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January 2016 NEWS SRI LANKA Embassy of Sri Lanka, Washington DC

I DON’T HAVE A PERSONAL POLITICAL AGENDA. I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE MY AGENDA IS THAT OF THE COUNTRY CONSTITUTION OF ANY COUNTRY IN - President Maithripala Sirisena at the national ceremony to mark THE WORLD NEEDS A TRANSFORMATION, one year of democratic governance, on January 8th at the BMICH AS CALLED FOR BY EACH ERA – President to the Parliament on January 9th

Mr. Speaker, it gives me great joy to address this Assem- bly at the beginning of a new year, and to share a few key points on what Sri Lanka’s present needs. The topic of discussion today is the Constitution. In recent times, there has been much criticism levelled against the changes, amendments and interpretation that needs to be effected by it. When we received sovereign franchise in 1931, no country in Asia or Africa was reported to have received it. De- spite the advancement of knowledge, intelligence, matu- rity and literacy of our people in 1931 when the right to franchise was received, only a symbol had to be inscribed on the ballot paper when casting the vote. Due to minimal levels of literacy in countries using the ballot in the 1930s I am indeed very pleased to address you on this to them is that I don’t think about my place in and the 1940s, voters were directed to pierce or make a important occasion of completion of one year five years, but I think about the place of this hole in the ballot paper, instead of marking a sign on it. since the peaceful political transformation on country in five years. Today, piercing ballot papers is a common practice, even January 08 and the completion of a year since I don’t have a personal political agenda. My in countries that enjoy high levels of development. The electing me as the First Servant of the People. agenda is that of the country. Your agenda and annals of Sri Lanka’s history prove its greatness, eminence I express my respectful gratitude to the people mine is to achieve our dream of building our and acclaim. If one were to trace the Anuradhapura, Pol- who selected me as the common candidate for motherland to be one of the greatest nations in onnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Athugalpura, Kotte and Kandy the presidential election and for the people who the world within the next five years. eras to the Colombo era, one would feel a sense of great gave leadership, support and sponsorship for my I will not mention each and everyone who sup- pride due to the advancement of the arts, the sciences and election campaign. I would like to express my ported me by name as it would take a long time. technology in each of those eras. It is in an era in which sincere appreciation to the nearly 6,200,000 of On this occasion I must express my gratitude to men who have returned from outer space move forward people who voted for me and for those 5,800,000 UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe for selecting in competing in this new age that embraces information of people who voted against me too. me as the common candidate and for commit- technology, that we are talking about a Constitution. Incidents that have taken place since a year ago ting himself to achieve this great victory for the Many accept the need to effect certain changes in order were filled with suspense. On the other hand, betterment of the country and the people. Also to suit today’s circumstances. When the 1978 Constitu- those were joyful. We gained mature knowledge to former President Chandrika Bandaranaike tion, which is in effect today, was adopted by Parliament, through these experiences, broad experiences Kumaratunga, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party opposed it on principled needed to indulge in politics in this country. and political parties like TNA, Muslim Con- grounds. Since that day, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party was There is one question that everyone, including gress, National Muslim Front, Jathika Hela of the steadfast belief that the 1978 Constitution should my friends, journalists asked me, even the Paki- Urumaya, JVP, as well as to civil society organi- be changed. stan Prime Minister who visited recently asked zations, the Maha Sanga, other religious leaders, As I recall, in 1999, the Annual Convention of the United the same question. The question was, you have trade unions and voluntary organizations for National Party passed a resolution for the first time, which agreed to abolish the Executive Presidency and placing confidence in me and supporting me to held that changes should be effected in the Constitution after completing the five year tenure as the Presi- achieve this great victory. to abolish or change the Executive Presidency. dent what would be your position? My answer Continue reading at: http://www.pmdnews.lk/ Continue reading at: http://www.slembassyusa.org NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka WASHINGTON EMBASSY MARKS ONE YEAR IN OFFICE OF PRESIDENT SIRISENA formation.

The Ambassador in this respect recalled President Obama’s message following the Presidential election last year, congratulating first and foremost the Sri Lankan people and the leadership for the peaceful transition of the country’s stewardship.

