The Monthly Newsletter of the High Commission of India, Colombo AUGUST 2011

65th Independence Day of India AUGUST 2011

CONTENTS

65th INDEPENDENCE DAY

65th Independence Day of India Celebrations in 3

Message from Mr. Ashok K. Kantha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, on the Occasion of the 65th Independence Day of India 4

Independence Day Celebrations at Consulates General of India 6

BILATERAL BEAT

Suo Motu Statement in Lok Sabha by the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Sh. S.M. Krishna, on “The Situation in Sri Lanka” on 4th August 2011 7

Excerpts of the Statement by Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Shri S. M. Krishna on “the steps taken by Government of India (GOI) for relief and resettlement of Tamils in Sri Lanka” in Lok Sabha on August 26, 2011 8

Visit of Hon’ble Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament to India 11

Visit of Hon’ble Minister of Health of Sri Lanka to India 12

Signing of an Agreement for supply and installation of Signalling and Telecommunication system for railway network in Northern Province of Sri Lanka 13

Student Exchange Programme between St. Patrick’s College Jaffna and St. Francis De Sales Senior Secondary School, New Delhi 13

27th Meeting of the Board of Directors of the India - Sri Lanka Foundation 14

Cairn Lanka starts oil exploration in Mannar 15

Dabur India sets up new subsidiary in Sri Lanka 15

Indocean invests Rs 6.5 b for a prime project near Gangaramaya 15 High Commission of India ECONOMIC STRIDES No. 36 -38, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11 2327587, +94-11 2422788-9 India emerges as a major global donor with its $7 bn given Fax: +94-11-2446403, +94-11 2448166 during 2004-10 15 E-mail: [email protected] website: www.hcicolombo.org Innovation Inc 17 Assistant High Commission of India No. 31, Rajapihilla Mawatha, PO Box 47, Kandy, Sri Lanka Solar equipment majors eye India as manufacturing hub 17 Tel: +94 81 2222652 Fax: +94 81 2232479 CULTURE E-mail: [email protected]

Exhibition- Harmony and Rhythm 18 Consulate General of India No. 103, New Road, Hambantota, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-47 2222500, +94-47 2222503 Visit of the Students and teachers of Hillwood College, Kandy Fax: +94-47 2222501 to Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan 18 E-mail: [email protected] Consulate General of India Tagore Film Festival 19 No. 280, Palaly Road, Jaffna, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-21 2220502, +94-21 2220504, The Cultural Calendar for the month of September 2011 20 +94-21 2220505 Fax: +94-21 2220503 E-mail: [email protected]

Cover Page:Watercolors The Flag, SUMAN RAMACHANDRA AUGUST 2011

65th INDEPENDENCE DAY 65th Independence Day of India Celebrations in Sri Lanka

High Commissioner inspecting the guard of honour presented by BSF contingent

The High Commission of India and the Indian and Foreign Direct Investment. High expatriate community in Sri Lanka celebrated the Commissioner also highlighted that earlier this 65th Independence Day of India on Monday, 15th month, negotiations were completed on August at India House in Colombo. High agreements to set up a 500 MW power project at Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha unfurled the Sampur in Trincomalee by National Thermal National Flag, which was followed by rendering Power Corporation (NTPC) and all the of the National Anthem by the lady officials of the agreements have been initialed and will be High Commission and the Indian community. The signed shortly. High Commissioner also High Commissioner inspected the Guard of expressed happiness at the resumption of ferry Honour presented by the BSF contingent and service between India and Sri Lanka after about read out excerpts from the Address to the Nation 30 years with the commencement of ferry service on the eve of Independence Day by the President between Tuticorin and Colombo in June this year. of India, Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil.

On the occasion, High Commissioner also conveyed his greetings to the citizens of Sri Lanka and noted that India and Sri Lanka, knit together by the ties of history, geography and culture, were destined to play key roles in the rising Asia and our partnership must therefore progress in the spirit of being the closest of neighbours and friends whose destinies were interlinked. High Commissioner highlighted the exchange of high level visits in the recent past and emphasized the successful implementation of engagement of bilateral agenda in all fields. Last year, India was Sri Lanka’s largest trading partner and also emerged as the number one source country in terms of foreign tourist arrivals High Commissioner placing wreath at the IPKF memorial

3 AUGUST 2011

High Commissioner also highlighted the included patriotic songs and colourful and patriotic progress in the construction of 50,000 houses dance performances by the students of the Indian under a grant provided by India and also the work Cultural Centre. Subsequently, High in progress for the wreck-removal and salvage at Commissioner and other officials of the High the Kankesanthurai Harbour which will help in Commission paid their respects to the memory of restoring traditional commercial linkages. High fallen soldiers of the Indian Peace Keeping Force Commissioner also highlighted the rapid (IPKF) in a solemn ceremony at the IPKF progress in reconstruction of railway lines in Memorial in Colombo. Northern Sri Lanka, under a Government of India Line of Credit of US $800 million and another On the occasion of the 65th Independence Day of railway project in Southern part under another India, a Kathak performance titled “Melody & concessional credit line of US$ 167.4 million. He Rhythm” by renowned Kathak exponents Nalini- also highlighted that construction of a 150-bed Kamalini and their Guru Jitendra Maharaj was multi-specialty hospital at Dickoya in the Central organized by the Indian Cultural Centre at Bishop Province under a grant from the Government of College’s Auditorium in Colombo on 15th August. India has started and that all the projects funded The Kathak maestros also performed at by the Government of India are being Hambantota and Kandy during their visit to Sri implemented in a smooth and timely manner. Lanka.

A brief cultural programme followed which

Hon. Dullas Alhapperuma, Minister for Youth Affairs & Skills Development, lighting the traditional lamp to inaugurate the Kathak Cultural performance by ICC students at India House to Performance. Shri. Ashok K. Kantha, the High Commissioner of celebrate the 65th Independence Day of India India and Hon. , Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Management are also seen in the picture

Message from High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha on the Occasion of the 65th Independence Day of India

Today, as India celebrates its 65th Independence Day, we celebrate our nation's continuing commitment to democracy, pluralism and diversity of religion, language, race, ethnicity and culture. This diversity, we feel, is the key to our unity. Today, India’s message to the world is that of pluralism, tolerance and balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities. Internationally, there is now widespread respect for India’s role as a force of moderation, reason High Commissioner Ashok K. Kantha delivering the President’s and stability and for her values and ideals rooted message on the occasion of Independence Day of India. in peaceful coexistence, multilateralism, justice, freedom, equality and fraternity. On the occasion of the 65th Independence Day of India, I extend my greetings and good wishes to my fellow citizens of India and to the people India, which emerged relatively unscathed from and the Government of the Democratic Socialist the global economic crisis, has been growing at Republic of Sri Lanka. an average of over 6% per annum, over the past twenty-five years. Real GDP growth rate

4 AUGUST 2011

averaged 7.3% in the last decade, catapulting the enhanced economic cooperation are now Indian economy to the status of the second underway and I do hope that the coming months fastest growing large economy in the world. In the will see the fruition of these efforts to the mutual fiscal year 2011-12, we are fairly confident that benefit of both our countries. our economy will maintain a growth rate of around 8%. This growth is vital to fund our Mahatma Gandhi called Sri Lanka the ‘nearest ambitious programmes of socio-economic neighbour’ to India. It is through that prism that development, to bridge the infrastructure deficit we see our ties. For Sri Lanka, the end of three and to create employment opportunities for our decades of internal conflict has brought historic young population. opportunities. Today, Sri Lanka is poised to take advantage of the peace dividend. India, as its Buoyed by this rapid and sustainable economic closest neighbour, is prepared to be Sri Lanka’s growth, India is seeking to play a role partner in this journey. India has always been commensurate with her size, potential, committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial civilisational heritage and destiny. We have integrity of Sri Lanka and to the restoration of sought to be a reasonable and moderating force lasting peace through reconciliation. It is our in the UN Security Council, to which India was hope that the vision and leadership that resulted elected in October last year as a non-permanent in an end to armed conflict will now be employed member for 2011-2012. India has continued to in the quest for a genuine political settlement support strongly the processes of reform and resulting in national reconciliation among all the restructuring of the UN, including expansion of communities of Sri Lanka. We will continue to the permanent membership of the UN Security support Sri Lanka’s commitment to heal the Council to make it better equipped to respond wounds of the past and to build a caring society effectively to an era of transformational change in which ensures a life of equality and dignity to all global affairs. its citizens.

