliberations, ideas and arguments on post-tsunami reconstruction.

Continue reading ‘Reconstruction PottuVille, Abay’

WELCOME TO ARUGAM BAY EAST SRILANKA

Published on 24/12/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage, services and the bay. 0 Comments

Wednesday, 24 December 2008 11:34 ?????? EAST SRILANKA

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Cheap finpecia india Arugam Bay is situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka’s South-East coast. The Bay is located 220 km due East of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination.

Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami.Due to its popularity among tourists thearea has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only.

The main road through town has not been repaved yet.By April,2008 no help has been received from any official source or International organizations.

An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, sadly resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each Community.

He Bay hosts a large fleet of fishing boats which operate off the beach. Many organizations donated boats after the tsunami andas a result there are far more fishing boats than ever before.The main beach is bit dirty as it is used as a garbage dump and a toilet by some locals.Nearby beaches are more esthetically pleasing and also have excellent waves. Arugam Surf Point has a very long, consistent, sectiony right hand break.Many organizations claim to ha ve done extensive work in the area, but locally and on close inspection no progress can be observed so far, end first quarter, 2008.US ‘Mercy Corps’ has been the most active organization, funded by Oprah Whinfrey ‘Angel Network’, following a huge fund-raising TV series in the States.Sadly, none of their projects survived the first year of
operation.A bridge survived the first year of operation. A bridges being constructed by USAID to replace the old, original landmark box girder construction linking Arugam Bay with PottuVille town. There is excellent elephant viewing nearby as well as two types of monkeys wandering around the area.

Arugam Bay is far away! 7 hours drive from Colombo, it has until fairly recently only attracted a tthts. There are now almost dayly flights to Ampara with Sri Lankan Airlines sea planes.

They are presntly applying for a licence to land on Pottuvil Lagoon. The ISA (International Surfing Association) staged Arugam Bay’s first international surfing competition in the summer of 2004, and despite the shocking destruction of the Tsunami, returned again in 2005 to give the battered local economy a boost.

2005 was a difficult year for Arugam Bay as it was one of the worst hit areas of the country.

The post Tsunami recovery has by and large been very quick despite the remoteness of the area. many NGO’s and private organisations like ourselves (LankaRealAid) have help rebuild the area and some of the guest houses are now much better than before the wave. Both north and south of Arugam Bay there are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole of Sri Lanka.

SURF SPORTS IN ARUGAM BAY

Arugam Bay is on the list of the top ten surf points in the world. Situated on the South East side of Sri Lanka Arugam Bay receives the same Antarctic winter swell’s that hit Indonesia in the in the middle of the year. The best time of the year is between May and November when the predominant wind is offshore for at least the first half of the day.

Due to its location and southerly swell direction the area is dominated by right hand point breaks. There is a beach break in front of the Stardust Hotel, which can be fun for body surfing or for beginners but that’s about it.

Three of the point breaks “The Point”, “Pottuvil Point” and “Crocodile Rock” are within a hour tuk tuk ride from the Hotel, with “The Point being visible (15 min walk) from the hotel. There are several other points that are within a 1-hour’s ride or can be accessed by boat. Some of the staff at the hotel surf and are only to happy to help you plan surf trips to some of these lesser known breaks

The Point: This is the main break at Arugam Bay. The point is a long right-hand point/reef break that breaks at the headland in front of Arugam Bay. It is also the best swell magnet of all the points and you can almost always guarantee that the The Point will be a couple of feet bigger than any of the other breaks. It breaks from anything between 2 and 6 feet but tends to max out after 6 foot. Due to its location it is also attracts the biggest crowd but seems to be handle it as it often sections in a few spots. On a good day it provides a clean rideble wall that will barrel in the sections and give you a 400-meter ride right through to the inside. When you ride all the way through the best option is to paddle a few yards to the beach and walk back out to the entry point (booties are advisable as the reef starts from ankle depth). There is also cafA?A?A?run by some of the locals that provides a grant vantage point to watch the action from and take in stock up on energy for the next session.

Pottuvil Point: Pottuvil Point is every surfers dream tropical wave. A long deserted sandy beach doted with some huge boulders at the waters edge, make this wave a favourite with some of the season veterans. Less

crowded because of the hour tuk tuk ride north from Arugam Bay, Pottuvil point provides 800 meter rides from the outside section right through to the beach on the inside. The unique thing about this wave is that for most of it you can be working a four foot face and be only a few meters from the beach as the wave grinds down the sandy point.

The outside section sucks up and throw’s out as the swell raps into the point giving a 30 meter wall to work with before it fades as it hits deeper water for about 10 seconds. The wave then tends to double up as it hits a shallow sand bottom section that will have you hanging in there for all you worth just to try and make the next 40 to 80 meter section. Failure can leave you standing in knee deep water with a mouth full of sand if you manage not to get slammed into one of the boulder’s first.If conditions are right and you can make it through this section then the wave peels perfectly meters from the beach for an eternity until it closes out in the bay and you begin the long walk back. Pottuvil Point needs a decent size swell before it starts working at all and a large swell before the middle section

source:

http://www.saitour.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82:welcome-to-arugam-bay-east-srilanka&catid=43:east-srilanka&Itemid=59

Another VW surf mobile

Published on 19/12/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, Ideas, people, press coverage and surf. 0 Comments

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Wind & 1974 VW Kitemobile

It was a gift, its the middle of the off season for Kitesurfing and yet for 1 week we had solid Buy ashwagandha ireland wind due to the depression off the coast of Bengal. Admist the flood, the pot holes and long drive, we managed to reach the destination. Awesome session in extreme conditions.

Also, talking about passions and dreams, Sri Lanka Kite Guru : Mischi became the very How much does clomid cost at kaiser proud owner of a 1974 VW Kitemobile! I am sure you might be able to spot him in Colombo, Negombo one of these days!

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Ian and Tony met in Arugam Bay, 1980

Published on 18/12/2008 in Blogs, front page, people, press coverage, surf and the bay. 0 Comments

Tony Hussain, The Maldives Surf Veteran
Posted by: Shari on December 18th, 2008

Story by DOUG LEES, from the latest issue ofA?A?Surfing World Magazine

Tony inside bowl – Honkys late 70s

On 27 May this year, Anthony A?a??A?Tony HusseinA?a??A? Hinde, the surfer who discovered the waves of the Maldives, died surfing the wave he found in 1973 A?a??a?? the wave where, he said his A?a??A?soul became completeA?a??A?.

Having ridden a wave to the end, Tony did not get back on his board and was spotted floating in the water. Despite the best efforts of fellow surfers and the local doctor he could not be revived. Tony had suffered a sudden heart attack as he finished that wave.

TonyA?a??a??s story is one of the truly great surf fairytales. He was the 20 year old from Australia who went on a surfing adventure at a time when many of the worldA?a??a??s best surf breaks were yet to be discovered. A shipwreck on a deserted island in the middle of the Indian Ocean landed him on the then-unknown Maldives, where he found his own nirvana and made it his life and livelihood.

Tony with the first surfboard ever ridden in Maldives.

In 1973, Tony was traveling with his good friend Mark Scanlon on a surfing trip from Indonesia to Africa. By December they had come as far as Sri Lanka, where, despite neither having any sailing experience, they talked their way onto a 56-foot ketch bound for Africa. The captainA?a??a??s plan was to set sail and let the current push them north, but the December currents drove them south towards the Maldives.

On the third night, when they thought they were in the middle of the ocean, the boat was hit by a four-foot wave. Luckily they managed to surf the boat in to the deserted shore – Tony Hussein had landed on the Maldives. In the morning they realised they were A?a??A?in a beautiful lagoon, surrounded by a beautiful reef and covered by an equally beautiful skyA?a??A?.

Tony doing a cutback at Pasta Point.

Despite the captain deciding not to stay, Tony and Mark salvaged the boat and sailed it around the islands – at the time one of the most deserted places on earth. One day on this journey of discovery they rounded a headland where A?a??A?there was a wrapping, blue, perfect left-hander, offshore wind, six feet, breaking off a deserted island with no other surfer for a thousand milesA?a??A?. As luck would have it, there was a right-hander just as perfect on the other side of the island. After just one session there, Tony decided this was where he wanted to live.

Tony sailing his dhoni.

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Captain Tony

The Maldives opened to tourists in 1972 but by December 1973, Tony estimated, there had only been A?a??A?maybe 100 people throughA?a??A?. Tony and Mark were the first to arrive on their own and the local government agency didnA?a??a??t know what to do with them. There were no guest houses in the Maldives, so they billeted with locals until Tony rented a house, for seven dollars a month for a year.

A?a??A?I was 20 and thought IA?a??a??d died and gone to heaven,A?a??A? he said.

From 1974 to 1984 Tony and selected friends surfed the Maldives area by themselves. They would simply walk to the end of the island and paddle out or sail in TonyA?a??a??s small dhoni, a single-sailed local transport vessel, to other islands nearby. They would leave their boards in the jungle and sail back and forth.

