PUBLISHED BY THE TIMES OF SRI LANKA IN TORONTO, CANADA VOLUME 16 – FEBRUARY 2012

RECYCLING BINS WITH LCD SCREENS HIT LONDON STREETS

Innovative 'smart recycling bins' have been installed in London's financial square mile. The bins are being introduced as part of a new 21-year scheme to stop littering by free London newspapers. The smart bins feature wireless technology and integrated LCD displays to provide real-time information on everything from transport links to culture, weather and financial news.

Smart Recycling Bins - The smart recycling bins have been developed by Renew, a green-minded company, whose screens feature adaptive brightness technology, lowering their power requirements by forty percent. Renew have partnered with the WWF, and one percent of all their profit is donated to sustainable power projects around the world. They are highly conscious of their carbon footprint, avoiding ink, paper, trucks and wastage in all their operations. Renew's network of over 200 screens are viewed by an estimated 750,000 people every day, which is expected to rise to more than three million by the time of the London Olympics. Renew's website reports a 'footfall per screen' of between 10,000 and more than 30,000 a day, and says professionals in the area will engage with the screens an average of between six and eight times every day.

Bins with LCD Screens - The company supports a dedicated editorial department, and partner with a network of leading companies to distribute their latest up-to-the-minute content and information. The range of information displayed on the bins is hailed to include corporate and financial news, fashion, art, sport and entertainment news together with weather and headlines. Renew have embraced the concept of non-invasive "pervasive branding", explaining: "you don't have to shout when people want to listen". The screens will be a valuable resource for professionals on the move, helping to keep them connected and informed. The attractive recycing bins with LCD screens will encourage Londoners to recycle, providing a valuable marketing tool for partner companies, along with relevant, up-to-date information for the people on the street. The bomb-protective bins will also have the ability to display emergency safety information, helping to keep people away from danger.

SANATH JAYASURIYA, SHAHID AFRIDI TO PLAY IN MAY 12 TORONTO T20 GAME By Upali Obeyesekere – Editor, TradeWinds e-Magazine

Canadian cricket fans will get a fresh opportunity to see their stars in action when Cricket Canada promotes Cricket All-Star T20 exhibition game in association with Kat Rose Inc., on May 12, 2012, at downtown Toronto’s spectacular Rogers Centre and played on an indoor artificial surface. The T20 format is where each team has a single innings, batting for a maximum of 20-overs. Each inning will last around 75 minutes. An Asia XI Team will battle it out with an International XI in the popular T20 format. Organizers said the halftime show would be a Bollywood showcase, with a musical appearance by Imran Khan – a melting pot himself as a Dutch-born Pubjabi singer of Pakistani heritage – with the birth-name of Singer.

“The proceeds from this game will go toward the development of the sport in Canada,” said Ingleton Liburd, operations officer for Cricket Canada and a former national captain. Tickets went on sale on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 10 a.m., and the ticket prices are as follows: $25, $39, $69, $99, and $199 – these prices include all Ticketmaster convenience charges. It has been over 4 years since the last time international cricket was played in Canada, and tickets are expected to sell out fast. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.ca, via telephone (1-855-985-5000), or at Rogers Centre Gate 9 Box office. The teams announced at the Press Conference on February 16th include the following:

International XI: Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Brendan Taylor, 26; fast bowler Tino Best of Barbados, another West Indies Test veteran, 30; Mark Boucher, 35, of South Africa who set a record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper; Canadians Ashish Bagai and Rizwan Cheema – who in 2008 hit 10 sixes in one match; and Brian Lara, 42, who captained the West Indies.

Asia XI: Sanath Jayasuriya, 42, of Sri Lanka; Shahid Afridi, 34, of Pakistan; Sunil Joshi, 41, of India; right-armed fast bowler Mohammad Sami, 30, of Pakistan; Saeed Ajmal, 34, of Pakistan who impressed when he made his international debut at 30; opening batsman Tamim Iqbal, 22, of Bangladesh. Because of the Indian Premier League’s operation at the time of the Toronto match, it is expected that various Pakistani players will form the nucleus of the Asia XI. Two of the world’s most explosive T20 players - Sanath Jayasuriya (inset) and Shahid Afridi will turn out for the Asia XI. Jayasuriya has retired from all forms of cricket, Afridi still plays for Pakistan.

The large South Asian community in Canada is the next frontier for the expansion of cricket. Interestingly, the first indoor international cricket game in Canada was played on November 4, 1990, at the Toronto Skydome (now the Rogers Centre) and organized by the United Way of Greater Toronto under the dynamic leadership of Ben Sennick. This writer was part of the organizing committee. The game was an unqualified success and the event attracted more than 40,000 people and raised over $600,000, making it the largest and one of the most lucrative special events in Toronto, as at that date. A strong World XI was pitted against the might of West Indies in a 50-over format. West Indies won the game by 4-wickets. The World XI was led by legendary Pakistan World Cup skipper Imran Khan and packed with star players like Sachin Tendulkar (India), Mohammad Azharuddin (India), Aravinda de Silva (Sri Lanka), Imran Khan (Pakistan), Kapil Dev (India), Neil Fairbrother (England), Gehan Mendis (England – though Sri Lankan born), Mudassar Nazar (Pakistan), David Houghton (Zimbabwe), Manoj Prabhakar and Mahinder Singh India). Dashing Sachin Tendulkar was only 17, at the time and Imran Khan, 38. The West Indies team was a young strong side led by Desmond Haynes and included players like Brian Lara (21 years at the time), Ian Bishop, Carl Hooper, Carlisle Best, Richie Richardson, Augustine Logie, Malcolm Marshall, Jeffrey Dujon, Curtly Ambrose, and Courtney Walsh. In retrospect, those of us who were at the TradeWinds e-Magazine is Skydome that cold November will cherish the memories of seeing 17-year old Sachin Tendulkar, 21-year old Brian Lara and 25-year digitally produced in Toronto, old Aravinda de Silva who later became icons of the game. It was a tremendous experience and a memorable day for cricket in Canada and published by The Canada. This great game organized by Ben Sennick under the auspices of United Way, paved the way for international stars to Times of Sri Lanka. It enjoys a compete in festival games of cricket in Canada. TradeWinds e-Magazine hopes to work with the organizers to publicize the May 12 large global circulation. game and update information monthly in our popular e-magazine.

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Cabraal says, since the amount of dollars injected to Grant funding from GPOBA will bridge the gap Sri Lanka tightens Monetary the forex markets are fixed and pre-determined, the between what users can realistically afford to pay and Policy to keep inflation low – CB uncertainty about reserve losses would no longer be the actual cost of connection: Policy to keep inflation low – CB there. Governor Nivard Cabraal • GPOBA will pay a subsidy for new connections to "We have a certain part of the oil bills that we have the sewer network, ranging from US$100 to earmarked as that gap that we are having right now. Feb.13, 2012 – LBO US$419 per household depending on the type of So that gap we are addressing, the rest of the bills the Sri Lanka has connection provided; and an average subsidy of market can take care of itself. tightened its US$313 for households eligible for improvements

monetary policy and to existing on-site sanitation services; "So what we are moving away from a price based imposed a credit intervention to a quantity based interventions." ceiling not only to • Households will contribute a reduced access fee of "So that no one can says there is a reserve loss. That counter balance of US$30 for new connections; or US$1 per month is a budgeted reserve intervention and the market will payments pressure for 15 months (through the water bill) for existing determine the price. but also to keep the on-site the improvements.ï¾ island's inflation low, Central Bank Governor About 800 million dollars are expected to be needed in Nivard Cabraal said. Sri Lanka lost more than a the next three months for oil bill interventions over the Consistent with the OBA approach NWSDB will pre- quarter of its foreign reserves last year defending a next three months. Analysts warn that liquidity injected finance the necessary investments. It will then receive dollar peg from around August to December, while to sterilize the forex sales would continue to add to new subsidy payments in two phases after access to the peg was also re-adjusted from 110 to 114 credit and eventually imports. Sri Lanka would fully improved sanitation has been delivered and verified, on rupees levels. Just recently, the Central Bank emerge from the balance of payments problem only a sample basis, by an Independent Verification Agent. imposed a credit ceiling of 18 percent for when all liquidity injections by the Central Bank are For new connections to networked sewerage, the first commercial banks, raised policy rates by 50 basis halted, either through a clean float, or higher interest 50 percent of the unit subsidy will be paid after a points and on Thursday, February 9th, the Central rates to rebalance deposits and credit. household connection is complete; and the remaining Bank stopped interventions, reducing the need for 50 percent after a connected household has received liquidity injections and further dollar sales. six months of continuous service delivery. For work to On February 11 (Saturday), the government jacked up fuel prices, which will reduce credit taken by Ceylon improve on-site sanitation systems, NWSDB will be Credit Check Petroleum Corporation to cover its losses. However paid on a quarterly basis for every household that "One is that we are addressing the trade deficit which losses at the Ceylon Electricity Board may increase qualifies for the subsidy that has had improvements is the more immediate issue, Governor Cabraal said. and unless power prices are also raised, borrowings by made to existing on-site systems. "That is being addressed fairly clearly. At the same the CEB will continue to pressure the peg. time if there is unchecked credit growth, it will lead to inflation. “We are enthusiastic about using the output-based "So we watched the situation for three months, and approach to meet the needs of a population that cannot now it is clear to us that the credit growth is taking afford to pay for access to essential sanitation services place at a faster pace than we would like it to be." THE WORLD BANK and to support the government’s goal to make access "So we are checking that also which means that to improved sanitation services a priority,” said Eng. inflation will be brought under check, not only this year K.L.L. Premanath, National Water Supply & Drainage but next year as well." Board General Manager.

Sri Lanka's peg with the US dollar came under Globally, more than two million people die each year pressure from the middle of 2011, when borrowings by because of water-borne and diarrheal diseases. loss making state enterprises spiked in an environment Children under five years of age, particularly those of growing private borrowing. The central bank then living in extreme poverty, account for the majority of sold dollars, initially mopping up excess liquidity and deaths. Improving sanitation can reduce the number of tightening the monetary system, but from September it Working on improving domestic preventable deaths. started to 'sterilize' interventions in the money markets with freshly minted money. The extra reserves added sanitation for low-income households to the banks prevented interest rates from going up, Colombo, February 1, 2012 which would have generated more savings to finance The Global Partnership on Output- credit, cut consumption and rebalanced the domestic The World Bank, acting as administrator for the Global Based Aid (GPOBA) is a global economy with the balance of payments. Partnership on Output-Based Aid (GPOBA), has partnership program administered by

approved a grant of US$5.08 million to increase access the World Bank. GPOBA was Inflation Commitment to domestic sanitation for low-income households. The Injections also pushed up credit growth, fired demand grant will subsidize the cost of improved access to established in 2003, as a multi-donor and pushed imports above the inflows, resulting in a sanitation services for households located in areas steady loss of reserves in a vicious cycle of sterilized trust fund, to develop output-based aid around Colombo, where the National Water Supply & intervention. After sterilized interventions began, credit Drainage Board (NWSDB) manages sanitation (OBA) approaches across a variety of growth went up even higher. Balance of payments services. An estimated 13,100 households or 65,500 sectors including infrastructure, health, crises are a problem associated with so-called soft- people are expected to benefit from new connections and education. The GPOBA grant for pegs, where a monetary authority tries to target both to networked sewerage; and another 2,300 households the exchange rate and interest rates at the same time or 11,500 people from improvements to existing on-site the Sri Lanka project draws on funds and invariably fails. sanitation systems. from the Swedish International Soft pegs are also subject to high inflation, because the Development Cooperation Agency The GPOBA-funded project will pilot the first Output- positive inflation generated by the so-called anchor (SIDA) and the Australian Agency for currency central bank - in Sri Lanka's case the Federal Based Aid (OBA) approach in Sri Lanka and enable Reserve - acts as floor and domestically generated several important innovations: International Development (AusAid). inflation pyramids on top of US price levels. Since the 2008/2009 balance of payments crisis, Sri Lanka has → Focus on low-income households by using kept inflation low partly helped by the peg, which is discounted access fees; serves as an external anchor for inflation. Cabraal says → Make demand from households the determining Sri Lanka wants to send a strong message that the factor for service expansion; island is a low inflation nation. → Use time-bound subsidies to rapidly increase access to networked sewerage services and to "We have checked inflation for over 36 months and the improve the operation of existing on-site systems next 24 months," Cabraal said. in project-selected areas. "Also if we keep inflation low there would be a very strong message that the world gets that we are a low inflation nation. The main innovation of the OBA approach is to link the "And that has enormous benefits. So that’s the overall payment of pre-agreed unit subsidies to the actual picture we are working towards." delivery of “outputs” -- in this case access to improved sanitation services.ï¾ OBA is also pro-poor and uses In the year to January 2012 inflation measured by the targeting, typically by income or geography, to ensure Colombo Consumers' Price Index was 3.8 percent. By that subsidy payments help those who need it most. In tightening monetary policy to maintain the peg or the this case, the targeting is geographic and a number of external anchor for inflation, Sri Lanka could keep its low-income areas have been identified in Ja-Ela/Ekala, exchange rate stable and protect the real value of Ratmalana, Moratuwa, Kolonnawa, and financial savings of the population and also the salaries Dehiwela/Mount Lavinia. of workers. Classical economist have pointed out that exchange rate depreciation is the most potent tool in “This innovative output-based scheme will help the the hands of a state to cause poverty and destroy effort to respond to high household demand for wealth of ordinary people. Though tightening monetary sanitation services in Greater Colombo,” said policy can reduce growth a little, a stronger exchange Diarietou Gaye, World Bank Country Director for rate will keep the economy stable and poverty low. Sri Lanka.ï¾ “Improving access to sanitation services for low-income households also supports the Oil Interventions Government of Sri Lanka’s work to meet its Millennium Sri Lanka rupee is not yet floating cleanly and the Development Goals on water and sanitation.” Central Bank would continue to supply a part of the dollars needed to pay for oil. Although Sri Lanka has achieved lower middle income "We will do that off market," Cabraal said. status, there is still a need to increase access to improved sanitation services for some. For poor "We will give that amount of dollars to Bank of Ceylon households living on a monthly income of US$150, the so that they can meet the oil bills which they have on cost of connection to the sewer network (US$250 to behalf of CPC (Ceylon Petroleum Corporation). US$350 per household) remains a barrier to access.

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FOREIGN CURRENCY – EXCHANGE RATES Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka as at February 28, 2012

BUYING RATE SELLING RATE CURRENCY BUYING SELLING 30-DAYS BACK 30-DAYS BACK Dollar - US 119.6700 122.9400 113.0100 114.8800 Dollar - Canadian 119.1600 124.0700 112.2900 115.8300 Dollar - Australian 127.8100 133.3600 119.8700 123.9000 Dollar - Singapore 94.7800 98.5500 89.9600 92.6800 Pound Sterling (UK) 188.9100 195.3600 177.9400 182.3000 Euro (EU) 159.5900 165.7200 147.4400 151.6800 Yen (Japan) 1.4821 1.5434 1.4735 1.5204 Franc (Switzerland) 132.1400 137.9000 122.0700 126.2000 Rupee (India) Indicative Rate Rs. 2.3228 Rupee (Pakistan) Indicative Rate Rs. 1.2593

New BOI website www.investsrilanka.com offers timely information to potential investors

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka has re-launched its website to highlight the country’s post-war emergence as the most dynamic investment destination in the region. The website, www.investsrilanka.com, has been completely redesigned both in visual presentation and in content to maximize Sri Lanka’s positioning as a stable and profitable investment choice in Asia.

“With the end of the 30-year civil conflict, stable government and the launch of an ambitious infrastructure development plan by the government, there has been a tremendous upsurge in interest from high potential investors, both local and foreign. We are keen to provide them with the most updated and comprehensive information to help make them realize their investments as soon as possible,” Mr. M.M.C. Ferdinando, Chairman and Director General of the BOI said.

“With the implementation of the restructuring process at BOI, key sectors have been identified, and direct contact points at BOI are being provided for potential investors to interact seamlessly through the entire investment process,” Mr Ferdinando said. The BOI, being the apex body responsible for promotion, co-ordination and facilitation of foreign direct and local investment, a comprehensive and informative website initiative was carried out by benchmarking against leading Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) websites.