One of the dominant themes in recent years has An important building block for this process and been the shift in the centre of gravity of the global in our development partnership is the economic landscape from advanced economies rehabilitation of the devastated lives of internally to emerging economies, particularly those in displaced people in conflict-affected areas. India Asia. Our relationships with the countries of has contributed and will continue to contribute to South Asia, particularly our neighbours, which the humanitarian relief, rehabilitation and have always been a matter of high priority for us, resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons in assume greater significance in this context. Sri Lanka. Our assistance package of INR 5 Since South Asia is going to be a key beneficiary billion (US$ 110 million approximately) for of this tectonic shift, both India and Sri Lanka immediate relief and resettlement is under must factor this key trend into their bilateral implementation, while we move towards longer- relationship. Accelerated economic development term reconstruction activities. of a large economy like India’s obviously creates significant opportunities for Sri Lanka, which is India’s developmental assistance is entirely already our leading economic partner in South based on the priorities set by the Government Asia. Some spin-offs for Sri Lanka in this and people of Sri Lanka. In recent months, our partnership are expanded trade, increased assistance has been stepped up significantly to bilateral investments, surge in tourism, improved meet the challenges of reconstruction and connectivity and a growing knowledge resettlement in the North and the East of Sri partnership. Lanka. Last month, work commenced for wreck- removal and salvage at the Kankesanthurai Last year, India was Sri Lanka’s largest trading Harbour as part of a larger project to rehabilitate partner and also emerged as the number one the Harbour, which will help restore traditional source country in terms of foreign tourist arrivals commercial linkages, both domestic and and foreign direct investment. The growing regional, and give a fillip to economic activity by engagement with India has facilitated creation of encouraging trade. new capacities in the Sri Lankan economy in diverse sectors ranging from civil aviation and Another major initiative is the project for hospitality to ports and dockyards. A good construction of 50,000 houses, for IDPs in the example of this partnership is the India-Sri Lanka Northern and Eastern Provinces and for estate Free Trade Agreement which has yielded workers in Central and Uva Provinces of Sri positive dividends over the past decade. Lanka, under a grant provided by the Discussions on a comprehensive framework for Government of India. I am happy to note that

5 AUGUST 2011

work on the ground has already started and between Tuticorin in India and Colombo in Sri houses are beginning to come up under the pilot Lanka. project. The project for reconstruction of railway lines in Northern Sri Lanka, under a Government In the spirit of our close and multi-faceted ties, the of India Line of Credit of US $800 million, is also year has already witnessed several high-level making rapid progress. Work is proceeding official visits in both directions. We have had the smoothly on the Southern Railway Project under privilege of receiving His Excellency the another concessional credit line of US$ 167.4 President of Sri Lanka in India on three occasions million. India is also assisting in the rehabilitation since June last year. The Hon’ble Speaker of the of the Palaly Airport, restoration of Duraiappa Sri Lankan Parliament led important delegations stadium, construction of a Cultural Centre at to India twice in a span of three weeks. The Jaffna, refurbishing schools and hospitals, Hon'ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha of India visited assisting fishing communities, setting up Sri Lanka in February this year. Parliamentary vocational training centres at Batticaloa and Friendship Groups have been revived in both our Nuwara Eliya, assisting war affected women in Parliaments. There have been several ministerial Batticaloa through a training and employment visits. In the coming months, we look forward to generation project and helping in the revival of maintaining the frequency of such exchanges agriculture through provision of tractors, seeds between our two countries. and agricultural implements. We have also started construction of a 150-bed multi-specialty India and Sri Lanka, knit together by the ties of hospital at Dickoya in the Central Province under history, geography and culture, are destined to a grant from the Government of India. In June this play key roles in the coming rise of Asia. Our year, ferry services between the two countries partnership must therefore progress in the spirit were resumed after about 30 years with the of being the closest of neighbours and friends commencement of the passenger ferry service whose destinies are interlinked. On this day, we rededicate ourselves to this ideal.

Independence Day Celebrations at Consulates General of India

At Kandy re-nowned Kathak exponents Nalini- At Hambantota, the Kathak troupe performed Kamalini and their Guru Jitendra Maharaj at Singapore Hall, on 18 August. alongwith the troupe performed at the Hindu Cultural Hall, Kandy on 16. Hon’ble Mr. Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Governor, Central Province was the chief guest. Shri R. K. Mishra, Assistant High Commissioner of India in Kandy, Rev. Udawatte Nanda Thero, Ex. Member of Parliament, Hon. S. Rajarathnam, Member of Central Provincial Council, Mr. P. B. Amarasekara, Chief Secretary, and Rt. Rev. Fr. Bala Rajendran, EPISCOPAL – VICAR of Kandy were guests of Honour.

Mr K.N.Mohanakumaran, CG, Hambantota sitting with other visitors to see the Kathak Dance performance.

Kathak performance at Kandy Kathak Dance Performance at Hambantota.

6 AUGUST 2011

BILATERAL BEAT Suo Motu Statement in Lok Sabha by the Hon’ble External Affairs Minister, Sh. S.M. Krishna, on “The Situation in Sri Lanka” on 4th August 2011

There have been a number of r e h a b i l i t a t i o n o f t h e requests for Calling Attention Kanakesanthurai (KKS) harbour, Motion and Short Duration restoration of Duraiappa stadium, D i s c u s s i o n s a s w e l l a s construction of a Cultural Centre Parliamentary Questions on at Jaffna and vocational training issues relating to Sri Lanka in both centres at Batticaloa and Nuwara the Houses of Parliament. I, Eliya. therefore, propose to make a Suo Moto statement which, I hope, will Our primary objective in all that we respond to most, if not all, issues of are doing in Sri Lanka is to ensure interest and concern to my fellow the welfare and wellbeing of Sri Parliamentarians. Lankan Tamils, including IDPs, and to assist in the development of Northern Sri The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is Lanka. In a Joint Press Statement issued on the based upon shared historical, cultural, ethnic occasion of the visit of the Sri Lankan External and civilizational ties and extensive people-to- Affairs Minister to India on 17 May, 2011, I urged people interaction. In recent years, the the expeditious implementation of measures by relationship has become multifaceted and the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure diverse, encompassing all areas of resettlement and genuine reconciliation, contemporary relevance. including early return of IDPs to their respective homes. I am happy to convey to the House that Sri Lanka has borne the brunt of terrorism for according to information available to us around nearly three-decades. The end of the long period 2,90,000 IDPs have already been resettled and of armed conflict in Sri Lanka in May 2009, left only around 10,000 IDPs remain in the camps. around 3,00,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps in Northern Sri Lanka and Government has also articulated its position that general devastation of infrastructure in the the end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka created a affected areas. historic opportunity to address all outstanding issues relating to minority communities in Sri The Government of India has accorded the Lanka, including Tamils. The Joint Press Release highest priority to the welfare of IDPs in Sri of May 17, 2011, states that all such outstanding Lanka. In June 2009, the Prime Minister issues had to be settled in a spirit of announced a grant of Rs. 500 crores for relief, understanding and mutual accommodation rehabilitation and resettlement work in Sri Lanka. imbued with political vision to work towards Towards this humanitarian effort, India genuine national reconciliation. The External dispatched family relief packs, deployed an Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka affirmed his emergency field hospital, conducted an artificial Government’s commitment to ensuring limb fitment camp and deployed seven de- expeditious and concrete progress in the mining teams in Northern Sri Lanka. It also gifted ongoing dialogue between the Government of Sri more than 10,400 MT of shelter material, 4 lakh Lanka and representatives of Tamil parties and cement bags, 95,000 agricultural starter packs that a devolution package, building upon the 13th and 500 tractors to revive agricultural activities in Amendment, would contribute towards creating Northern Sri Lanka. the necessary conditions for such reconciliation.