Ton in a bottom turn.

If they saw another yacht sailing by they would belly the waves straight in and hide in the bush. Tony gave the waves heA?a??a??d discovered names, by which they are now widely known. He originally named both the left and right breaks Sultans, but later changed the left to HonkyA?a??a??s after his nickname Honky Fats Waller.

In 1984, Tony got his first outboard motor, mounted on the back of his dhoni. This was a major advancement after ten years of sailing and poling between islands and in and out of lagoons. In the Maldives Tony found personal as well as surfing nirvana, converting to Islam in 1977. He said his conversion was a A?a??A?way of thanking Allah for guiding me to the Maldives and for the good fortune IA?a??a??d had thereA?a??A?. He also liked the fact that the people of the Maldives were like Polynesian Muslims, a more casual, but very respectful sort of Islam. A?a??A?They respect the religion here but theyA?A?re not hardcore about it,A?a??A? he said.A?A?In 1983 his naturalisation was completed when he married a local Maldivian, Zulfa, with whom he had a son and a daughter.

Young Tony and Zulfa

ItA?a??a??s estimated that only about ten different white men had surfed HonkyA?a??a??s up until 1984 – now thatA?a??a??s a well kept secret. But in the mid-eighties, more surfers arrived through the introduction of friends. Tony said heA?a??a??d always known that one day the Maldives would be exposed to the world and thought he would open a surf travel company. So, in 1989, in partnership with good friend and surfer Ian Lyon, Atoll Adventures was begun.

Ian and Tony met in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka in 1980, but it was several years before Tony let Ian in on his secret – the surf in the Maldives – and then it was with some urgency. Tony wrote to Ian saying that, due to a change in the laws in the Maldives, if he was to come surfing there, he had to get there before May 1984. Ian arrived soon after receiving the letter and had two monthA?a??a??s of perfect surf with Tony.

Ian describes Tony as one of the most interesting people he has ever known, a man he admired and loved as much as a brother. He says that first trip was one of the best experiences of his life.A?A?A?a??A?Staying in this isolated country of tiny islands with a culture and people unlike any others I had experienced. Surfing perfect waves with only a few friends and getting to know Tony really well, understanding and appreciating just how amazing his life of the past ten years had been and being part of an incredible secret.A?a??A?

Together, Tony and Ian introduced surfers to the incredible secret. In the early years of the business, Ian says, they had a hard time even convincing people that there was surf in the Maldives. People would ring and abuse them. ThereA?a??a??s no surf in the Maldives, they would say, accusing them of running an imaginary surf camp.

Tony and Boppa

Now, Atoll Adventures is the leading surf travel company to the area and the resort they pioneered on Pasta Point has become the most popular surf location in the Maldives.

Tony often said he would spend the rest of his life in the Maldives and this is exactly what he did.

In an earlier issue of Surfing World (SW 299), Tony said: A?a??A?I have been very happy here, happier than I ever thought possible. Again I want to thank Allah for all that he has given me. I have lived a lucky life, a dream life, in my years in the Maldives. My only regret is that Simon Anderson didnA?a??a??t invent the thruster 15 years earlier.A?a??A?

TonyA?a??a??s wife of 25 years, Zulfa, died in January 2008 while undergoing treatment for Leukemia at Wollongong Hospital. He is survived by his son Ashley (23) and daughter Mishal (15). Ashley has deferred his university course in Sydney to return to the Maldives to attend to family affairs and learn everything about the operations of Atoll Adventures. Mishal is at boarding school in Brisbane.

Tony and Zulfa

Posted in: News Stories, Surf history, Top stories. Tags: A TRIBUTE TO THE MAN ACKNOWLEDGED FOR DISCOVERING HIDDEN TREASURE IN THE MALDIVES, Anthony Hinde, coastalwatch, doug lees, surfing world, Tony Hussein.source:
http://www.realsurf.com/2008/12/18/a-tribute-to-the-man-acknowledged-for-discovering-hidden-treasure-in-the-maldives/

Arugam via Ampara? Mihin will fly soon

Published on 17/12/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage, services and Share Transfer. 0 Comments

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IntA?a??a??l operations re-launched this month :

Mihin to launch domestic flights

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Mihin Lanka will introduce domestic flights to three destinations after launching their international schedule end of this month. This would be done within three months and the management hopes to lease 17 new aircraft for these operations. The airline is looking at flying to Trincomalee, Palaly and Ampara mainly targeting the local business clientele.

Chairman Mihin Lanka, Raja Edirisuriya speaking to A?a??E?Daily News BusinessA?a??a?? said that they want to make Mihin, the best low cost airline in the region. A?a??A?We are adopting new strategies and have launched a new business model to make the airline a viable venture,A?a??A? he said.

The agreement to lease a new aircraft from a French company was signed last week and the new 186 seater Boeing would arrive in Sri Lanka on 19. The wet lease agreement would be reviewed once again in three months and the airline is next looking at a more profitable one.

A four member international technical team will arrive this week to train the local airline crew for these operations.

Under the first stage the airline will operate six weekly flights to Dubai leaving Colombo at 10 p.m. In addition there would be five to three frequencies to both Trevendrum and Trichi. The Bodhgaya flights will operate from February 15.

A sum of over one million US dollars that were in arrears to companies in both India and Dubai were also paid last week.

A?a??A?Mihin is a new year gift from the government to the masses,A?a??A? he said. He said under the new roll out plan a home grown call centre was established with an investment of less than Rs. 200,000.

A?a??A?Earlier Rs. 2.5 million was spent to maintain it each month,A?a??A? he said. The hotline for the call centre is 2002255.

The new CEO, Kapila Chandrasensa said the operations would be highly profit oriented and the airline would be a mixture of a low cost and a full service airline.

A?a??A?We are not going to eat into the SriLankan airlines market and are looking at new synergies to tap the masses,A?a??A? he said. The fares would be less than the current prices and enhanced on board service would be offered for Dubai flight.

A?a??A?While the Dubai flight targets the Sri Lankan expat workers the Indian flights would be mainly for Indian passengers who wants to fly international from Colombo.

Indian flights (Bodhgaya) will also target first time travelers and the Buddhist pilgrims who cannot afford high airfares,A?a??A? he said. He also aid the global airline industry is facing a crisis due to the world economic downturn. A?a??A?However good governance would allow Mihin to stay afoot,A?a??A? he said.

source:
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/12/15/bus01.asp

RCFA annual recital strikes hopeful note

Published on 16/12/2008 in press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

On the lighter side of Silly Lanka life we have found this article:

December 15, 2008 A?a??a?? cerno

The Royal ColomboA?A?FlatulistA?A?Association held its annual recital today at the Gandapokuna auditorium. TheA?A?chiefA?A?guest was theA?A?deputy non cabinet minister for A?A?Rural Recreational Sports Infrastructure and Up country Mango Cultivation, Mr Maha Horachandiya.Many new and old members showcased their skills. The highlight of the event was a solo performance by Mr.Godarala Thatamanagama. Mr.Thatamanagama had recently returned from Ireland where he had been awarded the rarely awarded title of BraigetoriA?A?- a first for a Sri Lankan. His performance of the traditionalA?A?Flatulist classic A?a??A?Unum saltum et siffletum et unum bumbulumA?a??A? was greeted with a standing ovation.Past president of the RCFA, Dr A?A?C.O.W Harakakakula delivered theA?A?Joseph Pujol memorial oration. He gave an entertaining historical overview of the society and identifiedA?A?numerous statistical indicators that pointed to steadyA?A?continuousA?A?growth in potential members. The current president Mrs Kasanaballa,A?A?took up this fact andA?A?outlined several growth initiatives already underway. The most prominent being government support via theA?A?Mr Maha Horachandiya A?a??A?visionaryA?a??A? scheme.
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In hisA?A?speech, the minister pointed out thatA?A?FlatulistA?A?themedA?A?entertainmentA?A?is an ideal form of low cost socialA?A?recreation. He thanked the association for its patriotic role in maintaining public morale in a time of war and global economic difficulties. He said that bothA?A?Up country Mango Cultivation policy and the RCFA would clearly benefit fromA?A?Flatulence. He invited the RCFA to make a concerted drive to recruit rural members into its ranks. With this aim in mind, A?a??A?Unum saltum et siffletum et unum bumbulum How much ranitidine can i give my dog A?a??A? has been translated into Sinhala and Tamil. The minister hoped that when the war was over, widespreadA?A?Flatulence willA?A?strengthen the bonds between all Sri Lankans.

Following his speech students from two Maha Vidyalayas in Vavuniya and Matara gave maiden performances of the translated songs. Many in the audience,A?A?includingA?A?the minister were moved to tears.A?A?Attendees were encouraged to fill out A?A?an online surveyA?A?at the end of the proceedings.A?A?The recital ended with the national anthem performed by theA?A?RCFA orchestra.