The Ambassador spoke in detail about the progress in the Sri Lanka – US relations in the year 2015 and the con- tribution of the Embassy for taking the relationship to a level of unprecedented excellence.The substantial up- swing in relations manifested through several key high- level visits that took place between the two countries with both Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Marking the first anniversary in office of President Maithri- Mangala Samaraweera undertaking official visits within pala Sirisena, the Embassy of Sri Lanka organized a get to- months since the government assumed office; the US-Sri gether with a representative group of Sri Lankan-American- Lanka Partnership Dialogue that was announced during sin the Washington D.C. area on Saturday, January 9th 2016. Secretary Kerry’s historic visit, will be officially launched when Minister Samaraweera visits Washington in Febru- Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam ary this year;Sri Lanka’s membership of the Open Gov- recalled the achievements of the governmentin 2015,in par- ernment Partnership in October and the selection of Sri ticular, social democratization by strengthening the age-old Lanka for grant assistance under the US Millennium democracy, and enhancing relations with the international Challenge Corporation are some of the other milestones. community as a whole. In line with the mandate given by the people of Sri Lanka,the President’s vision and govern- In conclusion, Ambassador Kariyawasam observed that ment policies,among other measures, for promoting good the Sri Lankan-American community plays a significant governance, reconciliation, grassroot development measures role in forging closer ties between the two countries and and accountability in all respects for building a country with requested them to continue engaging in efforts to further sustainable peace and prosperity, and eradicating causes for strengthen the bilateral relationship and the vibrant peo- future conflict, all, have been applauded by the community ple to people contacts. of nations and people of Sri Lanka have welcomed this trans-

SRI LANKA DECLARED ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE ACCOUNT At the meeting of the Board of Direc- ship include a country’s commitment dent of the United States with the advice tors of the U.S. Millennium Challenge to good governance, economic freedom and consent of the U.S. Senate. Corporation (MCC) held in Washing- and investment in citizens. ton DC on 16 December, Sri Lanka was In keeping with the Government’s vi- selected as an eligible country for assis- Country ownership and country-led sion for good governance, strengthen- tance from fiscal year 2016. solutions for reducing poverty through ing the rule of law, and achieving rec- sustainable economic growth is an im- onciliation, development, durable peace This decision of the Board was conveyed portant underlying principle based on and prosperity for all, the government of by telephone on the same evening, 16 which MCC grants are provided. Grants Sri Lanka will work to foster an endur- December, to Prime Minister Ranil are designed to complement other U.S. ing engagement and partnership with Wickremesinghe, by the Chief Execu- and international development pro- the MCC with the objective of reaping tive Officer of the MCC, Dana J. Hyde. grammes, and create an enabling envi- benefits for all the people in the country. ronment for private sector investment. Created by the U.S. Congress in 2004 The selection of Sri Lanka as an eligi- with strong bipartisan support, the The MCC’s Board of Directors is chaired ble country for a long-term partnership MCC is an innovative U.S. foreign assis- by the US Secretary of State John Kerry with the MCC is a demonstration of the tance agency that operates on the prin- and includes as members the Secretary recognition of the progress made by Sri ciple of delivering assistance on the basis to the Treasury, the U.S. Trade Repre- Lanka since January 2015 under the of a long-term consultative partnership sentative, the USAID Administrator, leadership of President Maithripala Siri- with individual countries. The criteria CEO of MCC and four private sector sena and Prime Minister Ranil Wick- for consideration in entering a partner- representatives, appointed by the Presi- remesinghe. 02 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka REMARKS TO THE MEDIA BY FOREIGN MINISTER MANGALA SAMARAWEERA AND US UNDER SECRETARY TOM SHANNON FOLLOWING THE BILATERAL MEETING OF STATE FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS - DESIGNATE