India also announced the construction of 50,000 The end of the long conflict in Sri Lanka has also houses, mainly for IDPs in Sri Lanka. During my raised questions relating to the conduct of the visit to Sri Lanka in November 2010, I war. We have, in this context, noted a report inaugurated the pilot project for construction of issued by a Panel of Experts constituted by the 1000 houses at Ariyalai in Jaffna. I am happy to UN Secretary General on Accountability in Sri convey that work on ground has already started Lanka. There have also been public reactions to and houses are beginning to come up in what is the telecast of the ‘Channel 4’ documentary being seen as a model project. I also carried out entitled “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”. Presently, our the ground breaking for railway line restoration focus should be on the welfare and well being of projects in Northern Sri Lanka, under a Tamils in Sri Lanka. Their rehabilitation and Government of India Line of Credit of about US $ rebuilding should be of the highest and most 800 million. India is also assisting in the immediate priority. A just and fair settlement of the 7 AUGUST 2011

political problem is of utmost importance. I have, Through you I would like to inform this august nonetheless, stressed to my Sri Lankan House that we have emphasized that there is no counterpart, the need for an early withdrawal of justification for the use of force against our emergency regulations, investigations into fishermen even though almost all instances of allegations of human rights violations, restoration arrest and harassment of our fishermen seem to of normalcy in affected areas and redress of have occurred in Sri Lankan waters. We do need humanitarian concerns of affected families. to be conscious of the sensitivities of Sri Lanka and of the many Sri Lankan fishermen who have, On the concerns expressed by some Members after a long hiatus, started fishing in that area. We on the issue of Indian fishermen in waters are also working with concerned State between India and Sri Lanka, allow me to Governments on our side keeping in mind that reiterate, at the outset, that the welfare, safety issues of fishermen affect both sides. In 2010, a and security of our fishermen have always total of 137 Indian fishermen were apprehended received the highest priority by Government. and released by Sri Lanka. Till 3rd August 2011, a total of 164 Indian fishermen were apprehended There have been reports of incidents of attacks by Sri Lanka and all were subsequently released. on Indian fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan At the same time, in 2010 a total of 352, and in Navy. Government, through Diplomatic 2011, a total of 131 Sri Lankan fishermen, have Channels, has consistently and immediately been apprehended by our authorities. A total of taken up any reported incident involving arrest or 104 Sri Lankan fishermen are still in Indian violence against Indian fishermen to ensure their custody whereas all Indian fishermen safety, security, early release and repatriation. apprehended on charges of fishing related The Government has conveyed to the Sri Lankan violations in Sri Lanka have been released. Government that the use of force could not be justified under any circumstance and that all While the Government of India is of the view that fishermen should be treated in a humane the end of conflict in Sri Lanka provides an manner. The Sri Lankan side, while denying that opportunity to pursue a lasting political their Navy was involved, has promised to settlement in Sri Lanka within the framework of a seriously investigate these incidents. united Sri Lanka, acceptable to all the communities in Sri Lanka including the Tamils, it During the meetings with my Sri Lankan has to be kept in mind that this is a long standing counterpart in February 2011 in Thimpu and in issue and Sri Lanka is going through its internal May 2011 in New Delhi, I not only conveyed our processes, including structured dialogue deep concern at the violence against our between the Government and representatives of fishermen but also stressed the need to ensure Tamil parties. The sooner Sri Lanka can come to that these incidents do not recur. In the Joint a political arrangement within which all the Press Release issued in May 2011, India and Sri communities feel comfortable, and which works Lanka agreed that the use of force could not be for all of them, the better. In this context, the justified under any circumstances and that all commencement of a structured dialogue on fishermen should be treated in a humane pursuing a political solution for national manner. reconciliation as well as reconstruction and development is a laudable development. We will do whatever we can to support this process.

Excerpts of the Statement by Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Shri S. M. Krishna on “the steps taken by Government of India (GOI) for relief and resettlement of Tamils in Sri Lanka" in Lok Sabha on August 26, 2011

At the outset, allow me to mention that I fully share multifaceted and diverse, encompassing all areas the concerns and sentiments raised by the of contemporary relevance. Hon’ble Members of the House during the discussion regarding Sri Lanka Tamils. India-Sri For nearly three-decades, Sri Lanka has borne Lanka bilateral relations are based upon shared the brunt of terrorism. The end of the long period historical, cultural, ethnic and civilizational ties of armed conflict in Sri Lanka in May 2009, left and extensive people-to-people interaction. In around 3,00,000 Internally Displaced Persons recent years, this relationship has become (IDPs) living in camps in Northern Sri Lanka and

8 AUGUST 2011

general devastation of infrastructure in the and rehabilitation of IDPs and the reconstruction affected areas. of Northern Sri Lanka. The Government has allocated Rs 290 crores for the purpose in 2011- Let me assure the Hon’ble Members that since 12. the end of conflict in Sri Lanka, our focus has been on the welfare and well being of the Tamils Our primary objective in all that we are doing in Sri citizens of Sri Lanka. Their rehabilitation and Lanka is to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of Sri rebuilding have been of the highest and most Lankan Tamils, including IDPs, and to assist in the immediate priority. development of Northern Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister announced in June 2009 a I am happy to convey to the House that according grant of Rs. 500 crores for relief, rehabilitation and to information available to us around 2,90,000 resettlement work in Sri Lanka. Towards this IDPs have already been resettled and leaving humanitarian effort, India dispatched 2.5 lakh only around 10,000 IDPs remaining in the camps. family relief packs, deployed an emergency field hospital, two consignments of medicines for the Some Members have raised the issue of the use of IDPs, conducted an artificial limb fitment Report of the UN Secretary General’s Panel of camp and deployed seven de-mining teams in Experts on Accountability in Sri Lanka. India has Northern Sri Lanka. India also gifted more than taken note of the Report. We have heard the 10,400 metric tons of shelter material and 4 lakh views of the Sri Lankan Government, including cement bags for the IDPs. To review the during the visit of their External Affairs Minister to agricultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka India New Delhi in May 2011 and during the meeting of gifted 95,000 agricultural starter packs, seeds the TROIKA in Colombo in June 2011. and 500 tractors for the use of IDPs to revive agricultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka. We It may be recalled that the Panel was set up by the have been informed by representatives of Sri UN Secretary General with the objective of Lankan Tamils that the tractors, seeds, advising him on developments in Sri Lanka in the agricultural implements gifted by the Government last stages of the conflict. In general, there are still of India has greatly benefited the resettlement of questions on the Report, and the issue has not so people and has contributed to lowering the cost of far come up for discussion in the formal agenda of food production in the area. any of the relevant UN intergovernmental bodies.