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Posted in Art, Arts and Culture Colombo, Colombo, Colombo art, Culture, Sri Lanka, humor, humour. Tags: Dissociated Fake Press, fart, farting, Flatulence

Arugam Bay Bridge, Blake, Bush, Obama

Published on 12/12/2008 in From our own Correspondent, Money Matters, people, press coverage and Security & Safety. 0 Comments

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Daya Gamage A?a??a?? Asian Tribune US Bureau presentation

Washington, D.C. 12 November (Asiantribune.com): “An important part of achieving a political solution and reconciliation between all of Sri LankaA?a??a??s communities will be to improve human rights in Sri Lanka. The high numbers of extra-judicial killings, abductions, and other human rights violations in Sri Lanka have disproportionately affected Tamils. A concerted effort to end such practices and bring the culprits to justice would not only hasten reconciliation in Sri Lanka, it would allow countries like the United States to do more in Sri Lanka.”

The American Ambassador in Sri Lanka Robert Blake made the above remarks on December 11 when he addressed the American Chamber of Commerce in Colombo on an issue thatA?a??a??s discussed widely in this Indian-Ocean Island nation A?a??A?US Perspective on the Situation in Sri LankaA?a??A? reiterating that this was the right time for political solution in Sri Lanka.

Earlier this week his political chief in the embassy was awarded the highest distinguish award by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington for his superior reporting on Sri LankaA?a??a??s political and human rights situation.

Before any comment from Asian TribuneA?a??a??s U.S. Bureau we carry the full text of American AmbassadorA?a??a??s remarks made before the American Chamber of Commerce.

Full text of remarks by Remarks by Ambassador Blake:

Good afternoonA?a??a??thank you Gordon, and the rest of the AmCham board and members, for welcoming me here today. ItA?a??a??s a pleasure to have the opportunity to address AmCham again and see so many old friends.

All of you represent the best of Sri LankaA?a??a??s business community—companies large and small that cover a range of sectors and collectively employ tens of thousands of Sri Lankans. Beyond being successful businesspeople, you also have something very important to me in common. That is a connection to the United States. All of you do business with my country and help build people to people ties that are so important to our bilateral relations.

IA?a??a??d like to build my remarks today around three themes that go to the heart of U.S. policy toward Sri Lanka. They are:

First, the need for a political solution and improvement in human rights to help end the conflict and achieve national reconciliation;

Second, new directions in U.S. assistance in Sri Lanka; and

Third, how the U.S. and Sri Lanka can weather the current financial turmoil.

With respect to the first question, there are many in Sri Lanka who argue either that there is no need for a political solution in Sri Lanka or that such a solution can await the end of the conflict.

U.S. policy has remained consistent on this important point: we think the right time for a political solution is now. American policy toward Sri Lanka has been dominated for the past twenty-five years by the civil conflict that has plagued and terrorized this nation. From investment to trade to military support to development assistance, the conflict influences nearly each and every aspect of our relationship. And for the past quarter century, the United States has remained committed and actively engaged in supporting an end to the conflict. Our position has remained constant and unwavering: LTTE terrorism cannot be tolerated and the rights of all Sri Lankans can best be protected and promoted through a political solution to Sri LankaA?a??a??s conflict that meets the aspirations of Tamils, Muslims and Sinhalese.

One important way forward is for Sri Lanka to complete the work of the All Parties Representative Committee, which has reached agreement on 90% of a blueprint for constitutional reform that most Sri Lankans believe offers great promise. However, it remains for the countryA?a??a??s two main Sinhalese parties, the SLFP and UNP, to agree on the document, which has proved a significant hurdle thus far.

Pursuing both a political solution and achieving a military victory are not mutually exclusive. In fact, reaching a political solution now could significantly weaken the LTTE in several ways.

It would disprove the LTTEA?a??a??s claim that they are the sole representative of Sri LankaA?a??a??s Tamils and are the only ones who can address and safeguard their interests.

It would diminish support for the LTTE, both within LTTE-controlled areas and among the Tamil Diaspora community abroad.

And it would help reassure the more than 200,000 displaced by the conflict in the Vanni that they can move south where they could aspire to a better future.

An important part of achieving a political solution and reconciliation between all of Sri LankaA?a??a??s communities will be to improve human rights in Sri Lanka. Yesterday was Human Rights Day—the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The high number of extra-judicial killings, abductions, and other human rights violations in Sri Lanka has disproportionately affected Tamils. A concerted effort to end such practices and bring the culprits to justice would not only hasten reconciliation in Sri Lanka, it would allow countries like the United States to do more in Sri Lanka.

This leads me to my second policy theme: US aid to Sri Lanka. Over the past half century, the United States has provided more than two billion dollars worth of assistance to the people of Sri Lanka. We have done this for several reasons A?a??a?? to help Sri Lankans increase their economic opportunities and improve their quality of life, and to help ease the hardship caused by this brutal conflict.

One immediate assistance question for the United States is: with the Government liberating large parts of former-LTTE controlled territories, how can my country best support the urgent needs of the people in those areas?

The answer to this question focuses on our development program, led largely by the US Agency for International Development. USAID has undertaken several important initiatives in recent years. First, AID recently concluded the last of its projects aimed to help the Sri Lankan people in the tsunami-affected areas of the south and east to recover from this terrible tragedy. Our $135 million program enabled the reconstruction of the Arugam Bay Bridge, the reconstruction or rehabilitation of nine vocational training schools, the upgrading of three fishing harbors which were damaged by the tsunami, and even the construction of 87-playgrounds to help children recover from the trauma, among many other good activities.

Now, geographically, the focus of our assistance programs has shifted and our development efforts are concentrated in the recently liberated regions of eastern Sri Lanka. Over the next four years, we will focus our development efforts on two programs: A?a??A?Connecting Regional EconomiesA?a??A? or CORE and A?a??A?Supporting Regional GovernanceA?a??A? or SuRG (we Americans love our acronyms!).

The CORE program is designed to increase social and economic security in Eastern Sri Lanka. By addressing the disparity in economic development between Eastern Sri Lanka and the more prosperous Western Province, CORE aims to establish conditions whereby sustained economic development can be launched.

Projects funded under the CORE initiative are designed with five goals:

-First, support livelihood development for vulnerable populations;

-Second, promote the development of agriculture-based value chains;

-Third, ensure that groups in conflict-affected areas benefit from participation in these value chains and our other efforts;

-Fourth, implement a workforce development strategy;

-and finally promote a business enabling environment.

The SuRG program aims to support and facilitate increased citizen engagement in regional and local government, strengthen inter-community reconciliation, and promote social equality by, for example, promoting citizen interaction with government institutions, and strengthening the capacity of journalists and media outlets in the East.

Programs like CORE and SuRG are essential to connecting and integrating the Eastern Province with other provinces. At the end of the day, if the young people of the East, have a job, can care for their families, and have their voices heard by elected representatives, it will reduce the chance the LTTE could ever reconstitute itself in the east and will help to promote economic, social and political stability in the country.

Another important component of the Connecting Regional Economies project of interest to all of you is USAIDA?a??a??s resolve to works with the business community to create public-private partnerships to generate jobs and growth.

This model already has enjoyed success in USAID programs with companies like AmCham Members Hayleys and Brandix. We are actively expanding the scope of our partnerships with private companies to help leverage resources and create sustainable jobs. Such programs are at the core of U.S. official assistance to Sri Lanka. I hope that we will be able to expand such programs to areas of the North such as Mannar once conditions permit.

Before I continue to the next policy question, I want to make another important point about U.S. development assistance. U.S. support to development projects in Sri Lanka is not limited to projects funded by USAID or other U.S. Government agencies. In fact, globally, donations from private individuals in the United States to charities, NGOs, and foundations dwarf official U.S. Government development assistance. To put a number to this, 85 percent of all U.S. A?a??a??originated assistance toward development activities around the world is funded by such private donations.

Here too, in Sri Lanka, you can see just how active International NGOs —the organizations funded largely through such non-governmental sources—are.

Of course, itA?a??a??s not just the work of American INGOs but also a whole host of INGOs from around the world. They are not motivated by profit, they are not here to gain financially from the conflict, and most importantly, they are not here to support terrorists or undermine national security as some have wrongly alleged. They are in Sri Lanka because they are committed to working with the people of Sri Lanka to provide new opportunities and renewed hope for the future, and they are doing an excellent job.

This brings me to third area of U.S. assistance, which is emergency humanitarian aid for those displaced and affected by the conflict. So far this year, the United States has donated $32 million dollars in food and other commodity assistance to help those affected by the fighting in the north. Last week, we donated an additional $100,000 in non-food aid to help victims affected by heavy floods in Jaffna and other parts of the North. In both instances, the Government of Sri Lanka has provided us with assurances that urgent relief supplies can and will move safely and quickly to those who need them most.

