Top 10 best cities to live in 2011....!!!

Fra: Lalitha Brodie (lalitha.brodie7@hotmail.com)
Sendt: 9. januar 2012 05:42:36

Subject: Top 10 best cities to live in 2011 (surprise ---> none in USA,UK,France,Germany or Japan)


Top 10 best cities to live in 2011
----------------------------------------------------

Reputable analyst firm Economist Intelligence Unit published a ranking of the best cities to live in 2011.

Quality of life in 140 cities across the company's experts evaluated on 30 parameters, including safety,
health, social stability, education, infrastructure development, availability of goods and services, the environment and the diversity of cultural life.
Let us begin with the last, 10th place. So ...
10th place. Auckland, New Zealand, 95.7 points
---------------------------------------------

1.
At the 10th spot is the city of Auckland. This is the largest city in New Zealand with a population of about 1.3 million people, a quarter of the total population.


2.
Today Auckland is the economic and cultural center of New
Zealand. To historic attractions the city is not rich, but here
its scenic beauty, Auckland affects many hearts of those here
comes first. One of the attractions - Sky Tower high-rise
Tower (Sky Tower) 328 feet tall - the tallest building of the South
Hemisphere


3. Auckland is surrounded by three marine bays in the precincts of the city has 48 extinct volcanoes. Night Auckland


4. Panorama of Auckland with Sky Tower

9th place. Adelaide, Australia, 95.9 points
----------------------------------------

5.
9th place belongs to the capital and the largest city of South
Australia, the fifth-largest city with a population of over 1.1
million people - a city Adelaide.


6. It is named in honor of the queen - the wife of King of Great Britain and Hanover, William IV, sits on the throne from 1830 to 1837 years.


7.
The city is located on the ocean. The central part of Adelaide
high-rise, with several modern skyscrapers is small, and
the rest of town has one or two storey in nature. Perfect cleanliness,
accuracy and flawless finish of buildings - the card of Adelaide.
Victoria Fountain


8.
Here, tourists are attracted to Adelaide, the third largest in Australia
Kangaroo Island - Wildlife with a colony of sea lions and
perfect for fishing the coast. Average income per worker
Adelaide is no different from the corresponding figure for the country, however,
quality of life and property values ​​here are significantly lower than in
other major cities in Australia. Kangaroo Island

8th place. Perth, Australia, 95.9 points
--------------------------------------

9.
Perth - the largest city and capital of Western Australia with a population of
About 1.2 million people, located on the shores of the Indian Ocean.


10.
The city is considered one of the main economic centers in Australia. Here
mined gold, diamonds and nickel. It was here that are the largest in
the world discovered deposits of gold and nickel in the vicinity of Kalgoorlie, as well as
the world's leading diamond-district Kimberley, which is the main
South African rival, and Yakutia diamond deposits.


11. Modern skyscrapers - a characteristic detail the Perth cityscape


12.
Perth is called "the pearl of Australia." Old buildings, convenient
pedestrian zone in the heart of Perth, the beautiful views of the river make Perth
very attractive for tourists.


13. One of the attractions - meteorite crater Wolf Creek


14. Many are involved with mild and equable Mediterranean climate of Perth, beautiful beaches, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

7th place. Sydney, Australia, 96.1 rating
-----------------------------------------

15.
Australia's largest city in the south-east coast - Sydney. He
twice the area of ​​another huge city - New York, and
the main problem for all travelers - as time to see how
possible.


16.
The number of parks and green oases, making Sydney unlike other
major cities on the planet: close to the skyscrapers in the City - 34 acres
the Royal Botanic Gardens


17.
In summer the whole of life in Sydney is moving from the City to the beaches here more than 20
the city's beaches and harbors a dozen. The most famous Bondi Beach (Bondi)
- Favorite of surfers in Sydney.


