Last Sunday the Jaffna International Trade Fair 2011 ended its successful second edition with an impact on Northern business and community activities.
Participants including local and foreign business delegates and the people of Jaffna were happy with this massive trade exhibition - a rare event for this part of the island.
Contributing towards the Government’s action plan to speed-up development in the North and East of Sri Lanka, JITF 2011, organised by Lanka Exhibitions and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd - (LECS), provided entertainment and educational facilities to the masses through a series of seminars, lectures and musical shows.
Co-Chairman Organising Committee and Immediate Past President FCCISL Kosala Wickramanayaka was happy with its impact paving the way to a better future for the Northern region. Managing Director LECS/Deputy Chairman Visit Lanka Arjun Dharmadasa said “The exhibition showed maturity. One could understand the difficulties in this part of the country with the limited resources available. We look to a bigger event in 2012.”
Appreciating the involvement of the State Engineering Corporation which constructed the largest dome in Sri Lanka especially for JITF 2011, Dharmadasa said that it will be a requirement not only for LECS but for anyone organising exhibitions without such facilities.
He was happy about the improved living standards of the people of Jaffna which was clearly reflected with a number of motorcar agents at the trade fair and with the response received by them during the fair. While stressing on the importance of improved road, rail and air transportation to Jaffna, Dharmadasa was hopeful that enhanced infrastructure development in Jaffna would support a major exhibition next year.
JITF 2011 made Jaffna busy with more than 1,500 visitors arriving in town for preparations and exhibition work, including around 100 foreigners and business delegations creating an effect of MICE tourism in Jaffna where most of them visited the places of interest in the Northern peninsula.
Hotels, guesthouses and restaurants were busy catering to the visitors.Contributing to the success of JITF 2011 was a satisfied exhibitor - Macksons Holdings.
General Manager Sales and Marketing of Macksons Holdings, M. Irshad Maruzook was happy on the returns received.
Involvement of the Indian High Commission and India joining the event as the Partner Country had helped in the success of JITF 2011.
At the inauguration Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Sri Ashok K. Kantha flashed back to last year’s event and thanked all organisers for moving a step forward in 2011.
Stressing-out on the importance of going beyond regular business activities by venturing in to long lasting business tie-ups between Indian and Sri Lankan organisations, both could reach much mileage.
He also mentioned that the strategic location of Jaffna peninsula could help business growth creating links between India and Sri Lanka and described the importance of improving the Palali Airport offering easy passenger access and also connecting both countries by sea.
Bank of India is planning to open its branch in Jaffna to help business with financial assistance. The Indian Ambassador hoped that JITF would be included to the business calendar of Sri Lanka.
Source:http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2011/01/30/fin06.asp
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Sangupiddy to facilitate Northern economic boom
The opening of the new Sangupiddy Bridge which connects Pooneryn in the mainland and the Jaffna peninsula will hereafter facilitate passengers and goods transportion from the South to North and vice versa promoting trade and commerce in the North, spokesperson for the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna said.
He said the commissioning of the bridge will further strengthen good relations between the North and South while supporting to uplift the economic standard of the public in many ways which is another historic measure taken to make our country the Miracle of Asia.
He further said that especially, people in Pooneryn area will find easy access to Chavakachcheri hospital which was recently equipped with many medical facilities under the Government’s Northern Development Program or even to Jaffna Teaching hospital.
The spokesman added that in the same way, Jaffna Hindus and Catholics who used to go to Thiruketheeswaram and the Madhu church can resume their journey using the new bridge. On the other hand, agriculture in Pooneryn popularly known as the granary of the North, and Mannar which encompasses the Rice Bowl, will flourish in days to come with the completion of construction.
Completion of the bridge on the A-32 road provides an alternative route from Colombo to Jaffna via Chilaw, Puttalam, Silavathurai, Mannar, Pooneryn, Kerathivu and Navatkuli. The new iron bridge which cost the Government about Rs 1,037 million is another phase of the Jaffna Development Project under the Uthuru Wasanthaya or Wadakkin Wasantham program initiated by the Government. The 288 m long bridge with a width of 7.4 m cuts short the traveling distance from Puttalam by about 80 km.
Earlier, the residents in nearby areas travelled via Sangupiddy using a ferry service. However, they were deprived of the ferry facility after the terrorists destroyed the famous Sangupiddy jetty in the early 90s. Civilians had to spend many hours travelling an extra mileage to reach both ends lying within a six kilometres.