“The objective of the exercise discerning investor can benefit from Sri Lanka. Under “Setting up in Sri was to provide the most relevant Lanka,” detailed information is given on the choices available, including information regarding investing detailed site maps, key information, photographs and “live” Google Maps of in Sri Lanka in an intuitive and the 12 export processing zones being operated by the BOI. There are also user-friendly manner,” Duminda separate sections for Local Investors, Services provided by the BOI and BOI Ariyasinghe, Executive Director Publications. The website also provides direct links to relevant agencies and (Investment Promotion & institutions where additional information can be obtained accurately. Media), who led the initiative said. The key questions being The last major overhaul carried out by the BOI website when it launched the answered are – W h y S r i Invest Sri Lanka initiative was recognized by the Global Investment Lanka/Where do I set up/How Promotion Benchmarking 2009 study. The report carried out by the World do I set up/What incentives do I Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) awarded 29 additional get – so that an investor can immediately see the ease and advantages points to the BOI “mainly due an improved website that offers detailed, of investing in the island, Mr Ariyasinghe said. reliable and current data,” the report said.

To convey the relevant information from the perspective of a potential Under the website, the BOI also operates a job bank, which aims to link investor, the website structure/site map has been re-organized, while potential employers, both BOI and non-BOI companies with prospective significantly expanding the amount of information available. The employees. comprehensive information has been complemented with a more visual depiction of the country’s appeal, including ground-breaking projects in The generous tax incentives introduced by the Government of Sri Lanka, key sectors, emphasizing the country’s positioning as the emerging under the Budget 2012 proposals with a view to promote private wonder of Asia. investments both internally and externally are also available in the website integrating with BOI concessions in a simple manner under five categories. Under the section, “Why Sri Lanka,” the website provides an economic i.e. small, medium, large, expansions and strategic projects. overview with key facts and figures, on 10 main reasons why a

Editor’s Note: TradeWinds will carry regular business news from the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) in future editions of the popular e-Magazine. With the change of direction in the government's economic policy since 1977, foreign investment has flowed more freely into the private sector which has long been considered Sri Lanka’s engine of growth. The Greater Colombo Economic Commission (GCEC)—replaced in 1992 with the current Board of Investment (BOI)— promotes infrastructure projects that generates Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the country.

Singapore business delegation to visit Sri Lanka

A business delegation from Singapore will visit Sri Lanka in the second quarter of this year looking at investment opportunities in several sectors. The Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) and Singapore Business Federation signed the MOU to promote investment relations between the two countries during visit to Singapore by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The business delegation will seek investment opportunities in several areas including infrastructure construction, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and trading and logistics. Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Business Federation,

Ho Meng Kit on behalf of Singapore signed the MoU at Singapore President's residence, Istana Palace in the presence of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong. Under the MoU, the two countries are expected to strengthen the institutional relations between them. Accordingly, both organizations will, among other things, promote joint venture collaborations between their private sectors, create a congenial atmosphere for business and investment in all economic sectors of Sri Lanka and Singapore, use their countries as a hub to trade and invest in the region and exchange investment policies and information relating to relevant projects. Singaporean companies are especially keen in investing in real estate development, information technology, knitting and garment industry and gem and jewellery manufacture. Trade between Sri Lanka and Singapore during the year 2011 amounted to US$ 1.85 billion and after the end of conflict in Sri Lanka, trade between the two countries has risen by 53 percent.

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Early check-in at SriLankan Airlines Canadian delegation to visit Sri Lanka - EXPO 2012 SriLankan Airlines has called on all economy class passengers to check in an hour before scheduled time of The Sri Lanka Consulate in Toronto, in association with the 22-year old Canada-Sri departure in a move to ease congestion at the airport. "All Lanka Business Council plans on sending a 10-member team to Sri Lanka to attend SriLankan Airlines economy class check in counters will the mega exhibition taking place at the BMICH from March 28-30. Dr. Yousuf K. close 60 minutes before scheduled time of departure from Maraikkar, Executive Director of Sri Lanka Export Development Board was in Toronto February 01, 2012," a statement said. The move is to and Montreal last October promoting Expo 2012 and encouraging Canadian "ensure a swift and smooth check in for passengers", it said. companies to visit Sri Lanka and see firsthand the wide and exciting array of export products that will be showcased at the exhibition. This early promotion triggered much "The change is expected to achieve optimum utilization of the infrastructure at interest within the Canadian business community resulting with the decision to send a Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo." 10-member delegation for the event. Business visitors to Sri Lanka now have the convenience of flying, among others, with Sri Lankan Airlines (code share agreement The airport, just north of the capital, has been experiencing congestion amid a with Air Canada), Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways on the Atlantic route while Cathay boom in tourist arrivals after the end of the island's 30-year ethnic war in 2009. Pacific and Malaysian Airlines flies to Sri Lanka on the Pacific route. SriLankan Airlines provides ground services for all airlines that operate through Bandaranaike International Airport and an average of 70 departures are handled It is interesting to trace back the history of commodity trading relations between by SriLankan staff daily. SriLankan Airlines opens check-in counters three hours Canada and Sri Lanka. In the late 50s, Tea in bulk form was imported by a Toronto before flight departures and boarding gates 90 minutes before departure, the company from Jafferjee Brothers. The loose tea was then re-sold to packers of tea in national carrier said. Toronto and Montreal. The import of ‘Food items’ started in the early 80s, when a pioneering company became agents of Sri Lanka State Trading Corporation – "This would enable all passengers who check in online to also enter the CONSOLEXPO. With the influx of Sri Lankans to Canada post-1983 – food imports boarding lounge well in time for their flight and allow us to provide them with a gradually took off and the rest is history. More recently Apparel and Finished seamless and a very smooth travel experience", it said. Garments, Rubber goods, Arts & Crafts, Flavoured Tea Bags, and other consumer items have reached the open market in Canada from Sri Lanka. Unofficial figures “This will be a vital step to ensure better efficiency and on-time scheduled reveal there are close to 190,000 Canadians of Sri Lankan origin that have made their departures, for total customer satisfaction for our valued passengers," Chief home in Canada. The Sri Lanka High Commission is based in the nation’s capital Marketing Officer, G T. Jeyaseelan said. Ottawa while the Sri Lanka Consulate is located in Toronto.

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Solar System installed at Yala National Park Solar System installed at Yala National Park relations between the two countries go far back and have been quite Sri Lanka's first green energy extensive as well. “The ties between the two countries were established at system was declared open by least 300 - 400 years back,” said Jaco Beerends. “For the last three years, the Wild Life Conservation and we have been rebuilding and reconstructing the Fort in Jaffna and we hope Agricultural Minister S.N. tourism will blossom and more tourists will be attracted while providing jobs Chandrasena on Wednesday for people in the area. Another project of restoration is the conservation of (25) at Buthawa Wild Life 300-year-old documents at the Sri Lankan National Archives,” Beerends bungalow in Yala National said. Park. This solar system was

introduced to Sri Lanka by James Consulting (PVT) Ltd, Colombo-Kandy Expressway built via Kurunegala NiceLux (PVT) with the partnership of Nawoo L.D.D. Incorporated in Korea. This ultra modern solar power system is the only one of its kind The government has decided to construct the Colombo-Kandy expressway in Sri Lanka and its special feature is that this solar panel needs only via Kurunegala instead of the initial plan to construct it via Ambepussa. half an hour sunlight to get the batteries fully charged and the power Deputy Minister for Highways Nirmala Kotelawala said that the construction lasts for four days.In addition to supplying solar power to illuminate the of an expressway via Kurunegala bungalow the company has installed two street lamps with separate would make it easy for the solar panels which change its direction according to the movement of improvement of connectivity to the Sun. So that regular solar power is absorbed to the panels without other major cities in the country interruption. The other special feature is that these street lamps react to such as Trincomalee and the heat of the body and the movement of the objects so that Anuradhapura. The distance automatically lamps give a brighter light if a vehicle or a wild elephant today by road from Colombo to came within the ten metre radius of the lamps. These street lamps are Kurunegala is 58 miles while it is automatically switched on at the dusk and switches off at the dawn 26 miles from Kurunegala to saving energy and money.These solar panels of the street lamps Kandy making it a total of 84- automatically come to a vertical position in the night allowing all the dust miles. The turnoff to Kurunegala got collected in the day time to be cleaned up by the overnight falling of on the Colombo-Kandy road is at dew drops in the night. Minister Chandrasena said that he was thankful Warakapola – and then to to Korean companies for installing this invaluable system in his tenure Kurunegala via Alawwa and as the minister of Wild Life. Managing Director of the Korean Polgahawela. Due to its strategic CompanyDavid Kim said that he was happy to install this system in Sri location - the Ambepussa Rest Lanka under the invitation of minister Chandrasena and they would like House gained its popularity in the to co- work with Sri Lankan government to introduce this independent olden day when it took nearly electrical system to isolated places of Sri Lanka where wired electricity two-and-a-half hours from system is expensive. Colombo to Kurunegala by road. People stopped by the Serendib Horticulture expands overseas Warakapola Rest House for meals and a beer on their way to Kurunegala. A Serendib Horticulture stop by the ‘Cadju girls’ was also a must for the road travelers from Colombo Technologies (Pvt) Ltd to Kandy or Kurunegala. as a part of its aggressive global “We had to change the original feasibility study as a result of the new expansion initiative, decision. The proposed road will be constructed up to Kurunegala via has recently tied up Kadawatha and Meerigama. From Kurunegala, it will be extended to Kandy. with several California We are planning for improved connectivity to Trincomalee and Anuradhapura and Florida based via Kurunegala through the proposed expressway,” the Deputy Minister said. horticulture companies He said that a few companies from countries such as Malaysia, China, Korea to export ornamental and India had put forward their proposals to construct this road under the plants produced concept ‘Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT)’. through tissue culture “We hold discussions with these companies. We are yet to select any technology. Speaking company to strike the deal in this regard,” he said. to Daily News Business Serendib Horticulture Technologies Chairman and CEO Dilip de Silva said the company came to an agreement with seven companies in USA and intends to generate US $ 100,000 revenue this year through this partnership. Serendib also intends to Rs. 3 billion investment to upgrade BOI Zones export approximately half a million ornamental plants to the USA market per annum. Touching on future expansion plans in Sri Lanka, Silva noted that, Serendib is planning to work with the Indigenous Medicine The Board of Investment (BOI) will invest Rs Ministry to supply medicinal plants produced through tissue culture 3 billion to upgrade the twelve BOI zones in technology. In addition, the company is looking at expanding the the country to be model zones within the capacities of their tissue culture laboratories and also establishing a next three years. BOI Executive Director good extension service in coming years. The investment will increase Technical Services Sunil De Silva said the the company's exports and provide services to the local farmers. "We model zones will have all facilities required have expanded to the Middle East, where we have started a project in by the investors to benchmark with any Qatar with the Environment Ministry. We are the consultants to the international BOI zone once the work is Ministry at the Biotechnology Centre in Doha. We are training their staff completed. He said over the years the in commercial tissue culture and also developing protocols for plant industries in the zones have expanded and varieties that are required by the State of Qatar. Besides this, we have acquired new technologies but those zones have not been upgraded parallel established our presence in Africa - Rwanda, where we are working with to them. At a time that investors are looking at Sri Lanka it is very vital to an American company, FAIM (Africa), to supply fruit planting material address the issues that they are concerned about. De Silva said the and to establish a tissue culture lab to produce their plant requirements," infrastructure development will include new landscaping and improvement to Silva said. roads with asphalt concrete pavements instead of traditional ones. New waste water treatment plants also will be set up as the existing capacity is not sufficient. New facilities for solid waste management will also be introduced. Apart from those best practices, efficient services and aesthetic appearance will add value to these zones. He said that the Katunayake BOI zone which was established in 1979 has 530 acres of land and the largest among twelve zones and today there are 84 industries and 43000 employees. Rs 280 million out of the total amount have been allocated to improve this BOI zone. The other zones are situated in Biyagama, Seethawaka, Horana, Koggala, Mawathagama, Polgahawela, Mirigama, Wathupitiwala, Kandy, Malwatta and Mirijjawila. Netherlands keen on Sri Lanka ‘Agri business’ The Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi is keen to explore agri business opportunities in Sri Lanka, Netherlands Embassy, First Secretary Jaco Beerends told Daily News Business. During his recent visit to Sri Lanka he said the embassy is looking at the businesses that are already established in India at present. He said Sri Lanka has a promising market with the economic growth of 8% over the last year therefore the embassy is interested in building a relationship between the Netherlands, India and Sri Lanka in terms of an agri business market. The main focus will be on agri business and tourism, information technology and logistics will be considered later. He said the number of tourists from the Netherlands is growing extensively and for the last two years it has been increased by 10%. From a historical perspective the

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The Parliamentary Council has locations, such as the island in the Beira Lake and the Lionel Wendt, which approved the nomination sent by will host ‘fringe events’ as well. There will also be food stalls and even a beer President Mahinda Rajapaksa to garden. Arun Bias Bandaranaike, spokesman for the Colombo Music appoint Deputy Secretary General Festival, said that Sri Lanka deserved to be recognised for more than Sigiriya of Parliament Dhammika in terms of arts and culture. “For far too long, Sri Lanka has had a negative Dasanayaka as the Secretary image. We believe that through music, we can represent ourselves more General of Parliament. The positively,” Bandaranaike said. He pointed to the importance of creating a appointment has been approved platform for public and international awareness, citing landscape architect under article 41 A (8) of the Geoffrey Bawa and artist Justin Deraniyagala as examples. He also constitution by the Parliamentary promised that the wide variety of musicians performing would lead to some Council which met under the chairmanship of the speaker in parliament unusual collaboration, perhaps even some improvised ‘jam’ sessions. It was on February 8. Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne and his nominee, A.H.M. announced that on some days there would be events going on Azwer, MP too attended. simultaneously, leaving music-lovers spoilt for choice. All in all, the Colombo Music Festival promises to showcase a diverse range of local talent, and Dhammika Dassanayaka - Secretary General of Parliament hopefully, uncover budding performers as well. Audiophiles- watch this space! In terms of Article 41A(1) of the Constitution, the Parliamentary Council comprises of the Prime Minister, the Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, a nominee of the Prime Minister and a nominee of the Leader of the Opposition. A.H.M. Azwer is the nominee of PM while Australian PM hosts Sri Lanka cricket team at D.M. Swaminaithan, nominee of Leader of the Opposition has not attended any meetings so far. Dhammika Dasanayake is an LL.B her residence Graduate from the Colombo University and an Attorney-at-law by profession and has worked in the Foreign Employment Bureau since The Commonwealth Bank Tri-Nation Series between 1988 and as a State Counsel in the Attorney-General's Department host nation Australia, India and Sri Lanka is on from since 1989. February 8th to March 8th. The CB Series is conducted on a round-robin format with games played in Adelaide, He was appointed as the Assistant Secretary General of Parliament in Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth t h a t 1994 and appointed as the Deputy Secretary General of Parliament in gives Australian cricket fans together with Indian and 2003, he has more than 18 years of experience in Parliament and Sri Lankan expats a glorious opportunity of watching related fields. He is well acquainted with all matters connected with one or more games. As at going to press the Parliament in all related fields. He has held many positions in the tournament has reached a very interesting stage. Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Inter parliamentary Union and functioned as an advisor in many projects under the United Nations Cricket fever has caught on even with the Australian Development Programme. He was an advisor in Parliamentary matters Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partner Tim in the Board appointed by the UN in reorganization, strengthening and Mathieson. In a magnanimous gesture, PM Julia Gillard capacity building of the Afghanistan Parliament after the war, and hosted the touring Sri Lanka cricket team at her respected by all in Parliament as an excellent officer to hold this residence earlier this month. Looking at the snapshots, prestigious position. it is evident that both the players and hosts had an

enjoyable evening. It is fair to comment that the new look Sri Lankan team The Speaker has also decided to appoint present Assistant Secretary General Neil Iddawala to the post of Deputy Secretary General of attire looks very smart.

Parliament that will fall vacant with this appointment. Iddawala is an LL.B graduate from the Colombo University and an Attorney-at-Law by profession. He has worked in the Textile Corporation in 1988. He has practiced as an Attorney-at-Law from 1988 to 1994. He joined the judiciary in 1994 and has functioned as Additional District Judge and District Judge up to 2003. Iddawala was appointed Assistant Secretary General of Parliament in 2003 and has experience and knowledge in all Parliament matters after having worked overseeing all divisions of Parliament efficiently.

