ADVERTISER’S SUPPLEMENT Sunday Observer December 1, 2019 79

GENERAL FACTS Official name: Capital city: Bucharest (2,064 million inhabitants). Full of history and culture, Bucharest, is even called “Little Paris’’ Area: 238,391 sq km H. E. Klaus Werner Iohannis H. E. H. E. Bogdan Lucian Aurescu Land use: 61.7% (of which 39.5 % Prime Minister of Romania Minister of Foreign Affairs arable land) Forest: 28% Other: 10.3% Border length: 3,150 km Neighboring countries: Bulgaria, THE ROMANIAN STATE Hungary, Republic of Moldavia, Serbia, Ukraine * According to the Constitution, Romania is Romania, since 22 nd December 2014 and Judiciary: Independence guaranteed by the Romanian Presidency was the informal European Population: 22,171 million a sovereign and independent, unitary and reelected on 24 th November 2019. Superior Council of the Magistracy; judges are Council that brought together EU heads of state inhabitants with the indivisible national state. The Legislative power: The Parliament of irremovable. or government in historical city of , on 9 permanent residence in * Form of government: Republic. Romania, (588 members), divided into two Today, Romania is a modern European Union May 2019. EU leaders focused on strategic plans Romania (January 2019). * The state is organized according to the chambers: the (176 members) Country with a dynamic economy and excellent for the Union in the coming years. principle of separation and balance of the and the Chamber of Deputies (412 members). human potential, a country fully engaged in the The diplomatic relations between Romania Ethnic structure: Romanians: powers – the Legislative, the Executive and Next Parliamentary election will be held in European Union and the Euro-Atlantic and Sri Lanka date back to the 15th of September 88.9%, Hungarian the Judiciary, in the framework of 2020. community. Romania has been a member of 1957. Over these 62 years, Romania and Sri (including Szecklers): constitutional democracy, guaranteed by The Executive power: The Government of NATO since 2004, and as of 1st January 2007 a Lanka have faced complex historical challenges 6.5%, other: 4.6%. the political pluralism. Romania, headed by the Prime Minister, full member of the European Union. and now enjoy the valuable benefits of democratic Our country's authorities entrusted by the President of Romania with On 1st January this year Romania assumed development. Relations between Romania and strongly value the The President of Romania represents the forming the Cabinet and with a Governance for six months, its first mandate to the Presidency Sri Lanka have always been warm and friendly. contribution of the Romanian state and guarantees the national Program endorsed by Parliament through a vote of the Council of the European Union. Presiding Romania and Sri Lanka have built a solid persons belonging to independence, unity and territorial integrity of of confidence. over the Council was the maturity test for friendship based on mutual understanding and national minorities to the country (5 year term). Since 4 th November 2019 H. E. Ludovic Romania and a means to reconfirm its attachment respect, as well as on their joint will to collaborate the development of the H. E. Klaus - Werner Iohannis, President of Orban has been the Prime Minister of Romania. to the European project. The main event of and assist each other as equal partners. society. With almost 20 national minorities living in Romania, the intercultural dialogue and education are, in our tradition, key features to achieving a peaceful and Message of the Chargé d'Affairs a.i. inclusive society. Religious denominations: Christian Orthodox - on the occasion of the National Day of Romania 86.7%; Roman - Catholic - 4.7%; Protestant - 3.2%; Greek - Catholic - 0.9%, Evangelical - 0.1%; On 1st December every year, Presiding over the Council was the maturity test importance of education for young people. There Unitarian - 0.3%; other Romanians around the world celebrate for Romania and a means to reconfirm its has been an increase in Sri Lankan undergraduate religions - 0.4%. their National Day, also called the Great attachment to the European project. The success and postgraduate students entering Romanian of the Romanian Presidency of the EU Council universities through scholarships offered by my At present, there are 18 Union Day. On the 1st of December confirmed the endeavor of Romania to act country's government or through grants from the recognized religious 1918 over one hundred thousand beyond its national interest and to deliver results EU Erasmus + programme. Several Sri Lankan denominations, and representatives of Romanians living in for the benefit of all EU citizens. specialists attended training courses in the laser several religious Transylvania, Banat and Maramures The main event of the Romanian Presidency and nuclear field in Romania, courses financed associations functioning in Romania. gathered together in the historical city was the informal European Council that brought by The International Atomic Energy Agency. I together EU heads of state or government in the want to mention the excellent collaboration of , to solemnly proclaim their