18.
Sydney in the evening incredibly handsome promenade lights on skyscrapers
permeate water harbor. One of the most recognizable buildings in Sydney -
building the Sydney Opera House


19.
Another main attraction of Sydney - the Harbour Bridge. This is the most
big bridge city and one of the largest steel arch bridges in
World


20. An aerial view of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House

6th place. Helsinki, Finland, 96.2 points
-------------------------------------------

21. Helsinki - the capital and largest city of Finland with a population of 578 thousand people.


22.
Streets curve around bays, bridges connect the islands, and ferries
communicate with the remote islands. Helsinki smelling
sea ​​and in ports is constant noise from incoming and outgoing
ships.


23.
Helsinki is the hub of business, education, culture and science
Finland. In Greater Helsinki University are 8 and 6
technology parks. View of the city center. One of the
Helsinki attractions - the Cathedral


24. 70% of foreign companies operating in Finland are located in the city.


25. Built on the peninsulas and islands of the Baltic coastline, Helsinki is a maritime city.

5th place. Calgary, Canada, 96.6 points
------------------------------------------

26.
Calgary - largest city in the province of Alberta in Canada, in
foothills and prairie, about 80 km east of the watershed of the Canadian
Rocky Mountains.


27. The city is one of the sunniest in Canada - the sun shines an average of 2,400 hours there each year.


28.
Calgary is located in the transition zone between the foothills of the Canadian
Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairies, so it is quite a relief
hilly. Center height above sea level, Calgary is
approximately 1048 m.


29.
Life in Calgary, one way or another, revolves around oil. Its
deposits discovered in the early 20th century. Despite this, the
city ​​is considered by many organizations one of the cleanest in the world.


30.
Olympic Plaza area. In the distance you can see the famous landmark
- Calgary Tower (Calgary Tower), the height of 91 m. It is designed
so that, gently swaying in the wind, even at very
strong gusts to maintain its stability


31. The business part of Calgary, 2010

4th. Toronto, Canada, 97.2 points
-----------------------------------

32. Toronto - Canada's largest city and provincial capital of Ontario. The current name of the city received in 1834.


33.
Toronto - Canada's most cosmopolitan city, about 49% of the population
are immigrants. View of the city from a helicopter, November 2010


34.
In Toronto and is also the longest street in the world - Young Street
inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records and has a length of 1896 km.
It is the largest zoo in the world. The area of ​​the zoo
total 283 hectares. Here, in conditions close to the natural environment
habitat contains about 5,000 different animals. The view from the heights on
Toronto on the other hand


35.
«CN tower» - the world's tallest tower, built in 1976
year. Its height is with a spire 553 meters and 446 meters at an altitude of
is enclosed observation deck.


36. It is difficult to find the point where it had not been visible TV tower


37.
Toronto Islands - a perfect place for recreation and picnics. This love
get local residents and tourists. View of town from the island


38.
The main attraction is the Niagara area of ​​Toronto
waterfall. It is situated between Lake Ontario and Erie on the border with the U.S.
140 km from Toronto


39. And such seems Toronto in the near future

3rd place. Melbourne, Australia, 97.5 points
-------------------------------------------

40.
Melbourne - the second largest city in Australia with a population of about 3.8
million and the capital of Victoria. The city is considered one of the main
commercial, industrial and cultural centers in Australia. It is also
often referred to as sports and cultural capital of the country.


41.
Melbourne is considered to be the most beautiful city in Australia. Here
There are exquisite Victorian architecture and wonderful nature.


42. Lovers of Victorian architecture is worth a walk down the street Suonston. It is the central street of the city


43.
Besides, who wants to see all at once in Melbourne, is on the rise
Rialto Towers Observation Deck. This skyscraper, whose height
is 253 meters. View from Rialto Tower


44. One of the attractions - Victorian Arts Centre


45. Yarra River, Melbourne


46.