The Colombo Music Festival

In the first photograph (top left), Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena with Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard and her partner Tim Mathieson and Australian cricketer Brad Haddin. In the second photo (top right), speedster Lasith Malinga joins Mahela, the PM and Niki Marzook, Thushith Samaraweera - GM Waters Edge, Arun Dias Bandaranaike, Mr. Mathieson. In the third photo (bottom left), PM Julia Gillard and Tim Mathieson with Haadia Galely, Vipula Wanigasekere, Budrin Musafer, Event Partners and Co Chairs of the Colombo Music Festival. the Sri Lanka Cricket Team. In the fourth photo, Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka Vice Captian been greeted by PM Gillard. The air is filled with drumbeats. The Colombo Percussion Trio, Ravi Bandu, Upula Madushankar and Krishina play their drums with passion, rhythm and evident enjoyment. They are performing to announce the Briefly….Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s journey to the top! Colombo Music festival, to be held next year, from August 24 to 26. The Julia Eileen Gillard is the 27th and current Prime Minister of Australia, in office since Festival, dubbed ‘Senses and Soul’ will showcase a diverse range of June 2010. Gillard was born on 29 September 1961, in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales music genres and influences. All of this with a local flavour, since the and migrated with her family to Adelaide, Australia in 1966, attending Mitcham musicians are either local or Sri Lankan expatriates. Musicians of all Demonstration School and Unley High School. In 1982 Gillard moved to Melbourne, ages will be performing anything from fusion to oriental, folk, pop, rock, Australia. She graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Arts and jazz, and even classical and choral music. Among those who are Bachelor of Laws degrees in 1986. In 1987, Gillard joined the law firm Slater & Gordon expected to perform are popular rock band Stigmata, Iraj, fusion band working in industrial law, before entering politics. Julia Gillard was elected at the 1998 Thriloka, the de Lanerolle brothers, Voice Print, Rukshan Perera, Kumar federal election to the House of Representatives seat of Lalor, Victoria, for the De Silva, Sureka Amarasinghe and Shanelle Fernando. Choristers from Australian Labor Party. Following the 2001 federal election, Gillard was elected to the the University of Visual and Performing Arts will also perform. So, why shadow cabinet with the portfolios of Population and Immigration. The Reconciliation the urgent need for a music festival? Event Director Haadia Galely and Indigenous Affairs and the Health portfolios were added in 2003. explained that the Festival’s aims were threefold. The first was to provide knowledge, by way of experts. The idea is to provide discussion In December 2006, Kevin Rudd was elected Labor leader and Leader of the Opposition, between genres. The second was entertainment, by way of celebrating with Gillard as deputy leader. Gillard became the Deputy Prime Minister upon Labor's music in all forms. Finally, it is hoped that there will be a host of victory in the 2007 federal election, also serving as Minister for Education, opportunities available for young, up and coming musicians hoping to Employment and Workplace Relations. On 24 June 2010, after Rudd lost the support of get into the business. Galely explained that she wanted to put Sri Lanka his party and stood aside, Gillard became federal leader of the Australian Labor Party on the map of World Festivals. As such, this will be no run-of-t h e -mill and thus the Prime Minister, the first female holder of the office. The 2010 federal concert. Apart from the musical performances, there will be workshops election saw the incumbent Gillard Labor government elected to a second term after and discussions, including master-classes. Here leading experts from forming a minority government, the first hung parliament since the 1940 federal Sri Lanka and abroad will show amateur music enthusiasts how to hone election, with the support of an Australian Greens MP and three independent MPs on their skills. There will also be an ‘open stage’ event where new a 76-74 margin, defeating the Liberal/National Coalition opposition. musicians will be allowed to perform, by registering online. While Waters Edge is to be the official venue for the event, there will be several other

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PUBLISHED BY THE TIMES OF SRI LANKA A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Ad-Bri Enterprises Inc.

Tradewinds e-Magazine is digitally produced in Toronto, Canada and circulated worldwide

Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you Ask not what your country can do for for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never you – ask what you can do for your apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your country. JOHN F. KENNEDY time. If you’re right and you know it, speak your mind. Speak your mind even if you are a minority of one. The truth is still Truly inspiring……. Editor, TradeWinds the truth. MOHANDAS GANDHI Geography has made us neighbours A few wordsHistory from has made The us friends Editor! Economics has made us partners, "Learn fromand yesterday, Necessity has live made for us allies.today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.”……..Albert Einstein Those whom God has so joined together, let no TradeWindsman e- putMagazine asunder. is an independent digital e-publication launched in 2010, and published monthly in Toronto, Canada by “The Times of Sri Lanka” – a wholly owned subsidiary of Ad-Bri Enterprises Inc. TradeWinds - is a by-product of The Times of Sri Lanka that was launched in Toronto in AugustJOHN F. 1990, KENNEDY in tabloid format. With the evolution of digital technology, the publishers decided to move with the future and thus – TradeWinds e-Magazine was launched. The editorial team comprise of free lance photo journalists, feature writers and business analysts mainly from Canada, Australia and Sri Lanka. Research, Advertising and Circulation matters are handled by the corporate office in Toronto. Production of the magazine including typesetting, layout and design is credited to our creative graphic design team at Ad-Bri Enterprises Inc.

Our Mission is to publish an extraordinary e-Magazine with quality content that is newsworthy, informative, non-political, interesting and accurate.

Our Vision is to optimize the use of state-of-the-art digital technology and graphics software to disseminate news via electronic medium - to the larger Sri Lankan global community and others interested in Sri Lanka, throughout the world!

To achieve the above, we hope to capture news from Sri Lanka, Canada, USA, Australia, U.K., and the world - from a wide spectrum of topics that include trade, tourism, investment, technology transfer, business, economy and industrial development; health, history and life events. Our feature writer’s will also provide investigative and personal reports of interest. “Sharing information for success”, is our tag line.

Currently, the magazine enjoys an estimated national circulation of over 7000 readers’ in Canada. It has a global circulation and mailed electronically to our readers’ in Sri Lanka, U.S.A., U.K., Germany, Italy, The Middle East, New Zealand, Australia, within the European Union and a few other countries. Recent surveys conducted by us estimate over 20,000 people read TradeWinds e-Magazine monthly, round the world. Feedback has been generous….which is truly encouraging. Many have contacted us via e-mail and telephone, with their thoughts and told us that the magazine is creative, well designed, informative and easy to read. Others talk about the ‘added value’ i t provides to the reader. We are aware that the scope of this e-magazine is unlimited. On an ongoing basis, we value the input of many who stimulate our thoughts on what they like to see in the magazine. Feedback and interactive communication are valuable tools in the publishing business!

As publishers, we surround ourselves with other creative’s, sharing ideas that breeds’ new ways of thinking and presents alternate points of view on the same subject. We acknowledge that a few marketing vehicles can match the power of a high-content, free electronic e-mail digital newsletter delivered monthly to our subscribers’ “inbox”. We hope to fill this void and build a reputation that is credible. TradeWinds editorial team will faithfully work within the confines of accepted journalistic standards. We will never be compromised. We strongly believe that “Every news organization has only its credibility and reputation to rely on.” We hope to maintain ours!

With my best wishes to our valued readership and advertisers!

Upali Obeyesekere Managing Editor, The Times of Sri Lanka (TSL) Publishers of TradeWinds e-Magazine 58 Sundial Crescent, Toronto, ON. M4A 2J8 Canada E-mail (Editorial & Advertising) [email protected] Telephone: 416-445-5390/416-418-2207 Fax: 647-342-2967

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ONTARIO PROVINCE - AN AUTOMOTIVE LEADER RESEARCH IN MOTION (RIM) Feb.16, 2012 - Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation - NEWSROOM REVIVAL DEPENDS ON PLAYBOOK Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty Government Celebrates Auto Industry Talent According to recent news reports in the mainstream and Innovation media, widespread discounting of Research In Motion Ltd.’s PlayBook tablet computer seems to be working. The often-criticized device now has 15 per Ontario is a leader in the auto sector. Since cent of the Canadian tablet market, according to new research; a major jump 2004, Ontario has produced more vehicles that coincides with the company’s decision to slash its price by hundreds of than any other state or province in North dollars.RIM has not made much progress in the tablet space to date. It is well America thanks to its dedicated workers, behind Apple Inc.’s industry-leading iPad and other manufacturers that sell state of the art technology and innovation. tablets running Google Inc.’s Android software. The province's auto industry supports nearly 400,000 jobs and contributes about $20 billion to the economy annually. With the When RIM rolled out the PlayBook in April, 2011, the device lacked many Canadian International Auto Show beginning in Toronto today, it's features that users had hoped for. The company immediately said a software a good time to look at some of the sector's strengths, innovations upgrade was coming “very, very soon” – and then announced in October that and other notable achievements: the update would come only by February. Despite the PlayBook’s powerful hardware, it was panned by critics for its software flaws. Industry Strengths Toronto-based Solutions Research Group (SRG) says its survey of 1,000 • Ontario is unique in North America with five of the top light Canadians shows PlayBook’s market share has risen from about 5 per cent vehicle makers operating plants here (GM, Ford, Chrysler, of the tablet market last fall. Apple Inc.’s iPad still dominates, but share of the Toyota, Honda). tablet market in Canada has dropped to 68 per cent from about 86 per cent, SRG research shows. Reports on Tuesday suggested that Apple may be • The Honda Civic, built in Alliston, remains Canada's top selling looking into an iPad with a smaller screen, similar in size to the PlayBook. car for the 14th straight year. • Chrysler's Windsor assembly plant produces vehicles under the Chrysler, Dodge, Ram and Lancia brands. Although the holiday shopping season has ended, RIM’s deep discounting • About one quarter of all the vehicles General Motors produces has not: The device, which was unveiled at a minimum price tag of $500, in Canada and the U.S. are built in Ontario. now regularly sells for less than $300 and some models are selling for just $200. In December, RIM announced a $485-million pre-tax charge to earnings as it lowered the value of its PlayBook inventory. Technology and Innovation Now, Canada’s largest technology company is clearly hoping the looming • The climatic wind tunnel at the Automotive Centre of Excellence release of the PlayBook OS 2.0 software update will spur widespread at UOIT in Oshawa can re-create extreme weather conditions adoption of the tablet. including minus 40°C temperatures and hurricane-force winds. • The Fumes-t o -Fuel system at Ford's Oakville assembly plant The PlayBook’s new features, with the exception of its ability to crisply run converts fumes from the paint shop into clean electric power to Android’s numerous apps, seem mainly geared toward RIM’s key corporate help run the plant, saving energy and reducing emissions. customer base. Indeed, the software update is timed to coincide with the • Researchers working on Ontario's BioCar Initiative have launch of BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, which is a version of RIM’s secure developed plant-based materials such as a wheat straw- enterprise service that can manage non-RIM devices such as iPhones, and reinforced plastic that can be used to reduce petroleum-based BlackBerry Balance, which will allow IT departments to push work-related plastics found in cars. apps out onto a corporate firewalled section of employees’ PlayBooks.

The jump in PlayBook sales, though not surprising given the lower price, Electric Vehicles (EVs) comes weeks before RIM unveils a much-anticipated software update for the device that will bring e-mail and calendar applications to a device that has • Through projects such as Better Place, Ontario has joined long been criticized for lacking such features. jurisdictions from around the world exploring the role of electric vehicles as part of building a sustainable transportation future. Additional features, such as being able to type onto a PlayBook using a • Toyota will build the RAV4 electric vehicle at its plant in BlackBerry phone keyboard, are also being added. Also in February, RIM will Woodstock - the company's first electric vehicle to be built in launch the next generation of its secure corporate enterprise service, known North America. as BlackBerry Mobile Fusion, which will allow corporate and government • Dana Holding Corporation has its global R&D centre for battery clients to manage iPhones and Android devices as well as BlackBerrys. cooling systems in Oakville. The company is developing technology for use in electric and hybrid vehicles that maintains the battery at optimal temperature, helping to maximize range Applle to unveill iPad in March and performance. Apple Inc. plans to introduce its latest iPad tablet at an event in the first week Supporting a sustainable and innovative auto industry is part of the in March, the website AllThingsD reported, citing unnamed McGuinty government's plan to create and support jobs for Ontario sources. The event will be held in San Francisco, likely at the families, and strengthen local economies. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which is Apple's preferred site for product launches, the website said. An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment. QUICK FACTS

• The Canadian International Auto Show runs from February 17th Apple has typically introduced the latest versions of its iPad in the first few to 26th in Toronto. months of the year. The current iPad 2 was introduced on March 2, 2011. • Almost 90,000 people are directly employed in Ontario's The original iPad was introduced at the end of January 2010. automotive sector in either vehicle assembly or parts production, with about 400,000 jobs supported by the industry Apple's iPad dominates the nascent market for tablets even though deep- throughout the province. pocketed rivals are taking aim at the lucrative segment. Amazon.com Inc's • As a result of the tax changes implemented in Ontario, taxes on Kindle Fire, which sells at half the cost of an iPad, has chipped away at the business investment were cut in half, making Ontario more lower end of the tablet market. Apple iPad tablet sales doubled in the competitive and encouraging new business investments. December quarter to 15.43 million units from a year earlier.

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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA ON THE FORMAL ELEVATION OF ARCHBISHOP OF TORONTO THOMAS COLLINS TO THE COLLEGE OF CARDINALS

Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued the following statement after the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, formally elevated Cardinal-designate Thomas Collins, Archbishop of Toronto, to the College of Cardinals at a ceremony in Rome, Italy. Cardinal Collins was accompanied by a delegation of Canadians, including the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Associate Minister of National Defence.

“On behalf of Canadians, I would like to congratulate His Eminence, Thomas Collins on his formal elevation today to the College of Cardinals by the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI in Rome. While retaining his commitment to the 1.7 million Catholics in the Archdiocese of Toronto and numerous Canadian charities, organizations, and educational institutions, Cardinal Collins is now adding to his already-substantial international responsibilities.

“The cardinals are usually the principal advisors to and ministers of the pope, either assisting in the administration of the affairs of the Holy See or serving as Archbishops of major cities throughout the world. That a native son of Guelph, Ontario, has been made a cardinal is a source of pride for all Canadians.

“With this appointment, Cardinal Collins becomes the fourth cardinal in the 110-year history of the Church in Toronto and the 16th cardinal in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in Canada.

“On the occasion of this great honour for Catholics throughout Canada, I wish our country’s newest cardinal all the best in his continued ministry.”

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA AT THE CANADA-CHINA BUSINESS FORUM

Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks at the Canada-China Business Forum:

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you, Peter, also for your kind introduction, and thank you to the Canada-China Business Forum for the opportunity to speak here today and also for organizing this impressive gathering of Canadian and Chinese business leaders. This is the fifth such forum that has been held, and I congratulate you for helping build stronger trade relations between Canada and China.

“I’m honoured to share the podium today with His Excellency Vice Premier Li, with whom I just concluded a cordial and productive meeting, I hope of the first of many to come. That meeting is one of many I will be having with senior government officials during this trip, and I know that all of these meetings with Chinese leaders will help strengthen Canada-China relations. “I also want to acknowledge representatives of the Canadian Chambers of Commerce of Shanghai and Hong Kong who are with us today, and greetings as well to Wan Jifei, Chair of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. I’m very pleased to be back in China.

