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“TRANSCENDING BORDERS AND TRANSFORMING LIVES” -THE 67TH TAAI CONVENTION MAKES A WELCOME RETURN TO SRI LANKA

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After a 18 year hiatus, The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), the largest tourism organisation in India, made a welcome return to Sri Lanka for their 67th Convention & Exhibition, held from 6th to 9th July 2023 in Colombo. The theme of the convention is – ‘Transcending Borders – Transforming Lives’ and its main focus is to promote regional tourism between India and Sri Lanka, positioning Sri Lanka as the preferred destination for Indian holidaymakers. The convention was organised in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the main sponsors of the event, Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), and supported by Sri Lankan Airlines. The convention is expected to draw close to 500 agents and 50 international travel media personalities.  

A press conference held at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo on 6th July 2023 was attended by members of the TAAI, Sri Lanka Tourism , SLAITO, travel agents and media from both India and Sri Lanka. The President of TAAI, Jyoti Mayal, speaking to the media said: ‘We are delighted to hold the convention in Sri Lanka with which India shares a deep historical and cultural connection.’ She added that the TAAI was organising the convention to ”help and support Sri Lanka in its recovery” after the economic crisis faced by the island in 2022 . Mayal reiterated that the aim of the convention was to promote regional tourism and make Sri Lanka an extension of Indian domestic travel. She was also of the view that to further promote tourism between the two countries, and create ease of travel and convenience for Indian tourists, the acceptance of Indian currency in Sri Lanka would be beneficial and should be highlighted.

Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, the President of SLAITO explained that it was imperative that Sri Lanka rebuilds its image as a safe travel destination following the negative publicity received from international press after the turmoil of 2022. He added that the partnership between Sri Lanka and TAAI goes back to 2005 when the last convention was held in Colombo. Mr. Wijetunga expressed his delight that the SLTPB had invited the TAAI to host the 67th convention in Sri Lanka. Since India is the most important market for Sri Lanka as of the moment, Mr Wijetunga stated that it was crucial that the Indian delegates and travel agents experience first hand how the situation has greatly improved in the island so that they will be able to convey this message to potential Indian travellers .

Renowned for generating widespread coverage and tourism footfall for the host country yearly, the TAAI convention will encourage Indian travellers to visit Sri Lanka. The association plays a leading role in shaping India’s outbound tourism and represents all stakeholders in the Indian travel industry including airlines, tour operators, hotels and transport companies. The TAAI brings great publicity to the global travel industry and as India shares a close friendship with  Sri Lanka in many aspects – Cultural, Bilateral and Economical, this will provide the perfect platform to develop key business opportunities between Sri Lankan and Indian counterparts. Sri Lanka has already welcomed around 75,000 Indian visitors this year (uptil April 30th 2023) making India its biggest source market, and the media publicity given through this event will serve to promote Sri Lanka by enhancing its position as a key travel destination for Indian tourists.

ARTICLE BY NELUM BUDDHADASA

The President engages in religious rituals at the historic Kataragama shrine

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President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the historic Kataragama shrine and actively participated in religious rites yesterday (03). During his visit, he met with Venerable Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thera, the Chief Incumbent of the Kiriwehera Viharaya, and had a brief conversation, inquiring about his well-being. The President then joined the religious rites conducted at the Kiriwehera Seya and received blessings.

A significant highlight of the President’s visit was his participation in the final day of the Kataragama annual Esala Maha Perahara. He had the honour of placing the casket on the ceremonial elephant, Kandula, symbolizing the commencement of the Perahara. Additionally, President Wickremesinghe sought blessings at the Kataragama Saman Maha Devalaya.

Several dignitaries accompanied the President during this event, including his Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Mr Sagala Ratnayake, Minister of State Mr Shashendra Rajapaksa, former Basnayaka Nilame of Kataragama Temple, Member of Parliament Mr Milan Jayathilaka, Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mr. Poj Harnpol, former Colombo Municipal Councilor Mr Kitsiri Rajapaksa, and several others.