2nd place. Vienna, Austria, 97.9 points
---------------------------------------

47.
Vienna - capital of Austria, situated in the eastern part of the country.
The population of the suburbs of Vienna is about 2.3 million


48. This is one of the most charming cities in Europe, lying on the banks of the Danube.


49.
Vienna - a world-renowned center for music, thanks to a long line of
well-known musicians who lived and worked in this city: Mozart
Beethoven, Haydn, Schubert.


50.
Here there are palaces and majestic squares, picturesque
streets and numerous parks. One of the most recognizable buildings in the city
- City Hall


51.
Imperial Palace - winter residence of the Austrian Habsburgs and the main
residence of the imperial court in Vienna. At the present time -
the official residence of the President of Austria. A total of 2600 rooms and it
Rooms


52.
Located near the capital of the Vienna woods - a mountain massif in Austria.
This is a wonderful natural recreation area - a forest area with
own towns and hotels, spas and hot springs

1st place. Vancouver, Canada, 98.0 points
----------------------------------------

53.
So, we got to the 1st place. According to market research firm
Economist Intelligence Unit, the best city on earth to live
Vancouver is.


54.
Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, on the shore
picturesque bay at the foot of Pacific Coast ranges
North American Cordillera.


55.
It's third-largest city in Canada with a population of 2.433 million people and
the largest settlement in British Columbia. Vancouver with
altitude of 500 meters


56. Vancouver Night


57. One of the most beautiful cities in the country surrounded by thick pine forests, snow-capped mountains and fjords.


58. Through the many rivers of the city was laid 20 bridges, 3 of which are movable.


59.
This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world ocean. There is a spacious and
beaches, and lush parks, magnificent architecture and buildings. Tourists
around the world are attracted by comfortable hotels, many museums,
shops, restaurants and sports facilities.


60.
Vancouver has a mild climate, being part of a unique ecosystem -
temperate rainforest, so the summer is mild and not hot, but
in winter it snows rarely. Research Center


61. The famous Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, which is located on the hill Little Mountain
_

OH MY FELLOW HUMANS..!!! WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU..? READ THIS.!!! YOU REALISE THAT.!!!

OH! MY MOTHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR MILK,FOOD,CLOTHS,PROTECTION &LOVE IN NEED!
OH! MY FATHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING ME EDUCATION,GUIDANCE,ADVICE AS YOUNG!
OH MY SISTERS &BROTHER! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR AFFECTION,TRUE CRITISM &HAPPINESS!
OH MY WIFE! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR AFFECTION,CARE,PROTECTION,TOLERANCE&TASTY FOOD
OH MY CHILDREN! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LAUGHTER,PROGRESS,AFFECTION & COURTECY!
OH MY UNCLES & AUNTS! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE,LAUGHTER,FRIENDLINESS&SMILES!
OH MY FRIENDS &RELATIVES! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR JOKES,LAUGHTER,HOSPTALITY,SMILE!
OH MY POLITICAL,RELIGIOUS,SOCIAL,SPRITUAL,MENTORS!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR COURAGE!
OH MY VILLAGE! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVELY NATURE,GREEN VIEWS & LOVELY TEMPLES!
OH MY JAFFNA! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT-HISTORY,EDUCATION,CULTURE&HOSPITALITY!
OH MY LANKA!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR NATURAL-BEAUTY,SEA,NICE FOOD & WARM CLIMATE!
OH MY NORWAY! HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME&MY FAMILY PROTECTION,SAFETY,LIFE& CARE!
OH MY WORLD!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR YOUR REGULAR DAY&NIGHT;SUMMER&WINTER CIRCLE SAFELY!
OH MY SUN!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR LIGHT/HEAT FOR ALL!NOT COME CLOSER OR GO FAR AWAY!
OH MY UNIVERSE!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING HARMONY!NOT DESTROYING LOVELY WORLD!
OH MY GOD!HOW CAN I THANK YOU FOR THIS LOVELY WORLD/UNIVERSE&MY HEART WORKING SO FAR!