Any discussion about development and growth in Sri Lanka is irrevocably tied to a discussion about the global economy. Thus, with markets in turmoil and a global recession casting a shadow over the worldA?a??a??s economy, how can the United States and Sri Lanka weather the current financial crisis?

On Tuesday, I delivered a speech outlining the global response to the financial crisis. In a room full of businesspeople I wonA?a??a??t go into detail about the causes and official actions by the global community. You know all this and deal with it on a daily basis.

But I would like to say a few words, about how the U.S. is weathering the storm because the U.S. economy helps drive global growth and is one of Sri LankaA?a??a??s most important markets. Under President BushA?a??a??s leadership, we have adopted numerous measures to boost the US economy, including the $700 billion Emergency Economic Stabilization Act to purchase distressed assets and provide capital injections into banks. That has helped, but markets remain under stress.

Just about one week ago, the U.S. announced that our economy is officially in a recession. The U.S. Congress is now considering a $14 billion package of loans to AmericaA?a??a??s big three automakersA?a??a??an industry that directly or indirectly employs over six percent of our manufacturing workforce.

President-Elect Obama also has been very active. He announced last weekend that his Administration — once it takes office on January 20 — will undertake the largest public works construction program since our interstate highway program 50 years ago. The program will include infrastructure projects to repair roads and bridges, and create green jobs that reduce energy use and global warming emissions. The President-electA?a??a??s goal is to create 2.5 million new jobs in the first two years of his administration, which would more than offset the number of jobs lost in American in 2008.

Sri Lanka, although not as immediately affected by the crisis as other countries, nonetheless faces economic challenges of its own. Foreign exchange reserves are low, which make it more difficult to maintain trade flows and meet payment obligations. Recent developments in the financial sector are also likely to result in increased difficulties for Sri Lanka in accessing short term trade financing, as well as large commercial loans in 2009. Within both our societies, there is a temptation among some to turn inward. To levy barriers against imports or to “creep away from,” if not outright abandon, international agreements that help facilitate the flow of goods and services would be shortsighted and ill-advised.

Let me conclude my remarks on a positive note. We, Sri Lankans and Americans alike, are faced with tremendous challenges. But both our countries also have the promise of a better future. In Sri Lanka, an end to the conflict could bring unprecedented opportunities and prosperity. In my country, the election of Barack Obama has given us great hope and optimism.

For both of our countries, hope and optimism can translate into peace and economic prosperity. Sri Lanka faces important questions today. What path will lead to a lasting end to the conflict; how can the international community best work with Sri Lanka to foster growth and development; how can our countries avoid the temptation of economic isolationism and work together to overcome the current economic crisis; and perhaps most importantly, how can you overcome terrorism and still protect and promote human rights?

The answers to these questions are not simple, but the United States remains committed to working with Sri Lanka to tackle these enormous challenges.

Barack Obama waged and won his campaign on the message A?a??A?Yes we can.A?a??A? For Americans, this was more than a campaign slogan. The words project optimism, teamwork, and perseverance. This A?a??A?Yes we canA?a??A? attitude doesnA?a??a??t just apply to individuals, but also to partnerships like that between the people of the United States and Sri Lanka. Yes we can address our challenges and Yes we Will continue to work together.

Thank you.

– Asian Tribune –

source:
http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/14667

Promoting Arugam Bay & homestays in the East

Published on 09/12/2008 in Blogs, guesthouse, hotels, Ideas, Money Matters, press coverage and the bay. 0 Comments

Sri Lanka set to develop tourism in the East
Lexapro generic name escitalopram We want a people based tourism to flourish in the East!

Sri Lanka Tourism in its attempt to develop the East, now liberated after the 22 years of war in the region has set in place a process to fast track development. Regions listed are: of Pasikudah, Arugambay,
Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Waakarai, Verugal and Kalkudah.

The appointment of the Eastern Province Tourism Development Committee was officially announced last week at a press conference held at the Ministry of Tourism under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Tourism, Faiszer Musthapha who handed over the letter of appointment to Eastern Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan as the member of the committee, to take forward the development work to empower the tourism sector of the East. Leading business persons were also appointed as members of the committee to fast track activities.

Stressing the importance of the committee, Deputy Minister said, ?We need the East, since it has lots to offer for the tourism sector and we have focused on accelerating the development of the Eastern Province within a specific time frame. East, ravaged by the war for 22 years, is now freed and we have a vision to develop the East under the guidance of Tourism Minister, Milinda Moragoda. In a similar manner we intend to work along with other provinces with the help of chief ministers in encouraging tourism development. Sri Lanka Tourism is glad to have the Chief Minister of East, working towards achieving this goal.

Secretary to the Ministry, George Michael in his address said, “We will be taking a lead role in development sharing the power and resources with all provinces and an event like the JATA Fair in Tokyo, where the Eastern Chief Minister attended, set the path to tell the country the model of sharing power and resources”.

Eastern Chief Minister said, “We are prepared to work in unity towards our future goals. Development of the East will surely improve the living condition of the people. To begin with, we will work on the development of areas like Kalkudah, Pasikudah,
Arugam Bay and Nilaveli . As we all know East is blessed with many touristic attractions and it will enable us to reestablish those areas to bring direct benefit to the community, that will make the area more attractive for international vistiors to Sri Lanka.”

Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Renton de Alwis, spoke of the need for a new approach in ensuring wider benefits to the people of the area. He said that already the concept of establishing rooms in homes in the East, a concept where homes can accommodate guests has got the nod from several donor agencies. This will be a way to develop a truly community based tourism in the east, which ideally fits the new tourism demand, where visitors seek interaction with people and want to learn of their lifestyles, he said.

Director General, Tourism Authority and Managing Director, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau also spoke at the press briefing.

source:
A?A?http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_nshw.php?mwi=5207 Buy cabgolin in endometriosis

Arugam’s new pages on Facebook

Published on 09/12/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, front page, Ideas, parties, people, press coverage, surf, the bay and wild life. 1 Comment

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New!

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Arugam
Is now fully featured on Facebook.
Stay in touch with events. Watch the latest video clips and photos.
Anyone can comment and upload own content incl. video clips.
It’s good to share your experience with other friends of our famous Bay.
Soon you will be able to listen to the new ABaY Surf Anthem by Julian of Vienna.
Just one click and you will also be a fan of the Bay!
Try it!
Even Obama is an old fan of Arugam Surf!
Check it out:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Arugam-Surf/34935689893

Flood Warning from Arugam Bay

Published on 06/12/2008 in press coverage, Security & Safety and the bay. 0 Comments

Heavy rains, floods expected

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

COLOMBO: The Disaster Managegement Centre of Sri Lanka yesterday warned that spells of heavy rains could be expected in the Northern and Southern regions within the next couple of days influenced by a forming Buy actoplus met “depression” in the Bay of Bengal.

The Centre’s director Major Gen. Gamini Hettiarachchi said the Jaffna, Mulativu, Killinochchi , Vavuniya, Mannar, Batticaloe, Ampara and Trincomalee districts could experience floods if the depression forming in the low pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal intensifies.

Continuous rains and thundershowers are forecast for the region with the winds of Bay of Bengal in the Northeasterly regions influenced by the forming depression, he explained.

Hettiarachchi said, the Disaster Management Centre has taken steps the for necessary evacuation of people from areas most prone to floods in the districts by now as an emergency measure.

“People have been evacuated from several villages in the Batticaloa district as well,” he said.

Asked if the Centre had dispatched life saving boats to these areas, he said they have sent but a limited number of Allopurinol annual sales boats, a number enough to handle initial flood stages.

‘We have carried out the necessary drills, educated the public in villages on how they should act in an emergency. We are prepared to face any situation that could arise from floods,” he said.

The Disaster management Centre has placed its co-coordinators in the North and East to deal with the situation at its first signs, he added.

He also said , the Ministry of Resettlement and Disaster Relief, UN Agencies , UNICEF and UNCHR , will be there to assist the flood victims with food and medicine and other non-food relief items.

source:
A?A?http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/12/05/news12.asp

Dr. Hans and HBO in Arugam Bay

Published on 04/12/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, people and press coverage. 0 Comments

Dr. Hans named Sri Lankan of the year

The Dialog Blog Reports:

indi 10:39:00 pm on December 3, 2008 | # |
Tags: awards, corporate, management

By LMD. He deserves it. Order duetact wikipedia Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is definitely one of the most inspiring, intelligent and sincerely good people IA?a??a??ve ever met. He has a 5, 10 year vision for Dialog and Sri Lanka and itA?a??a??s very ambitious and very hopeful.