Moreover, this engineering marvel which was completed within eight-12 months will make history as a peace building bridge.
Various governments under various political parties and leaders have attempted to construct the Sangupiddy bridge at 17 occasions by laying foundation stones. But all those attempts were confined only to foundation stones until the Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a historical leap to complete the construction within a short period to uplift the living standard of the people in the North. Former Minister M Thiruchelvam also attempted to construct the same bridge but proved unsuccessful.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/25/news27.asp
He further said that especially, people in Pooneryn area will find easy access to Chavakachcheri hospital which was recently equipped with many medical facilities under the Government’s Northern Development Program or even to Jaffna Teaching hospital.
The spokesman added that in the same way, Jaffna Hindus and Catholics who used to go to Thiruketheeswaram and the Madhu church can resume their journey using the new bridge. On the other hand, agriculture in Pooneryn popularly known as the granary of the North, and Mannar which encompasses the Rice Bowl, will flourish in days to come with the completion of construction.
Completion of the bridge on the A-32 road provides an alternative route from Colombo to Jaffna via Chilaw, Puttalam, Silavathurai, Mannar, Pooneryn, Kerathivu and Navatkuli. The new iron bridge which cost the Government about Rs 1,037 million is another phase of the Jaffna Development Project under the Uthuru Wasanthaya or Wadakkin Wasantham program initiated by the Government. The 288 m long bridge with a width of 7.4 m cuts short the traveling distance from Puttalam by about 80 km.
Earlier, the residents in nearby areas travelled via Sangupiddy using a ferry service. However, they were deprived of the ferry facility after the terrorists destroyed the famous Sangupiddy jetty in the early 90s. Civilians had to spend many hours travelling an extra mileage to reach both ends lying within a six kilometres.
Moreover, this engineering marvel which was completed within eight-12 months will make history as a peace building bridge.
Various governments under various political parties and leaders have attempted to construct the Sangupiddy bridge at 17 occasions by laying foundation stones. But all those attempts were confined only to foundation stones until the Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa took a historical leap to complete the construction within a short period to uplift the living standard of the people in the North. Former Minister M Thiruchelvam also attempted to construct the same bridge but proved unsuccessful.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/25/news27.asp
President hands over Sangupiddy Bridge to public
His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open the Sangupiddy Bridge and the causeway on 16 January, as a Thaipongal gift to people in the North.
The 288m long bridge together with 3Km long causeway lying across the Jaffna lagoon connects Jaffna peninsula in Northern Province to the mainland in the shortest distance at Pooneryn.
It reduces three hours in travelling time and 110 Km in distance to reach Jaffna from Colombo and it is the shortest route to Jaffna from Colombo via Puttlam along A-32 road. This will benefit the people along the A-32 road which was heavily affected by LTTE terrorism.
It took eight months to complete the construction of the bridge and the causeway.
The Government funded the project with a soft loan of Rs. 1.037 billion from the United Kingdom.
Ministers Basil Rajapaksa, Douglas Devananda, Governor of the North Major General Jagath Chandrasiri, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasooriya, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake, Inspector General of Police Dr. Mahinda Balasooriya, and senior government officials also were present.
Source:www.defence.lk
Indian Consulate in Jaffna begins issuing visas
The Indian Consulate here began issuing visas, despite severe logistical constraints and skeletal manpower.
“We have begun giving visas from today [Monday],” Indian Consul-General in Jaffna V. Mahalingam told The Hindu, when asked about the progress of works in the Consulate since it was set up in November-end. “We can issue between 50 and 100 visas each day,” he said.
The process of application remains the same: the applicant has to approach the facilitating service, VFS, for a visa. This would be sent to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, which will verify passports and the genuineness of the applicant. The passport, stamped with the visa, can be picked up from the Consulate in Jaffna.
“We are expecting some more software and personnel to come down from India. Once that is done we will be able to provide better service,” said Mr. Mahalingam.
He said other consular services had also commenced in Jaffna. The consulate caters for the whole peninsula — Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Mannar.
Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1097952.ece
Army joins Jaffna cricket fans to greet Sri Lankan team
Sri Lanka Army joined hands with cricket fans and enthusiasts in Jaffna to convey their best wishes to the Sri Lankan cricket team taking part in the ICC World Cup 2011.