SHAN NALLIAH...DRAMMEN, NORWAY 13-10-2011

The Immigration and Emigration Department has set up an Electronic Travel Authority to simplify the visa process and facilitate short stay visitors.!!

On-line visa system active
by Manjula FERNANDO

The Immigration and Emigration Department has set up an Electronic Travel Authority to simplify the visa process and facilitate short stay visitors.

Immigration and Emigration Controller General Chulananda Perera said the Authority allows tourists who would like to come to Sri Lanka for a short stay to apply and obtain a visa online.

"This service will be available for travellers from 78 countries including India from which tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka take place at present," he said adding that visitors from Singapore and the Maldives can continue to obtain an on arrival visa as a reciprocal gesture as these two countries offer the same facility to Sri Lankan visitors.

"After obtaining the processing fee, we will refer the application to the migration intelligence unit for profiling and vetting. This is done to verify if the applicant is a frequent or suspicious traveller or if he is from a health risk zone such as a country where there is an outbreak of an epidemic."

Such people will have to face an interview at a Sri Lankan mission in the country where they hold citizenship.

The Controller said this profiling would be made within hours and the visa will be issued within three days under the regular service or within one day at a higher fee. The Department will also operate a 24-hour calling centre to receive inquiries on visa matters. The visa will be sent via e-mail or mobile Short Message Service. The visitor has to submit the visa number and his passport at the Immigration counter at the airport and he will be granted access for a short stay.



Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2011 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Chulananda Perera in an interview with the Sunday Observer.!!!

Biometrics to keep impostors at bay:

No more dual citizenship for asylum seekers
By Manjula FERNANDO



Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, Chulananda Perera in an interview with the Sunday Observer said his Department will make changes to facilitate bona fide travellers and ordinary citizens but tough action is in the offing for economic migrants who sell country's name to gain asylum in the West.

"We will not issue passports to such people and no dual citizenships for those who gain asylum in the future."

He said the Department will introduce biometric based passports shortly. A hi-tech project which is about to take wings to link the ID Department, the Registrar of Births, Foreign Employment Bureau, the Defence Ministry and the Interpol online along with the biometric readings, will forestall impersonations and enhance credibility to Sri Lankan passports.

An interview with the Immigration Controller General, Chulananda Perera

Q: How do you propose to modernise the role of the Department of Immigration and Emigration in the future?

A: The Department of Immigration and Emigration has four key functions; issuing passports, issuing visas for foreigners, border control and border management and citizenship matters.

The citizenship matters involve issuing of dual citizenships and registrations of birth of persons born outside the country. Thus this Department is not just a passport issuing body as many think.

Next year our main target is to introduce biometric capturing for the issuance of new passports. We will not be having a biometric passport but instead our target is to capture biometrics, such as the thumb and facial print, etc of the applicant before a passport is issued to minimise impersonations by enhancing security.

This compels the applicant to call over at the passport office in Colombo or one of the three branches in Anuradhapura, Matara or Kandy to submit the biometrics but the outcome would be highly rewarding.

The Australian government is extending financial support for the project. The technical aspects will be covered by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). They are assisting us in this project. We have submitted our guidelines and requirements to the IOM to develop the software.

This will go a long way in improving the credibility of Sri Lankan passports. Although we carry more than 20 security features in Sri Lankan passports, conforming to the best international standards, there is suspicion or lack of confidence among foreign immigration officials towards Sri Lankan passport holders.

The passport is issued based on the supporting documents, mainly the national ID and birth certificates, provided by the applicant. If they are forged there is a possibility they could get away with a passport with forged details. By next year we will have on-line links with the National Identity Card office and office of the Registrar of Births. This will enable the Department to cross-check the bona fides of documents. Already we have made preparations to link the Colombo Kachcheri office with the Department before the end of 2011.

Collecting biometrics will further improve and keep impostors at bay. This will freeze an individual's identity and there won't be room for criminals to maintain multiple passports. This is what we are going to block. This way we will also prevent sending over-age or under-age women as domestic aides. The National ID office will also introduce biometric based IDs along with the passport office.