Right now is a tough time both economically, and also because the company is investing in new businesses. However, the long-term vision is incredibly sound. Dialog is slowly becoming a company that delivers Mobile, Internet, TV How much dutasteride for hair loss and Fixed Line technology to Sri Lanka which, when you think about it, is pretty cool. Like, IA?a??a??m in a third world country using mobile broadband, and checking my email on my phone.
Someone in Arugam Bay is watching HBO. Someone is calling their mother in the Middle East on a CDMA from somewhere fixed lines never reached. And Dr brought all that technology to Sri Lanka, and made Dialog one of the most successful businesses in the region. And respected. If you step back and think about it, itA?a??a??s pretty cool.

source:
http://www.dialogblogs.com/2008/12/dr-hans-named-sri-lankan-of-the-year/

Panama Point: 17km South of Arugam Bay

Published on 02/12/2008 in From our own Correspondent, front page, press coverage, the bay and weddings. 1 Comment

A beautiful spot just south of the Bay: Is flonase an over the counter medication
Panama

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Also note the fine weather. Photos taken December, 2008
In the “rainy” Season.

Tribute to a real tracker & guide. Kumana is near Arugam Bay

Published on 02/12/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage and wild life. 0 Comments

Flame in Lahuhgala, PottuVille or Arugam Bay?

Published on 29/11/2008 in Blogs, From our own Correspondent, people, press coverage, Security & Safety and wild life. 0 Comments

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The nineteenth A?a??A?Great heroes dayA?a??A? (GHD) was observed by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) on Thursday November 27. In recent times the most important event for the LTTE has been its annual A?a??E?Maaveerar NaalA?a??a?? or A?a??A?Maaveerar ThinamA?a??A?held each year.

Various observances are held in Sri Lanka and abroad to commemorate the Tiger cadres who have died for the Tamil cause. A?a??E?Puligalin Thaagam Thamil Eelath ThaayagamA?a??a?? (Thirst of the Tigers is for a Tamil Eelam homeland) is the motto of the LTTE.

An important feature of the GHD has been the ceremony where LTTE Leader Velupillai Prabhakaran pays homage to the fallen cadres. The centrepiece of this ceremony is his address to the Tamil people in his capacity as the self-styled national leader of the Tamil Eelam nation.

This yearA?a??a??s GHD address by Prabhakaran came at a time when the LTTE was suffering setback after setback on the military front. It was only last year that Defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa predicted that the 2007 Great Heroes Day would be the last one for the tiger chief.

Prabhakaran however is still alive and what is more lived to deliver another GHD address. Given the series of military reversals undergone by the LTTE in recent times many expected or wanted the Tiger supremo to throw the towel in.

A number of articles and even editorials appeared in the Sri Lankan media ridiculing and mocking Prabhakaran and the LTTE for its perceived poor track record in military matters.

There is a widespread belief in the country and abroad that the LTTE is militarily weak and therefore is on the verge of being defeated conclusively by the armed forces. With the Rajapaksa regime utilising its military successes to consolidate itself in power a massive propaganda campaign is on to project an image that the Tigers are on the decline. If recent military developments are the sole criteria to assess the strength or weakness of the LTTE there was some justification at least for this opinion to gain ground.

This impression has led to an atmosphere of triumphalism in the country amidst many sections of the majority community. Those who disagree or dissent are unfairly depicted as traitors or Tiger agents.

There were quite a few who expect Prabhakaran to call it quits or face extinction. A few actually advised him to surrender arms and enter the negotiating process.

It was against this backdrop that PrabhakaranA?a??a??s annual GHD address was delivered last Thursday. If anyone thought of Prabhakaran as a battered, bleeding boxer, reeling on the ropes, gasping for breath, they were mistaken.

The Tiger chief was defiant as ever. Maintaining tremendous serenity amid severe strain, the beleaguered LTTE chief read out his prepared speech in customary style.

Though different analysts tend to draw different conclusions from the address, to this writer, the most significant aspect of the LTTE leaderA?a??a??s speech was his avowed declaration to continue fighting against overwhelming odds.

Here are some relevant excerpts from the translated version in English:

A?a??A?Today, the Sinhala state has, as never before, placed its trust on its military strength, on military modalities and on a military solution. As a result, the war has gathered intensity and momentum. In truth, this is not a war against the LTTE as the Sinhala state professes. This is a war against the Tamils; against the Tamil nation. In short; a genocidal war.A?a??A?

A?a??A?With various countries of the world buttressing the genocidal war on the people of Tamil Eelam, we are waging a defensive war for the freedom of our people.A?a??A?

A?a??A?We have faced forces much mightier than ours. We have had direct confrontations even against superior powers, stronger than us.A?a??A?

A?a??A?We have withstood wave after wave of our enemy attacks. When compared to these happenings of the past, todayA?a??a??s challenges are neither novel nor huge. We will face these challenges with the united strength of our people.A?a??A?

A?a??A?No great changes have taken place in the Sinhala political panorama. Politics there has developed into the form of a demonic war.A?a??A?

A?a??A?When it comes to the Tamil national question, the Sinhala nation is adopting only one policy. It is obviously a policy of suppression. Even the tinge of hope our people had that the Sinhala nation will abandon its path of violence and offer justice, has now evaporated. Our people are not ready to trust the Sinhala nation again and get cheated.A?a??A?

A?a??A?It is true Tamil Eelam is a small nation on the globe. However it is a nation with great potential. It is a nation with a characteristic individuality. It has a distinctive language, cultural heritage and history. As the freedom movement of the people of Tamil Eelam we will never, ever allow Sinhala occupation or Sinhala domination of our homeland.A?a??A?

A?a??A?Whatever challenges confront us, whatever contingencies we encounter, whatever forces stand on our path, we will still continue with our struggle for the freedom of the Tamil people. On the path shown by history, on the command of the circumstances of today, we will continue with our struggle till alien Sinhala occupation of our land is removed.A?a??A?

This writer does not agree with most views expressed by Prabhakaran both in his speech. The thrust of his address is all about laying the blame on everyone else but the LTTE and himself. Always the A?a??A?othersA?a??A? are at fault.

Recent history demonstrates very clearly that the LTTE had not utilised the opportunity that arose for exploring a solution on federal lines through negotiations. But the Tiger supremo is silent on why the tigers agreed in Oslo to A?a??A?exploreA?a??A? and then performed a political somersault.

It is certainly true that Sri Lankan Tamil people are suffering greatly under this government. But it was the LTTE that facilitated the election of Mahinda Rajapaksa by enforcing a boycott of the presidential elections in areas controlled by it then.

Also Prabhakaran in his GHD address of 2005 called the new president a A?a??A?pragmaticA?a??A? man and stated that Rajapaksa would be given time to resolve theA?A? problem Yet within days the Tigers began launching attacks through its A?a??A?acolytesA?a??A? called A?a??A?Makkal padaiA?a??A? or A?a??A?peoples forceA?a??A?.

Then came provocative acts like the suicide bomber attack on Army commander Sarath Fonseka, the blocking of water at Maavilaaru, synchronised attacks on Muhamaalai, Muthur and Mandaitheevu, the artillery barrage on Trincomalee harbour from Sampoor etc.

It was in this atmosphere that the current military campaign was launched by the Rajapakse regime. It has been rather ruthless with little concern for the plight of ordinary civilians.

Despite expressing concern for the Tamil predicament there has been little concrete action by the International community to alleviate it. This is not because the IC is against the Tamils. This unjustified apathy is due to its pronounced antipathy towards the LTTE.

Excerpting certain paragraphs while disagreeing with the essence of arguments expressed in those is merely to draw attention to the actual mindset of the Tiger leader. There is a tendency to be lulled into a false consciousness by believing oneA?a??a??s own propaganda that the LTTE is on the edge of a dangerous precipice.

Several analysts and commentators have portrayed PrabhakaranA?a??a??s speech in a negative light as having been stated from a position of weakness. This may give a A?a??A?feel good feelingA?a??A? to many.

It would however be a grave blunder if one were to write off PrabhakaranA?a??a??s speech as the ranting and raving of a cornered tiger.

As this writer has consistently stated in the past A?a??A?the Tigers may be down but they are certainly not outA?a??A?.

PrabhakaranA?a??a??s utterances about continuing to fight against A?a??A?SinhalamA?a??A? (Sinhale) or the A?a??A?Sinhala stateA?a??A? should not be dismissed as sheer bravado. Rhetoric it may be, disconnected with reality it may be, but nevertheless Prabhakaran means every word of it.

Those who saw visual images of Prabhakaran reading out his speech in Tamil were struck by one thing. Though propaganda in sections of the media stated that the LTTE leader was under severe pressure, the impression gained when seeing him was quite the opposite.

Those of us who have been regularly following his annual addresses were struck by a remarkable change in his demeanour and tone. He seemed relaxed and supremely confident. Serene amidst strain. Prabhakaran looked and sounded like a man in firm control of his destiny. He seemed to mean every word he said.

In this context one recalls an anecdote of 21 years vintage. This was during the time when Indian officials in New Delhi were trying to pressurise Prabhakaran into accepting the proposed Indo A?a??a?? Lanka accord.