AIR MARSHAL UDENI RAJAPAKSA ASSUMES OFFICE

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Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa assumed the office of the Commander of the Air Force this morning (01 July 2023). The assuming of duties by Air Marshal Rajapaksa was done in the presence of Venerable Maha Sanga, his beloved wife, Mrs. Enoka Rajapaksa, Daughter Miyuni, Son Inura, family members and well-wishers.

“HealthBeat – Reporting for Health and Wellness “- Informative Talk Organised by the Alliance of Young Professionals for Health (YouPAH) at the SLMA

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ARTICLE BY NELUM BUDDHADASA

“Healthbeat”, an in depth talk on leading a healthy lifestyle and the negative impact of narcotics on general health, was held at the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), and organised by YouPAH, the  Young Professional’s Alliance for Health. The “Healthbeat” talk took place on 29th June 2023 and was attended by media professionals, university students and young doctors . YouPAH is a registered social enterprise in Sri Lanka that aims on empowering themselves and while encouraging others to improve their own health and well being.

 The Young Professionals’ Alliance for Health (YouPAH) is an organisation that brings together a group of enthusiastic young professionals who are all passionate about promoting the general health of the people. The definition for ‘Health’ has changed drastically over the past few decades and encompasses a complete state of physical mental and social well being, rather than the mere absence of disease. In addition, the topic encompasses a wide arena of subjects and has given rise to a multitude of industries based on it. With the main focus of most of these industries being mere profit gaining, the spread of incorrect information which is harmful to society, especially young people, has been frequently reported.

YouPAH aims to uncover the truth behind these industries, to speak up and to take measures to protect and  promote the health of the citizens while working against the harmful determinants, but remaining impartial and unaffiliated to third parties. So on 29th June 2023, YouPAH were able to successfully conduct the first phase of a process that was started for professionals in various fields to improve their health status at the auditorium of the SLMA.

A highly stimulating and thought provoking discussion on the basic concepts of good health and well-being through dietary habits and selecting the correct types of food and beverage, were discussed in detail by Dr. Manuja Perera and other YouPAH speakers present. Dr.Perera explained in detail on the importance of abstaining from harmful narcotics and alcohol, in order to maintain mindfulness, wellness and overall well being which will in turn lead to a longer, more fulfilling life. The discussion ended with a lively Q&A session, where all present were able to interact and raise their concerns on health and diet related topics.

High Dependency Unit for Colombo North Teaching Hospital Ragama

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RUZAIK FAROOK 

There was a dire need at the Colombo North Teaching hospital ,Ragama to open a High Dependency Unit.The professorial obstetric unit (ward 25) had 2573 deliveries in 2022 (Total no of deliveries in CNTH was 5070) and most of them have been high risk pregnancies and this ward attracts referral from all over the country and to cater to the demand of quality care in Obstetrics the above Hospital required a high dependency unit. (HDU)

Prof.  Rasika Herath Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Faculty of Medicine, Ragama and the Director Dr. S.P Liyanage Ranaweera contacted the Rotary Club of  Wattala  to come forward to support this needy project.  As the project cost was almost four million Sri Lankan rupees it was not easy to raise kind of money such a short period. The Rotary Club of Wattala immediately contacted a Club in District 3203 for A club in South India for help. The Rotary Club of Karamadai, Tamil Nadu, India agreed to come forward to help us knowing the economic situation in Sri Lanka. They too needed support from a few Clubs in District 3203. As Rotary believes in brotherhood and goodwill three more clubs in District 3203 agreed to support this worthy project.

Together they were able to raise 5000 USD. But we needed another 2800 USD to complete the project. The Members of the Rotary Club of Wattala raised the balance funds. All the members rallied round this project and raised the balance funds in two weeks.

The partitioning work commenced and 03 ICU beds were imported and the project was completed at a very rapid pace of one month.  The sad part was when we were requested by the SL Government to pay duty for the ICU beds that were imported.

The ward was opened recently in the presence of hospital staff, Rotarians from District 3203 and their spouses and members of the Rotary Club of Wattala. There were almost 35 people from South India who attended the opening ceremony.

District Governor 3202 B.  Elangkumaran, President of Rotary Club of Karamadai  Rtn. Magesh, President of Rotary Club of Wattala G. Jeyabalan, Past Presidents  Prabath and Dinesh from Rotary Club of Wattala and the Prof. Rasika Herath and the Director Dr. S.P Liyanage Ranaweera  at the Colombo North Teaching Hospital were also present.