Large gathering was witnessed, when former Sri Lankan cricketer Mr. Ravindra Pushpakumara reached Jaffna town on Tuesday (18 Jan) with the ICC World Cup won by Sri Lanka in 1996.
The Cup was brought to the centre of the town in a procession preceded by the Western Band of St. Patrick College and placed for exhibition.
Thousands of cricket fans together with school children lined up to wave friendly greetings and best wishes to our team for the coming World Cup. They placed their signatures on the large replica of a cricket ball displayed at the event.
General Officer Commanding 51 Division Major General Janaka Walgama, Brigadier General Staff Security Forces - Jaffna Brig. B.C.J.A.F. Rodrigo and military officers placed their signatures representing the Army.
The team will receive blessing of clergy at Sri Naga Vihara, the Bishop House and the Nallur Kandsawmi Hindu Temple tomorrow.
Source:http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20110119_03
President pays homage to Nagadeepa Temple in Jaffna
an 17, Jaffna: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa this afternoon paid homage to the Nagadeepa Temple in Jaffna peninsula.
Following his participation in the National Thai Pongal festival held at the Doraiappa Stadium in Jaffna earlier in the day President Rajapaksa visited the Nagapeeda Temple and received blessings form the chief incumbent of the Temple venerable Navadagala Padumakiththi Tissa Thera.
The President also laid a foundation stone for the proposed museum and library complex at the Nagadeepa Temple premises. He also took time out to chat with the devotees who visited the Temple.
Naga Deepa Viharadipathi Ven. Navadagala Padumakiththithissa Thera, Naga Viharadipathi Ven. Meegasadure Gnanarathana Thera, and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/Jan18_1295294319CH.php
Following his participation in the National Thai Pongal festival held at the Doraiappa Stadium in Jaffna earlier in the day President Rajapaksa visited the Nagapeeda Temple and received blessings form the chief incumbent of the Temple venerable Navadagala Padumakiththi Tissa Thera.
The President also laid a foundation stone for the proposed museum and library complex at the Nagadeepa Temple premises. He also took time out to chat with the devotees who visited the Temple.
Naga Deepa Viharadipathi Ven. Navadagala Padumakiththithissa Thera, Naga Viharadipathi Ven. Meegasadure Gnanarathana Thera, and Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga were also present.
(Photos by Sudath Silva)
Source:http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/Jan18_1295294319CH.php
National Thai pongal ceremony in Jaffna
The National Thai Pongal ceremony was held at the Durraiappa Stadium in Jaffna in this morning.
President President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest of the ceremony called ‘Suriya Pongal’ held at the Stadium with a participation of a large number of Tamils gathered from all parts of the peninsula.
A pongal rice using 500kg of rice was cooked and over 100 Hindu priests, 50 Tamil musicians and students who have excelled in the Advanced Level Examination 2010 were honored at the ceremony.
Minister of Small Industries Douglus Devananda, Governor Northern Province G.A. Chandrasiri also participated at the ceremony.
President Rajapaksa also visited the Nallur Kovial and Nagadeep Buddhist Temple in Jaffna.
President President Mahinda Rajapaksa was the Chief Guest of the ceremony called ‘Suriya Pongal’ held at the Stadium with a participation of a large number of Tamils gathered from all parts of the peninsula.
A pongal rice using 500kg of rice was cooked and over 100 Hindu priests, 50 Tamil musicians and students who have excelled in the Advanced Level Examination 2010 were honored at the ceremony.
Minister of Small Industries Douglus Devananda, Governor Northern Province G.A. Chandrasiri also participated at the ceremony.
President Rajapaksa also visited the Nallur Kovial and Nagadeep Buddhist Temple in Jaffna.
Sri Lanka opens first model pre-school in Jaffna
Colombo, 25 January, (Asiantribune.com):
Situated in the Nallur Municipal Complex, this Rs. eight million Piyawara Pre-School is funded by Hemas Holdings PLC, implemented by UNOPS and is the 33rd Hemas Piyawara Pre-School in the country.
The project is the second phase of the post war development process initiated by Hemas. In February 2009 as a short term relief to the IDPs, Hemas set up a series of Pre-Schools and play areas in Menik Farm relief villages in Vavuniya.
These facilities provided pre-school education to several thousands of IDP children. The second phase was to set up model preschools in all war-torn districts in the region.
Present at the opening were Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda, Minister of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development Hon. Douglas Devananda, Mayor of Jaffna Mrs. Yoga Patgunarajha and other officials from Ministry and Hemas.