We will be implementing this together.

In addition, before the end of this year, we will link up with the Foreign Ministry, Foreign Employment Bureau and the Defence Ministry online to share data of over four million people in our data bank.

Q: Is Australia involved in this because they have a major problem with illegal immigrants from Sri Lanka?

A: Not fully. We have good bilateral relations with the Australian Government and when we were confronted with financial constrains to implement the biometrics project, they agreed to help us. We had discussions with several countries for assistance. A decision to introduce biometric readings was taken following a research initiated by the Department with the help of IOM recently. This research evaluated measures to be taken to enhance credibility and security of Sri Lankan passports

Any embassy can obtain information on any passport issued by the Department via e-mail. The service is called the Integrated Inquiry Management System. They maintain close links with us. Thus it was easy to convince them to help us.

Q: Will there be any new branches set up to cater to the growing needs?

A: One of the other ambitions for this year is to shift the visa office in Anuradhapura to Vavuniya. There are very few callers at the Anuradhapura office. The applicants from the North and the East prefer to get to Colombo for their passport matters. Thus the plan to shift the office was submitted for Cabinet approval recently and was given the green light. The Kandy and Matara offices will remain. But there are no new branches in the offing for the time being.

Q: Moves are afoot to simplify passport renewals. What is the progress and has this been successful?

A: Very much successful, it is a great relief for people. The Immigration and Emigration Department is a facilitating institution in addition to a regulating body. If an individual already possesses a travel document that means that he has already proven his identity. We may ask for proof of any address change but the birth certificate and other basic documents need not be re-submitted.

What we want to ascertain is whether this person is a Sri Lankan citizen, whether he is actually who he claims to be and whether this is his correct age. That will be the key issues we want to be 100 % sure about. The collection of biometrics and online links with the ID department and the Registrar of births will help us in this aspect to a larger degree.

If the person needs to change his name or civil status due to marriage or divorce or any other reason, he may have to submit the marriage certificate and the court order in case of a divorce or other documents.

There won't be a need for a JP's (Justice of the Peace) involvement in this whole process. I want to eliminate the role they play. This is a menace for passport applicants. I want to make it as pain free as possible but without compromising the credibility of the Sri Lankan passport.

Q: Can't you take some action about the touts who torment mainly the innocent people who call over at your office?

A: I expect the media to educate the people about the pack of touts who operate outside the Immigration and Emigration Department. A passport can be obtained within a matter of three to four hours at my Department now.

There is no need to go behind touts for help. That culture has long expired. But people are yet to realise this. They still get hoodwinked by these vultures.

When they corner a victim, these touts lie that his/her documents are not in order and pretend to call someone inside the 'passport office'. Then they instruct his 'catch' to go to a particular counter where their so called friend is present. Actually this is the counter the applicant has to reach even if he goes as a regular applicant. For this superficial service they charge some thousands of rupees. I don't know why the people still believe their stories.

Announcements are made from time to time via the Department's public announcement system, asking people to seek help only from an officer wearing an official ID. There are such ushers all over the place. But still people do not make their contribution to make this 'culture of vultures' a history.

They should stop patronising these touts and help us improve our service. There are surprise raids by the Police and the Army. But the moment they sniff it, these shrewd operators vanish into thin air.

This is a difficult battle for us. My staff has been trained to help anyone who walks in. I am prepared to fill an application form for someone who needs help and so is my staff.

Q: What is the situation with the child passport applicants? Is it still mandatory to have the consent of both the parents to include the child in the passport or get a separate passport for a child?

A: It is like this. According to Immigration and Emigration laws, a mother or father can submit an application with regard to a minor - a child below 16 years. This is a privilege because they don't have to bring the child here. But the mother and the father both have to give the consent.

Those days we allowed one parent to call over with a letter of consent from the other party. But people misused this facility to smuggle children of broken families out of the country. There were cases, a mother or a father forging the signature of his partner and submitting bogus letters of consent.