At one point former Indian envoy Jyotindra Nath Dixit in typical A?a??A?hectoringA?a??A? mode warned Prabhakaran that he would have to fight the Indian army if he did not accept the accord. To which the LTTE leader replied, A?a??A?I donA?a??a??t want to but I will fight the Indian army if I have to.A?a??A?

Dixit then retorted, A?a??A?Do you know the strength of the Indian army?A?a??A? Prabhakaran replied A?a??A?350,000? 400,000?A?a??A? Then Dixit said A?a??A?Add another cipherA?a??A?. Once again Prabhakaran said that he did not want to fight the Indian army but was prepared to do so if necessary.

Later the LTTE went through the charade of agreeing and adhering to the Indo – Lanka accord. New DelhiA?a??a??s South block thought that Prabhakaran had submitted meekly to the overwhelming might of India and devoured humble A?a??A?kanjiA?a??A? (porridge).

When Dixit began relating the above A?a??a?? mentioned exchange of words on the diplomatic cocktail circuit most people had a hearty laugh. The A?a??A?puliA?a??A? (Tiger) had become an A?a??A?eliA?a??A? (mouse) with India, the joke went.

Yet it was Prabhakaran who had the last laugh,. Belatedly India realised that the tiger chief was dead serious when he said that he was prepared to fight India.

Likewise it may seem amusing to hear Prabhakaran declaring his intent to continue fighting at a time when the Sri Lankan military juggernaut is relentlessly rolling forward. But it would be a monumental error to misjudge or underestimate the man as many have done in the past.

There are two sayings in Tamil about the tiger. One is A?a??A?puli pathunguvathu paaivathatkuA?a??A? (the Tiger crouches only to pounce). The other is A?a??A?puli pasithaalum Pullai ThinnaathuA?a??A? (Even if hungry Tigers donA?a??a??t eat grass).

These sayings about four A?a??a?? legged felines are applicable in politico A?a??a?? military terms to the two A?a??a?? legged Tigers also.

Currently two DVD/Video cassettes are being circulated among the Sri Lankan Diaspora in the west. One is a 32 minute cassette portraying the hardship and suffering undergone by internally displaced civilians in the Wanni. It is emotionally moving to see their tragic plight. There is an open appeal to Tamil Nadu Tamils.

While these cassettes are openly distributed the other 21 minute cassette is clandestinely shown to selected activists and die- hard supporters. Several LTTE leaders and commanders appear in this film emphasising that they are ready and strong to prolong the fight. There are scenes of cadres being trained.

The LTTE bigwigs keep on appealing to A?a??A?pulam peyarntha uravugalA?a??A? (our relatives gone abroad) not to be deceived by Government propaganda that the LTTE is weak. They reiterate that they are waiting for the right time to strike.

They also keep A?a??A?requestingA?a??A? that Diaspora Tamils should continue to support them without faltering until their goal is achieved.

Both these cassettes illustrate the dual approach adopted by the LTTE. On the one hand the humanitarian predicament is focused on to make an emotional appeal while on the other; military strength is projected to retain support of hawkish elements.

This duality can be discerned in PrabhakaranA?a??a??s GHD speech also where he states that the LTTE is prepared for peace but goes on to assert that the tigers will not give up the fight. There is a deliberately instilled sense of ambiguity here.

A noteworthy aspect of this yearA?a??a??s GHD observances was the military situation and weather.

With the armed forces on the ascendant and Tiger-controlled territory shrinking rapidly, the climate was not conducive for widespread functions. Torrential rains aggravated the situation further.

In such an environment there was a nagging doubt as to whether GHD ceremonies could be conducted anywhere let alone being done in grand fashion.

Yet the LTTE did manage to demonstrate through those ceremonies that they were A?a??A?down but not outA?a??A?.

None of the ceremonies were conducted openly or on a lavish scale. Prabhakaran himself participated at the main function held in an undisclosed location.

He commenced his 25 minute address at 5. 40pm. A minute of silence was observed at 6.06 pm. The sacrificial flame was lit by him at 6.07 pm.

Similar ceremonies were organized simultaneously at different venues.

Pride of place was given to functions in the Eastern Province from which the LTTE was ousted last year. GHD ceremonies indicated that the tigers had re-established a viable presence in jungle areas of the Batticaloa A?a??a?? Amparai districts.

In Amparai district eastern special commander A?a??A?ColA?a??A? Ram lit the flame at a ceremony in Lahugala jungles in Pottuvil electoral district.
Amparai district military commander Nahulan lit the flame in another function held in the Kanjikudichchaaru jungles.

In Batticaloa district the district military commander Umaram lit the flame in Tharavaikulam in the Thoppigala/Kudumbimalai region; Maavadimummaari military chief Kalaimaruthan lit the flame at Thaandiaddy. The political commissar for Maavadimummaari zone lit the flame there. In the Vaaharai region, Aandaankulam military chief Pushpan lit the flame at Aandaankulam. Likewise the Karadiyanaaru military leader lit the flame there.

In the LTTE controlled regions of Wanni the following Tiger leaders lit the sacrificial flames in different locations. Despite Kilinochchi town being besieged by the armed forces LTTEA?a??a??s northern front commander A?a??A?ColA?a??A? Theeban lit the flame in Kanagapuram Great Heroes cemetery;

A?a??A?ColA?a??A? Sornam (some reports said he was injured or dead) lit the flame at Mulliyavalai GH cemetery while Keerthi did so at Viswamadhu. A?a??A?ColA?a??A? Jeyam did so at Oddusuddan while sea Tiger special commander Soosai paid homage at sea to all sea A?a??a?? Tigers who perished at sea. The woman sea A?a??a?? Tiger special commander Poorani and deputy sea-Tiger commander Vinayagam lit the flames in Alambil and Uduthurai respectively.

LTTE finance chief Thamilkumaran, A?a??A?SencholaiA?a??A? orphanage co-ordinator Sudarmahal, Charles Anthony division special commander Vimal, and Military college chief instructor Aathavan, lit the flames in Puthukkudiyiruppu,Vattakkachchi,Kandawalai and Udayarkaddu GH cemeteries respectively.

There are also special memorial monuments for cadres from Batticaloa A?a??a?? Amparai districts, Imran A?a??a?? Pandian infantry brigade and A?a??A?Kutty SriA?a??A? mortar units. The flames in these places were lit by Jeyanthan brigade chief Bhavaan,Kilinochchi district military chief Velavan andA?A? Kuttysri unit chiefA?A? Kalaichelvan respectively.

By staging these ceremonies in spite of a very hostile environment the LTTE has proved a point. The Tigers have shown that despite the strong challenge posed by the armed forces it is a case of A?a??A?business as usualA?a??A? for them in key spheres.

The Great Heroes day events are given top priority in the LTTE scheme of things.

There exists in the martial tradition of the Tamils a concept known as A?a??E?Nadugal Valipaadu,A?a??a?? which literally means worshipping the planted stone.

Until the influence of Aryan-Brahminism pervaded the Dravidian people, the custom in South India had been that of burying their dead. Tombstones were erected at the graves of great heroes fallen in battle. These were honoured regularly through special panegyrical rituals.

The classical Tamil literature of the Sangham era is replete with references to this A?a??E?Nadugal ValipaaduA?a??a?? concept.

Poetic works like A?a??A?pattinappaalaiA?a??A?,A?a??A?MalaipaduhadaamA?a??A?,A?a??A?aingurunooruA?a??A?, A?a??A?ahanaanooruA?a??A?, A?a??A?puranaanooruA?a??A? and A?a??A?TholgappiyamA?a??A? refer to this phenomenon.

The aftermath of the Hindu renaissance period saw Brahminism becoming dominant and altering a way of life drastically.

The decline of Tamil dynasties along with the advent of Moghul, Nayakkar and European colonialism saw the martial tradition among Tamils becoming debilitated.

The custom of paying homage to heroes fallen in battle became non-existent in an environment where war was virtually unknown for generations.

In modern times the LTTE has revived and developed to a great extent the Tamil tradition of paying homage to its fallen heroes just as it re-introduced a martial Tamil culture through war.

When the first Great Heroes Day was observed in 1989, there were only 1,343 martyrs. The tally in 2000 was 16,591. In 2005 the figure was 17,903; this year up to October 30, 1974 tigers comprising 1398 males and 576 females were killed. This excludes about 3,000 conscripts who had not been made A?a??A?fullA?a??A? members and therefore denied great hero status.

The grand total from November 27 1982 to October 30 2008 is 22, 114 Tiger great heroes killed. This comprises 17,305 males and 4,809 females.

As the ethnic conflict continues, the casualty rates also increase. What this means is that more and more Tamil families are suffering the losses of their loved ones and becoming grief stricken.