Hemas’ community investment is focused on ECCD (Early Childhood Care & development) in partnership with the Children’s Secretariat of Ministry of Child Development. The project has created a great impact to the wellbeing of children in Sri Lanka. At present nearly 3000 children is receiving education in 33 centres islandwide. The company has invested approximately Rs. 200 million since 2002 and all projects are carried out through Hemas Outreach Foundation, which is a Government Approved Charity. It is managed by a Trust that includes eminent personalities in Sri Lanka together with members from the Board of Hemas Holdings PLC.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of Child Development and Women’s Affairs Hon. Tissa Karaliadda said, “Hemas has set an example to many corporates. ‘Piyawara’ is a sustainable model taking into consideration the national need. It is admirable to note that Hemas has invested millions of rupees in the future generations of our country in a silent manner. We are very thankful to Hemas for being a responsible corporate citizen and being a partner to the development process of our country”.
- Asian Tribune -
Indian Bank opens second branch in Jaffna
(Source: Datamonitor)
Indian Bank, a public sector bank in India, has opened its second branch in Sri Lanka at 100, Stanley Road, Jaffna.
With this, the presence of Indian Bank has gone up to three viz., in Singapore , Colombo and Jaffna. Indian Bank, a public sector bank in India, has opened its second branch in Sri Lanka at 100, Stanley Road, Jaffna. Speaking on the occasion the CMD, Indian Bank, Mr T M Bhasin said that after the cessation of hostilities, the Governments of Sri Lanka and India have been making joint efforts for economic development of the Region. Indian Bank with its 104 years of active market presence and considerable exposure in Rural Development and Micro Finance, shall strive hard to bring about a positive economic change in the life of the inhabitants of Jaffna.
U.S. opens 'American Corner' in Sri Lanka's Northern city of Jaffna
The United States this afternoon opened its fourth 'American Corner', an information center in Sri Lanka's northern city of Jaffna.
The U.S. Ambassador to Colombo Ms. Patricia Butenis opening the center to the Jaffna public said the event expands the American partnership with the people of Jaffna.
"The opening of the American Corner today is a symbol of our sustained commitment to the people of Jaffna," Ms. Butenis said.
The Ambassador said the American Corner is much more than a library as it is the first facility in Jaffna to have an operating ADSL internet connection.
The people have the facility for digital video conferences to communicate with the world or hold business meetings as well as connect to other American Corners in the country at Kandy, Oluvil and Colombo.
Ms. Butenis expressed hope that the American Corner will quickly become a vibrant community center, and provide a space for dialogue between Sri Lankans and Americans.
Northern Provincial Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, and Jaffna Government Agent, Ms. Imelda Sukumar also participated in the event.
Full text of Ambassador's speech
The U.S. Ambassador to Colombo Ms. Patricia Butenis opening the center to the Jaffna public said the event expands the American partnership with the people of Jaffna.
"The opening of the American Corner today is a symbol of our sustained commitment to the people of Jaffna," Ms. Butenis said.
The Ambassador said the American Corner is much more than a library as it is the first facility in Jaffna to have an operating ADSL internet connection.
The people have the facility for digital video conferences to communicate with the world or hold business meetings as well as connect to other American Corners in the country at Kandy, Oluvil and Colombo.
Ms. Butenis expressed hope that the American Corner will quickly become a vibrant community center, and provide a space for dialogue between Sri Lankans and Americans.
Northern Provincial Governor, Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, and Jaffna Government Agent, Ms. Imelda Sukumar also participated in the event.
Full text of Ambassador's speech
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
NIBM, now in Jaffna
Shattered lives of people in the northern region of the country are now regaining with lot of aspirations and needs. It is a fact that students in the region were deprived of better education and industrial exposure over the period of the past 30 years. As a result, they missed almost all opportunities created in other parts of the island and the world.
The cost of the devastating war is untold and incalculable. Parents and students in the north were destitute of not only the freedom and means to live, but also to know what is happening in and around the world. In fact, they missed better opportunities to acquire new knowledge produced in the other parts of the world. Moreover, it caused a huge brain drain of a highly valued body of knowledge, which had accumulated in the region.