India also announced the construction of 50,000 To the extent that concerns have been expressed houses, mainly for IDPs in Sri Lanka. In by various quarters on the UNSG’s Panel Report November 2010, I inaugurated a pilot project for or the Channel 4 documentary, it is for the Sri construction of 1000 houses at Ariyalai in Jaffna. Lankan Government, in the first instance to Work on ground has started and houses are investigate and inquire into them and establish beginning to come up. It has to be kept in mind their veracity or otherwise through a transparent that construction is taking place in largely process. We note that it is also doing so through inaccessible areas, in many cases has to be freed its Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation of mines and other explosive ordinance. Commission (LLRC).

Government of India has given Line of Credit of The Government of India has and will continue to about US $ 800 million for restoration of Northern reiterate to the Government of Sri Lanka the Railway Lines. Apart from the above India is also urgent and imperative need for expeditious steps assisting in the rehabilitation of the towards genuine national reconciliation, including Kanakesanthurai (KKS) harbour, restoration of early return of Internally Displaced Persons Duraiappa stadium and construction of Cultural (IDPs) to their respective homes, early withdrawal Centre at Jaffna and vocational training centres at of emergency regulations, investigations into Batticaloa and Nuwara Eliya. allegation of human rights violations, restoration of normalcy in affected areas, reduction of ‘high Government of India is also taking up projects in security zones’, accountability for the list of Northern Sri Lanka in the fields of education and missing persons and redress humanitarian health, for the repair of school buildings and concerns of affected families. supply of equipment to upgrade hospitals. Government has set aside funds for taking up Some Members have also raised questions on these projects of a humanitarian nature. In 2009- the safety and protection of civilians during the 10, it spent Rs. 69 crores and in 2010-11 Rs 94 conflict. I wish to emphatically state that during crores towards the welfare, relief, resettlement

9 AUGUST 2011

the conflict, particularly its last phase, missing on 5th April 2011, and their bodies were Government of India repeatedly called upon the found subsequently. In all these cases, the High Government of Sri Lanka to be mindful of the Commission of India in Colombo took up the welfare and safety of civilians caught in the matter on the same day of receipt of information crossfire and consistently emphasised that the about the death of Indian fishermen. rights and the welfare of the Tamil community of Sri Lanka should not get enmeshed in the on- It is very important to note here that, following the going hostilities. India-Sri Lanka Joint Statement on Fishing Arrangements of 26th October 2008, the Members have also referred to a media interview incidents involving Indian fishermen declined by the Defence Secretary of Sri Lanka. We have significantly. noted that some specific comments were made about a Chief Minister, which are without Number of justification, and we reject them. Indian fishermen Reported Reported YEAR Arrested and Missing Dead released On the concerns expressed by some Members on subsequently the issue of Indian fishermen in waters between 2008 1456 1 5 India and Sri Lanka, allow me to reiterate, at the outset, that the welfare, safety and security of our 2009 127 NIL NIL fishermen have always received the highest 2010 34 NIL 1 priority by Government. 2011 164 NIL 6 (till August 16th) There have been reports of incidents of attacks on Indian fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan As per information available, as of now there are Navy. Government of India, through Diplomatic no Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan jails on charges Channels, has consistently and immediately of fishing related violations. taken up any reported incident involving arrest or violence against Indian fishermen to ensure their At the same time, in 2010 a total of 352, and in safety, security, early release and repatriation. 2011, till 16th August 2011, 131 Sri Lankan fishermen were apprehended by our authorities. Government has conveyed to the Sri Lankan A total of 104 Sri Lankan fishermen are still in Government that the use of force could not be Indian custody. justified under any circumstance and that all fishermen should be treated in a humane manner. We have been encouraged by the existence of The Sri Lankan side, while denying that their Navy the structured dialogue mechanism between the was involved, has promised to seriously Government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil National investigate these incidents. Alliance (TNA). We were concerned with the recent breakdown and the resulting stalemate During the meetings with my Sri Lankan and we encourage both parties to the dialogue to counterpart in February 2011 in Thimpu and in resume purposeful discussions towards a May 2011 in New Delhi, I not only conveyed our genuine political settlement. deep concern at the violence against our fishermen but also stressed the need to ensure The Government of India is of the view that the that these incidents do not recur. In the Joint end of conflict in Sri Lanka provided an Press Release issued in May 2011, India and Sri opportunity to pursue a lasting political settlement Lanka agreed that the use of force could not be in Sri Lanka within the framework of a united Sri justified under any circumstances and that all Lanka, acceptable to all the communities in Sri fishermen should be treated in a humane manner. Lanka including the Tamils. It has to be, however, kept in mind this is a long standing issue and Sri I would like to inform this august House that Lanka is going through its internal processes. The almost all instances of arrest and harassment of sooner Sri Lanka can come to a political our fishermen seem to have occurred in Sri arrangement within which all the communities Lankan waters, when our fishermen stray across feel comfortable, and which works for all of them, the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL). the better. Government of India will do whatever it can to support this process. There were six cases of Indian fishermen who died during 2011. We learnt about the death of In this context, our emphasis has been to Shri Pandiyan on 12th January 2011 and that of persuade the Sri Lankan Government to move Shri Jayakumar on 23rd January 2011. Four other towards a new system of institutional reforms, fishermen from Tamil Nadu were reported including a devolution package, building upon the

10 AUGUST 2011

13th Amendment. The Joint Press Statement consequently, that of sovereignty over issued on May 17 after Sri Lankan External Affairs Kachchativu Island is a settled matter. Minister’s visit to Delhi stated this position. We would continue to impress on the Sri Lankan In October 2009, a delegation of Members of Government to pursue these institutional reforms, Parliament from Tamil Nadu visited Sri Lanka, so that Tamil people will have a feeling that they including the camps where the Internally are equal citizens of Sri Lanka and that they can Displaced Persons were staying. In their report lead a life of dignity and self respect. they had mentioned that the facilities at the camps were reasonable. We have also noted the President of Sri Lanka's decision announced yesterday to withdraw the During his recent meeting with Chief Minister of state of emergency when it lapses at the end of Tamil Nadu in Chennai, Sri Lankan High this month. This, in our view, is a welcome step. Commissioner to New Delhi has conveyed the We hope that this will be followed by effective invitation of President of Sri Lanka to Chief steps leading to genuine national reconciliation in Minister of Tamil Nadu to visit Sri Lanka. He has the country. also invited a Parliamentary team, not only from Tamil Nadu but also from other areas to visit Sri Hon’ble Members also referred to fishing rights Lanka, including Northern Sri Lanka. for Indian fishermen at Kachchativu Island. I wish to bring to the attention of the august House that Hon’ble Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Smt our fishermen have access to visit the Island for Sushma Swaraj has been invited by the Hon’ble rest, for drying of nets and for the annual St. Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament to visit Sri Anthony’s Festival, and that the rights do not Lanka. Smt. Sushma Swaraj has accepted the cover fishing around Kachchativu Island. invitation. She is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from 16-20 September 2011. We will have to also bear in mind the fact that as per the Agreements we have concluded with Sri I also welcome the suggestion made by the Lanka in 1974 and 1976, Kachchativu Island lies Hon’ble Members regarding the visit of a joint on the Sri Lankan side of the Maritime boundary. Parliamentary delegation to Sri Lanka to get first These Agreements were laid before the hand information on various developments there. Parliament. Therefore, as far as the Government We would work out a suitable time frame for the of India is concerned, the issue of Maritime visit in consultation with the Sri Lankan boundary between India and Sri Lanka, and Government.