Minister Samaraweera: It has been an hon- best democratic traditions; promoting and pro- I am also grateful to Ambassador Shannon for our and a privilege to welcome Ambassador tecting the human rights of each of our citizens undertaking this visit. I look forward to stay- Thomas Shannon, US Under Secretary of State and celebrating the multi-ethnic, multi-cultur- ing engaged with him, and to work closely for Political Affairs- designate, to Sri Lanka, this al, multi-religious and multi-lingual nature of with him to further enhance US – Sri Lanka evening. our society. relations along the positive trajectory on which As all of you may know, Ambassador Shannon In our meeting this evening, we discussed a Secretary Kerry placed our relations during his is the senior-most career United States Foreign series of areas where we could work together visit in May this year. Service Officer, and just the 14th in history to to ensure that the people of our country ben- At this point, I would also like to convey my ap- rise to the role of Under Secretary of State for efit from the changes that are taking place in preciation to Ambassador Atul Keshap and his Political Affairs. Sri Lanka and from the peace dividend. We team in Colombo for all the tireless work that As far as US – Sri Lanka relations are con- discussed ways of making our partnership they do to make the bonds between our two cerned, this has been what can be termed a stronger, including enhancing bilateral trade countries grow stronger with each passing day. ‘milestone year’. Ambassador Shannon’s visit and investment; and maritime cooperation I wish Ambassador Shannon and his team follows a series of important visits from the US, including Sri Lanka’s participation in the ‘Our a very pleasant stay in Sri Lanka and now I since January of this year. Just a few days fol- Oceans’ Conference. would like to invite Ambassador Shannon to lowing the Presidential Election on the 8th of Most importantly, we discussed the contours say a few words to you. Thank you. January, as you may recall, Assistant Secretary of the ‘US-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue’. As Ambassador Tom Shannon: I am happy to be of State Ms. Nisha Biswal visited Sri Lanka. In you would recall, Secretary Kerry, during his in Sri Lanka for my first visit during this time fact, her visit set the tone for the renewal of the visit in May this year, announced that the US of progress and opportunity. Sri Lanka is mov- long standing relationship between the United and Sri Lanka will establish a Partnership Dia- ing forward, and its leaders and people are now States of America and Sri Lanka. This visit was logue. As the senior-most official at the Depart- working together to usher in reforms to put the followed by the visit of the US Secretary of ment of State, Ambassador Shannon will guide country on the long-term path to peace, stabil- State, Hon. John Kerry in May this year, the first this important Partnership Dialogue. Today ity, and prosperity. official visit by a Secretary of State to Sri Lanka we discussed and decided on the key areas on in 43 years. The visit of Assistant Secretaries of which this Dialogue will be based, namely, I just had a productive meeting with the For- eign Minister. I am thankful for his hospitality, State Tom Malinowski and Nisha Biswal in Au- - Governance, Development Cooperation and gust, soon after the Parliamentary Election and which I think reflects the reputation of the Sri People-to-People ties; Lankan people as kind and generous hosts. We the visit by Ambassador Samantha Power just - Economic Cooperation; last month, the second Cabinet-level visit from discussed ways the United States could “stand - Security Cooperation; and with Sri Lanka” as Secretary Kerry put it, and the United States in a matter of 9 months since - International and Regional Affairs. the Presidential Election, helped consolidate concrete steps to further our partnership. our relationship. These four areas were decided upon after dis- The people of Sri Lanka and the United States cussion with both President and Prime Minis- I think it would be appropriate to say that Am- have been friends for generations. We have ter during the last few months, in the context of benefited from trade and business but also bassador Shannon’s visit, combined with all the ways and means of developing the US-Sri Lan- important visits that preceded, indicates the from cultural exchanges and personal ties, ka relationship in line with the reform agenda whether Americans who made a home in Sri level of excellence that relations between our of the Government and the requirements of the two countries have now reached. Lanka, or Sri Lankans who have made their people of our country. way to the United States. I am confident that the deliberations during Ambassador Shannon and I also decided at Sri Lanka’s contributions to the development of this visit will not only add to the strengthening our meeting today that the Partnership Dia- of relations between our two countries but also a regional consciousness – one that promotes logue will be launched in Washington DC in the values of democratic governance and re- give direction to the partnership between our February of next year. respective Foreign Policy implementing agen- spect for human rights, freedom of navigation, cies, namely, the US Department of State and As I mentioned before, Ambassador Shannon sustainable development, and environmental the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka. arrived in Sri Lanka today. This meeting at the stewardship are noteworthy. We welcome Sri Foreign Affairs Ministry was his first since his Lanka’s contributions to global peacekeep- Ambassador Shannon’s visit and the nature of arrival this evening. Tomorrow, he will travel to ing and humanitarian disaster assistance and support that the US is willing to provide to Sri the Eastern Province. On Wednesday, he will believe that your armed forces can also play a Lanka is most encouraging as we proceed on call on the President and the Prime Minister. constructive role in ensuring a bright future. the journey that we began on the 8th of Janu- He has also undertaken a speaking engage- ary to make our country a truly peaceful, rec- ment at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute onciled, prosperous nation which abides by the on the same day. Cont. on Pg 04 03 REMARKS TO THE MEDIA BY FOREIGN MINISTER MANGALA SAMARAWEERA... Cont. from Pg 03 In May, Secretary Kerry and the Foreign Minis- take place in February 2016 in Washington, DC. are facing hardship. We will assist reconciliation ter announced that our two governments would This annual meeting will provide an opportu- and broader transitional efforts at the household launch a Partnership Dialogue to build on that nity to discuss all aspects of the relationship and level, community level, and national levels. We history of exchange and to intensify our coop- ways in which the United States may be able to will foster greater trade and investment to raise eration across the board and to further enhance engage directly with the people of Sri Lanka and incomes, create jobs, and improve standards of our relationship. I am pleased to announce with the Government. These efforts will be wide rang- living in both countries. I look forward to what the Foreign Minister today that the first meeting ing, to the benefit of both countries. Our coop- promise to be very productive meetings during of the U.S.-Sri Lanka Partnership Dialogue will eration benefits communities where returnees my time here.

US UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS - DESIGNATE AMBASSADOR TOM SHANNON’S REMARKS AT THE LAKSHMAN KADIRGAMAR INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND STRATEGIC STUDIES Good morning, and to all of you Ayubowan, a reflection of Sri Lanka’s strategic position: Today, the United States is Sri Lanka’s largest Vanakkam. Thank you for being here. It’s a tre- before being transferred to the Ministry of single-country market, accounting for over 20 mendous honor and a great pleasure to be here Foreign Affairs by the Sri Lankan Navy, it was percent of your exports in 2014, worth nearly today. owned by the British Board of Trade and then two and a half billion U.S. dollars. Thank you, Mr. Minister, for your very kind housed a branch of the Imperial Lighthouse As I flew into Colombo two days ago, I saw be- introduction. To be at this respected institute, Service. low me the busiest port in South Asia and one named in honor of the late and great Laksh- And the maritime importance of Sri Lanka, as of the top 30 in the world – an operation that man Kadirgamar, and an institute dedicated to you know, stretches far back into history. Ships moves over five million containers every year. the study of Sri Lanka’s strategic interests, is the from ancient Greece, Rome, Arabia, and China And that number, I predict, is only going to go right place to be today to talk to all of you, about sailed through Sri Lankan waters and docked up. the partnership between the United States and at its ports. Sri Lanka. Yesterday, I was in Trincomalee and took a tour Your nation sits at the crossroads of Africa, Few understood the strategic interests of Sri of Fort Frederick, which the Portuguese built South Asia, and East Asia. By the middle of this Lanka better than Kadirgamar, who was an nearly 400 years ago, and which was long a site century, economists predict that Asia will ac- accomplished international civil servant, and of strategic rivalry between European powers. count for 50 percent of the world’s GDP. Over an unparalleled expert on foreign affairs – ap- The Portuguese soon lost it to the Dutch, and the next few decades, the supply and demand pointed three times as foreign minister. It has it then changed hands with the French several generated by the billions of people who call this been nearly 10 years since his assassination, but times before the British captured it in 1795, region home will become increasingly central his vision of a united, inclusive, and peaceful Sri fortifying and defending it through two World to the world economy and to global stability. Lanka is becoming more real by the day. Wars until 1948, the year that Sri Lanka gained We share your vision of Sri Lanka as a hub for trade and investment, and support this effort Minister Kadirgamar knew it would not be independence. Trincomalee is still one of the world’s finest natural deep-water ports, and its through our Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor easy. In his own words he said “it’s not a ques- initiative. tion of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. Peace is not beautiful city has tremendous growth potential. going to be manufactured instantly. Peace is a I would add that I also visited the Temple at Our wonderful U.S. Ambassador here, my long road and a hard process.” the top of Fort Fredrick and I was struck by the good friend Atul, has recounted to me his power of faith and the resilience of faith. One amazement at seeing, from the old Dutch fort But your nation’s journey down that long road in Galle, the countless ships that sail past Sri is well underway. In January, and again in Au- that overcame the years of conquest and subju- gation and showed the ability of the Sri Lankan Lanka along the sea lanes between the Straits gust, the world witnessed your resolve to move of Hormuz and Malacca. Forty percent of all beyond the acrimony of the past and towards people through its faithfulness. Let me put it this way – it was humbling for me to be in such seaborne oil passes through the former, and a future that is inclusive, peaceful, just, demo- half the world’s merchant fleet capacity sails cratic, and prosperous. a place and recognize that a commitment to a faith was at the end of the day able to overcome through the latter. To put it simply, stability Sri Lanka is an example of the power of citizens so many years of conflict. and prosperity of the entire world is dependent to reinvigorate their democracy, to retake con- on the stability of these vital energy and trade trol – through the ballot box – of their country’s While I was in Trincomalee, I also toured an routes. And Sri Lanka is at the center of this. trajectory, and to set a course to a brighter fu- ice factory that’s partly funded by USAID, and Through your relationships with other nature. We now look to Sri Lanka to also provide helps small-scale fisherman preserve their daily tions and active engagement in multilateral inspiration to others around the world, to show catch. But before it had factories to make ice, Sri organizations, including, for example, the them how justice and compassion can over- Lanka had to import it. And, believe it or not, Indian Ocean Rim Association – where, it’s come a difficult past and help create a stable it was in the early 1800s that an entrepreneur worth noting, Minister Kadirgamar once held and prosperous future, and