 Students of Muslim Ladies College win OGMUN Awards

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RUZAIK FAROOK 

The Outstanding Global Model United Nations (OGMUN) conference was held on the 24th and 25th of June at the Colombo Innovation Towers. As a conference, OGMUN strives to guide each delegate to use their voice to speak for and against issues which they are passionate about and to foster learning, leadership, and critical thinking skills among them.

Former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Deshamanya Radhika Coomaraswamy, who was present as chief guest for the event.

The students of the debater’s council of Muslim Ladies College Colombo took part in the conference and the Best Press Statement Award was awarded to Reishma Farook and Izra Muhsin was awarded the Best Novice Delegate Award at this conference. 

Air Vice Marshal R.A.U.P. RAJAPAKSA appointed as the 19th AF Commander

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Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa has been appointed to the post of Air Force Commander.
The President’s Secretary, Mr. Saman Ekanayake, handed over the appointment letter to AVM Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (28).

In recognition of his exceptional service and in line with his new appointment as the Commander, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has promoted Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, to the rank of Air Marshal, effective from tomorrow, the 30th.

As the 19th Air Force Commander of the country, Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa proudly represents his alma mater, Ananda College, Colombo, being the first Air Force Commander to be appointed from Ananda College.

His journey began in 1988 when he joined the Kotalawala Defence College as a cadet, and subsequently, he excelled in flight training at the Anuradhapura Camp No. 01, achieving the distinction of being the best cadet in the 33rd Air Cadet Course.

With a combination of local and foreign training, he demonstrated outstanding performance as a flight officer. Prior to his current appointment, he held the second position of command within the Air Force, as the Chief of Staff, and now assumes the prestigious role of Air Force Commander.

Rose dedicates birthday to feed dogs

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Rose Thuring who is well-known in the glamour and leisure fields, is also known for her projects aimed at animal welfare.  Rose is known as the dog lover to everyone, she lives in Nugegoda and she will be celebrating her birthday on June 29th. She is planning to dedicate the day to feeding hundreds of street dogs. She has vaccinated stray dogs and has been feeding stray dogs, helping them for more than 10 years.  She provides them with food and does part-time work to support them.

Harry receives Top Award in India

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D. G. Harry, Grand Jury Member, and Professional Groomer and Trainer in International Pageants received the Top Award for Personal Grooming and Choreography from Shreya Gupta, Sneha Events at India’s Next Super Model event in India recently.  Harry is a professional Choreographer in Sri Lanka and he has organized many events here. He has trained many local models to participate in the international arena too.       Shreya Gupta is a professional Groomer and Fashion Choreographer in India. She has won many titles which include Miss Teen India 2022, Miss Universe Queen India 2022, Finalist of Miss Supermodel Globe 2023 and International Fashion Fusion 2023.She is the Founder and Director of Nrityangana Dance Academy based in Gr.Noida West for the past three years and she specializes in fashion shows for children and adults in India

A French Film Festival (06)-(09) at Tarangani Cinemas.

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.The above film festival, which is organized by the French Embassy in Sri Lanka and the National Film Corporation, has been arranged to be held at the National Film Corporation Tarangani cinema from next (06) to (09).

1.       En Corps / Rise, by Cedric Klapish    ( 6 July – 6.00 p.m )

        ( 2022, 1h 58m ) 

2.       Rock’n Roll by Guillaume Canet     ( 7 July – 6.00 p.m )

        ( 2017, 2h 03m )

3.      Kirikou et la sorcière / Kirikou and the Sorceress by Michel Ocelot   ( 8 July – 3.00 p.m )

        ( 1998 , 1h 10m )

4.       Rouge / Red soil by Farid Bentoumi         ( 8 July – 6.00 p.m )

        ( 2020, 1h 26m )

5.       16 levers de soleil / 16 sunrises             ( 9 July – 3.00 p.m )( 2018, 1h 58m )

6.       Délicieux / Delicious, by Eric Besnard   ( 9 July – 6.00 p.m ) 

        (2021, 1h 53m )

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