Visit of Hon’ble Speaker of Sri Lankan Parliament to India and formation of India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Indian Parliament

Hon’ble Speaker of Sri Lankan with President Hon’ble Speaker of Sri Lankan Chamal Rajapaksa with Hon’ble of India, Mrs Pratibha Patil during his visit to India from 1-6 Speaker of India Ms Meera Kumar during his visit to India from August, 2011. 1-6 August, 2011 Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Hon’ble Badhiutheen and MPs Muthu Sivalingam, Rajiva Chamal Rajapaksa accompanied by a group of Wijesinha, Malani Fonseka, Selvam parliamentarians comprising Ministers Dinesh Adaikkalanathan and D.M. Swaminandan visited Gunawardena, W.D.J. Senewiratne and Risad India from 1st August to 6th August 2011 at the

11 AUGUST 2011

invitation extended by Hon’ble Speaker of the the President of the 22 member Group. The Lok Sabha Smt. Meira Kumar when she had Group comprises MPs from the Indian National visited Sri Lanka in February this year. High Congress, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Biju Commissioner Ashok K. Katha had hosted a Janata Dal, Bahujan Samaj Party, Janata Dal reception for the Hon’ble Speaker before his visit (United), Communist Party of India (Marxist), to India and to commemorate the formation of Telugu Desam Party, All India Democratic United India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Front, Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi, Shiromani Akali Association. During the visit of Hon’ble Speaker Dal, All India Trinamool Congress as well as one of Sri Lankan Parliament, the India-Sri Lanka Independent MP. The Members of the Group met Parliamentary Friendship Group in the 15th Lok the Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament and Sabha was formed as another major step was received by the Parliament on the first day of towards further enhancing bilateral ties. The the Monsoon Session. India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Indian Parliament comprises Members The formation of this Group in the Indian from both Houses, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Parliament is an important step in forging Sabha representing a cross-section of political s t r o n g e r t i e s b e t w e e n t h e I n d i a n parties. Following established practice in the Parliamentarians and their Sri Lankan Indian Parliament, the group comprises counterparts. This will provide an opportunity for exclusively of Members of Parliament who do not greater interaction between the Parliamentarians hold cabinet portfolios. of the two countries and for visits leading to better understanding and appreciation of prospects, Shri Kumar Deepak Das, a Rajya Sabha MP challenges and opportunities for exploring representing the Asom Gono Parishad, serves as solutions to common problems. Visit of Hon’ble Minister of Health of Sri Lanka to India

The recent cooperation in the health sector between India and Sri Lanka was noted and it was agreed that this cooperation would only be further strengthened by this bilateral meeting. As part of its development cooperation programme with Sri Lanka, the Government of India has supplied medical equipment for the Jaffna Teaching Hospital in January 2011. The Government of India is also supplying medical equipment to two General Hospitals in Killinochchi and Mullaitivu and helping with the construction of a 150-bed base hospital in Hon. Minister and the High Commissioner Dickoya, which started in March 2011. The Ashok K. Kantha Government of India has also announced a gift of The Minister of Health of Sri Lanka, Hon. a Bhabhatron Radiotherapy Machine to the Maithripala Sirisena paid an official visit to India in Government of Sri Lanka. Preparations are also early August and called upon the Union Minister underway by the Government of India to set up a of Health & Family Welfare of India, Shri Ghulam month long limb re-fitment camp (in association Nabi Azad, on 3 August, 2011. The two Ministers with Jaipur Foot) in Jaffna this year. recounted the close historical and cultural ties existing between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri-Lankan delegation sought further assistance in the training of medical and Shri Azad appreciated the progress made by Sri paramedical personnel (Short Term Skill Lanka in Public Health and achieving reduction in Upgradation; Long Term Degree Courses). It also IMR, MMR and Communicable Diseases burden. sought advice and guidance in procurement He mentioned the concrete steps being taken by procedures of medical equipment, devices and India under the National Rural Health Mission to medicines (mostly generic drugs for the public strengthen the health infrastructure in the rural health program) as nearly 80% of the supplies to areas, particularly in backward, inaccessible and Sri Lanka comes from Indian pharma companies. remote districts and said that these investments Shri Azad assured full assistance to Sri Lanka on have started showing results in the form of all issues raised by the visiting delegation. declining maternal and infant mortality rates now.

12 AUGUST 2011

Signing of an Agreement for supply and installation of Signalling and Telecommunication system for railway network in Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Hon'ble , Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Ashok Mr. B.A.P. Ariyarathna, General Manager, Sri Lanka Railways and K. Kantha, High Commissioner witnessing the signing ceremony. Mr. Mohan Tiwari, Managing Director, IRCON exchanging the Mr. B.A.P. Ariyarathna, General Manager, Sri Lanka Railways and Agreement Mr. Mohan Tiwari, Managing Director, IRCON exchanging the Agreement. An agreement for supply and installation of system throughout the section. In addition, public Signalling & Telecommunication system for address system, etc., shall also be provided at railway network in Northern Province of Sri Lanka major stations. was on 17th August between Mr. B.A.P. Ariyarathna, General Manager, Sri Lanka In his remarks after the signing ceremony, High Railways and Mr. Mohan Tiwari, Managing Commissioner Kantha said that the proposed Director, IRCON (a Government of India telecommunication system offered by IRCON is Undertaking) in the presence of Hon’ble Kumara based on proven technology and maintainability. Welgama, Minister of Transport, H.E. Mr. Ashok He noted that work is already in progress for K. Kantha, High Commissioner and Mr. track- laying work on the Medawachchiya – Dhammika Perera, Secretary, Ministry of Madhu Road, Madhu Road - Tallaimannar and Transport. Omanthai – Pallai Sections. He added that IRCON is receiving full support of the The total cost of the project is US $ 86.51 Million. Government of Sri Lanka and the projects would This project is a part of Indian Line of Credit of be completed as per schedule. USD 800 Million, which has been extended by Government of India at concessional terms. The High Commissioner also noted that IRCON has credit line has been extended at an interest rate successfully completed Galle - Matara Section of of LIBOR plus 0.5 % with LIBOR capped at 3%. Coastal Railway Line covering 42 kilometers in The repayment period is 20 years with a five year February, 2011. The work on Kalutara – Galle moratorium. Section is scheduled to commence from 1st week of September, 2011 and the same will be The proposed contract will cover the completed by March, 2012. The southern coastal Anuradhapura – KKS and Medawachchiya – railway line project is also being funded under Tallai Mannar sections, covering a route length of Government of India credit line of US $ 167.4 341 KMs and 28 stations. The signalling work million. involves provision of centralized control panel, interlocking colour light system with electrically Hon'ble Kumara Welgama, Minister of Transport operated points and track detection system. All noted the deep bond of friendship between the the level crossings will be interlocked with new two countries and expressed his deep signalling system, which would ensure safety at appreciation for assistance provided by the level crossings. The telecommunication work Government of India. involves provision of optical fiber communication Student Exchange Programme between St. Patrick’s College Jaffna and St. Francis De Sales Senior Secondary School, New Delhi

A 10-member group of school boys from St. Berty Bannister, visited India from 15th – 22nd Patrick’s College Jaffna, accompanied by their August and after their return called on Acting principal Fr. Jero Selvanayagam and teacher Mr. High Commissioner Shri Vikram Misri to convey

13 AUGUST 2011

their Indian peers. The team from St. Patrick’s played the Annual Father Peter Mermier Football Tournament 2011 against their counterparts in New Delhi. The students also staged cultural shows which showcased the different cultures in Sri Lanka at the welcome ceremony given to them by their host school.