This huge framed picture of the little girl was given to me by her mother sometime back. I call her the modern day 'Patachara'. Even today this mother is looking for her daughter. She was very shrewdly smuggled out of the country by her father.

Because of this practice, we have now stopped issuing passports for minors with consent letters. Now both the parents must visit the Department personally to obtain a passport for a child below 16. In case of one parent living overseas, he or she has to visit the Sri Lankan mission there and get a consent written in front of an officer. The officer has to certify this letter. If one parent is dead, then they will have to submit the death certificate. This is to minimise malpractices. In case of a child we can never take a chance.

In case of a divorce we need the court order to check as to who has the child's guardianship. Even a baby born few days ago can obtain a separate passport.

We are planning to do away with the practice of including child in mother's or father's passport in the near future as this is contrary to the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

Q: When the foreign embassies started to collect biometrics for visa, there was a huge public uproar. Will the passport office have to face public antagonism if biometrics based passports are introduced?

A: This has a lot of benefits for a genuine traveller. For example there will be no room for impersonation. The credibility to Sri Lankan passports will be high.

The world is moving towards biometric based passports. This is the modern trend now. This will have no bearing on your privacy. This is a way of proving your identity without a doubt.

In addition bona fide travellers will have less hassle in obtaining visas to any country as the recognition to Lankan passports will increase following this addition. Due to actions of bogus travellers who account for about five per cent all others are inconvenienced. Our aim is to restrict this five percent.

Q: What is the situation with the border control mechanism?

A: We are going to link up with the Interpol for border control activities in the future. The Criminal Investigation Department is helping us with this initiative. We are going to obtain quick access to data of most wanted people with the Interpol so that such persons will never be allowed to travel out or into the country. We are also seeking online access to the worldwide directory of lost and stolen passports to block imposters.

This is how we plan to strengthen the internal border control mechanism in the future.

With the assistance of the Australian Government we have installed a laboratory that can read security features in any passport or a visa issued by any country. Our passport is one of the best secured passports but there is a problem with the processing of support documents. This is a loose end.

We will be initiating a border surveillance unit this year under the direction of the Defence Secretary. This unit will carry out random checks at the airports. They will make raids at the final point of departure, just before boarding, to make sure that the same person who clears from the immigration gets into the plane. We have information that sometimes at the point of boarding people switch boarding passes. The Defence Secretary's approval is pending for this.

Q: When are you going to reactivate issuing of dual citizenships?

A: Dual citizenship is issued under several categories. If the person has property in Sri Lanka, if the person concerned is a senior citizen, if he is a degree holder or if he maintains an NRFC account with a balance equivalent to Rs. 2.5 million.

Anyone who fits in one of these categories can obtain the dual citizenship. But what happened is that the people who obtained dual citizenship did so for things such as to sell their property and take the money away. The dual citizenship protected them from paying taxes to the Government. This was not helping the country. So far we have issued over 35,000 duel citizenships, with Rs. 200,000 fee. When we analysed this 35,000, that is what we realized.

We communicated our findings to the President and the Defence Secretary. They have instructed to revise the old procedure of granting dual citizenships. Now we have reviewed the procedure and it will be introduced shortly after the President's approval.

Q: The people who have claimed asylum status, can they obtain passports or renew their passports? Will they not be granted dual citizenships?

A: There are three categories of asylum seekers; those who have applied for asylum, those who are in the processing stage and those who have obtained asylum.

Those who have obtained asylum are citizens of that country. They will not be issued Sri Lankan passports.

But those who are in the other two categories can be issued, but not passports. They will be given a travel document to get back to Sri Lanka. We will issue a passport once they get back and deal with their problems here.

May be he was forced to leave due to problems in the past but the situation may have changed now. So he is welcome to come back. But we cannot give him a passport and let him travel to another country and tarnish the image of Sri Lanka once again. That is a very fair decision in my opinion.