Administrative organization: 42 historical city of Sibiu, on 9th May 2019. EU between the University of Peradeniya and counties, including will to be reunited with Romanians leaders focused on strategic plans for the Union Universities from Romania, especially with Bucharest living in the Kingdom of Romania. This in the coming years. Speaking after the summit, Transylvania University in Brasov, Universities (320 towns, 103 momentous event took place three European Commission president Jean Claude from Cluj Napoca, , Iasi and . , 2,860 weeks after Armistice Day which ended Juncker emphasized the message of unity, which The Embassy of Romania in Colombo fully communes) is also outlined in the Sibiu Declaration, by supports the excellent collaboration between the First World War, during which the saying, “This European Council showed us that Costache Negruzzi National College from Iasi Form of government : Republic Romanian nation suffered 535,000 we can stand united, not just as a façade, but for Victor Chiujdea and Vishaka College in Colombo, especially the Legislative body : Parliament casualties fighting on the side of the real, just as in the past five years we succeeded in Ambassador/ Chargé d'Affairs a. i. annual exchange of students. (Senate and Chamber of Embassy of Romania in Colombo Allies. 1st December 1918 marked the acting together”. The Embassy of Romania in Colombo is happy Deputies) completion of historical aspirations of The diplomatic relations between Romania to provide information and support for young Executive body : Government and Sri Lanka dates back to the 15th of September Tourist arrivals from Romania to this very Romanians and Sri Lankans to meet and discover headed by Prime- national unity that spanned nearly two 1957. Relations between Romania and Sri Lanka beautiful country have increased considerably each other’s their countries, their cultural thousand years. The Romanian state Minister (appointed by have always been warm and friendly. Over these last year and in the first quarter of this year, until heritages, and to develop people-to-people the President) was founded on the democratic 62 years, Romania and Sri Lanka have built a the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks. For contacts. Sri Lanka has always had a friend in principles of liberty, equality, solid friendship based on mutual understanding Romanian tourists, Sri Lanka is one of the best Romania and I am confident that our bilateral Currency : Romanian Leu (RON); fractional coin: ban; full democracy, and human rights. The and respect, as well as on their joint will to destinations in this part of the world. relations will develop well into the future. collaborate and assist each other as equal Romania offers well-paid jobs to Sri Lankan I avail myself on this happy occasion to extend convertibility National Day is a special occasion to partners. skilled workers and this year more than 2,100 Sri to the friendly people of the Democratic Socialist Local time : Eastern European celebrate the memory of events and Romania firmly condemned the brutal Easter Lankan workers were offered employment in my Republic of Sri Lanka my cordial wishes of peace, Time, GMT+2 hours personalities that contributed to the Sunday terrorist attacks that resulted in hundreds country. stability, reconciliation, economic development National day : 1st December achievement of national unity and the of deaths and injuries among both Sri Lankan Romania and Sri Lanka have always valued the and prosperity. creation of modern Romania. The people and foreign tourists. In the message addressed to the President of Sri Lanka, the Anniversary is about freedom, about President of Romania, H. E. Klaus Verner how an ideal can be fulfilled if the Iohannis reiterated Romania's determination to whole energy of a nation is channeled cooperate with Sri Lanka in the fight against towards a common goal. terrorism. As recognized by the European Union's Message from Honorary Consul for National Day 2019 The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 Election Observation Mission, the 16th was the start of a new chapter in the history of November 2019 presidential elections in Sri On the National Day of Romania, it is my take this opportunity to wish them continued the whole of Europe, including Central and Lanka took place in a peaceful and calm honor and privilege to convey my best wishes success. Eastern Europe. A new chapter that finally environment. The presidential elections were and greetings to His Excellency Klaus Werner During this year, the Honorary Consulate of witnessed a unified Europe, ready to decidedly free, transparent and fair and confirmed the Iohannis, the President of Romania, the Romania, continued its support by providing step into an age of harmony and prosperity, after stability of the democratic institutions, the Government and the people of Romania. This commercial information, identifying business many centuries of tensions, turmoil and wars. attachment of the Sri Lankan people to their day, Romanians at home and around the world partners for companies, sharing information This year, on the 22nd December the Romanian fundamental rights and