strengthen a na- from Boston, Massachusetts, started shipping a position – you can help lead regional efforts tion’s security, prosperity, and prestige. blocks of ice – cut from frozen New England to strengthen economic ties and support mari- ponds – all the way to Colombo. time security and safety. The United States wants to see a strong Sri Lanka, one that is a leader in the international In fact, our countries have a long and fruitful In the decades ahead, the economics, politics, community, contributing to the global econo- history of commercial relations, going back and security of the Indian Ocean region will be my, promoting human rights, justice, and de- centuries. a central focus of the world. We are hopeful Sri mocracy abroad, and helping to uphold inter- As far back as 1789, whaling and merchant Lanka will continue to contribute to the devel- national law. With its entrepreneurial people, ships from the United States began to visit Sri opment of a regional consciousness – one that abundant resources, and strategic location, Sri Lankan harbors. By the end of the 19th century, promotes the values of democratic governance Lanka is uniquely positioned to do so. U.S.-Sri Lankan trade ties were thriving: we im- and respect for human rights, freedom of navigation, sustainable development, and environ- Indeed, this beautiful building’s history is itself ported goods like pearls, graphite, and tea, and exported glassware, kerosene, and medicine. mental stewardship. http://srilanka.usembassy.gov 04 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Economic Forum 2016 STEERING SRI LANKA TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE & INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT On the threshold of entering into an era likes of international investor and Founder Lanka: Macroeconomic and fiscal stability, of unprecedented economic growth, spot- Chairman of Open Society Foundations structural transformation and competi- light fell on Sri Lanka in 2016 with the George Soros and Nobel Laureate Econo- tiveness, urbanization and development, much awaited Sri Lanka Economic Forum mist Joseph Stieglitz, in addition to a glit- and regional development and social in- 2016. tering line up of internationally acclaimed clusion. Under a theme of “Steering Sri Lanka to- experts and other distinguished visitors. wards Sustainable & Inclusive Develop- The findings of the preliminary study on The forum was based around these funda- ment”, the Sri Lanka Economic Forum was Sri Lanka carried out by The Harvard Uni- mental concepts and set the stage for the held in Colombo at the Cinnamon Grand versity’s Centre for International Develop- many globally recognized leaders who at- on the 7th and 8th of January under the ment, was addressed at the sessions. The tended to share their perspectives on Sri patronage of His Excellency Maithripala study identified four key areas of risk and Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka and Hon. opportunity that are believed to be strate- Lanka, while also sharing lessons learnt Ranil Wickremesinghe Prime Minister of gic in supporting sustained and an inclu- from other countries and their experiences Sri Lanka. The Forum was graced by the sive long-term economic growth for Sri in measuring development. SRI LANKA’S TRAVEL SPOTS SHOWCASED IN NORTH AMERICA’S LARGEST TRAVEL SHOW ative to the UN. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambas- sador Kariyawasam said that in recent years, Sri Lanka has enjoyed exponential growth in tourist arrivals. Recognizing the value of pub- lic – private partnership to harness the full potential of the tourism industry, Sri Lanka intends to undertake a well-coordinated pro- motional campaign in the US travel market. Although USA only ranks 9th in tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka at present, with more focused attention to US travelers looking for new and unique destinations, the potential for growth in the US market is immense. Sri Lanka was featured at the New York Times Travel Industry Conference – Asia Focus that offers comprehensive briefings for travel professionals. Ambassador Kariyawasam partici- pating at this Seminar on January 8th at the from January 8th- Jarvits Center highlighted Sri Lanka‘s attrac- 10th, 2016 at the tive features and compactness coupled with Jacob K. Javits Con- immense diversity. The seminar was well at- vention Center in tended by travel professionals. New York with the During the travel show, a large number of US participation of 10 travel Industry professionals and consum- destination Manage- ers had fruitful discussions on future travel ment companies and opportunities with Sri Lankan destination SriLankan Airlines. management companies present at the event, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau in The colorful Sri Lan- namely, Aitken Spence Travels, Bernard collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy ka booth was declared open by Ambassador Tours, Ceylon Express International, Lanka in Washington, organized a Sri Lanka travel Prasad Kariyawasam, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador Holidays.net, Lanka Sportreizen (LSR), Lanka booth at the New York Times Travel Show to the United States and Ambassador Dr. Ro- Vacation, Serene Vacations Lanka SriLankan han Perera, Sri Lanka’s Permanent Represent- Airlines, World Travel Centre.