With the end of the war it is now the right time to research into different sources of new knowledge to build up the knowledge in the region so that lives of people will thrive with comfort. We at NIBM are of the view that it is a national cause to help people in the northern region to enjoy real benefits and facilities of Business and IT education enjoyed by citizens in the other parts of the island. We have already set high standards for Management and IT education in the other parts of the country. Today we are moving to Jaffna with the same highly valued, international experience in business education to fulfil expectations of students in northern region, which is long overdue.
Quality of Business education in Jaffna - a snapshot
NIBM in its informal survey on business education in the Jaffna peninsula found that many of the educational Institutes are in the business of training students but lack the interest in developing their capabilities. This was clearly evident when NIBM conducted a test for diploma holders of IT and English language to recruit office staff for its Regional Centre in Jaffna. Almost all tested candidates were not capable of practising what they have learnt in the classrooms though, they possess diploma certificates in the relevant subjects. It is our firm belief that all certificate holders should exhibit what he / she is certified for. In fact this simple and true story depicts the pathetic reality of the story of business education in the region.
NIBM makes the difference
This is where NIBM makes the difference. Our students possess all required knowledge, skills and right attitudes to take current challenges in the industry. Being knowledgeable is not enough, if you are unable to convert knowledge in to practice. Being able to do something is not enough, if you are not capable of doing it accurately and wholeheartedly to solve problems of your clients.
NIBM is a problem solver and a provider of solutions for its clients. It is the place where students are groomed with all personal, technical and conceptual competencies to make their professional lives better.
NIBM to touch the hands of Jaffna students
It is with love and affection that we invite students in the peninsula to experience the real business education at NIBM. While respecting cultural values in the region, we simply take you through a virtual journey of universal knowledge and the wisdom of the business and IT education. IT will teach you on how to make connections by reducing distance and time between B2B, B2C, C2C and S2S while business management provides the knowledge on how to make products and services cheaper, faster and better.
Quality of education matters a lot in taking your children to a greater height. We take this opportunity to request parents in the region to take wise decisions on the path of education of your sons and daughters not only looking at the price of a particular course but also by analyzing the recognition of certification process and the quality of academic life that they are going through.
NIBM is really happy to note that parents in Jaffna are now making every possible action to make sure that their children are realizing their true potentials in order to be better citizens of the country.
Five great reasons to study at NIBM
" You will be studying at a Business School with an outstanding reputation
Ranked as a leading Business School in the country for Training and Education it is rich in academic excellence of 42 years with a national and international recognition " NIBM offers a truly global education with Internationally recognized and professionally accredited courses
Ranked as a leading Business School in the country for Training and Education it is rich in academic excellence of 42 years with a national and international recognition " NIBM offers a truly global education with Internationally recognized and professionally accredited courses
15 years of experience in offering international degrees in IT and Business from the world renowned University College Dublin, Ireland, Limkokwing University of creative Technology in Malaysia, Victoria University in Australia.
"Employability of Graduates
NIBM is a well known and proven national business school of the country for producing employable graduates who are fully employed and placed in executive positions in reputed business organizations in Sri Lanka and abroad.
"Stability and reliability
A fully state-owned National Business School, governed by a reputed Council with an eminent group of professionals. Internationally recognized and accredited courses with a globally recognized quality assurance system. University Grants Commission has recognized NIBM as a degree awarding institute in Sri Lanka.
"Faculty and teaching quality
Facilitating and coaching students through a well experienced faculty of over 220 Internal and External Consultants, who are academically and professionally qualified in the business and IT fields.
Facilitating and coaching students through a well experienced faculty of over 220 Internal and External Consultants, who are academically and professionally qualified in the business and IT fields.
Northern Regional Centre of NIBM in Jaffna
In keeping with the above objective in mind, NIBM has set up a modern regional campus in Jaffna. Similar centres are now being operated in Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala under the supervision of the main campus in Colombo.
In keeping with the above objective in mind, NIBM has set up a modern regional campus in Jaffna. Similar centres are now being operated in Galle, Kandy and Kurunegala under the supervision of the main campus in Colombo.
Aims
It is expected to provide high quality, business education in the fields of management, languages and IT for school leavers and employees in public, private and NGOs in the region. Specific goals in establishing the North are;
"To set up modern learning facilities for students in Jaffna to obtain higher education in the fields of IT, Management and languages.