freedoms. The high voter rejoice, with strong patriotic sentiments as regarding opportunities for trade, tourism, people will celebrate 30 years since the collapse turnout of 83.72% during this election shows the part of the EU. Celebrating Romanian National studies, etc. to Romanian and local companies of the communist regime in our country. After will of Sri Lankans to exercise their democratic Day on December 1st is a very important for and private persons interested in developing almost half a century of communism, Romanians right together, irrespective of their origin, Sri Lankans as it is important for Romanians business relations between the two Nations. fought for their freedom and democracy. In religion or social status. because the traditional relations between the Over the past years, the Honorary Consulate December 1989 Romanians won their right to be In his congratulatory message addressed to Two Nations has always been warm, stable has arranged trade missions to Romania. individuals with rights and freedoms, equal to His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa on the and friendly and both Governments are During the first quarter of 2020, Romania – other citizens of the free world. occasion of his election as President of Sri making continuous efforts to further improve Sri Lanka Business Council will be organizing Many deep structural transformations have Lanka, the President of Romania, His Excellency and enlarge bilateral trade and economic a trade mission to visit Sri Lanka, to meet taken place in Romania since the fall of Klaus Werner Iohannis, reiterated Romania's corporation. with respective local counterparts to further communism, resulting in an open society. It is a willingness to work together with Sri Lanka in In 2019, Romania held the Presidency of Geoff Aloysius develop business opportunities. country that has reshaped itself and continues to order to further enhance the political dialogue the European Union (EU) with outstanding Honorary Consul of Romania in I would like to express my continued do so. Freedom has fed the aspirations, dreams, and expand the cooperation between our results, including the signing of a number of Kandy commitment to support and facilitate all trade development plans and the creativity of the countries in areas of common interest. treaties in the fields of transportation, and commercial endeavors between our Romanian people. As areas of interest to Romania, I want to agriculture – subsidies for small farmers, support Sri Lankan students to gain their countries, in all the ways possible. My sincere Today, Romania is a modern European Union underline the enhanced political and etc. Romania once again rose to the occasion higher education in Romania, to pursue appreciation to H.E. Dr. Victor Chiujdea, Country with a dynamic economy and excellent parliamentary dialog, the economic field focused and these results were commended by all Professional Degrees in several fields of study Ambassador, Charge D’ Affaires a.i., Embassy human potential; it’s IT industry is acknowledged on expanding cooperation in the sectors of the member states of the EU. During the with government sponsored scholarships, in of Romania in Sri Lanka, for the support worldwide for the elite professionals that develop railways, power and energy, rural development, last couple of years Romanian foreign policy world renowned Universities situated in extended to me in carrying out my duties as both technologies and software. It is a country agriculture, finance and banking, tourism, labor, and diplomacy has been consistent and Romania. Honorary Consul. It has always been my fully engaged in the European Union and the education and culture. Romania is very interested coherent. In the field of Sports, a notable achievement pleasure to work alongside His Excellency the Euro-Atlantic community. Romania has been a in continuing the cooperation in the field of During the course of this year, the Romanian was Simona Halep who clinched the “Ladies’ Ambassador. member of NATO since 2004, and as of 1st railway, where Romania has supplied more than parliament increased the intake of foreign Singles Tennis title at the 2019 Wimbledon Once again, I wish all Romanians peace, January 2007 a full member of the European 900 passenger carriages, out of which about 400 workers outside the EU to 30,000, which Championship”, by defeating Serena Williams good health and prosperity and my hope for Union. carriages are still operational after more than 35 creates more opportunities for foreign in the finals. In addition, the Romanian ongoing, rich and prosperous bilateral On the 1st of January this year Romania years. Oil and gas refineries are also fields in employment for people from other countries, National Football Team qualified to take part relations! assumed for six months, its first mandate to the which Romania is ready to share it’s experience including Sri Lanka. Romania continues to in the Olympic Games in the year 2020. We Long live Romania – Sri Lanka friendship. Presidency of the Council of the European Union. and expertise with Sri Lankan partners. ADVERTISER’S SUPPLEMENT Sunday Observer December 1, 2019 81