“It is an auspicious time – the beginning of the Year of the Dragon. As “Globally, China is now Canada's second-largest trading partner. This 20 the most exciting creature in the ancient Chinese zodiac, the dragon percent rise in our exports in 2010 is reflected in our government’s dramatic inspires confidence, energy and success, characteristics that also define expansion of our trade commission network in China, helping Canadian the flourishing relationship between Canada and China. companies capitalize on countless business opportunities. And speaking of business opportunities, I am honoured to be present at this business forum, “We have seen remarkable growth in two-way trade and investment, and to have witnessed the signing of a significant number of commercial people-to-people ties, and bilateral cooperation over the past few years. agreements just a few minutes ago. Together, the value of these 23 It is no accident, I think, that Canada and China came through the global agreements is close to three billion dollars. recession avoiding the severity of the financial, economic and employment crises seen elsewhere. Throughout this challenging period, “Among the signatories are some very well-known Canadian corporate our governments, our business leaders and our peoples have worked names. The list includes: Bombardier, Canada’s renowned aircraft and diligently to identify and to seize opportunities for expanding mutually commuter train manufacturer which has won several contracts to supply rail beneficial trade and investment. There is a symmetry between our cars and other technologies for Chinese public transit systems, Telus and economic needs that is found among only a small number of our trading Bell, two of Canada’s largest telecommunications service providers will partners. upgrade their networks here, and ClevrU Corporation has developed an internet-based remote learning package that will increase access to “Canada has the resources, technological sophistication, and geo- education. strategic positioning to complement China’s economic growth strategy, and China’s growth, in turn, complements our determination to diversify “Also yesterday, in the Great Hall of the People, Premier Wen and I reached our export markets. The proof is in the numbers, starting with a number of important agreements. The cumulative impact of these accords investment. Two-way investment has increased almost 700 percent truly takes Canada-China relations to a new level. They deal with air during the last seven years. Canadian direct investment in China rose to transportation, and double taxation. nearly five billion dollars in 2010, up nearly 40 percent from the previous year. Chinese direct investment in Canada rose almost 10 percent in “We renewed an earlier Memorandum of Understanding on energy 2010, approaching 15 billion dollars. These impressive numbers will cooperation. We secured a deepening of our Nuclear Cooperation only grow with yesterday’s conclusion of our new Foreign Investment Agreement, and we have agreed to jointly fund science, technology and Protection and Promotion Agreement. It’s the same story for two-way innovation research into human vaccines, and clean transportation. I’m trade. therefore pleased that we have also agreed that following the completion of the joint study on economic complimentaries later this spring, Canada and “Thanks in part to our government’s investment in the Asia-Pacific China will proceed to exploratory discussion to further deepening our Gateway, Canada’s lumber exports to China are setting records. The economic and trade relations. ‘China-Canada Green Building Design Center in Langfang’ that I visited this morning is an impressive building. It reminds us of a ski chalet, and Further diversifying our trade relations has the potential of greatly expanding it is one of the largest wood-frame buildings in China, but what is more Canadian growth and Canadian job creation. They also signal the growing important about it is that it is a demonstration project built entirely with engagement between our people at every level, from tourism and student Canadian lumber, Canadian products, and Canadian construction exchanges, to partnerships among business leaders, to relationships training. between senior government leaders such as myself and Vice-Premier Li.

“We expect to see similar success stories in Canadian energy exports to “In the long run, it is these personal connections that will define our China, once infrastructure is in place. Since the granting of Approved relationship. The more Canada and China do business together, the more we Destination Status during my last visit here, Chinese tourism to Canada build our cultural networks, the more we collaborate in international forums, is also flourishing. In that regard, I was very pleased yesterday to attend the deeper I’m convinced our friendship will become. And that, ladies and the opening of the Canadian Tourism Commission’s office in Beijing, gentlemen, is a goal worth striving for. Thank you.” and to kick off their 2012 campaign. As well, Canadian beef exports have recently resumed after a 10-year hiatus.

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AGRICULTURAL (FARMING) PRODUCTS FROM CANADA PROVE MOST POPULAR EXPORT TO ASIAN REGION

The chart below illustrates a 5-year analysis of exports from Canada to Sri Lanka/Bangladesh/Pakistan, from 2006-2010. Looking at the chart, it is apparent that Canada earns more export revenue from Bangladesh than Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Interestingly, farming products such as Wheat, Dry Pea and Bean, and Oilseed constitute the top three products that are exported to the three countries. Other in-demand exports include Iron and Steel and Ferro Alloy, Recyclable Metal, Pulp & Paper, Sawmills and Wood Preservation, Pharmaceutical and Medicine, Non-Metallic Mineral Mining and Quarrying, Coal Mining, Semi-Conductor and Other Electronic Components, Rubber and Plastics Industry Machinery, Resin and Synthetic Rubber, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications equipment. 5-YEAR ANALYSIS OF EXPORTS FROM CANADA TO SRI LANKA/BANGLADESH/PAKISTAN FOR PERIOD 2006 – 2010 Data obtained from Statistics Canada and the U.S. Census Bureau (U.S. Department of Commerce)

CHART PREPARED BY: AD-BRI ENTERPRISES INC.

2006 Pakistan 350,664 421,665 515,671 357,836 533,393 2007

2008 Bangladesh 145,255 343,213 269,227 549,479 578,074

2009

224,829 230,304 369,024 292,964 338,512 Sri Lanka 2010

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Michael Ondaatje sets sail with ‘The Cat’s Table’ Michael Ondaatje was back home in Sri Lanka to deliver the keynote address at the Geoffrey Bawa Awards last year and to spend time with f a m i l y . T he Booker Prize winning author in conversation with Smriti Daniel about his latest novel. He was eleven years old that night,’ reads the befitting their humble status on board. As the to family and to friends and to get their excerpt in The New Yorker, ‘green as he could be ship ploughs across the Indian Ocean, through responses. They might say it’s completely crazy about the world, when he climbed aboard the the Suez Canal, into the Mediterranean, the boys or that they like it. That’s the time when it’s first and only ship of his life.’ The lines from find much to entertain them - ‘bursting all over really nerve wracking.” As he continues to work ‘The Cat’s Table’ appear right on time - going the place like freed mercury,’ they fall into on the book, his focus he says is on tightening by his usual publishing schedule, Michael adventure and mischief. Around them that first draft, testing everything so that it Ondaatje is just about due for a new novel. (His conversations abound as adults discuss jazz and actually makes sense to everyone. last one Divisadero was published in 2007.) women. But out of sight is a deeper mystery – a Announcing a date in early October, his shackled prisoner whose crime and eventual fate Listening to him one cannot help but notice the publishers described the book as Ondaatje’s the three young men can only guess? plainness of his speech and its directness; the ‘most thrilling yet,’ and ‘the best thing Ondaatje sounds are in sharp contrast to his writing. On has done,’ but as the author notes wryly, “they Ondaatje, who has been a literary landlubber for paper, Ondaatje can startle you into seeing are after all my publishers.” Still, ‘The Cat’s most part says he was drawn to the idea of language afresh – so much so that his prose Table’ is quite different from his other books, setting a story aboard a ship. “I thought I would often reads like pure poetry, oscillating between Ondaatje tells me in a phone interview - “It’s a limit myself because in some ways the other the past and the present, between emotion and bit more light-hearted, perhaps but also books have been towards different landscapes, intellect, between myth and documentary. It is intimate, hopefully.” leaping around here and there. I thought I would also unapologetically dense, made intense with try to write in one location,” he says adding that rich, fresh metaphors and intricate imagery. For Set in the 1950s, he enjoyed the contradiction in which his those who quail at the thought, his new book the story follows universe was limited to the constrained spaces might just prove easier reading; while there is an eleven-year- aboard a ship, while the ship itself was in the odd challenge to chronology, the author old boy who constant motion. You’re there with all these describes ‘The Cat’s Table’ as a “bit more boards a ship out other people and you have to discover yourself in normal.” of Colombo them, he says. “It’s interesting because it could bound for be a French farce or it could be a tragedy.” The As he waits to see what his readers will make of England. As he author has confessed to a decided reluctance to it, he’ll be taking a break from fiction, perhaps steps onto the plot his books well in advance. He began this one even shifting gear to writing non-fiction or dock, he is with “the image of a young boy getting on a ship poetry. He has admittedly been more prolific in dazzled by the and going to a place he had never heard of and the latter format – publishing 12 volumes as sight of it: ‘It felt knew nothing about.” The plot that follows, very opposed to five novels and winning the Governor as if a city had naturally arose out of the questions the image General's Award for ‘The Collected Works of been added to the provoked. “Does it become an adventure or does Billy the Kid’ (1970). Now the author who lives coast, more it become something scary or does it change in Toronto, Canada says he would like to brightly him? It’s all of that really.” It’s essential to his return to penning the odd stanza. illuminated than process, says Ondaatje that it takes him 3 or 4 any town or years to write the book and nearly another 2 to Perhaps he’ll be inspired by his brief sojourn village. He went simply edit it down. “It’s partly because I’m here in Sri Lanka, the island which he called up the gangplank, discovering the story in the first draft and all the home for the first 11 years of his life and whose Michael Ondaatje – well known watching the path other drafts are really about fine tuning it and influence can be felt in beautiful pieces like ‘The Canadian of Sri Lankan origin of his feet - hopefully making it more exciting.” Cinnamon Peeler.’ nothing ahead of him existed - and continued till he was on the With six novels, one of them the Booker Prize “It feels very good to be back,” says the author, other side of the ship, facing the dark harbour winning ‘The English Patient’, Ondaatje has explaining that it’s his first visit in just under and sea.’ Though he begins his journey learned to be philosophical about the book’s four years. He was here to speak at the Geoffrey seemingly isolated, aboard the ship the boy eventual reception. He’s still not immune to Bawa Awards, 2011 but Ondaatje, who will turn meets two other young sailors - Cassius and nervousness though, and says he feels it well 68 this September, has also been immersing Ramadhin become friends and partners in before the publishing date arrives. “When I’m himself in family. “It’s been a long time and it’s crime. At mealtimes, the group, made up of writing the book, I’m writing it in complete just wonderful to be here with them. They’re a other nobodies like themselves, is seated at the privacy so that no one ever really sees any of it. very important part of my life.” ‘cat’s table’; far away from the captain as is The really scary part is when you start to show it

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CCaannaaddiiaannss oonn CCiittiizzeennsshhiipp

A 2011 survey on what it means to be a citizen in Canada Canadians on Citizenship is the ICC’s latest project, a survey, undertaken in partnership with the Environics Institute, Maytree Foundation, the CBC and RBC. From new citizens and permanent residents to those born in Canada, approximately 2,300 were asked to share their opinions on what it means to think, feel and act like a Canadian citizen. Below you’ll find an infographic that highlights key survey results as well as quick links to additional information.

THE INSTITUTE FOR CANADIAN CITIZENSHIP’S LATEST COLLABORATION HAS CANADIANS TALKING ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CITIZEN TORONTO, ON – February 16, 2012 - The Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) continues to expand the conversation on citizenship with its latest collaborative project, Canadians on Citizenship, the country’s first national survey that asks 2,376 Canadians what it means to be a Canadian citizen. Three themes emerged from the survey that dispels many myths surrounding Canadians’ beliefs on citizenship. The first shows Canadians have a consistent definition of what it means to be a good citizen - being involved in the community and accepting those who are different are seen as very important parts of that definition. Second, Canadians have a confident, comfortable attitude towards citizenship and its current legal requirements. The third demonstrates that Canadians - regardless of whether they’re Canadian or foreign-born - hold similar views, including the notion that someone born outside of Canada can be just as good a citizen as someone born in Canada.

To help put a face to the results, the ICC worked with actor and producer, Zaib Shaikh (a member of the ICC’s Board of Directors), to host a roundtable discussion with seven members of its new citizen programs to collect their opinions and stories related to the themes that emerged from the survey. “Canada’s future depends on the successful integration of new citizens through meaningful inclusion in all aspects of Canadian life,” said Gillian Hewitt Smith, Executive Director & CEO, Institute for Canadian Citizenship. “This survey and our interviews show a Canadian population – new and established – united by a commitment to community and to Canada; a powerful statement about the nation we’ve become, and our potential for future success.”

This is just one of the many exciting things the ICC has been working on:

→ Last month, the ICC launched an easy-to-use online resource that connects new citizens to volunteer resources and opportunities across the country. → The Cultural Access Pass program is continuing to engage and connect with even more new Canadian citizens: registration has increased by 72.5% year-over-year with up to 150 new citizens joining the program each day. → Over the past six months, the ICC’s Building Citizenship program has welcomed 575 new Canadian citizens through its special citizenship ceremonies and expanded its national network of volunteers to include new citizenship committees in Montreal, Markham and Red Deer, bringing the total number of committees to 29.

The ICC partnered with the Environics Institute, Maytree Foundation, the CBC and RBC to produce Canadians on Citizenship, because of a common desire to reach out and engage Canadians

ABOUT THE ICC The Institute for Canadian Citizenship is a national, non-profit organization that engages Canadians in citizenship through innovative programs, campaigns and partnerships designed to ensure new citizens are welcomed and included as equals, to create meaningful connections among all Canadian citizens, to foster a culture of active, engaged citizens and to celebrate what it means to be Canadian. Our Building Citizenship program brings together new and established Canadians at community citizenship ceremonies; our Cultural Access Pass (CAP) offers new citizens the chance to visit more than 1,000 attractions across Canada for free for a full year from the time they’re sworn in; and our annual LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium fosters a debate on the future of Canada’s civic culture. The ICC was founded and is co-chaired by the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul. The ICC is supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC).

Introducing the two co-chairs of the Institute of Canadian Citizenship

The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson John Ralston Saul

Universally acknowledged to have transformed the office of Governor- John Ralston Saul is a Companion in the Order of Canada and a Chevalier in the General, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson was the 26th person to Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France. He is the Founder and Honorary Chair of hold this office. The energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of Canada she French for the Future, Chair of the LaFontaine-Baldwin Symposium, Patron of brought to Canadians in her six years in Ottawa have left an indelible mark in PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) and Former President, and now our nation's history. Through a long career at CBC, she created and starred in honorary patron, of Canadian PEN. An essayist and novelist, Saul's writings are numerous series including the fifth estate and Adrienne Clarkson Presents. aimed at a new humanism through what he calls responsible individualism. His philosophical trilogy and its conclusion - Voltaire's Bastards: The Dictatorship of She has been showered with honorary doctorates from St. Petersburg in Reason in the West, The Doubter's Companion: A Dictionary of Aggressive Russia, Siena in Italy and twenty-one universities in Canada. Her passion for Common Sense, The Unconscious Civilization and On Equilibrium: Six Qualities of Canada is evident in everything she has done. Her books include a memoir, the New Humanism - has impacted political thought in many countries. In 2004, Heart Matters, a biography Norman Bethune for Penguin Canada's he received the Pablo Neruda International Presidential Medal of Honor. His Extraordinary Canadians series and her latest book, Room for All of Us, most recent national bestseller is A Fair Country: Telling Truths about Canada. released during citizenship week 2011.

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Canada’’s Infllation rate jjumps to 2..5 per cent on Canada’’s Refugee system to get overhaull Minister to decide which nations safe higher gas prices OTTAWA — A one-month pop in gasoline prices propelled Canada’s annual inflation rate up two OTTAWA -- The Conservative government is using its majority to once again notches to 2.5 per cent in January, reversing a overhaul the refugee system to reduce what it considers to be bogus claims. recent trend toward moderating consumer price Immigration Minister Jason Kenney tabled legislation in the House of increases. Pump prices climbed 2.8 per cent Commons on Thursday that reverses some key concessions the Tories last month, partly due to political instability in made to the opposition two years ago in order to pass the Balanced Refugee the Middle East, contributing to upward pressure on both the monthly Reform Act through a minority Parliament. This new legislation, called the and annual indexes tracked by the Statistics Canada. The agency said Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act, more closely resembles the consumer prices overall were half a point higher in January on a original refugee bill as tabled by the Tories, before any concessions. But, seasonally adjusted basis than they were in December, almost totally Kenney said, a glut of refugee claims from the European Union has forced reversing last month's sharp 0.6 per cent decline — both movements the government to adopt even tougher measures. coming mostly from fluctuations in the price of gasoline. As well, underlying core inflation — which excludes volatile items such as some "We worked with the opposition in good faith and we ended up with a bill that was a huge improvement over the status fresh food and gas — rose to 2.1 per cent, one tick higher than the Bank t h of Canada's target. Analysts had expected the monthly and annual quo," he said Thursday (16 ). measures to rise, but not as sharply as occurred. Besides the climb in gas prices during January, economists were expecting the one-point "But we have a serious problem. We're facing a large wave of increase in the Québec sales tax that went into effect on Jan. 1 to unfounded asylum claims coming from the European Union in provide a small boost. Another key contributor to inflation remains food, particular. The only tool we have to address that now is the which in January cost 4.2 per cent more than a year ago, although food imposition of a visa. That hurts Canada's commercial, diplomatic interests. It prices continue to moderate. hurts the tourism industry. We need other tools to address it."

