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Asian Tribune is published by World Institute For Asian Studies|Powered by WIAS Vol. 12 No. 724

News

Sri Lanka Points out Inherent Contradictions on International Migration

Thu, 2007-11-01 02:04 — admin

In a key note presentation on the subject of globalization, migration and human rights, Sri Lanka's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Prasad Kariyawasam said there are inherent contradictions in several countries with regard to their rhetoric and practice on migration issues. Often it can be observed that migration is being simultaneously encouraged and combated. Policy pronouncements often vary with informal arrangements that are tolerated. In some instances, he said, some authorities informally tolerate irregular migration while official action is taken to reinforce controls against so called illegal migrant workers. However the net effects of these actions are that, on the one hand there will be a continued supply of cheap labor, while on the other hand illegal migrants will not be able to defend their rights, dignity or seek decent working conditions, leading towards greater stigmatization and isolation from the society for which they in fact contribute economically.

Chamber of Commerce lead Business Delegation to Singapore

Thu, 2007-11-01 01:44 — admin

By Quintus Perera – Asian Tribune

The Sri Lanka – Singapore Business Council (SLSBC), affiliate of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in its drive towards establishing and developing business linkages with Singapore will be leading a 10 member high powered business delegation to Singapore from 12-15 November 2007. Their main focus will be on the IT/ ITES (KPO/BPO)sectors aimed at promoting IT/ ITES services and joint ventures between the two countries and also attract investments into Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka to hand over Library building to Maldives

Wed, 2007-10-31 18:09 — admin

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama will be visiting today to Maldives to hand over the library building constructed by Sri Lanka. In connection with the gift of the library building, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister will undertake a visit to the Maldives from 31st October to 2nd November. According to the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Cooperation in the area of Education, the Government of Sri Lanka constructed a library building in Male’ for the Maldives College of Higher Education to assist in the development of infrastructure for higher education in the Maldives.

Civilians fleeing from the Tiger controlled areas in the North on the increase

Wed, 2007-10-31 14:21 — admin

By Jaya Rohana

Nine (09) Tamil youths aged between 20-25, residents from Mullaithievu, surrendered at the naval detachment, at Mannar-Pallimunai on Tuesday (30). According to their statements, recorded individually, they reached Papamottai by trekking jungle tracks (an area North of Vidithalathievu) and then walked along the shores up to Pallimunai, where the Sri Lanka Naval detachment was located. When questioned by the naval personnel, surrendered youths declared that as Tamil Tigers were involved in the conscription of youths, they fled Mullaithievu and sought protection in government controlled area. They also said that Tigers’ at present adopt a very aggressive and violent method to recruit youths.

Torture widely practiced in Sri Lanka, says UN human rights expert

Wed, 2007-10-31 05:18 — admin

An independent United Nations human rights expert said on Monday that although Sri Lanka has measures in place to prevent torture, the brutal practice is widespread and "prone to become routine in the context of counter-terrorism operations. The high number of indictments for torture filed by the Attorney General's Office, the number of successful fundamental rights cases decided by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka, as well as the high number of complaints that the National Human Rights Commission continues to receive on an almost daily basis indicates that torture is widely practiced in Sri Lanka," Manfred Nowak told the General Assembly committee dealing with social, humanitarian and cultural issues, known as the Third Committee.

British MPs called for an investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma

Wed, 2007-10-31 04:29 — admin

British Members of Parliament called for an investigation into crimes against humanity in Burma and increased aid to the Burmese people during a four-hour debate on the current crisis held in the House of Commons last night. MPs, human rights campaigners and members of the Burmese exiled community held a vigil in Parliament Square during the debate. In the historic debate, MPs called for the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to visit Burma and urged the British Government to investigate crimes against humanity and bring a case against Burma’s military regime to the International Criminal Court.

Sri Lankan Appointed Director of Inter-Religious Dialogue at World Council of Churches

Wed, 2007-10-31 03:03 — admin

Rev. Dr. Shanta Premawardhana of New York has been appointed as the Director of Inter-religious dialogue and cooperation at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland. He will begin this ministry in November. Since 2003, Dr. Premawardhana served the National Council of Churches USA (NCC) as its Associate General Secretary for Interfaith Relations and Director of its Interfaith Relations Commission. The Rt. Revd. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Colombo, who serves as the Moderator of the working group on Inter-religious dialogue and cooperation at the WCC, welcomed the appointment and said that Dr. Premawardhana belonged to a family tradition of Sri Lankan scholars/theologians (his father and uncle were both much respected in Sri Lanka) and will no doubt provide inspiring leadership to the Inter-faith dialogue and work of the World Council of Churches.

Bangladesh and Iceland Presidents in US to address Climate Change Convention

Wed, 2007-10-31 02:57 — admin

Daya Gamage - US National Correspondent Asian Tribune

The debate on climate change is heating up and its far reaching impacts will be discussed in New Orleans in U.S. with two heads of state who are facing visible signs of climate change in their own countries -- Iceland and Bangladesh. What are they doing to slow it? How can their countries serve as models for the rest of the world? The Iceland and Bangladesh presidents will address the International Annual Meetings of the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) on Nov. 5 at the Morial Convention Center, New Orleans.

Business community and the academics plan to implement community projects

Wed, 2007-10-31 02:53 — admin

Colombo based Business community and the academics who are members of the Matale Old Thomians' Association – Colombo Branch decided to implement a number of community projects to serve Sri Lanka. “This year the Matale Old Thomians' Association [OBA] selected to support Cancer Hospital Maharagama, said Altaf Halil, Chairman of the Charity Committee –OBA. Speaking to media he said the OBA plans to hold a charity show and a blood donation campaign in aid of the National Cancer Institute. “We will raise funds through this show which is to be held on 17th of November at the Henry Pedris Stadium, Colombo.

First ever Footwear exhibition will attract local and international buyers and suppliers

Wed, 2007-10-31 02:05 — admin

Sunil C. Perera in Colombo

A number of International buyers and the footwear raw material and machinery suppliers will gather to Sri Lanka to take a part in Sri Lanka’s first ever two day-footwear exhibition which is to be held on 24th of November at the BMICH, Colombo this year. Assistant Director of the Product Development Division , EDB Sriyani Seram said around 125 local exhibitors have confirmed their participation. Italian, French , Indian , Thai and Hong Kong companies are also willing to display their products, while a number of international buyers made inquiries to attend the two-day event.

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