ccording to National Tourism Statistics 15,7 million domestic and foreign tourists stayed in Aovernight accommodations in 2018. Romania’s tourism sector had a direct contribution of Romanian tourism EUR 5.21 billion to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018, slightly higher than in 2017, placing Romania on the 32nd place in the world. Romania has 6 cultural and 2 natural sites listed as UNESCO heritage sites. At the point where the Danube, the second largest river in Europe, sheds its waters into the Black Sea, it forms the largest and best preserved delta in Europe. Being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta has numerous freshwater lakes, marshes and narrow channels with abundant aquatic vegetation that forms a habitat for over 300 bird species, 45 freshwater fish species and over Danube Delta 500 different species of plants and trees, many of which are exotic. Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is the second largest building in the world, the first being the Pentagon. The building is 84m high. The Palace of Parliament also hosts a museum for contemporary art and a rooftop coffee shop offering a unique view of the capital’s landscape. Romania has an important ecclesiastic heritage hosting a number of villages with Fortified churches in Transylvania, churches in Moldavia and the Monastery of NATIONAL DAY Horezu, all listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pele Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle in the Carpathian Mountains, near Sinaia, in , on an existing medieval route linking Transylvania and Wallachia, built between 1873 and 1914.

Parliament Palace – Bucharest Warm greetings & best wishes to The President, The Government & People of Romania on the occasion of the Voronet Monastery The Romanian Athenaeum National day of Romania! Romanian Wines hether you travel in Romania along the coast of the For the traveler interested in adding viniculture to his or Black Sea or in the Dobrogea Plateau near the her cultural itinerary, a trip to Romania offers many N & G Ads WDanube Delta region or in the Province of Moldova opportunities to visit wine-producing regions and to discover or along valley slopes of the scenic Carpathian Mountains or and sample the many different wines of Romania, from little in Transylvania Province or in Wallachia or in nearly any known local and regional wines to Romania's great wine agricultural area throughout Romania,Logo appear you're inanc winee with country. relevant labels, background such as colours , Cotnari, , Dealu Mare and According to OIV figures for 2017, Romania has more land Odobesti. The ‘Good Wine’ Bucharest wine fair will take under vine than South Africa or Australia. place inWhite November 2019.

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Special features - Romania

very two years in Bucharest, the Romania is home to four Nobel Prize magic of the classical George Enescu laureates: George Emil Palade (medicine), Emusic festival takes place and has Elie Wiesel (peace), Herta Müller now moved beyond the concert halls, (literature) and Stefan Hell (chemistry). enveloping Bucharest so that between the Francesco Illy, the founder of Illy Caffè, 1st to the 28th of September, the capital was born in Timisoara, Romania in 1892. becomes “Creative Bucharest”, a magical He also invented the first automatic steam space of creativity, value, music and fine espresso coffee machine. arts open to everyone. The city of Timisoara in Romania is the In 2013 the construction of the world’s birthplace of the horse tram and the electric most powerful laser (ELI-NP) was initiated street light. These inventions were first in the Romanian town of Magurele. This introduced in 1869 and 1889 respectively. laser would bring significant research input The first ever perfect score of 10 in to several strategic areas of the sciences gymnastics was given to the Romanian and technologies related to laser, plasma gymnast Nadia Comaneci. She bagged the and radiation. It would also bring an score five times at the Olympic Games held important added value in the field of in Montreal, Canada in 1976. medicine, especially for its use in research for cancer studies. Peles Castle – Sinaia Economy of Romania

ith a population of 19.6 millions, estimate by the National Institute of Statistics Romania is Central Europe’s second (08 July 2019) Romania’s GDP estimated for Wlargest market. Romania boasts several Q1 2019 amounted to RON 200.4 billion real advantages: (almost EUR 42.2 billion) current prices, up 5%  An excellent location, Romania is at the compared to Q1 of 2018. crossroads between EU, the Balkans and Competitive skilled labor: Romania has a CIS (The Commonwealth of Independent multilingual, labor force highly skilled in the States) countries, being crossed by three fields of technology, IT, engineering, etc. In important pan-European transportation 2017 American IT companies in Romania such corridors: corridor no. IV linking Western as Oracle, HP, IBM and Microsoft recorded and Eastern Europe, corridor no. IX more than 11,000 employees. connecting Northern and Southern Europe Natural resources: The country has rich and corridor no. VII. the Danube River, natural resources, including surface and facilitating inland water transportation, at underground water, fertile agricultural land, oil the same time connecting the Romanian  Important natural resources (oil, gas etc.) and gas and a high potential for tourism. Port of Constanta (the biggest port to the and vast fertile croplands. Agriculture: Romanian agriculture has the Black Sea) to Northern Europe, and  A huge tourism potential. potential of a sustainable activity, able to through the Rhine at the crossroads of the  Diversified industrial structure. respond to modern day challenges in terms of main trade routes between Western Europe Romania’s strategic priorities for the next food resources; Romanian exports have and Asia. period are to develop the infrastructure, to contributed to the economic growth of the  Important river and sea navigation ensure energy security and supply from country in the last few years and remains one of facilities: alternative sources, modernize agriculture, its economic pillars in the medium and long  Skilled labor, including highly trained enhance the quality of education and health term. Moreover, our country offers many specialists in the fields of technology, IT care services. opportunities and attractive incentives for and engineering. High economic growth: According to an foreign investments. Romanian National Day st December 1

Foreign employment Agency no. 04, iBc road, Wellawatte, colombo-06. 0112364777 / 0112364888 / 0117214444 [email protected] ll.no. 2427