"To Provide better opportunities for people in the region to gain employments in different industries
Learning Facilities
Regional Centre in Jaffna has the following facilities to provide modern learning environment for prospective students:
Learning Facilities
Regional Centre in Jaffna has the following facilities to provide modern learning environment for prospective students:
1. 4 - Fully equipped modern lecture rooms with a capacity of 350 seats
2. 1- Computer Laboratory
3. Library
4. Study Area
5. Proggramme Office
In total, nearly 2000 students can be trained in a given year with the available facilities.
Training programmes
NIBM has already taken action to commence programmes in IT, languages and management development areas.
Training programmes
NIBM has already taken action to commence programmes in IT, languages and management development areas.
" Management Development
- Business Management
- Human Resources Management
" Languages - Business Communication
- Business English
- English Language
- Sinhala for Tamil speakers
- Tamil for Sinhala speakers
- " Information Technology
- Certificate of Computer Science
- Certificate of Computer Applications
For more information, please contact the Programme office in Jaffna NIBM Centre . (Tele: 0212220360 Fax: 021-2220363 Email: Jaffna@nibm.lk Website: www.nibm.lk
Source:http://www.sundaytimes.lk/101212/Education/ed01.html
Achchuveli Industrial Estate
The Indian Government has provided Rs 235 million as a grant while the Sri Lanka Government has also provided Rs 45 million to support the establishment of the Achchuveli Industrial Estate in Jaffna, Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary, P. Sivagnanasothy told Daily News Business.
The Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) has planned to support four major companies, MAS Holdings, Orit Apparels Lanka, Timex and Shore to Shore (Pvt) Ltd., to set up factories in Jaffna’s Achchuveli Industrial Estate. He said the initial total investment of this project is Rs 280 million.
The investment will be utilized to develop the infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, sanitation, electricity and wastewater treatment plants in the Achchuveli Industrial Estate.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate has 65 acres and in phase I of this project only 25 acres are being offered to set up these four factories while the balance 40 acres will be given to set up small and medium industries.
Nevertheless, MAS Holdings have requested more land in the Estate to further expand their businesses. There is a good demand for space in the estate and the Ministry is considering providing more land.
The Secretary said the Ministry is hoping to complete the phase one by the end of 2011 while promising that the Achchuvelie Industrial Estate will be fully operational by early 2012.
The commencement of the project will create employment for 2,000 to 3,000 people in the Jaffna peninsula.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate was one of the best productive industrial estates with over 30 units operating before the war.
However, now the Ministry has had discussions with the past investors of the industrial estate and some of them have expressed their interest in re-establishing their factories.
The companies that have shown interest are into apparel and plastic manufacturing. The infrastructure development will be completed in an accelerated manner.
The project will also help the people to uplift their livelihoods and bring down the unemployment rate in the province, Sivagnanasothy said.
The discussions the Ministry and the BOI had with these companies were successful.
The investors are keen on setting up factories in the industrial estate and at present there are more inquiries from the industrialists.
The project will offer a great opportunity for people in the Northern province to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate also benefits the companies to expand their business and to increase their workforce.
The Ministry expects that leading companies entering into the Northern province will encourage the rest of the industrialists to establish there as well.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/27/bus01.asp
The Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry in collaboration with the Board of Investment (BOI) has planned to support four major companies, MAS Holdings, Orit Apparels Lanka, Timex and Shore to Shore (Pvt) Ltd., to set up factories in Jaffna’s Achchuveli Industrial Estate. He said the initial total investment of this project is Rs 280 million.
The investment will be utilized to develop the infrastructure facilities such as roads, water supply, sanitation, electricity and wastewater treatment plants in the Achchuveli Industrial Estate.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate has 65 acres and in phase I of this project only 25 acres are being offered to set up these four factories while the balance 40 acres will be given to set up small and medium industries.
Nevertheless, MAS Holdings have requested more land in the Estate to further expand their businesses. There is a good demand for space in the estate and the Ministry is considering providing more land.
The Secretary said the Ministry is hoping to complete the phase one by the end of 2011 while promising that the Achchuvelie Industrial Estate will be fully operational by early 2012.
The commencement of the project will create employment for 2,000 to 3,000 people in the Jaffna peninsula.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate was one of the best productive industrial estates with over 30 units operating before the war.
However, now the Ministry has had discussions with the past investors of the industrial estate and some of them have expressed their interest in re-establishing their factories.
The companies that have shown interest are into apparel and plastic manufacturing. The infrastructure development will be completed in an accelerated manner.