The Student Exchange Programme is an annual event sponsored by the India- Sri Lanka A 10-member group of school boys from St. Patrick's College Foundation, and this is the first visit of a boys’ Jaffna, accompanied by their principal called on Mr.Vikram Misri, school to India. Last year, girl students from Acting High Commissioner after their successful visit to India from 15th - 22nd August under student exchange programme of Holy Family Convent, Jaffna and St. Francis De India Sri Lanka Foundation Sales Senior Secondary School, New Delhi participated in a similar programme. appreciation to the India Sri Lanka Foundation for facilitating their visit as part of the Student A group of 14 students from different schools in Exchange Programme. Jaffna also visit New Delhi from the 4th-9th September to play a cricket match against Delhi The group was hosted by St. Francis De Sales Public School, New Delhi. This event was also Senior Secondary School, New Delhi and the supported by the India-Sri Lanka Foundation students were able to experience Indian culture under its youth programme which helps in and ways of life as they also visited the homes of creating awareness and understanding about each other amongst the youth and create bonds of friendship. 27th Meeting of the Board of Directors of the India-Sri Lanka Foundation

teaching/technical training assignments for faculty members, Art & Culture, Archaeological Studies, Agricultural Research, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Health, including short-term teaching/technical training assignments, Development Studies and Gender Studies.

At the Commencement of the 27th meeting, both Co-chairs High Commissioner Ashok K. Kanth and High the Co- Chairs paid tribute to the late Mr. Romesh Commissioner Prasad Kariyawasam with Board members at the Jayasinghe, Former Foreign Secretary of Sri 27th meeting of the Board of Directors of India Sri Lanka Lanka and former High Commissioner of Sri Foundation held in New Delhi on 25th August,2011. Lanka in India and observed a minute’s silence in The 27th meeting of the Board of Directors of the memory of the departed soul. The Board also India Sri Lanka Foundation (ISLF) was held in decided to send a condolence letter to the family New Delhi on the 25th August, 2011. The session of Mr. Jaysinghe. During his tenure as High was Co-Chaired by the High Commissioner of Sri Commissioner in India, Mr. Jayasinghe had also Lanka in India, H.E. Prasad Kariyawasam and served as the Co- Chair of ISLF and had provided the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, H. his valuable guidance and advice to ISLF at all E. Ashok K. Kantha. Board members of the times. Foundation, Ambassador M. Rasgotra, Prof. P. V. Indiresan, Mr. Sunimal Fernando and Mr. At the meeting, a number of proposals were Thirukumar Nadesan were also present. approved by the Board of Directors such as the visit of 16 students from University of Colombo to The Board of Directors of ISLF meets bi-annually participate in the South Asian Students in order to consider project proposals received by Economic Summit (SASEM) being held in India, the Delhi and Colombo Secretariats, which will visit of 5 doctors from Colombo Municipal Council assist to enhance bilateral relations between to Ayurvedic Institutes in Kerala, support to Sri India and Sri Lanka in the thrust areas of Lankan delegates to participate in the South E d u c a t i o n , i n c l u d i n g s h o r t - t e r m Asian Film Festival (SAFF) in Goa, visit of a 14 AUGUST 2011

cultural troupe from Sri Lanka to India and vice- by a Memorandum of Understanding between versa, technical projects with support from the governments of India and Sri Lanka in 1998 in University of Ruhuna and National Institute of order to foster India - Sri Lanka relations through Technology, Calicut, etc. The Board also gave the enhancement of economic, scientific, suggestions to further improve future activities of technical and cultural cooperation and to promote the Foundation. greater understanding between the people of the two countries. ISLF through its regular activities The India - Sri Lanka Foundation was established and programmes acts as a catalyst in enhancing bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka. Cairn Lanka starts oil exploration in Mannar

Cairn Lanka began exploring for oil in Sri Lanka’s then commercial oil production can be expected northwestern Mannar basin. The success in by 2014. The exploration area is 3,000 square locating oil will reduce Sri lanka’s dependance on km with water depths ranging from 400 metres to oil imports. Cairn India which has been awarded 1900 metres. Cairn Lanka, a subsidiary of Cairn rights to drill three oil wells over the next few India had signed the Petroleum Resource months and Sri Lanka believes that Mannar sea Agreement with the Sri Lankan government in basin has over 1 billion barrels of oil. July 2008 to explore oil and natural gas in the Mannar Basin with an investment of 110 million If Sri Lanka’s drilling programme was successful U.S. dollars. Dabur India sets up new subsidiary in Sri Lanka

India’s FMCG major, Dabur India has formed a 22 per cent of the company’s sales come from new entity, Dabur Lanka Pvt Ltd, as part of a international markets, including African nations, strategy to strengthen its presence in Sri Lanka. Nepal and Bangladesh. Dabur Lanka has been incorporated under its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dabur International, Dabur India Limited is the fourth largest FMCG which manages the company’s overseas company in India with revenues of US$910 operations. As part of its plans for the island million and market capitalisation of US$4 billion. nation, Dabur is in the process of setting up a Building on a legacy of quality and experience of manufacturing facility, which is expected to start over 125 years, Dabur operates in key consumer production by the end of this fiscal year. Around products categories like hair care, oral care, health care, skin care, home care & foods. Indocean invests Rs 6.5 bn for a prime project in Colombo

Indocean Developers Private Limited, based in sector development projects and under the India will shortly launch a US $ 400 million project, Sir James Peiris Mawatha will be development project transforming one of the transformed into a promenade-like street, filled Colombo City’s prime streets near Gangaramaya with high-end retail stores, cafes, restaurants, into a promenade. The Indian campany has spas coupled with premium residences with vistas obtained a two acre property on a 99 year lease of the Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean. The from the UDA and had paid Rs 2.56 billion up front. project is expected to finish in three years. The project is one of Sri Lanka’s largest private

ECONOMIC STRIDES India emerges as a major global donor with its $7 bn given during 2004-10