We have given dual citizenship to asylum seekers in the past but in the future there will be no more. That person has sought asylum because Sri Lanka is not good for him to live. Then there is no reason for him to seek citizenship here. There are a lot of economic migrants who claim asylum. We don't welcome such people.


Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2011 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Large nr of Chinese who Arrived in SL for Projects in Hambantota/NESL & Indians who came for Employment,also Included with 600,000 TOURISTS.!!!

Sri Lankan Tamils who are citizens overseas also included in the 600,000 tourists who visited the country



2010-12-23

Although the head of the Tourism Promotions Authority, Presidential relative Nalaka Godahewa has carried out a media campaign saying that 600,000 tourists have so far visited Sri Lanka, Ministry sources say that over 200,000 of these so called visitors are Sri Lankan Tamils who have migrated during the war. These persons who had arrived in the country to visit their relatives and friends after the end of the war have also been included in the list of tourists.

Sources said that while there were close to 400,000 tourists who visited the country during the war, there has been an increase in tourist arrivals following the ends of the war.

The Authority has iincluded the large number of Chinese national who have arrived in the country for projects being carried in Hambantota and the North and East and Indians who have arrived for employment have also been included in the list of tourist arrivals for this year.


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Japanese diplomat recounts happy memories here ..!!!

The Sunday Observer invites views from diplomatic missions here and abroad for the greater understanding of their political, social and cultural relations in their respective countries.
Please submit your entries by E-mail : dpl@sundayobserver.lk

Japanese diplomat recounts happy memories here
by Sapumali GALAGODA

Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Kaoru Shimazaki spoke on his diplomatic career and outlined happy memories about his life and the ties between the two countries. Here are excerpts of the interview:

Q: Do you have happy memories of your childhood?

A: I have lots of happy memories with my family. Besides my father and mother I have an elder brother and an elder sister. Playing sports such as baseball, cards, visiting traditional and cultural places with my family were some of the interesting things in my childhood in Japan. I'm a great fan of music, especially the classical music.

Q: What is your educational background?

A: After my secondary education I entered Keio University in 1977 and graduated in law in 1981.

Then as a trainee diplomat I studied at the Philipps University Marburg in Germany from 1983 to 1985.

Since September 2008 I have been attached to the Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka as the Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission. As a music lover I listen to music and play the flute. I had an opportunity to play with some of the leading members of the Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of Sri Lanka and this is a good chance to pursue my hobby.


Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan, Kaoru Shimazaki

Last weekend I also watched a Kyogen-play by the students of the Kelaniya University which was a Japanese Language play with a Sinhalese translation at the "Punchi Theatre" in Borella. Japanese cultural events performed by Sri Lankan artistes are also impressive.

Q:Have the ties between Japan and Sri Lanka developed during the years?

A:Japan and Sri Lanka have enjoyed extremely friendly relations. Japan's cordial relations with Sri Lanka date back to 1952 when Japan established diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka. Japan has provided relief and rehabilitation assistance in times of need for conflict affected communities and those affected by tsunami as well.

The Japanese government has provided assistance and donations to construct the Mannar bridge, Agro-well construction under the GGP (Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects) and support for medium and Long-term development such as improvement of Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital, Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project and the Southern Transport Development Project.Japan has also assisted in livelihood and development projects in the North and the East.

The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) is playing an important role in promoting trade between our two countries by providing information and developing the private sector as well. In August last year the Government-Private Joint Forum was launched and the 15th joint Meeting of the Sri Lanka-Japan and Japan-Sri Lanka Business Co-operation Committee was held in November 2009. These efforts by the Japanese businessmen with their Sri Lankan counterparts and the Government of Sri Lanka will create a conducive environment to promote trade and investment between our two countries.

The Japanese Government has also supported us to protect and develop cultural sites which have also strengthened the bonds. The highlight in this field was the opening of the Sigiriya Museum in July 2009 by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Prime Minister of Japan Yasuo Fukuda.