A qualitative change in recent times has been increased conscription by the LTTE. The emotional reaction of family members towards their kith and kin forcibly taken by the LTTE and sacrificed on the altar of war would be different to those who joined voluntarily.

Denying great hero status to some of those raw conscripts who get killed can only add insult to injury.

Given the current flow of events and the manner, mode and message of PrabhakaranA?a??a??s GHD address there can be little doubt that we are going to see more and more war.

The Rajapaksa regime though unpopular on many fronts is sustained in power mainly through its pro A?a??a?? war policy. In such a situation one can expect an escalation and intensification of war in the future.

Not only will the LTTE resist fiercely but also may launch its long A?a??a?? awaited counter A?a??a?? strike.

Which way the goddess of war would bestow her blessings or curses is uncertain. But the only certainty is that the Tamil A?a??a??populated regions will see an increase in death, displacement and destruction in the days to come. Tamil suffering will continue.

D.B.S. Jeyaraj can be reached

atA?A? Nasonex how much does it cost djeyaraj2005@yahoo.com

Arugam Bay Blog on Tripadvisor

Published on 26/11/2008 in Blogs, Money Matters, press coverage and the bay. 1 Comment

Posted on: 16 September 2007, 19:

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Hiya,

Has anyone been to Arugam Bay? Or stayed at any of the guesthouses there? I would like to know everything if at all poss. Or if you would recommend staying soemwhere else i would like to hear it.

Thanks

Sarah

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	KenR-UK Birmingham UK Joined: Jan 2006 Forum posts: 146 Travel map pins: 0 141
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Posted on: 16 September 2007, 22:22

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We stayed in Arugam Bay last year.

Suggest you take a look at the following site which give some good information and blogs, comments etc about Aurgam Bay and hotel, facilities etc.https://www.arugam.info/category/accomodation/

We stayed at the Siam View Hotel (SVH) when we were in Arugram bay. Accomodation there is very basic but the restaurant and bar are excellent; best food in ABay. They only a few rooms left after the tsunami destroyed most of the hotel, as with a lot of the hotels and bars in Arugam Bay. We stayed there mainly to provide practical support after the tsunami – Arugam Bay received very little or no funding from the various Non Government Relief organisations. If you read some of the blogs on the site you will see that the author (Fred) is very bitter about the lack of support.

I think Arugam bay is definitely worth a visit as part of a tour, the beach, surf, swimming and diving are probably the best in Sri Lanka. The best accomodation is probably the Star Dust Hotel –

see http://www.arugambay.com/

If you are going there I would recommend staying at the Star Dust but eating and drinking at the SVH.

You may find that you have to contact the local AB hotels to arrange transport – some of the Colombo based taxi drivers give misleadiing info about the safety in the area. It’s perfectly safe.

Regards

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	Saby_Baby Nova Scotia, Canada Joined: Jun 2006 Forum posts: 76 Travel map pins: 29 121
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 0:30

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Thanks for the info.

How much is food and drink? We are looking at staying in that area for 10 nights. Is there lots of activities to do?

Thanks

Sarah

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	KenR-UK Birmingham UK Joined: Jan 2006 Forum posts: 146 Travel map pins: 0 141
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 1:20

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Hi Sarah

Food and drink in the Siam View Hotel was very reasonably priced. When we were staying there were quite a few surfers and students from OZ and the UK using the restaurant. Most of them didn’t have a lot of money.

I can’t recall the exact price, but it was one of the cheapest places we visited in Sri Lanka.

If you are there during Full Moon they have big Poya beach parties at night.

If you want to find out more, suggest you post a question on the Arugam.info site.

Regards

Ken

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	KenR-UK Birmingham UK Joined: Jan 2006 Forum posts: 146 Travel map pins: 0 141
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Cheap prinivil zestril Posted on: 17 September 2007, 1:29

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Sorry, forgot the add that if you are into water sports and surfing this really is excellent. You can hire a surf board for the week for not a lot of money.

If you can’t surf, then I suggest getting paying for a few lessons from one the beach boys. The beach is really exccellent for learning to surf; the waves sweep across and into the bay, so it’s a great place to learn. If you are an expert surfer then you can go a few miles south to the point where the waves are much bigger, but they sweep across at right angles to the shore.

There are also a number of locals who will take you sailing or rent a boat, also I believe that you can hire diving equipment as well.

There isn’t a great deal else to do at Arugam Bay, it’s very much a beach bum and surfers location.

It may be possible to go further south down the coast to Yala East National Park to do a safari, but you would need to check if this is open. it was closed at one time.

Regards

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	Saby_Baby Nova Scotia, Canada Joined: Jun 2006 Forum posts: 76 Travel map pins: 29 121
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 2:02

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Thanks for all of the aswers. How did you get to Arugam Bay from Colombo? We were looking at making it a 2 day trip by train and bus. Any suggestions?

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	KenR-UK Birmingham UK Joined: Jan 2006 Forum posts: 146 Travel map pins: 0 141
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 22:06

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Hi Sarah

We hired a van and driver for the whole holiday which included 4 days in Arugam Bay.

However if you are going to spend a significant period in AB and don’t need a vehicle and driver then there are a number of alternatives:-

1. You could get the Hotel in AB to arrange a pick up at the Airport – that can work out quite expensive. I don’t think there are any direct bus services to Arugam Bay, only pre-arranged pick up by AB Hotels/taxis. They charge about $80/person

2. A good (and spectacular) alternative would be to get the train from Colombo toElla or Badulla; then negotiate with a local driver to drive your party to Moneragala and finally arrange with the Arugam Bay Hotel to send transport from Aurgam Bay to pick up up at Moneragala. The train trip from Bandarawela to Ella is amazing, the track even loops over itself in order to gain height.

The reason you will probably have to do the road part in stages is that it’s sometimes difficult to get drivers to drive to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay even though it’s perfectly safe – but they are normally ok going as far as Moneragala. There may even be a bus from Ella or Badulla to Moneragala but Sri Lanka buses can be a bit rough – but an interesting expperience.

You may find that most drivers going to Moneragala from Ella or Badulla prefer to take the longer route via Wellawaya as the road from there to Moneragala will be better, so getting out at Ella may be better.

Maybe Erik or Dave can advice, we didn’t travel on the A22 from Badulla to Moneragala so I don’t know the state of the road or if there are buses – I can only speculate.

From Moneragala to Arugam Bay there is only 1 big Police/Army checkpoint at Siyambalanduwa; the road is good but goes through a jungle area near Lahugala which is the bit that seems to worry some of the Colombo drivers – but it’s really safe.

Take a look at some of the blogs from Fred on the www.arugamBay.info site about travel to Arugam Bay.

You might even want to have a stopover somewhere on route such as Bandarawela or Ella, we stayed a couple of nights at the Bandarawela Hotel which is an old fashioned Hill Station Hotel and ok

Hope this helps

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	Saby_Baby Nova Scotia, Canada Joined: Jun 2006 Forum posts: 76 Travel map pins: 29 121
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Posted on: 17 September 2007, 23:29

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Thanks so much for all of your help. Were so excited and just cant wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!xx

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Posted on: 27 September 2007, 20:47

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Hello Sarah!

Know you’re probably overloaded with all the great info that’s gone before but I had to chip in with one other accomodation reccomendation!

My cousin runs a place in Arugam Bay called the Galaxy Lounge (it has it’s own website so take a look.) It’s at the quieter end of the beach which means you can sleep at night when there are parties going on but it’s only a 5 min walk down the beach to the ‘action’!! You stay in beachside cabanas + the food is really great. Proper traditional Sri Lankan food but you can ask them to cool it down a bit if you’d prefer!!

As others have said, chilling + surfing aside there’s not much else to Arugam Bay but I spent the last week of my holiday in June at the Galaxy + it was awesomely relaxing!!

Have a great time wherever you end up!!

Rach.

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	Saby_Baby Nova Scotia, Canada Joined: Jun 2006 Forum posts: 76 Travel map pins: 29 121
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Posted on: 03 October 2007, 0:07

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Thanks for you info. I have had a look at the website and the place looks amazing. Im going to send them an email this week for rooms! Thanks Sarah xxxxxxxxxx

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Posted on: 07 October 2007, 14:04

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hi saby

just got back from arugam bay last week

glad you have got loads of great info,

just to add a few points

1. be prepared for a significant military presence all along the road from buttalla

to arugam bay. lots of soldiers and checkpoints. all friendly though

2. stardust hotel is horrendously expensive..i d’ont know why..60 USD for a room with no ac !!

3. have a look at hideaway..a delightful place set back from the beach with gardens and wonderful staff..real rustic charm

we only stayed a day as someone said

if you are not a surfer, there is not much to do. there is a lot of construction going on..its not the preetiest of beaches in my opinion,, the south e.g tangalle ,unawatuna

is on a different level.. would i go back

..only if i had a midlife crisis and wanted to surf !

Who thinks East? And who thinks “Arugam”?