India gave US$ 7 billion to needy and friendly AidData, a distinguished online portal established countries during 2004-10 and has repositioned by the US-based Brigham Young University, the itself as an emerging power and a major global College of William and Mary and the Development donor, according to a study of its assistance to a Gateway (sponsored by World Bank and 21 world few such nations. 15 AUGUST 2011

governments), has made a study of aid India has and World Bank show that India’s per capita GDP provided to nine countries, namely: Ghana, Mali, (PPP) is $3,339 billion, its exports amount to $ Myanmar, Nepal, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, 201 billion and imports at $ 327 billion; its gross Sudan and Bhutan. However, India provides external debt is $ 237.1 billion, total Foreign Direct assistance to many more nations across the globe. Investment (FDI) is $ 35.6 billion, revenues total $ 170.7 billion, expenses are $ 257.4 billion and its For decades after independence in 1947, when foreign exchange reserves today stand at an Britain left the Indian subcontinent one of the impressive $ 319 billion. poorest and most ravaged regions on earth with an effective growth rate of zero per cent over the During a visit to Afghanistan in May this year, preceding two centuries, India was seen as an Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had impoverished land of destitute people, desperately announced an additional $500 million aid in need of international handouts. package. This was in addition to the $1.5 billion India has already spent in that war-torn With the liberalisation of the Indian economy in mountainous country to help build highways, 1991, the country embarked upon a period of hospitals and electricity networks. India is now the dizzying growth, averaging nearly 8 per cent per fifth largest donor to Afghanistan (with year since then. During this time, India dispensed commitments of over $2 billion since 2001), and is its dependence on aid, and preferred to borrow increasingly seeking out new recipients. from multilateral lenders and, increasingly, from India, as a donor, is giving aid to Africa also. Its commercial banks. assistance for the African continent has grown at Seven years ago, India declared that it will only a rate of 22 per cent annually over the past 10 accept development assistance from five years. Bilateral trade between India and Africa countries (Germany, Japan, Russia, Britain and has experienced a 15-fold increase just in just one the United States) in addition to the European decade since 2001. While the bilateral Indo-Africa Union. India had declined international assistance trade soared to $ 46billion in 2010, it is expected after both the 2004 Tsunami and the 2005 to reach $ 70billion by 2015. India is now Africa’s earthquake in Kashmir. second major trading partner after China, with investments in oil, pharmaceuticals, gold, India has been helping needy nations by making diamonds and information technology. modest donations since 1958. It was 53 years ago that India had dished out its first donation of INR Indian Telecom giant Bharti Airtel had spent $ 10 200 million as multi-year grants to Myanmar and billion in 2010 to take over mobile phone INR 100 million under the same head to Nepal. operations across Africa from a Kuwaiti firm. To cite another example, India has recently signed a In a study on India’s transition to a global donor, deal with 19 education institutions in Africa and recently published by the Spain-based Elcano plans to build a diamond processing facility in Royal Institute of International and Strategic Botswana. Studies. Indian economist Dweep Chanana wrote: "India has expanded its aid programme over the Last May, Prime Minister Singh was at Africa-India past decade, emerging as a serious donor in Forum Summit in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), where certain countries. Like most emerging donors, he had pledged a $ 5 billion credit to the African India’s aid-related activities do not follow the nations to help them meet development goals. traditional definition of the Development Assistance Committee. Rather, an alternative Shashi Tharoor, a Lok Sabha member and former definition can be considered: spending that Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and furthers India’s standing as a donor. " United Nations Under-Secretary General, wrote recently: "The India-Africa summit in Addis Ababa Chanana further wrote: "There are three parts to drew attention to a largely overlooked that spending, namely grants and preferential phenomenon: India’s emergence as a source, bilateral loans to governments, contributions to rather than a recipient, of foreign aid. He went on: international organisations and financial "Today, the proverbial shoe is on the other foot. institutions, and subsidies for preferential bilateral India has begun putting its money where its mouth loans provided through the Export Import Bank of used to be. It has now emerged as a significant India. Today, the Indian foreign aid is less than 0.3 donor to developing countries in Africa and Asia, per cent of GDP. Having the world’s second largest second only to China in the range and quantity of labour force of 478 million, India’s economy today development assistance given by countries of the is the 10th largest on the planet in terms of nominal global South. In addition, India has built factories, GDP, and the fourth largest by Purchasing Power hospitals, and parliaments in various countries, Parity (PPP)." and sent doctors, teachers, and IT professionals to treat and train the nationals of recipient Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) countries."

16 AUGUST 2011

Concessional loans at trifling interest rates are largest donor to its neighbour Bhutan, as well as a also extended as lines of credit, tied mainly to the generous aid donor to Nepal, the Maldives, purchase of Indian goods and services, and Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka as it recovers from civil countries in Africa have been clamouring for war," Tharoor added. them. "In Asia, India remains by far the single- Innovation Inc

In the Forbes’ global listing of the top 100 role of CEOs and senior leaders has a clear impact innovation-led companies, three Indian corporates on the overall innovation capabilities of find their place of honour, with each inclusion enterprises. telling a unique story. While HUL, at rank 6, may not be surprising, what is interesting is that HUL In particular, five unique skills, in leaders, of and its parent company Unilever ranked at a much Q u e s t i o n i n g , O b s e r v i n g , N e t w o r k i n g , lower 74 is the rare combination of a parent and a Experimenting and Associational Thinking help subsidiary. Public sector BHEL finds a creditable embed a unique DNA for innovation. The decades position at rank 9. That these companies rub old tried-and-tested succession planning system shoulders with some of the acknowledged global in HUL and the strong line of leadership pipeline at leaders in innovation like Google, Amazon and Infosys have helped in creating these innovation- Apple is noteworthy. Finally, in this global listing, centric organisations. Traditionally, revolutionary Infosys is the only other Indian company at rank product ideas like Apple’s iPod, Sony’s Walkman 15. Based on an eight-year study by three leading and Starbucks’ coffee created entirely new professors from Harvard, Brigham Young industries and generated enormous wealth for University and INSEAD, the Forbes list captures companies. The locus of most of these companies insights on how companies leverage new ideas, was in the US, Japan and Europe. That fast is products and services to create dynamic new changing. Companies from India, China and Latin businesses. That these disruptive innovations America are emerging as the new global have an incremental impact on the company’s innovators. The parameters of innovation are also shareholder value is the fundamental basis of their changing: creativity and culture are the new study and puts these three Indian companies in a signposts in companies. With innovation emerging league of their own. While this may be a limited the lifeblood of the global economy, the latest view in evaluating innovation impact, it is however listing clearly draws fresh lessons for corporates in an important one. The study also posits that the India and overseas. (Courtesy- Financial Express) Solar equipment majors eye India as manufacturing hub

With the prospect of a slowdown in the renewable renewable power equipment, is bullish on the power sector in their home markets, US and Indian solar market. European solar power equipment manufacturers are betting big on Indian demand. The global In addition, many tie-ups are being worked out renewable energy majors are not only increasing between Indian and overseas companies. India's their presence in the market by participating in Vikram Solar has partnered Spanish company equipment-supply tenders but also looking at Proener to take up engineering, procurement converting India into a manufacturing hub. and construction (EPC) contracts of large solar power projects. Gujarat-based Harsha US-based First Solar, a global leader in the Engineers has entered into a pact with Germany- segment, has identified India’s solar power based Abakus to work as integrator for solar PV development programme as a key driver for its applications. “Technology joint ventures are investment in the equipment manufacturing happening because there is a vacuum in the capacity expansion projects. Similarly, market, especially in high-end products,” said Germany’s Schott plans to tap the Indian market Shubranshu Patnaik, senior director (energy & by expanding its facility for solar glasses at resources consulting), Deloitte India. Vadodara. Another German company, REFUsol, a leading supplier of inverters for solar power Indian manufacturing in the solar power arena plants, expects to triple its business by the end of has developed around low-end products in this year, while Intertek, a London-based balance of plant (auxiliary equipment) space, provider of safety and quality solutions for inverters and a basic solar power equipment. Overseas players are eyeing the wide space that 17 AUGUST 2011

needs to be filled to realise the goal of 20,000 mw off-grid solar solutions for the Indian market. “The grid-connected solar power generation capacity R&D centre will develop products for local by 2022 under the Jawharlal Nehru National applications. Once we have competence, we will Solar Mission (JNNSM) programme. start exports,” REFUsol MD & COO Thomas Wittek told FE. First Solar has already shipped equipment for over 200 mw capacity addition in India this year The JNNSM is targeting capacity addition of and has contracts in hand to supply another 250 1,000 mw by 2013 under the first phase. Of this, mw equipment. It has a manufacturing capacity about 700 mw has been allocated for for 1,500 mw a year, which is being expanded to development in the first round of bidding. Now the 2,300 mw. The new capacity is expected to be government is gearing up to start the next round operational by the end of 2011. of bidding for 320 mw capacity. Besides, 200 mw off-grid solar power generation capacity is also REFUsol, on the other hand, has supplied envisaged under the first phase. States are also inverters for solar projects of 50 mw in India and is undertaking capacity addition in solar power now setting up its equipment manufacturing generation. Gujarat has awarded contracts for facility in Pune, which is expected to start the development of over 900 mw solar power production by early next year. The company is generation capacity. also setting up an R&D centre that will develop (Courtesy- Financial Express)