Canada is close to inking a free-trade agreement with the European Union. Excluding those two items, inflation would be a tepid 1.6 per cent, the The Czech Republic has threatened to hold up the deal if Canada does not agency said. That is likely to give the Bank of Canada comfort that get rid of a visa requirement it slapped on Czech citizens in 2009. The new inflation remains well in control despite the persistent above-target legislation would give the federal immigration minister final say over which readings. The central bank forecasts inflation to fall to about 1.5 per cent countries are considered safe and which are not. Refugees from safe by mid-year. Overall, seven of the eight major price components that countries whose claims are rejected will no longer be permitted to appeal the Statistics Canada tracks registered increases in January, the lone decision to the Immigration and Refugee Board. They are allowed to appeal exception being recreation, education and reading. Transportation rose to the board under the current legislation. All rejected claimants can still 3.7 per cent on an annual basis, shelter costs increased by 2.1 per cent, appeal to the Federal Court, but they can be kicked out of the country while household operations were higher as were clothing and footwear, and they wait for a ruling. alcoholic beverages and tobacco. The rising cost of food was punctuated by a 9.9 per cent annual increase in bread, 8.3 per cent in NDP critic Don Davies called the bill "a serious step backwards for Canada's fresh vegetables and a 6.5 per cent hike in meat prices. Not all items refugee system." "This bill once again puts too much power in the hands of cost more in January, however. Furniture cost 3.6 per cent less last the minister," Davies said. "This bill politicizes a process which should be month than a year ago and video equipment dropped 9.7 per cent. judicial. It should be, it must be impartial, fair and arm's-length." Mortgage interest costs and travel tours were also slightly less expensive. Most of the inflation occurred in Ontario and Quebec, at The Canadian Council for Refugees also expressed concern over the about half a point each, with the other provinces seeing relatively flat proposed legislation. pricing. Regionally, annual inflation was highest New Brunswick at 3.2 per cent last month and lowest in British Columbia, at 1.7 per cent. "The bill is discriminatory and creates a two-tier system of refugee protection in Canada," said Wanda Yamamoto, the group's president. "It also makes it dangerously vulnerable to political considerations, rather than ensuring a fair Renewablle Energy in Canada and independent decision about who is a refugee. Our refugee system needs to give everyone a fair hearing, based on the facts of their case and Canada generates a significant part of its electricity regardless of their country of origin." "We are sending a message today," from hydroelectric dams, but has otherwise limited Kenney said. "If you do not need Canada's protection, we will give you renewable energy generation, although wind power is access to our fair asylum system quickly and then send you home quickly. growing quickly. A 15 megawatt tidal plant sits at "You will not be allowed to remain in Canada for years using endless appeals Annapolis, Nova Scotia, and uses the daily tides of at the expense of Canadian taxpayers." the Bay of Fundy. Politicians have expressed interest in increasing the percentage of Canada's electricity The purpose of the safe-country list is to reduce the number of claims from generated by renewable methods. Canada has plentiful solar energy places such as Hungary and Mexico, which have democratically elected resources, with the most extensive resources being found in southern governments and generally follow human rights treaties. Ontario, Quebec and the Prairies. The territories have a smaller "Our generous asylum system has been abused by people making bogus potential, and less direct sunlight, because of their higher latitude. refugee claims," Kenney said. "Our government is very concerned about the recent increase in refugee The main applications of solar energy technologies in Canada have claims from democratic countries that respect human rights." been for non-electric active solar system applications for space heating, water heating and drying crops and lumber. In 2001, there were more Citizenship and Immigration says there is now a backlog of nearly 42,000 than 12,000 residential solar water heating systems and 300 cases at the Immigration and Refugee Board. It takes 41/2 years, on commercial/ industrial solar hot water systems in use. These systems average, to kick a failed refugee claimant out of the country. presently comprise a small fraction of Canada’s energy use, but some government studies suggest they could make up as much as five per cent of the country’s energy needs by the year 2025.

Canada has many regions that are sparsely populated and difficult to access. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are increasingly used as standalone units, mostly as off-grid distributed electricity generation to power remote homes, telecommunications equipment, oil and pipeline monitoring stations and navigational devices. The Canadian PV market has grown quickly and Canadian companies make solar modules, controls, specialized water pumps, high efficiency refrigerators and solar lighting systems.

One of the most important uses for PV cells is in northern communities, many of which depend on high-cost diesel fuel to generate electricity. Since the 1970s, the federal government and industry has encouraged the development of solar technologies for these communities. Some of Number of EI recipient edged up in December,, Statistics Canada says these efforts have focused on the use of hybrid systems that provide OTTAWA - Statistics Canada says the number of people receiving regular power 24 hours a day, using solar power. Employment Insurance benefits edged up by 4,200, or 0.8 per cent, to 544,700 in December. The agency says the number of beneficiaries remained relatively stable during the final quarter of the year, but was down 109,400 or 16.7 per cent, compared with 12 months earlier. There were more people receiving benefits in six provinces, with the largest percentage increases occurring in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. The largest decline came in Newfoundland and Labrador. In December, 337,500 men received regular benefits, down 16 per cent from December 2010. There were 211,600 women on EI, down 15.9 per cent from 12 months earlier.

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RELEASE Date: February 29, 2012

CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE ENGAGES WITH CANADA'S MULTICULTURAL MEDIA IN PREPARATION FOR THE ROAD TO LONDON 2012 AND BEYOND Canadian Olympic Team embraces Canada's multiculturalism through sport

TORONTO - Yesterday evening, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), along with Canadian athletes, reached out to multicultural media at an event in Toronto to celebrate the importance of Canada's cultural diversity as we move closer to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"As a volleyball athlete I enjoy travelling around the world and meeting people of all backgrounds. I also enjoy learning different languages and as a proud Canadian, I am able to do that right at home in such a rich and diverse country," said Canadian volleyball player Martin Reader. "Growing up in a multicultural household in Montreal and Toronto, I enjoyed not only celebrating my own diverse background but also learning about other cultures at school and through my swimming team mates. Now, I am fluent in French and German and very proud to represent Canada on the world stage," said Olympic swimmer Tobias Oriwol. "As an athlete of Canadian-Greek background, I understand the importance that diversity plays in being Canadian and a Canadian athlete. When I compete in Pentathlon it's a wonderful feeling to know that I have fans of all backgrounds back home in Canada cheering me on", said Canadian Pentathlon athlete Donna Vakalis. "Canada's outstanding athletes demonstrate the great diversity we celebrate in Canada. It's our goal to have as many Canadians as possible engaged in the performance, and the successes of our athletes", said Canadian Olympic Committee CEO Chris Overholt. "Sport is a common language spoken around the world. It brings us together and allows us to transcend cultural differences and understand each other. There is no better example of that unifying power than the Olympic Games", added Overholt. "We look forward to building strong, lasting and meaningful relationship with Canada's multicultural media community which serves millions of viewers, readers and listeners from coast to coast to coast," said Canadian Olympic Committee Executive Director of Communications Dimitri Soudas.

The XXX Olympic Games will take place in London, England from July 27th to August 12th, 2012.

The Canadian Olympic athletes with Canadian Olympic Committee CEO Chris Overholt, Executive Director of Communications Dimitri Soudas and Editor, Trade Winds e-Magazine Upali Obeyesekere at Feb.28th press conference held at the Marriott Centre Eaton Centre Hotel in downtown Toronto.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is a national, private, not-for-profit organization committed to sport excellence. It is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including Canada's participation in the Olympic and Pan American Games and a wide variety of programs that promote the Olympic Movement in Canada through cultural and educational means.

First recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1907, the COC has evolved into a multi-faceted sport organization providing financial support, services and leadership to the Canadian amateur high performance sport community.

The COC is proud to be a member of the Olympic Family and a promoter of the Olympic Movement. Learn more about us and what we do. Discover the other Canadian organizations that make up our Olympic Family. Find out who our sponsors are. Whether you're an athlete, coach, student or Olympic fan, this section has something for you.

The COC is responsible for all aspects of Canada's involvement in the Olympic Movement, including:

• Canada's participation in the Olympic, Pan American and Youth Olympic Games • Managing a wide variety of cultural and educational programs promoting Olympic values in Canada • Additional grassroots programs where communities develop and promote the Olympic values at all levels • Selecting and supporting Canadian cities in bids to host Olympic, Olympic Winter and Pan American Games

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CANADA HELPS SRI LANKA IMPROVE SHRIMP FARMING SRI LANK APPAREL REACHING NEW MARKETS AND BUYERS

SRI LANKA and CANADA - A team of Sri Lankan and Canadian At a time when some major global apparel buyers are shifting their sourcing researchers in the Wayamba province are helping to improve farm to low-cost countries like Cambodia, Bangladesh and Vietnam, Sri Lankan practices in shrimp and oyster farming to achieve sustainable garment manufacturers are not only able to retain their current buyers but development to improve incomes and contribute to Sri Lanka's food have also succeeded in luring new buyers. In fact, the Sri Lankan apparel security goal, said Project Manager and research associate in the industry has crossed its US$ 4 billion export target, which was to be achieved Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada Dr Tim by 2015, by end of 2011 itself, according to Joint Apparel Association Forum DeJager. (JAAF) figures. The high quality service levels offered by the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing sector is among The DailyNews reports that Dr the reasons for the industry gaining DeJager was delivering the key-note strength amidst global downturn. The address on Empowering People to end of the war with the LTTE is also a Achieve and Maintain Sustainable reason affecting the inflow of orders from Aquaculture develpment on project global buyers. Mr. Channa Palansuriya, targets in Shrimp Farming Industry in Managing Director of Orit Apparels, told the Wayamba province. He said: fibre2fashion, “At Orit Apparels, the US "The Wayamba University of Sri is the most prominent market for exports Lanka (WUSL) and the Universi t y o f and many other countries are also strong Calgary (UC), Canada are markets, especially the UK and Europe. collaborating partners in a two year knowledge mobilisation project to Though there is recession, these improve incomes and food security for the rural poor in Sri Lanka." countries are recovering very fast and developing business with us, which provides a good opportunity for our industry to grow.” Citing an example, he The team is conducting surveys and field research to identify the key says, “For Levis, we are catering from Mexico to the Far East i.e. up to sustainability indicators, risk factors, knowledge gaps, and the barriers Japan. So, things are actually turning out positive for us.” Commenting on the and constraints to improve farming practices. This baseline research in challenges faced by the Sri Lankan garment industry, he says, “High shrimp farming, involving graduate students Trisha Westers and Jessica manufacturing costs and shortage of labour are the key challenges we are Wu from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, facing at present. We are doing everything possible to control and maintain along with Dr Sevvandi Jayakody, senior lecturer in the department of our costs.” Looking for opportunity even during tough times, he says, “The Aquaculture and Fisheries WUSL and supported by a group of research US and EU crises have not really affected our business. On the contrary, it assistants from the WUSL, provides a snapshot of aquaculture has provided an opportunity for us to get business from other places. We are sustainability in Sri Lanka, indicating the various social, environmental, now focusing on Russia and doing sizable business with India also.” and economic factors at play.

The prevalence of disease in shrimp farms is the predominant factor, necessitating the development of improved management practices. Based on this research, the intervention research is now underway, led by Prof. J M P K Jayasinghe, Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries of WUSL, and Dr Tim DeJager.

They are supported by Sandaruwan Prasanna, who is coordinating the field research, and Chaminda Fernando of KMN Aqua Services, who is coordinating farmer input on the formulation of locally adaptive sustainable management practices.

Dr DeJager said: "Shrimp Farming in NWP is done under different social and environmental conditions; and the zones and sub-zones have evolved to reflect the unique conditions of farming areas. However, the problem is that existing Best Management Practices (BMPs) as BMPs are standardized and do not take into consideration the unique conditions, constraints, and priorities of local conditions."

Dr Jayasinghe's team is meeting with shrimp farmers in each of the 25 subzones in the NWP to identify the unique priorities, conditions, risk factors, barriers, and constraints, Farmers will also share innovative and adaptive ways in which sustainable management practices can be implemented. The input from this process will be analyzed and integrated into a system of technical guidelines for adaptive sustainable management practices, said Dr DeJager. SRI LANKA’S APPAREL SECTOR

A group of global experts will advise on the formulation of these Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has grown to be one guidelines. The draft guidelines will then be presented at a meeting of of the largest contributors to the export revenue of key government and industry stakeholder groups for consultation and the country. The country having established itself revisions. The team will publish these guidelines for adaptive as a reliable supplier of quality garments at sustainable practise into a user-friendly manual that will contain the sub- competitive prices, also upholds ethical practices zone adaptations that can be put into practice by local farmers. backed by legislation, thus being identified as a Workshops will be conducted with farmers to assist in the knowledge producer of “garments with no guilt”. Being the sharing process and enable farmers to share experiences and lessons single largest employer in the manufacturing learned in their implementation. sector the apparel industry provides close to 75% of Sri Lanka’s employment either directly or "While the input into the guidelines is underway, I will be leading a indirectly. The industry has been positioned as a complementary activity to enhance knowledge sharing among the socially responsible and preferred destination for farmers. Sixty farmers will participate in mobile phone communication apparel sourcing. Sri Lanka is also the only trial where they will receive SMS messages including voice SMS to see outsourced apparel manufacturing country in Asia having signed up to 30 of if this can be developed into a new means of instant communication the ILO conventions. It stands out as a reliable source that pays fair wages to among farmers to help them become aware of important new its workers while discouraging sweat shops and child labor in its businesses. information and enable easier knowledge sharing and better connectivity to each other," said Dr DeJager. Environmental issues too are given precedence, thus ensuring that raw "The messages will be elaborate on the technical guidelines for adaptive material used in the manufacturing of garments have passed all the sustainable practices. Results of the trial will be analysed and views of standards specified and approved by high street customers; this has gone a farmers in the trial will be surveyed. Recommendations for expanding long way in creating a friendlier and more sustainable environment. The such a system for all shrimp farmers will be made and if possible Industry itself, after decades of assembling garments together is now moving incorporated into the website that will be developed," he emphasised. towards positioning itself as a ‘fashion’ industry. One of the key advantages of sourcing from Sri Lanka is the island’s strategic location which facilitates the shortest shipping time to Europe, which under normal circumstances "Finally, a website will be developed to enhance knowledge takes less than 16 days. resource accessibility from global sources and make them available for access to shrimp farmers in Sri Lanka. Web development experts will survey stakeholders to obtain input on most important features and application to be included, which will then be incorporated into a requirements document that will be used as a guide to develop the site. It will be tested by a group of users from the stakeholder community before final release for use by the industry and its knowledge ecosystem," he said.

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Sri Lanka Tourism: January 2012 arrivals mark 15.7% increase over 2011 Sri Lanka's tourist arrivals jumped 15.7 percent in January from a year earlier, with visitor totals climbing every month on a year-on-year basis since a 25-year civil war ended in May 2009 despite global downturn. Visitors in January jumped to 85,874 from 74,197 in the same month last year. In 2011, they jumped 30.8 percent to a record 855,975 from a year earlier, beating Sri Lanka's previous record of 654,476 in 2010, data from the tourism board shows. The government is targeting annual revenue of $2.75 billion by 2016 from 2.5 million expected visitors attracted by Sri Lanka's beaches, hills and religious and historic sites, while aiming for $3 billion in foreign direct investment.

Tourists from Western Europe jumped 11.9 percent to 36,497, accounting for 42 percent of the total tourists, while visitors from South Asia jumped 7.3 percent to 19,209, accounting for 22 percent of the total. The island nation's tourism board expects 950,000 tourists in 2012 with a revenue of more than $1 billion, more than 20 percent from last year's estimated $800 million. Visitors to the country from the South Asian Region also have run up to 19,209 tourists which is a growth of just 7.3%. Out of the lot, 14,615 tourists have come from neighboring India. Tourist arrivals from Eastern Europe during January have gone up to 6,838, marking the highest year on year growth of 22.3%, when compared with the other regions. Sri Lanka also has received 5,177 tourists from North America, which is a growth of 21.1% compared to January 2010. Last year, arrivals grew by 46 percent. The island's tourism industry drew $1.2 billion for investment in the first half of 2011. Tourism revenue, which jumped 64.8 percent in 2010 to a record $575.9 million, has risen 46.7 percent in the first 11 months of 2011 from a year earlier to $735.7 million, central bank data shows.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE TREND FOR TOURIST ARRIVALS IN SRI LANKA: 2012 2011 % Change 2010 % Change JANUARY 85,874 74,197 15.7 50,757 69.0

→ The hotel and travel index on the Colombo Stock Exchange has risen nearly fourfold since 2009. → Tourism is one of the main foreign exchange earners for Sri Lanka's $59 billion economy along with remittances from expatriate workers, garments and tea.