SRI LANKA ENDORSES THE DECLARATION OF COMMITMENT TO END SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT At an event held at the United Nations on The Government of Sri Lanka, in manifesta- tion of sexual violence in conflict is critical to 25th September 2013 in New York, 122 Mem- tion of its firm commitment to uphold, pro- peace, security and sustainable development; ber States of the United Nations endorsed the mote and protect the human rights of all, and reiterates its commitment to ending impunity Declaration of Commitment to End Sexual denounce sexual violence, has decided to en- for such crimes; acknowledges the rights and Violence in Conflict. dorse the Declaration of Commitment to End dignity of victims and survivors; and resolves Sexual Violence in Conflict. to support global efforts to collectively ad- To date, this Declaration is endorsed by 155 dress these crimes. Member States. Sri Lanka thereby recognizes that the preven- 05 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka WORTH $300 MILLION fall of 2015 and just recently surfaced in the Sri Lanka – The Jewel Box of the WORLD’S LARGEST BLUE internationalSTAR SAPPHIRE community. FOUND -Indian Ocean Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, The recent find could not have come at a is a small island located to the southeast better time, on the heels of a surge in sap- of India with very distinct and interest- phire demand worldwide compared to dia- ing geological origins. The majority of Sri mond demand for engagement rings. This Lanka (90%) sits on Precambrian forma- demand is largely due to Kate Middleton’s tions that date back to more than 2 billion engagement ring, originally given to Prin- years old. The island originally was part of cess Diana. The 12-carat oval Ceylon blue the southern part of Gondwana and was sapphire has reignited demand for sap- subsequently broken off and moved north phires, a gem Sri Lanka is known for. with the Indian plate. The majority of gems are found in the High- The world’s biggest blue star sapphire was Blue star sapphires appear opaque under land series and are associated with ancient recently found in a Sri Lankan mine, weigh- normal circumstances, however, when alluvial deposits. Sri Lanka is known for its ing an astonishing 1,404 carats. The owner, placed under a light it will exhibit a six- massive abundance of gemstones in a very who remains anonymous, of the rare sap- pointed star. The undisclosed buyer named small geographic area and is especially well phire has valued the gem at over $300 mil- the gem The Star of Adam after a Muslim known for their blue sapphires, star sap- lion. Reports indicate that the sapphire was belief that Adam went to Sri Lanka after he phires, and cat’s eyes. found in Ratnapura nearby Sri Lanka in the was sent away from the Garden of Eden. http://www.forbes.com