Published on 24/11/2008 in Blogs, people, press coverage, Security & Safety and services. 0 Comments

23. november 2008

THINK ABOUT EASTERN PEOPLE FIRST!!! TAMIL POLICE FORCE ESSENTIAL!!!

EPC has no powers, says PillayanInterviewed by Chandani Kirinde

Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan alias Pillayan conceded that his relationship with Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna had deteriorated in the recent past. Pillayan in an interview with The Sunday Times, while pointing out that police powersA?a??a??that he says would ensure freedom of movementA?a??a??were more important than concentrating on development, also complained that the Provincial Council was not being consulted on any of the projects that have been launched so far.

Excerpts:

What is the relationship between you and Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna?

There is tension over KarunaA?a??a??s demand for restructuring the party. He wants to bring his men to the Executive Committee. I registered this party when the government decided to hold local and provincial elections in the east early this year. Karuna was out of the country at that time. Because we wanted to prepare for elections we registered as the TMVP. There is no necessity to make any changes now. Pyridium phenazopyridine cost

Why is Karuna demanding a restructure of the party and registering it under a different name ?

I understand he is trying to grab political power from us. He does not have any official status in the TMVP. Since he returned he has been trying to forcibly occupy our offices in the Batticaloa district. I have shifted my office to a new building due to this problem.

Karuna didnA?a??a??t want you to contest as the Chief Ministerial candidate but instead he wanted the Batticaloa Mayor, Sivageetha Prabhakaran to contest for the post. Is this correct ?

We decided she was suitable for the MayorA?a??a??s post because of her political experience within the district. The Chief MinisterA?a??a??s post is an important one and it would have been difficult for her to handle the work as there is a lot of pressure. Therefore, I decided to contest for the post.

What are the main obstacles you are facing to develop the province making use of the powers vested in the Provincial Council under the 13th amendment?

To tell you frankly, since I took office in May this year not a single person has been recruited to the Council. I donA?a??a??t have any powers to implement the 13th Amendment. We have asked the central government to give us the powers vested in the 13th Amendment, but Karuna who is with the government is now convincing the government not to give powers to me.

We see a lot of development activities including building of new roads, bridges, providing electricity and telephone facilities to the newly liberated areas. Have you been consulted on these projects ?

No. Only a few cabinet ministers in the district are directly involved in these projects. This is not what we need at the moment. We first need freedom of movement to travel within the district and outside.

We saw that some of the TMVP offices opened by cadres loyal to you, now being closed down. Why is this ?

In the recent past there have been some incidents in these camps located in the mainland as well as in the newly liberated areas. The offices have been closed down to prevent more attacks taking place among the Tamil brotherhood.

There is information that former LTTE cadres whom you have de-listed have returned to the TMVP, stating that their lives are in danger. How serious is the problem of infiltration?

Quite serious. We are trying to identify these people and send some of them back. If they lead a normal life we will leave them alone. Otherwise they will be dealt with according to the law. After the eastern province was cleared, we were aware that a handful of LTTE cadres had returned to the districts of Batticaloa and Ampara. We are currently helping the security forces to track them down.

You are demanding police powers, but in contrast Karuna has said that such powers are not necessary. Your reactions?

If police powers are devolved to the provincial council I can protect all our members. They can also be absorbed into the police force so that they get official recogntion. They will be disciplined and any action could be taken against those persons who act against the law.

What impact has the killing of your private Secretary Krishnaswamy Nandagopan alias Ragu had overall?

His slaying is not only a great loss to me personally but also to the Tamil community on the whole. He was truly concerned about the people of the east. Money and positions were of little importance to him. He was also a knowledgable person. He was born in Batticaloa and based in Trincomalee and therefore had a good knowledge about the problems in the Eastern Province and could have done good service.

You said the killing of Ragu was not the work of the LTTE. But Karuna blames the LTTE?

I will say it again. It was not the work of the LTTE. This was definitely the work of a group who does not like to see the province developing. Very soon I will prove it. We have vital clues. Nobody knew where Ragu and I were staying in Athurugiriya, the day prior to the killing. No one knew of our movements too, except the one other person who was with us. Singulair full price

There are allegations from the Muslim community in Kathankudy, that TMVP cadres are moving into the area and intimidating and threatening them. A few Muslim civilians were shot dead too. How do you hope to foster ethnic harmony in this kind of environment?

Yes, in the past there were some incidents in Kathankudy. We have punished some of our members who were involved in such incidents. Now we have established a good rapport with the Muslims.

There is a strong belief that after Karuna returned he has been having the upper hand by using his powers and influence with the government to sideline you. What is your reaction?

The people in Batticaloa district are aware about KarunaA?a??a??s behaviour and how he betrayed his community by leaving them and trying to lead a life of luxury in a western country. That itself clearly brings out his selfishness. I am the one who helped the government forces to liberate the people of Mutur and Sampoor. Some of our cadres were even killed in the operation, but Karuna did not even express his condolences to the families of these cadres. Because of these incidents the people have lost confidence in him. I challenge him, that if has a support base in the east to come forward and contest the next parliamentary elections.
—————————————————————————-
I have confidence in the Chief Minister

Playing down the reported rift between himself and Pillayan, UPFA parliamentarian Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan alias Karuna said police powers to the Eastern Province were not an urgent need and priority should be given to developing the province. In an interview with The Sunday Times he said he was concerned about LTTE cadres infiltrating the TMVP.

Excerpts:

There are reports about clashes between Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan and yourself. Any comment?

We have no major problems. Some of our political opponents and the LTTE are trying to create problems between us. Some media are also involved. There are some minor problems. We are a democratic party and there are bound to be arguments and disagreements, but they are not serious.

Who are these political opponents?

I donA?a??a??t want to say who they are individually, but the TNA is one such group.

Pillayan says that your interest in restructuring the party is to get your members into the Executive committee. What is your response?

Even before I returned to the country, I advised Pillayan to call for a Central Committee meeting and restructure the party by including senior cadres of the TMVP. Presently I am in consultation with some intellectuals to reorganize the party. We will drop the name Puligal (Tigers).

How serious is the threat of LTTE infiltration in the East ?

After 22 years of fighting we cannot bring every thing under control in one year. There are small pockets of the LTTE operating there. They killed a university student and now a doctor. That doctor was loved by all the people of the area. One lady called me and said the doctor was like her son. The people have clearly rejected the LTTE, but their intelligence operatives are carrying out such brutal attacks to destabilise the east.

But, what about the infiltration into the TMVP?

We are concerned about the infiltration. We have started a screening process with the help of the security forces. We are not going to enlist any ex-LTTE cadres to the TMVP. We are also carrying out search operations.

How did your acquaintance with the Chief Minister begin ?

When I broke away from the LTTE and formed the TMVP, he was one of the people who joined me. In my absence, I appointed Kannan as the leader but, he was killed by the LTTE, then I appointed my brother Reji, but he too was killed by the LTTE. Thereafter, I appointed Pillayan to the position.

Do you have confidence in the Chief Minister ?

Yes I am happy with him. Also it is important that a Tamil person be the Chief Minister of the east. It has proved that the LTTEA?a??a??s opinion that in a de-merged north A?a??a??east the Tamils will have no representation is wrong. Under him, all the communities are working to build up a civil administration.

Pillayan says that his private secretary Krishnaswamy Nandagopan alias Ragu was not killed by the LTTE.

Clearly the killing was carried out by the LTTE. In the past two months, 17 TMVP cadres have been killed by the LTTE. They have tried to infiltrate the TMVP for some time, but have failed. He (Pillayan) made a mistake by saying the killing was not carried out by the LTTE. I regret that statement.

While Pillayan says powers to the province must be devolved under the PC system to the Eastern Provincial Council, you have been holding a different opinion.

We have a lot of work to do in the east. There has been a war in the east for the past 22 years. While Muslims in the area managed to send their representatives to parliament, the Tamil people have been largely without representation. But now we have a chance. We have the Provincial Council administration and our priority is development work. But police powers are not an urgent need. In the past too, the mistake we made was making the same demands over and over again. But now we have to do things differently. We must develop education, sports and entertainment.

Have you discussed the law and order situation in the east with the Government ?

I have spoken to the Defence Secretary and for now we have Deputy Inspector General of Police Shankar appointed as the co-ordinator for the three districts in the east. The Defence Secretary told me there are about 1000 police vacancies to be filled in the east and Tamil youth are needed to be recruited. I have already informed the people. We must now give priority to development.
courtesy:sundaytimes.lk

source:
http://worldtamilrefugeesforum.blogspot.com/2008/11/think-about-eastern-people-first-tamil.html

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Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Mihin to launch domestic flights

Heavy rains, floods expected

Dr. Hans named Sri Lankan of the year

indi 10:39:00 pm on December 3, 2008 | # | Tags: awards, corporate, management

23. november 2008

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Tags: awards, corporate, management