The two Charts below illustrate gradual growth in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka, over the years. CHART 1 – displays comparative monthly analysis of tourist arrivals for 2010, 2011 and 2012, Chart 2 – shows a 5-year breakdown of annual tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka. It is clear that the last two years (2010 & 2011) have been good years for Sri Lanka tourism from a revenue earning standpoint.

SRI LANKA TOURIST ARRIVALS - COMPARATIVE MONTHLY ANALYSIS: 2010/2011/2012

97,517 100000 90000 84627 83,786 90,889 85874 80000 74197 75130 72,463 72251 69,563 65797 63,835 70000 60,219 57300 55898 60000 52370 53,636 52352 44730 50000 48,943 50757 63339 47339 40000 30000 35213 38300 20000 10000 0 2010 2011 2012 January February March April May June July August September October November December

TOURIST ARRIVALS IN SRI LANKA FOR THE LAST 5-YEARS (2007 – 2011)

855,975

654,476

2007 1,000,000 447,890 2008 2011 800,000 438,475 2010 2009 494,008 600,000 2010 2009 400,000 2011 2008 200,000

0 2007

CHART DESIGN AND GRAPHICS: AD-BRI ENTERPRISES INC.

2011 was a banner year for tourism in Sri Lanka recording the highest number of tourist arrivals in the last five years. Tourist arrivals for last year ended up at 855,975 and exceeded the target of 750,000 set by Sri Lanka Tourist Development Authority Chairman Nalaka Godahewa (inset). “Sports Tourism” proved it was much an attraction compared to the traditional forms of tourism in Sri Lanka. Taking into account that Sri Lanka co- hosted the 10t h Cricket World Cup from 19th February – 2nd April, 2011, the mega event drew almost 50,000 international fans to the country. TradeWinds Network in Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, U.K., France, Italy and The Middle East informs us that many expatriates domiciled in these countries also headed “home” to Sri Lanka to see family and attend weddings, and other social events. Business visitors to the island also increased due to the many infrastructure developments taking place with foreign collaboration. It was also seen that the traditional tourists also took in Sri Lanka in great numbers especially from Western Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific Regions. The coastal belt in the island is also becoming quite popular as an attractive “wedding resort”. All in all 2011 was a great year and the good news is that 2012 is looking better!

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First foreign beach wedding at Maalu Maalu Resort in Pasikudah “Hopper Night” & “Spllendours of the Sea” - a big hit at CINNAMON LAKESIDE

“Hoppers” - the much loved, crispy Sri Lankan specialty took centre stage at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on February 23. Hoppers have long been a ‘hot dish’ in many a Sri Lankan household with variations to the plain version such as Egg Hoppers and Honey Hoppers – as by-products of the main dish. The wafer thin, bowl shaped hopper is made from fermented batter of rice flour, coconut milk Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa is proud to have hosted its first wedding on 18th February 2012 at and a dash of yeast. Whilst it is soft and spongy at the pristine Pasikudah beach, in the East Coast of Sri Lanka making it the first foreign wedding to the centre, it is delightfully light and crispy on the be held in this region after the end of three decades of war. These Russian nationals,Russian edges. This allows the chefs at Cinnamon Lakeside nationals Olga Yurievna Gorbacheva (Bride) and Vladimir Alexandroich Luchakovskiy (Groom) Colombo to dream up creative variations where a arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday, 11th February with their family members with an idea of having filling is added while the hopper cooks. The their wedding in a paradise. This dream was made a reality by Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa by hoppers are unique as they are appetizing with organizing an unique wedding event with a mix of Russian, Sinhalese and Hindu cultures. This variations such as cheese and chili hoppers, seeni function took place in the morning with a traditional Sinhalese Poruwa ceremony, Kandyan sambol hoppers, kiri appa, pani pol hoppers, masala dancers and drummers according to Sinhalese customs followed by Russian customs and hoppers and of course the popular egg hopper. releasing of two white Doves to signify the peace in the East coast. Although the night was dedicated to hoppers, on In the afternoon the couple dressed in traditional Hindu attire, the bride in a colourful Sari and offer was a spread of almost every popular Sri Hindu jewellery and the groom in a Vetty and a turban. The ceremony was conducted by the local Lankan specialty food item. The specialties include Hindu priest. For this event, number of hotel guests, staff as well as many locals participated pittu complemented by tripe curry locally referred which made it a perfectly balanced event. This was not only an unforgettable event for the to as barbuth, string hoppers, kottu roti, chicken wedded couple and their families, but also it became an unforgettable event for the locals in curry, crispy cuttlefish, beef curry, fish ambu lthiyal - Pasikudah as well as the Resort. The wedded couple will continue to celebrate their joy for a sour smoked preparation of fish, potatoes curried another 7 days amidst the calm seas of Pasikudah bay at their unforgettable hotel Maalu Maalu in a thick coconut gravy and many other dishes. Resort & Spa. After an invigoratingly spicy meal, the hotel offers guests an array of local sweetmeats to recover. They come in all shapes, sizes, colours and textures from 2nd Anniversary of the Colombo City Tour celebrated Lavariya, dodol, milk toffee, kokis, kavum, asmi, The Colombo City Tour, Sri Lanka’s first ever open deck sightseeing tour which is a joint venture halapa, mung kavum to coconut rock and banana between Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority with Ebert Silva Holidays celebrated its 2nd fritters amongst others. A calypso band kept guests Anniversary on the 28th of January 2012. The city tour has become quite popular not only with entertained throughout the night as it makes its foreign tourists but also with the families and children of Sri Lankan expatriates who return to Sri way around playing songs on request. Lanka for their vacations. An open deck double-decker bus takes the tourists to most of the city’s tourist attractions at a nominal cost. “It’s a fun thing to do”, says one Sri Lankan who lives in Toronto, Canada. “Splendours of the Sea 2012” – Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo's gastronomic tribute To mark this event the Colombo City Tour team to seafood was held on February 17 at the Terrace carried out a special CSR project for 100 children overlooking the waters of the Beira Lake and the of the deceased and disabled war heroes of the hotel's infinity pool. The clean waters surrounding Gamunu Watch Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army. the beautiful island nation make the finest seafood Major General Susil Udumalagala, Director available to the country. ‘Splendours of the Sea’ is a General MGO Branch Army Headquarters and celebration of this blessing, serving a wealth of Mrs. Chintha Udumalagala, President of the Seva seafood from Red Snapper, Oysters, Sea Bass, Seer, Vanitha Unit Gamunu Watch were the guests of Prawns, Crab, Tuna, and handallo. honor. Officers and members of the Seva Vanitha Unit of the Gamunu Watch Regiment, Officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, and Officials representing Sri Lanka Transport Board, the travel and hospitality industry and media personnel were among those who participated in the inaugural ceremony. A two minutes silence was observed on behalf of the war heroes who laid down their lives to bring freedom to our motherland. There were special tokens of appreciation presented to Sri Lanka Transport Board and the Galle Face Hotel for the support extended towards the Colombo City Tour. The children who arrived in Colombo from areas such as Padaviya, Ratnapura and Kuruwita enjoyed breakfast courtesy of the prestigious Galle Face Hotel, which has been an integral part of the Colombo City Tour since its inception. Thereafter they were taken on a comprehensive sightseeing tour around Colombo on two open double-deck coaches. For most of them it was the first time in the city of Colombo. The rides were thoroughly enjoyed by the children. They visited the Gangarama Seema Malakaya, the Independence Square and the National Museum Diners are invited to participate in the preparation where they spent an hour and half viewing the objects of historical value gaining knowledge and of their meal by hand picking their seafood from a an insight to the history of Colombo and Sri Lanka. Lunch was organized at the Vihara Mahadevi display on ice. They may then select a preparation Park with the music of a calypso band and other entertainment features. After a joyous ride method for each with the assistance of the hotel which was both educative and fun, the group arrived back at the Galle Face Hotel to be treated chefs. Should the choice be Chinese, Thai, grilled, with snacks. Souvenirs of the Colombo City Tour’s 2nd Anniversary were presented which will fried or devilled the diner is assured of a delicious undoubtedly be tokens of fond remembrance of their unique and memorable experience in outcome. The fresh seafood is accompanied by an Colombo. The Colombo City Tour extends their special thanks to the personnel of the Sri Lankan extensive international dinner buffet consisting of Army Gamunu Regiment, Seva Vanitha unit of the Defense Ministry, Sri Lanka Tourism salads, pastas, rice and lasagna, along with a variety Promotions Bureau, Sri Lanka Transport Board, the Galle Face Hotel and Elephant House for of vegetable and meat dishes. making this unique event a success. 17 | Page

‘What you see is what you get - WYSIWYG’ ………thro’ the optical lens of STEFAN D’SILVA!

EDITOR’S NOTE: TradeWinds is delighted to introduce STEFAN D’SILVA to you. Starting with the February edition, Stefan will be a regular Feature Writer for the popular TradeWinds e- Magazine. Stefan is a strategic addition to our professional team and our readers’ will learn firsthand about his travel experiences in Sri Lanka. Stefan also has a library collection of high quality photographs taken in and around Sri Lanka. We hope to publish a few, each issue. “Stefan – welcome aboard! My team and I look forward to working with you in developing TradeWinds e-Magazine as a one-stop tourism, investment, trade and business magazine on SRI LANKA – produced by a group of Sri Lankan professionals who are global citizens”.

Introducing Stefan D’Silva….. Stefan D’Silva was born and raised in Colombo, the capital city, business hub and corporate centre of the emerald isle called Sri Lanka. He attended the prestigious private school St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and migrated to Australia in April 1977 at the age of twenty-one. As Stefan recalls, he became fascinated with the diversity of wildlife in Sri Lanka around the age of five. Always the adventurous spirit, as soon as he was old enough he was off on a variety of journeys within Sri Lanka with his close group of friends. About the age of 17 Stefan decided to swap shooting with a gun - for ‘shooting’ with a camera. Determined to capture the essence of Sri Lanka’s wild diversity on film he started off with a 35mm camera in 1979. Somewhat unsatisfied with his early efforts he then dabbled in videotaping wildlife in the jungles of Sri Lanka over the next seven years. He returned to still photography in earnest in 1998. Commenting on his passion for wildlife Stefan asserts, “I am certainly not in the league of the professional photographer; I am just an amateur enthusiast, with a lot to learn, who enjoys photographing wildlife in a beautiful, complex and exotic land”. He also states, “Whilst I am totally fascinated with the wildlife in places like Africa, South America, India and South East Asia, nothing stirs in me like the wildlife of Sri Lanka. From my earliest childhood days I would watch the fog swirling around the peak wilderness and thick mountain jungles and I knew I had to get up there to discover the hidden, amazing diversity.” His latest book reflects his interests now encompass ‘all things Sri Lankan”. He now looks forward to capturing the essence of Sri Lanka through his camera. In his new book Stefan states “I have chosen to travel and photograph in places that fill my soul as opposed to places that merely fill my sense of vision….” What is noteworthy is that Stefan has designed and produced both of his books. He enjoys the independence of being able to present his photographs in a manner that will please his readers. He looks forward to doing a third book on the North East - North West of Sri Lanka - areas that have had severely restricted access over the last decades. “I relive every moment of the photograph when I am involved in the design and layout process- it is utterly relaxing” says Stefan. The design and layout of his latest book is a further credit to his skills. He has already embarked on his quest, collecting images, for the next book. Stefan visits Sri Lanka at least thrice a year and never fails, no matter how short the stay, to travel to a National Park, game reserve or sanctuary.

Serendipitious Journeys EXCLUSIVE TO TRADEW INDS E- MAGAZINE By Stefan D’Silva May 2011. Colombo-Kurunegala–Dambulla-Sigiriya/Pidurangala-Polonnaruwa-Somawhathie Chaitiya- Passikudah– Trincomalee – Pulmoddai–Colombo

The alarm clock is set for 3 a.m. Its jingle prompts a cold shower followed by a steaming cup of sweet tea sipped in peaceful silence of the early morn. By 3.45 a.m. my long time, old friend and trusted driver Rane` and I are on the road. Two camera bags are on the back seat, within easy reach as we set out on a serendipitous journey to the East and North East of Lanka – areas that were denied to the ‘average’ tourist and traveler for over 27 years.

Breakfast is taken at the Diya Dahara Hotel by the Kurunegala Lake. Kurunegala is an ancient Royal Capital cradled by eight “galas’ (rocks). A pot of strong Sri Lanka coffee goes well with my tasty Sri Lanka Omelette, complete with chopped green chillies, cracked pepper and red onions. By lunch time we are at the World Heritage Listed Dambulla Golden Rock Temple, home to the best preserved cave temple complex and ancient statues. We move on to the back roads along the Kandalama Wewa photograph the Veddah dancing rock and glimpse the world famous architect Geoffrey Bawa’s creation, the Kandalama Hotel, nestling in the greenery at the base of the mountain. We spend the night at an eco-lodge Back of Beyond, at the foot of the Pidurangala Mountain. This mountain is one of the best kept secrets in Sigiriya. A mere kilometer away from the Sigiriya rock, the Pidurangala ancient monastic complex was King Kasyappa’s place of worship and is a magnificent archaeological site. An early morning climb to the top ‘opens’ the North Central plains to a 360 degree view. The locals point out that this majestic rock is shaped like a Bo Leaf.

A hot breakfast of string hoppers, Pol Sambol, fish curry and eggs encourage us back on the road. Destination; Passikudah Beach; via Polonnaruwa encompassing a detour to the Somawhathie Chaitiya Temple situated in the Somawhathie National Park. The Polonnaruwa-Passikudah road is new and in great shape. We stop to chat and photograph local fresh water fishermen at a road side ‘exchange point’. It is then that I realise the importance of new, well surfaced roads and modern steel bridges. It is the most fundamental step in facilitating commerce, trade and travel. Some of the fishermen had come over 50 kms (on motorbikes) to sell their stock of L o ol a fish. As we travelled farther towards the East Coast I also realised that a good road network ‘connects’ people across the land and exposes them to the ‘outside world’ in so many ways.

Lunch as always is a snack of malu paan or rotti or vaddai washed down with a cup of black ‘Trinco’ as it is fondly called is a hub of commerce and trade. The fishing industry is back tea at a roadside Kade`. Passikudah beach is crowded in the late afternoon. A few Buddhist in full swing, a new fish market building is nearly complete, thousands of children add to monks enjoy a dip in the sea and their saffron robes add unusual colour to the beach the morning bustle and one 4-5 year old catches my eye (and camera lens) as he cycles to landscape. A small commotion attracts my attention – it turns out that local Police patrol school on his new bike. We stay at the Nilaveli Beach Hotel, an old favourite of mine. The the beach in civilian clothing to enforce the “no alcohol’ policy on the beach. A group of soft sands of Nilaveli beach remind me of a carpet. Families came to the beach for an Uni students from Kandy ‘tested’ this law and were escorted off the beach. I spoke to the evening swim and frolic, Pigeon Island National Park beckoned in the evening light. A plate Police later on who were more than happy for me to enjoy a cold beer in the car park – of giant ‘devilled’ prawns washed down with a cold beer encourages me to remain on the seated outside the car. A few minutes later all of us were enjoying a swim in the famous beach till the early moonrise. Great photo opportunities all round. Passikudah waters. The warm, calm water, the setting sun and evening twilight colours convince me that I must return. We spend the night at Vasuki Lodge. The owner lost no The last destination on the trip was Pulmoddai, north of Trinco. We ‘spin along’ the time in grasping the opportunity to progress when the conflict ended. superb road crossing the new steel bridge at Pudawaikattu. Further up the road at Selapayaru, I am delighted to meet a migrant fishing community from Karukupane` loc a t e d Three air conditioned rooms built in his front garden and tasty meals complete the on the West Coast, north of Chilaw. To the ill-informed, their coconut thatch ‘camps’ service. An early morning visit to the beach for a swim and to capture the sun rise may appear to be a sign of poverty; not necessarily so; – these collapsible camps keep out provides some great photo opportunities. I opt for a cool well bath instead of a sea swim. the heat of the day, they are easily transported and they are degradable if they are left Cattle wander onto the beach and I advise the owner of Vasuki that these are issues that behind, Most importantly their fishing vessels are modern fibreglass dinghies with have to be addressed in order to compete with other beaches in Lanka. No tourist wants outboard motors. to see cattle and the inevitable cattle dung on the beautiful beach. I am told that the local community is very active in efforts to raise the general standards and have approached Just south of Pulmoddai is the most magnificent ancient site of the Tiriyaya Vatadage` their local MP to set about preparing the community and small business in the area to dating back to the 3rd Century BC. An archaeologist’s ‘dream’ place. We spend a good 20 manage and accommodate tourists. They are on the right track. They are keen to catch up minutes shirtless, cooling off in silent bliss at a ‘pokuna’ at the base of the steps to the top. for lost time. New 5 star hotels are sprouting along the pristine coast line and it won’t be Thought to be the world’s first Chaitiya and a place of deep religious significance. It is long before Passikudah is a tourist hub of the East Coast. believed that a lock of Lord Buddha’s hair was first enshrined here by two Nepalese traders named Tapussa and Ballukha, not long after the Buddha attained enlightenment. A We head off to Trincomalee along the coast road through Verugal and Vakarei. The old place of stunning beauty and ancient history. ferries are gone and new bridges span the rivers. I photograph the rusting old ferries for the sake of history and nostalgia. An infamous man eating crocodile haunted the Verugal A couple of days later we are back in Colombo with a ‘catch’ of over 700 photographs crossing area in the late 70’s and I think of that story as we take a ‘leg stretch’ by the new and over 1500 kms on the trip meter. The land of serendipity beckons and I am preparing bridge. I stop to photograph the beach in front of the Vakarei Magistrates Courthouse for my next journey. (which was in session) and wonder how the Magistrate can concentrate on the facts of a case with the stunning view on his doorstep!!