Sri Lanka has a fascinating history with one dominant religion, affecting many areas attractions. My team and I weren’t there of the first written references to the island of life in Sri Lanka today. I recently visited to simply soak up the sun and sights—we made in TRAVELSthe ancient Indian IN epic SRI Rama LANKA:- the country THE again TOURIST and, as always, wasTRADE im- toured – MARK the country MOBIUS with an eye on potential yana, which mentions how Lanka was cre- pressed with its beauty, its dedication to investment opportunities. In this first part ated by the divine sculptor for the Lord of the environment and its friendly people. I of a two-part blog, I explore the country, ex- Wealth. The first recorded kingdom, the encourage travelers to check out Sri Lanka, amine the infrastructure and talk to people Anuradhapura Kingdom, was established which has much to offer tourists includ- on the ground—and in the air. in 380 BC. Buddhism arrived in the coun- ing warm weather, expansive beaches, and Continue reading at try around 250 BC and continues to be the an interesting heritage with many cultural http://mobius.blog.franklintempleton.com/

SRI LANKA TOPS FOX NEWS’ 10 UNDER-THE RADAR DESTINATIONS FOR 2016

This tropical island in the Indian Ocean, The Sunday Times’ Des- changes,” says Susan Eckert, president and founder of Adven- tination of the Year in 2015, offers sweeping landscapes of lush tureWomen, whose women-only getaway explores many of the green countryside, towering waterfalls and golden sand beaches. island’s natural and historical sites. Audley Travel’s Rural Sri Sri Lanka has several national parks and eight UNESCO World Lanka trip takes travelers further off the beaten path, while Ex- Heritage Sites, including the Temple of the Tooth, which is said plore Worldwide has an Active Sri Lanka adventure that includes to hold Buddha’s tooth. It’s also known for its tea plantations. cycling and white-water rafting. Many tour companies are offering trips to Sri Lanka this year. “We want to get there before everyone else discovers it and it Read more: www.foxnews.com/

06 NEWS - SRI LANKA: The Embassy of Sri Lanka SRI LANKA IN CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER’S ‘THE TOP 16 PLACES TO GO IN 2016’

Long overshadowed by its Indian and Maldivian neighbors, this tropical island remains affordable, uncrowded, and relatively weren’t enough, the island’s timeless ruins and endless stretches unexplored. Colombo, the country’s seaside capital, is undergo- of surf beckon. ing a cosmopolitan upgrade, while Galle on the southwestern Read more: http://www.cntraveler.com shore just welcomed a new luxury design hotel, Tri Lanka. If that

SRI LANKA RANKS 2ND ON ROBB REPORT’S 21 TOP DESTINATIONS FOR 2016 Marco Polo called Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in all the world” when he landed on the teardrop- shaped isle’s shores in the 13th century. Similar su- perlatives could easily be applied today to the country, where new resorts stretch from the palm-fringed shores of the west and south to the wild nature re- serves of the east. On the shores of Koggala Lake, the 11-room Tri Lanka (trilanka.com) opened in December with a restaurant the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort (anantara.com) on the southern helmed by the former chef at Seychelles’ North Island. coast and Dilmah Tea’s Wild Coast Camp (resplendentceylon.com), a 28- Also in December, roughly an hour’s drive east, Àni tent leopard-safari lodge set on a secluded beach in Yala National Park. Dil- Villas (anivillas.com)—a vacation-rental company mah is also adding a new three-suite bungalow and a one-bedroom owner’s based in Anguilla—debuted a two-villa estate above suite to its Ceylon Tea Trails (teatrails.com), an exquisite Relais & Châteaux a white-sand beach in the Southern Province. The property above Castlereagh Lake in Sri Lanka’s tea country. 15-bedroom property offers guests absolute privacy in a tranquil coastal village near Dickwella, along with Linking all these new havens are freshly paved highways—an ongoing un- resort-style amenities such as an ayurvedic spa and dertaking since the end of the country’s 26-year civil war in 2009. Faster tennis courts. still are the open skies traversed by the Colombo-based Simplifly’s (simplifly. com) fleet of helicopters and seaplanes. This year’s openings include Sri Lanka’s first wellness resort—the 50-acre Santani (santani.lk), which is slat- ed to debut in February in the Kandy hills—as well as http://robbreport.com