The project will also help the people to uplift their livelihoods and bring down the unemployment rate in the province, Sivagnanasothy said.
The discussions the Ministry and the BOI had with these companies were successful.
The investors are keen on setting up factories in the industrial estate and at present there are more inquiries from the industrialists.
The project will offer a great opportunity for people in the Northern province to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The Achchuveli Industrial Estate also benefits the companies to expand their business and to increase their workforce.
The Ministry expects that leading companies entering into the Northern province will encourage the rest of the industrialists to establish there as well.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/27/bus01.asp
'German Techs' in Matara-Jaffna
Measures have been initiated to expand technical and vocational training programs, Youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma said.
He said this while speaking at a meeting of heads of state departments, corporations, institutes and statutory boards held at the Matara District Secretariat Auditorium.
The main objective of this meeting was to discuss the plans pertaining to Urban Development in Matara.
The Minister said that necessary plans have been finalized to decentralize the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute. Under the proposed project, these training centres are to be set up in Matara as well as in Jaffna.
An eight acre land has also been acquired for the proposed Matara new prison. The Uyanwatta grounds is also to be developed as an international cricket stadium with all modern facilities.
The network of roads in Matara town will be developed further with extra lanes at important junctions. Colour lights will be installed at cross roads outside the town.
The Minister instructed the police not to allow motorists to park vehicles down the main roads in Matara obstructing the town.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/05/news18.asp
He said this while speaking at a meeting of heads of state departments, corporations, institutes and statutory boards held at the Matara District Secretariat Auditorium.
The main objective of this meeting was to discuss the plans pertaining to Urban Development in Matara.
The Minister said that necessary plans have been finalized to decentralize the Ceylon-German Technical Training Institute. Under the proposed project, these training centres are to be set up in Matara as well as in Jaffna.
An eight acre land has also been acquired for the proposed Matara new prison. The Uyanwatta grounds is also to be developed as an international cricket stadium with all modern facilities.
The network of roads in Matara town will be developed further with extra lanes at important junctions. Colour lights will be installed at cross roads outside the town.
The Minister instructed the police not to allow motorists to park vehicles down the main roads in Matara obstructing the town.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/05/news18.asp
Jaffna to get SOS village
The Jaffna district will get an SOS Children's village soon. SOS Children's Villages International President Helmut Kutin said the construction of the Jaffna center would be completed within this year.
Kutin was speaking at a press conference at the Piliyandala SOS children's village yesterday.
Every child needs a loving home to flourish in and SOS villages have helped many to have a home,a family to belong to and a means to grow up with long care in the country since 1979. SOS villages are at Piliyandala, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Anuradhapura and Moneragala, he added.
There are over 700 young children and youth being cared for in SOS families in 5 SOS Children's Villages.
Over 5,000 children and adults from neighbouring areas of the SOS children's villages are direct beneficiaries of various programs such as SOS kindergartens,medical entres, family strengthening programs,vocational training centres and SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, he said.
"We were able to take action with regard to unaccompanied children in the IDP camps in the North. Nearly 200 children and youth were provided care at the SOS Temporary Care Project," said SOS National Director Ananda B Karunarathne.
One hundred and twenty children were reunited with their families, extended families as well, he noted. The Jaffna SOS Children's village will be a home for the children at the SOS temporary care project and for many children in the North, who are at risk due to losing the care of their families, he said.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/04/news31.asp
Kutin was speaking at a press conference at the Piliyandala SOS children's village yesterday.
Every child needs a loving home to flourish in and SOS villages have helped many to have a home,a family to belong to and a means to grow up with long care in the country since 1979. SOS villages are at Piliyandala, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Anuradhapura and Moneragala, he added.
There are over 700 young children and youth being cared for in SOS families in 5 SOS Children's Villages.
Over 5,000 children and adults from neighbouring areas of the SOS children's villages are direct beneficiaries of various programs such as SOS kindergartens,medical entres, family strengthening programs,vocational training centres and SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, he said.
"We were able to take action with regard to unaccompanied children in the IDP camps in the North. Nearly 200 children and youth were provided care at the SOS Temporary Care Project," said SOS National Director Ananda B Karunarathne.
One hundred and twenty children were reunited with their families, extended families as well, he noted. The Jaffna SOS Children's village will be a home for the children at the SOS temporary care project and for many children in the North, who are at risk due to losing the care of their families, he said.
Source:http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/01/04/news31.asp
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