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Tourism & Trade related news in and around Sri Lanka

Emerging Key Sectors For Investment have already attracted the attention of the international investors including-Shangri-La Group, CATIC (China) The Minor group (Thailand) and M-Far Hotels (Oman) who have committed substantial investments. Additionally Sixth Sense Hotels, Banyan Group, Accor Hotels, Dushit (Thailand), and ITC (India) are currently exploring the opportunities. South Africa's Sun City resort will invest $800 million in a tourism project in Sri Lanka, the head of the island nation's state-run Tourism Board said on Friday. Sun City resort is run by South African gaming and hotels group Sun International Ltd (SUIJ.J). It will be the largest ever investment in the country's leisure sector. Local players too are pooling their resources and investing in Sri Lanka’s tourism infrastructure development. Softlogic Holdings PLC is to invest Rs 200 million to build a luxury resort with 40 rooms and 20 luxury villas in Pasikudah. Softlogic Holdings PLC had entered into an agreement with the shareholders of Ominga International Private Ltd for the construction of the luxury resort and luxury villas.

Sri Lanka has received 85,874 tourists to the country during the month of January this year. Sri Lanka Tourism says this is a year on year increase of 15.7% compared to 74,197 tourists received during January 2010. Arrivals from all the major markets have increased during January, with the highest number of tourists coming from the Western Europe amounting to 36,497 tourists. Tourists from the Western European Region have seen an arrival growth of 11.9%. Visitors to the country from the South Asian Region also have run up to 19,209 tourists which is a growth of just 7.3%. Out of the lot, 14,615 tourists have come from neighboring India. Tourist arrivals from Eastern Europe during January have gone up to 6,838, marking the highest year on year growth of 22.3%, when compared with the other regions. Sri Lanka also has received 5,177 tourists from North America, which is a growth of 21.1% compared to January 2010.

The Sri Lankan government together with the Sri Lanka TourismDevelopment Authority (SLTDA) are committed to the development and growth of the local Tourism industry. SLTDA one stop shop helps investors to obtain all necessary approvals to speed up construction without hindrance. The country’s Board of Investment (BOI) offer potential foreign investors lucrative incentives to start up tourism establishments.

The Government’s vision of making Sri Lanka the foremost leisure destination in the South Asian Region has several key objectives. First is to achieve the target of 2 million tourists by 2016. In doing so, SLTDA will target affluent Free Independent Travellers (FIT) who are essentially high spending tourists. The government also want to make tourism – Sri Lanka’s third largest foreign exchange earner and transform tourism to be the fastest job creation industry sector in the country!

Unprecedented demand for Lankan gems The gem, diamond and jewellery sector has secured an overall growth of 50% as at end January 2012 earning a revenue of Rs 5,725 million in comparison with the corresponding figure of Rs 3,808 million in 2011. The export of gemstones brought in a revenue of Rs 1,635 million recording a 39% growth while jewellery exports generated revenue of Rs 301 million showing an impressive 121% growth. The service cutting industry showed signs of recovery by recording a Rs 26 million income with a 50% growth.

"The feed back we are getting from traders who returned from the recently concluded 'GLDA' Tucson show is very encouraging. Regular American buyers are showing a keen interest in fine quality blue sapphires of large sizes and the prices fetched by unheated sapphires were unprecedented," National Gem & Jewellery Authority Chairman Prasad Galhena told Daily News Business. In its export market promotion programme this year the National Gem & Jewellery Authority intends to organize "Sri Lankan Pavilions" in a number of international gem and jewellery events. This year will see several mega events such as the Jewellery Shanghai Show, Hyderabad Jewellery, Pearl and Gem Fair, Hong Kong International Jewellery Show, Malaysia International Jewelex, China International Jewellery Show (Beijing) and China International Gold, Jewllery and Gem Fair (Shanghai).

Otara to launch jeans at HSBC Colombo Fashion Week

Taking the ramp for the first time at the HSBC Colombo Fashion Week 2012, 'Otara' jeans collection will be exclusively launched at the exhibition and also in Europe for the Autumn/Winter season. Embodying a golden age of couture, 'Otara' is a luxurious, edgy, fashion brand that represents a renaissance of the vintage charm that was the seventies. 'Otara' evokes a classical finesse with its high-impact fabrics and the pared-down chic of its creative director, Otara who has been an inspirational force in the fashion retail industry. The new collection is designed on a bold colour palette of electric blues, deep purples and tango reds to blush tones. The collection is embellished with striking vintage studs, pin fastenings and gold metallic trimmings and an understated hint of the buffalo-head brand logo reminiscent of the classical wild-west interwoven within motifs. For Otara, it's once again about making dreams...a reality.

Sri Lanka’s trade to boom, says HSBC Global banking giant HSBC says Sri Lanka’s trade index is expected to perform better than the world’s average over the next five years on deepening trade ties with developing nations, offsetting loss of demand from traditional markets in developed economies, with the apparels and agriculture export sectors expected to show strong growth.International trade growth is expected to accelerate from 2014 and grow by 86 percent in the next 15 years. Sri Lanka’s trade growth from 2012 to 2016 is estimated at 150.40 percent with companies here increasing trade activity annually by 4.5 percent over the next 15 years, HSBC’s latest Trade Forecast Update on Sri Lanka released yesterday (Feb. 22) said. HSCB Head of Corporate Banking Chamira Wijetilleke said, "Sri Lanka is well positioned as an investment destination, and has become a potential market for rapid business growth and investment opportunities in various sectors. We are optimistic of further growth in trade this year, considering the significant support of the government that bodes well for the economy as well as trade within the South Asian and Asia Pacific countries. "

Excerpts from the HSBC Trade Forecast follows: -

"The Trade Forecast expects that Sri Lanka’s trade index will perform increasingly better than the world’s average over the next 15 years. Over the next five years, trade with developing countries is expected to increase, offsetting the fall in demand from developed trading partners such as the UK and the USA. Sri Lanka has a strong comparative advantage in the manufacture of garments and in the next five years, this is set to open up new trade corridors. Amongst others, exports of t-shirts and vests to Italy are predicted to increase by 10.10% while exports of track suits, ski suits and swimwear to the USA are forecast to increase by 9.69%. Sri Lanka’s largest export partners are the UK, USA and Italy and exports to all of these countries are forecast to increase over the next five years. Exports to the UK will grow at an annualized rate of 5.49%, accounted for mainly by clothing (skirts, t-shirts, accessories, tracksuits, swimwear, underwear), to the USA also in clothing plus sectors such as re-tread tires, and finally Italy, also accounted for by clothing at a rate of 8.98%, all annualised to 2016. The fastest growing export partners are Singapore, Turkey and Hong Kong, annualized to 2016 of 14.29%, 11.89% and 9.50%, respectively. Tea remains Sri Lanka’s largest export sector and in the next five years it will provide even more opportunities for trade. Exports to Turkey are expected to increase by 8.35%. Importantly, exports of wheat and meslin flour to Indonesia are forecast to increase by 11.35% over the next five years - a sector that is forecast to increase by 7.41% globally, indicating even more trade opportunities for Sri Lanka. Sectors including machine tools, machine parts and machine instruments are emerging sectors with high growth rates from fairly low bases.

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The Galladari Hotell announces March promotions

The Galadari Hotel in downtown Colombo is a popular hotel located in the heart of Colombo. The Galadari Hotel will be in full swing this March with a great line up of promotions in town. The Sheherezade comes alive with 'Middle Eastern Flavours' from March 1 to the 31. Guests can en j oy the very best of Middle Eastern flavours where the ambience is set around a special Arabic theme. One can strike the best deal in town with the Burger Combo that will go throughout the month at the Pool Bar. There is also some great beverages to try out at the Margarita Blue from March 8 to the 15. Special surprises await to all of which will be centered on the classy High Life that people love at the Lobby Bar on March 18. Guests can be a part of the most relaxing English High Tea experiences in town that will take place at the Lobby Bar every Sunday to Wednesday. They an also experience six fabulous varieties of fruity mocktails at the Lobby Bar/Margarita Blue. The Eastern Safari invites all to enjoy live Calypso music whilst being entitled to a monthly Business Card draw at the Café 64 every Friday and Saturday. Four special varieties of doughnuts will be presented at the Café 64 from March 19 to the 25. Pasta lovers can enjoy the best pasta varieties where every order will be complimented with garlic flavoured cheese toast at the Coffee Shop from 5 to the 11. For a secluded private dinner, couples and families can get the best exclusive fine dining menus and dance the night away to stimulating live dance at the California Grill every Friday and Saturday.

75th Annual Two-Mile Swim on March 4 – Popular event draws still draws large crowds

The Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) will hold its 75th Annual Mount Lavinia Sea Swim in association with the Mount Lavinia Hotel in a grand scale on March 4. The popular sea swim event reaches a significant milestone this year growing with the Mount Lavinia Hotel’s substantial history covering 200 years and holding a very important place in the historical records and heritage of Sri Lanka. The sea swim is expected to draw over 500 swimmers between the ages of 12 years and 70 years or even older when they line up for the starter’s gun at the iconic Mount Lavinia Hotel bay at 8:30am on the 4th of March. The two mile sea swim which is iconic with the Mount Lavinia Hotel and its location is incidentally one of the oldest open water swimming competitions in Asia having seen participants passing down the title from generation to generation. Its rich heritage includes unique records of history of winners within the same family, father and son combinations, and repeat victories. Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union is the governing body of Aquatic Sports in Sri Lanka for the aquatic sports of swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and open water swimming. Entries for the competition are received through affiliated clubs and schools.

The first two mile sea swim was swum in March 1939 from a point opposite Boswell place Wellawatta. Nine swimmers were told to go and swim the two miles identified by David Vast. All nine turned up at the beach opposite the Bathing Pavilion of the Mount Lavinia Hotel. They were in this order: Buster Schofield (Otter AC), R.H. Collins (Colombo Swimming Club), Frank Swan (OAC), Greg Roszkowski (OAC), I.M. Ward (CH & FC), D. Evarts (Kinross Swimming Club, E. Steinwall (KSC), S.H. Mihlar (KSC), Guy A (OAC) Frank Swan won it. Geoff C. Marks of Fishtail Aquatic Club, Mutwal holds the record winning the open two-mile sea swim Mt. Lavinia for nine successive years. Geoff first won it in 1952 and continued his winning form till 1960 - a great feat from the swimmer from Mutwal. Douglas V. Arndt former and Otter AC won for six successive years 1946 to 1951. K.P.N. Pathmadeva (Devananda College) has won four times 1972-1975, R.M. Pradeep Chandrika (Devananda College) won five times 1991 to 1995, Ajith Weerakkody (Devananda College and Sri Lanka Navy) four times 1998-2001. The swim for women started in 1957 and Tara Bolling (Jilian’s mother and late F.C. de Saram’s eldest daughter) has won the swim six times 1957, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964 and 1965. R.M. Dhammika of Devananda College won it in 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990 and 1991 while Upeka Samarawickrema of St. Bridget’s Convent won it from 1994 to 1997 four times.

Roberto Cavalli beverage fused with Mount Lavinia Hotel Winemakers dinner The prestigious Cavalli family arrives in Sri Lanka to launch the luxury boutiques and ultra-premium Roberto Cavalli beverage in Colombo, yet another addition to this ultra premium brand. The exclusive vintage wines, are part of the Cavalli Collection that reflects Cavalli's passion in producing wines dedicated to all power women idolized as the "Cavalli muse". "Mount Lavinia Hotel culinary expertise thrive in passion and innovations, and what better way to pair with a signature brand to compliment our Winemakers Dinner," General Manager Anura Dewapura says. "We at MLH are trying to create dining experiences on par with the best in the world so that our clientele will have the variety and choice in wining and dining," adds Anura. Guests at the hotel were treated to an experience in wine tasting on February 24, in the Maitland State Room of the Mount Lavinia Hotel. The Winemakers Dinner was partnered with Global Brands. The culinary wonders of MLH will whip out the finest gastronomical delights to complement the Cavalli Wines. "When people hear about Cavalli Vodka or Wine, they want to try out because of the name. Yet when you try the flavours fused with the cuisine conjured up by MLH it reiterates the solo recognition, and the heaviness of a famous last name," Anura further stressed.

Taj Samudra achieves Earthcheck Silver status Hot dogs at Galle Face Hotel from March 1 to 31 Earthcheck represents Galle Face Hotel IS a cozy place to spend an evening sipping a drink and enjoying the next generation of super cuisine dished out by the hotel chefs. More recently, GFH has stepped up its global benchmarking, food promotions - catering to the whims and fancies of local patrons in addition to certification and foreign tourists. With this in mind, from March 1 to 31, sumptuous ‘hot dogs’ with improvement systems; specially prepared Cole Slaw will be available for the discerning client. The Cricket assaying the season is in full swing with “big match” fever spreading all over the city of Colombo. sustainability of the March is considered a “Big Match” month and in international travel and readiness, GFH will serve their special promotion tourism industry. It throughout M a r c h . A walk in the relaxing Galle Face provides a certification Green followed by a hot dog should excite many system that responds patrons. This is exactly what the hotel marketing directly to the major environmental problems faced by the planet today, promotions intend doing to attract the young and including the greenhouse effects, over-use of freshwater resources, destruction old. Pasticcino of the Galle Face Hotel will be holding of Biodiversity, production of solid and biological waste and social issues. The the Hot Dog promotion from March 1 - 31 and it is Taj Samudra Colombo was awarded its first Earthcheck Bronze certificate in the ideal way to beat the heat at a very affordable 2010. After two years of maintaining the Bronze status, Taj Samudra was recently cost. Hot dogs are ideal for any time of the day as a awarded a Silver certificate on account of its continual improvements and new mid morning snack, lunch, during an afternoon environmental sustainability initiatives rolled out during the past years. As a part rugby game or for dinner and Pasticcino is open to of its pledge to continually improve the environmental and social sustainability serve yummy Jumbo Dogs giving one the performances, Taj Samudra Colombo vouches to protect and conserve the opportunity to enjoy this hearty meal as and when natural environment through prevention of pollution, efficient utilization of you feel like it! Hot Dogs have long been associated as convenient and cheap fast resources, effective waste management practices, promotion of environmental food. However Pasticcino waves its magic wand on this popular food adding a touch awareness and sensitivity among its stakeholders. Further, in order to of oomph making it a Jumbo yummy gourmet. Pasticcino has two varieties catering to accomplish its ultimate goal of achieving globally recognized best practices in the vegetarian crowd as well as those who enjoy their non vegetarian options. And Energy and Water Management, Taj Samudra monitors and improves the best part one can have their hot dog with any combination of filling they want. environmental sustainability practices in accordance with the Earthcheck TradeWinds is carrying this promotion to inform those expatriates who will be visiting standards, which also include complying with all relevant legal legislation and Sri Lanka in March. As a bonus, Sri Lanka is hosting England in March, and the Test regulations concerning environmental conservation and protection. Match is scheduled for the last week of March.