CULTURE Exhibition- Harmony and Rhythm

was held from July 28 – 30, 2011 at the Buttala Divisional Secretariat Auditorium, Moneragala, Hambantota and was seen by approximately 2000 people including women and school children.

Exhibition displayed in Jaffna from 4 – 6 August, 2011 at Kumarasamy Hall, Jaffna Hindu College was inaugurated by the Governor of Northern Consul General with Mr.G.U.K. Algewattage, Divisional Province, Major General G. A Chandrasiri and Secretary and Mr.Damayantha Dolewattha, Chairman, evoked a good response with over 1000 people, Pradeshiya Sabhawa, Buttala including a number of children, visiting the A painting exhibition “Harmony & Rhythm” by exhibition. The Exhibition held in Kandy from 22 – four eminent female artists namely Ruchi Goyal 24 August, 2011 at E.L Senanayake Children’s Kaura, Deepa Seth Bhando, Sonika Agarwal Library Auditorium was inaugurated by Mrs. and Sandhya Singh which was displayed in Anusha Selvaraja, Minister of Education, Central Colombo from 19-24 July travelled to Province with over 1000 people visiting the Hambantota, Jaffna and Kandy. The Exhibition exhibition.

Visit of the Students and teachers of Hillwood College, Kandy to Visva Bharati University, Shantiniketan

A group of 27 students and 4 teachers(including Principal) of Hillwood College, Kandy visited Visva Bharati University (VBU), Shantiniketan in August 2011.The College has a very reputed dance troupe in Kandy which visits various countries abroad also. AHCI, Kandy helped the College in making contacts with the VBU and also provided names of 2-3 colleges famous for their performing arts faculty. AHCI, Kandy also gifted

18 AUGUST 2011

The students practiced for the Rabindra Sangeet in the University itself alongwith the local students and performed there. They performed Sri Lankan folk dances also.

The Principal of the Hillwood College and a teacher appreciated the cooperation extended by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, other teacher and staff of VBU and said that this was a memorable visit for them. some books and a CD on Gurudev Rabindara Nath Tagore.

Tagore Film Festival

To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Visva-Bharati University. noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Sri Lanka, a 5 day long Tagore Film festival High Commissioner also outlined the events organized by the Indian Cultural Centre, already held to commemorate the 150th birth Colombo focusing on works of Gurudev Tagore anniversary of Gurudev Tagore in Sri Lanka was inaugurated on 1st September, 2011 at the which included release of a special postal stamp National Film Corporation Hall by Senior Minister by the Government of Sri Lanka and a Dr Sarath Amunugama in presence of High commemorative volume “Remembering Commissioner of India H.E. Mr. Ashok K. Kantha. Rabindranath Tagore” on 7th May 2011. High The films screened in this festival were Pathar Commissioner also highlighted the events Panchali, Ghare Baire, Agantuk and Charulata planned during the course of the year which directed by Satyajit Ray and Chokher Bhali include re-staging of “Shap Mochan”, a play directed by Rituparno Ghosh. A documentary on staged in 1934 in Sri Lanka and which Gurudev Tagore made by Satyajit Ray in 1961 when Tagore himself had acted, exhibition of digital Tagore’s 100th birth anniversary was reproductions of Tagore’s paintings and a commemorated worldwide was also screened photographic exhibition on life and travels of at the Festival. Tagore.

Speaking at the inauguration, High Commissioner Kantha highlighted that Gurudev Tagore was a towering personality who straddled the world of literature, art, music and intellectual discourse and contributed in a very meaningful manner to the cultural renaissance of India, Sri Lanka and other countries of Asia and especially recollected Tagore’s strong association with Sri Lanka, which he had visited thrice in 1922, 1928 and 1934 and strong association of many prominent Sri Lankan artists like Ananda Samarakoon, Chitrasena and Sunil Shantha with Hon. Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Senior Minister inaugurates Tagore Film Festival.

H.E.Ashok K.Kantha addressing the audience at the Audience present at Tagore Film Festival. Inauguration of Tagore Film Festival.

19 Indian The Cultural Calendar Cultural Centre for the month of September 2011

16/2, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 07, Tel: 2684698, E-mail: [email protected]

Celebrating 150th Birth Anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore Thursday, 1 September 2011 Tagore Film Festival Sunday, 4 September 2011 6.30 p.m 6.30 p.m Pather Panchali Agantuk Director: Satyajit Ray Director: Satyajit Ray Friday, 2 September 2011 Monday, 5 September 2011 6.00 p.m 6.00 p.m Chokher Bali 1 - 5 Rabindranath Tagore Director: Rituparno Ghosh (Documentary in English) Saturday, 3 September 2011 Director: Satyajit Ray 6.30 p.m 7.00 p.m Ghare Baire Charulata Director: Satyajit Ray Director: Satyajit Ray Venue: NFC Cinema, 303, Bauddhaloka Mw., Colombo 07.

10.30 a.m Monday 10.30 a.m Wednesday Indian Slide Guitar Recital Saandhy Geet Amano Manish Hindi Diwas Celebrations (Senia Maihar Gharana) Hindi Poetry, Music and Dance accompanied on Tabla by organized in collaboration with 12 Uday Ramdas Deshpande Department of Hindi 14 disciple of Ud. Alla Rakha The University of Kelaniya Venue: ICC Auditorium Venue: ICC Auditorium

6.00 p.m Wednesday 5.30 p.m Tuesday Meet the Director Films: Living Stories Buddhadeb Dasgupta – Story Telling Traditions of India followed by screening of his film Why Can't I Lal Darja (Red Doors) – 3 Unique Stories of 3 Outstanding Women 14 Bengali with English Subtitles Duration: 53 mins 20 Duration: 100 mins (Documentaries in English) Venue: ICC Auditorium Venue: ICC Auditorium A Film Club Programme

Friday Admission to all 6.30 p.m programmes is free and on Carnatic Vocal Music first come first served basis Bagawathssingh Nithiyanandan except for the Tagore Film accompanied on Mridangam by Swaminatha Sharma 30 Festival from 1 - 5 and on Violin by S.Dibakaran Venue: ICC Auditorium

Published by High Commission of India, Colombo

The information and articles are collected from different sources and do not necessarily reflect the view of the High Commission Suggestions regarding improvement of the “SANDESH” may please be addressed to

Information Section, High Commission of India No. 36 -38, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka Tel: +94-11 2327587, +94-11 2422788-9 Fax: +94-11-2446403, +94-11 2448166 E-mail: [email protected]