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THE DUTCH BURGHER UNION OF CEYLON (DBU) – Its founding and growth Courtesy: Deloraine Brohier (Inset) – The Island (2008)

Many Sri Lankans pass and re-pass the round-about from where several roads radiate, which has given to the junction the colloquial term – “Thun Mulla”. Few though, in their motor vehicles or as pedestrians, in their hurry, pause to look up at a tall building of unique architectural design which stands at this point. It is conspicuous and has remained so, for many years though today it has been hidden away or crowded in by structures more modern of style and unimaginative in shape, as trends have developed in the passing years and by tall bill boards. Significant of facade - (as the accompanying sketch will show) - it stands deep in a lawn front and a triangle of garden. From the porch it rises to an upper storey, with glass-fronted windows.

But the most striking feature of the facade and one which Cuylenburg, called to the chair on the occasion, said in his the Bauddhaloka Mawatha was lonely and little used, stands out to the eye is the step-gabled ends of its two inaugural address that he felt the time had come for them, made more by the forbidding by the fact that half-way wings. This feature is what makes it unique and identifies as a community to "coalesce". If there was an association, along it was the Asylum for those mentally disturbed. with many buildings in Holland’s old towns and quarters, the members of it would frequently meet and there would My mother, when a timid teenager, described in later which date back to the periods of the 17th and 18th be a bond amongst all the Dutch Burghers in Colombo and years her fear to take a carriage ride along this stretch, centuries. The building at the intersection of Havelock the outstations." while my father recalled boyhood rambles with his uncle in Road, Reid Avenue and Bullers Road, now Bauddhaloka koombi kalle where they hunted hare and thalagoya in Mawatha - and which has led to the name “Thun Mulla”, To the present generation of readers the names of those what is known today as Jawatte Road, Reid Avenue was does not go back so far in the centuries. It came up only in who were then appointed as a Committee, to frame rules, then named Serpentine Road and there was no broad the early years of the last century. The prominent feature enroll members and carry out the preliminary thoroughfare to connect Buller’s Road with the Galle Road. in the building is the Dutch Burgher Union Hall - library arrangements for the formation of such a union, will The Dutch Burgher Union Buildings company purchased an and social meeting place of a small community who are signify little relevance. There was F. C. Loos (member of extensive extent of land in the area we have described - identified in the polyglottal mix of peoples in Sri Lanka as - the legislative Council) R. G. Anthonisz who rose to be and a building soon reared up, at the junction of Buller’s Burghers. From many a pen of an older generation, as also head of the Archives Department, J. R. Toussaint of the Road and Serpentine Road. The hall, as it was to be called by this writer, have flowed explanations of - who are the Ceylon Civil Service. There were medical men, surgeons was in an elegant setting, handsome in style. From the two Burghers. It is not therefore my intention to elucidate on and physicians like Drs. W. A. van Dort, L. A. Prins and gates, a drive swung round a carpet of lawn, bordered in the subject here, be it to say that the term came to be Andreas Nell, legal luminaries like Allan Drieberg and F. H. flowers to a front associated with a group of people who originally came out de Vos, senior officers in the government’s technical porch. to Sri Lanka, under the flag of Holland and who chose to departments, engineers and surveyors. P. D. Siebel was a settle in the island over the period from the mid- successful businessman and the first florist in Ceylon, A. R. There wa s seventeenth century to the closing of the eighteenth Koch a leading photographer in society and there was, provision of century. Largely of Dutch and Flemish origin, some were Ceylon’s first woman doctor, Dr. Alice de Boer. ample, space at also from the more northern European countries, and the rare of the quite a few others who called themselves Huguenots - In the months that followed discussions and informal building for French Protestants. Collectively, this was the "Hollandsche meetings of the core group took place and the burning of horses and Natie " who served officially under the United Dutch East much midnight oil in formulating drafts of the Rules and carriages, which Indies Company - the Veerinde Oost Indische Compagnie Registrations of the Union. The first meeting of the Dutch gave way in a (VOC) in the years known in Sri Lanka’s history as the Burgher Union took place on Saturday January 18, 1908, at later era to the Dutch period. the Pettah Library Hall. A large gathering was present, for motor car. Tennis courts and a netball court provided 267 persons had already enrolled as members. Elected as activity for the younger members - and give the reader an The year 1802 which marked the signing of the treaty of the first president was Frederick Charles Loos M. L. C; idea of the extent of land originally owned. A vestibule on Amiens, saw a change of colonial occupation of the island Honorary Secretary was R. G. Anthonisz and a committee the ground floor led on to a spacious public room for when Ceylon was made a Crown Colony of Great Britain. of 45 members, of which 15 were residing in the lectures and for dancing in that it had well-sprung teak With the switch of power there emerged a new life and outstations. The draft Constitution having been passed the flooring. A beautifully carved, wooden staircase led to the status for those who officially had served under the Dutch Dutch Burgher Union could be said to have been upper floor - to billiard and card rooms a drawing room Company, in their varying capacities and others, private established. The records of this first meeting and the early arranged with comfortable chairs for informal émigrés who had come out as merchants and traders. For meetings of the union can be found well-documented in a entertaining, a bar and a reading room lined with a well- reasons personal and those determined by the terms of worthy publication which, from March 31, 1908, came out chosen collection of books; residential quarters for the hand-over of power, it has been estimated that about on a regular basis. This is known as the Journal of the outstation members with a rear staircase for their 900 families of the Hollandsche natie opted to remain in Dutch Burgher of Ceylon. convenience, had also been thought of. Ceylon. They took an oath of allegiance to George III of England and accommodated themselves to changes that The DBU journals are a rich source of information - The years went by and the Dutch Burgher Union took on a developed under the British. This small overflow of people archival chronicle and memoir - which scholars and character of its own. It was inevitable that there were who had moved with the history of Ceylon from one academicians, writers and journalists of the present changes in the surroundings in which it stood. Blocks of colonial regime to another was now designated "the Dutch generation may well be advised to consult. Committees residential buildings came up all around and a link with the and Burgher inhabitants of Ceylon." With time the term were formed for purposes ethical and literary, for Galle Road, which came to be known as New Buller’s Road, came to be abbreviated to - Burghers. genealogical research, for social services, entertainment found that the DBU lost large strips of garden in and sport. Reflecting on the times of which we are writing, acquisition, whilst escalating property rates saw the Let me now digress briefly to qualify the term Burgher. In a popular evening’s entrainment was a "lantern Buildings Company selling off its outer peripheries. this we have no better authority than the writers€™s exhibition" and "views of North Holland" with slides was father who has stated. "Burgher is not an ethnographic one such illustrated lecture given by Dr. Andreas Nell. The Through the war years, the First and Second World Wars, name and has nothing to do with race. The term is of feast of St. Nikolas, December 5, beloved by Dutch troops of Dutch forces serving in the Asian war zones, historic origin and refers to a political community which children was introduced to the Union in its first year and sailors and airmen, found release in festive events in the had a distinctive character when it entered under the sway was held in the Public Hall, Colombo. The tradition of this Hall. The lovely mosaic floor in the foyer, depicting a Dutch of the British Government." (R. L. Brohier: footnote in festival continues to this day. sailing ship riding the waves, is a token of their Changing Face of Colombo). Brohier elucidates that the appreciation. Down the years men who made outstanding community known as the Burghers, came to be so The need for an office and committee rooms was felt as contribution to the country and to the community took designated on a "generic basis" - the term signifying a urgent for in its initial months Dr. Andreas Nell sublet to office as Presidents. Their names, inscribed on polished conferment of citizenship on a group of peoples. And the DBU, two rooms at Sea View, Kollupitiya, also used as brass, is a record, as also early paintings and portrait some have retained the identity of their origin to this day. Reading Room for members. Thus we soon find in the photograph in a later era which keep them in memory. The Burghers, like many other groups of peoples who DBU’s records that a "Building Committee" is mentioned came to live under the British colonial system did so by a for the raising of funds for a permanent house. There can The generation who saw the birth of the Dutch Burgher common community of interests. As an eminent writer of be seen to this day set in to the wall in the foyer of the Union and the building of the Hall has, with time, faded the past has described: "..... they passed their days in hall, a copper plaque inscribed, which gives away - their names forgotten by the present younger peaceful co-existence and purposefully linked by common acknowledgement to: "William Edward Vandersmagt de generation. But the traditions and standards they set live interests, blended freely on terms of racial amity with Rooy through whose exemplary zeal and unswerving on with their sons and daughters. To these, such as the neighbour and friend". persistency, the erection of this hall, in the year 1913 writer, and with a few others, old scenes of happier days became possible." A buildings company was formed and surface in memory. The laughter of children at play every After roughly one hundred years of British colonial rule it shares were made available to members. Planners and December 5th; St. Nikolas, dressed in Bishop’s regalia, was however felt that the time had come when the Dutch architects, engineers and designers then went into riding in on a tall white horse, who dispensed sweets and Burgher descendants associate together - for a recognition industry as a block of land was found in an area in the city toys. A young girl’s "coming out" dance, the band playing of themselves, as having "an origin, history and character - pre First World War. the old-waltz or fox-trot as she stepped out with her first of their own." R. G. Anthonisz, a leading member of the beaux watched by fond "mamas" who sat through the community at the time however voiced the sentiment that More salubrious was Colombo as it reached out beyond, night on stiff-backed chairs. Then there were those grand "a union among the Dutch Burghers was not going to the Fort and Pettah in the early years of the last century. occasions when Ceylon gained Independence and our first disturb any of the existing friendly relations they had with The Borella burial site or Kanatte and the Havelock Race Prime Minister D. S. Senanayake was honoured, or when members of other communities." An informal meeting was Course in the Cinnamon plantations, had come into use Lord Soulbury, Governor General graced a reception. first held at the Lindsay Hall, Bambalapitiya on November shortly before the turn into the 20th century and Buller’s 12, 1907 men and women of the Dutch Burgher Road cut through scrub jungle and was gravel road. The Yes, days gone away are ever sweet to linger upon - as we Community, distinguished each in their own right, by populace of the older city of Colombo was moving to the contemplate that the Dutch Burgher Union has notched professional achievement and of social standing met to air littoral strip along the Galle Road, the inlets of the Beira one hundred years of history, which is being celebrated on opinion. In the outcome, a resolution was carried Lake or to the Cinnamon Gardens. Today’s city zones - the 22nd October - the birthday of R. G. Anthonisz, the unanimously which read: "That this meeting is of opinion three, seven, five and four reflected quite a different man who promoted the founding of the union for the that a union of the Dutch Burghers of Ceylon, with the environmental picture. Airy residential homes encircled by Burgher community in Sri Lanka. object of promoting the moral, social and intellectual well- large gardens were linked by sandy tracks and footpaths Editor, TradeWinds thanks Iraj Fernando of Chicago, Illinois, USA being of the community is very desirable." Hector van lined with spreading flowering trees. Buller’s Road, now for sending this article. Modified due to space limitations

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LANKA ALZHEIMER’S FOUNDATION (LAF) PROMOTES ‘BRAIN SPORTS’ GOTU KOLA The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation’s held its annual Scrabble Bash on Saturday, 25th February, 2012. Participants sat down to serious Scrabble Indian Ginseng and a timed competition ensued. A complicated evaluation of results was (Centella asiatica) monitored by Shaila Amalean and her team of volunteers. The Scrabble By Dr. Harold Gunatillake Bash was launched in 2009 as a promotion of a mind enhancing activity to support the vision of the Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation (LAF). LAF brings Health Writer awareness of maintaining mental acuity as a prerequisite to distancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Scrabble is one of the many A volatile oil extracted from the kidney shaped leaves of ‘thinking’ memory games promoted to stimulate brain activity. A number Gotu Kola, and the constituents of the extract are vallerin, of studies carried out on such ‘brain sports’ has proven that such mentally camphor, cineole, caryophyllene, quercetin, sterols, stimulating activities in early and middle adulthood are strongly connected pectin, methanol and so many others. The extract also to reducing t he risk of Alzheimer’s disease later on in life. Social aspects of contains vitamin A, B, C, and D. It contains the following such games as Scrabble can reduce loneliness and depression. minerals- calcium, chromium, cobalt, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, selenium, silica and zinc. Some of the actions of the extract are antipyretic (bring down temperature of the body), diuretic (passing more urine), antifungal, anti- inflammatory, sedative, antispasmodic (for abdominal colic), tonic, antiviral, antibiotic, rejuvenation, blood purifier, adrenal strengthener (anti-stress).These actions are not scientifically confirmed.

Medicinal Uses For centuries the leaves were used to treat leprosy, tuberculosis, relieving the pain of rheumatism, and arthritis. It improves brain capacity, and for longevity, often called the elixir of life. In Sri Lanka it is believed to strengthen and revitalize worn out bodies and brains; eating '2 leaves a day, keeps old age away'. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used as a revitaliser of nerves and brain cells, promoting calmness and clarity, helping poor memory and lack of concentration, increases meditation ability. The Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation, incorporated in March 2001 is an Approved Charity and a registered volunteer based community In the life history of the Chinese herbalist Professor Li Chung Yun, lived organization. Founded on the mission "To do all that is possible to for 256 years, had 23 wives, made the western world aware of the true improve the quality of life of those with Alzheimer’s and related disorders value of herbs for longevity. The extract is supposed to boost the immune (dementia) and support their families and carers to cope with the system, heals peptic ulcers, act as an anti-stress factor, good for mental challenges generated by those conditions and advocate ‘Active Ageing’. retardation, mouth ulcers, failing eye sight, hepatitis, and so on. The Year 2011 marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of Wound healing and skin lesions: Gotu kola contains triterpenoids, LAF’s Service Centre in Maradana on World Alzheimer’s Day—21st compounds that have been shown to aid in wound healing. It is supposed September. The Centre is not just tranquil and welcoming but offers state to improve the blood circulation of the skin. There are claims that it helps of the art, multi functional facilities to persons with dementia and their to reduce varicose veins in the legs. In a study of 94 people for venous family carers - Activity Centre for persons with dementia offering a insufficiency, those who took gotu kola reported a significant stimulating environment and person centred dementia care, Counseling, improvement in symptoms compared to those who took placebo. They Memory Clinic under the claim that it is good for high blood pressure, anxiety states, Insomnia guidance of professionals; and so many other ailments. Memory Skills Assessment, Building Awareness, Caregiver Support Group Meetings, Public Lectures, Hygienic products at subsidized rates, Home Visits and a Helpline. Conceived by visionary Tami Tamitegama a n d ably supported by his fully committed wife Lorraine, the Centre is the result of 10 years of intense fund raising through many hardships and challenges.

LAF exists and operates on the generosity of the community – both individual and corporate. We would be grateful for any level of support you wish to make towards sustainable services in 2012.

Lanka Alzheimer’s Foundation, 110 Ketawalamulla Lane, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka. Helpline + 94 11 2667080; General Lines 2667082; 2667084; Fax 2667087; Visit us at www.alzlanka.org; Contact us at [email protected]

Dr. Nori Graham: “I remember being shown the LAF s it e in 2003. Little did I think that eight years later, in December 2011 - I would be giving a public lecture in a magnificent building such as this one! This Service Centre for people with dementia and their families and all those working in the field is a ‘model’ not just for Sri Lanka but for countries all over the world. I wish you well with all the work you are doing to disseminate information and awareness about dementia throughout the country. You are doing a wonderful job! Many, many congratulations!”

Dr. Nori Graham is former Chairperson of Alzheimer’s Disease International and Alzheimer’s Society, UK. Currently, Dr. Graham is Honorary Vice President of both organizations and

remains active campaigning for the better care of people with dementia...

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Children Are Quick!

• Teacher: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago. Winnie: Me! 

• Teacher: Why are you late? Student: Class started before I got here.

• Teacher: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor? John: You told me to do it without using tables.

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• A picture is now only worth 200 brother's……….Did you copy his? Clyde : No, sir. It's the same dog. words; (I want to adopt this kid!!!) • When Bill and Hilary Clinton travel  together, they now have to share a • Teacher: Harold, what do you call a room; person who keeps on talking when • The Treasure Island casino in Las people are no longer interested? Vegas is now managed by Somali Harold: A teacher

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TradeWinds e-Magazine is published by The Times of Sri Lanka monthly in Toronto, Canada – February 2012 Edition 24 | Page