Q: Are there similarities between the two countries?

A: Geographically there are similarities such as Japan's being an island country like Sri Lanka. At the times Japan suffers natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons and Sri Lanka experienced a tsunami in 2006. I personally feel that the mentality between the two people's are quite similar. People in Sri Lanka and Japan are usually smiling friendly.

Both countries are not so rich in natural resources, therefore the most important is the human resource for both countries.

Q: What are the interesting things that took place during your diplomatic career?

A: As a member of the German School of Japanese Foreign Ministry , being in Germany on three different occasions adds to 11 years.

From 1985 to 1985 I was a Vice Consul in Berlin. Ten years thereafter I was attached to the Embassy in Bonn as the First Secretary and by that time Germany was united. I was again posted to Germany as a Minister in 2005 where I worked until September 2008. During this period the Embassy was moved to Berlin following the shifting of the capital. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany were memorable.

I was in Jakarta, in Indonesia from March 1998 to September 2000 and two months later after my arrival in Jakarta, Suharto regime was overthrown. I was in Indonesia in the midst of the East Asian monetary crisis. During that time my task was very hard because I was in charge of Japanese ODA to Indonesia, but it was also a very good experience.

One of the most impressive events in Sri Lanka was the end of the 30-year conflict.

Q: How do you spend your leisure?

A: Listen to classical music, play the flute and the violin. I also read music scores and books on history, literature, biographies of famous artistes and statesmen of Japan and those the world over. I am now reading a book about Sri Lankan history.

Q: What are your favourite books among all the biographies you have read?

A: As a diplomat who served in Germany for more than 10 years, I would like to mention biographies and memoirs of German artistes and statesmen such as Bach, Beethoven, Furtwaengler, Bismarck and former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl who contributed to the German reunification and the European integration.

I am now reading the autobiography of Margaret Thatcher with great interest.

Q: What do you think of Sri Lanka and its people?

A: Sri Lanka is wonderful and beautiful. After the end of the conflict the country is peaceful with great potential. There are various kinds of animals. Sri Lankans are very friendly and are always beaming with smiles. Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Hikkaduwa, Horton Plains and Sripada are very beautiful.

Q: How can Sri Lankans understand the Japanese people better since there is a language barrier?

A: I think if we have mutual understanding and respect, we can overcome the language barrier. Despite the language barrier Sri Lankans can understand the Japanese people. At the same time over 12,000 Sri Lankans are now learning the Japanese language. There is a marked increase in the number of Sri Lankans learning Japanese. They are very good at learning. Many people of Japanese origin have great interest in Sri Lankan culture. For example, two years ago Sri Lanka's cultural heritage exhibition which displayed about 150 artifacts including some of Sri Lanka's national treasures was held in Tokyo. The average number of visitors to the exhibition exceeded 1,200 daily. The Emperor and Empress of Japan also visited it. I think the exhibition was very successful and a good opportunity for the Japanese people to learn more about Sri Lankans history and its tradition.


Produced by Lake House Copyright © 2010 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

SL: Japan visa information -1

Japan visa information -1
Visa Counter: 9:00-10:30 (Monday to Friday)

(to apply for Visa) 15:00-16:30 (Monday to Friday)

Consular Counter: 8:30 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:00 (for passports, other certificates etc.) Tel: 2693831 -3/Fax: 2674555 documents to be submitted when applying for temporary visitor Visa.

(With effect from 1st April 2010)

How to fill the visa application
a. The visa application form must be completed in full, leaving no details incomplete.

b. Details given therein must be true and correct.

c. The maximum period of stay in Japan for a short term visit is Ninety (90) Days.

d. Applicants should decide on the exact period of stay in Japan according to one's schedule, which may cover a maximum period of (90) days.

e. Visa applications should be typed or legibly hand written in (Block Letters).

f. Each applicant should fill a separate visa application, including child applicants.

Compulsory visa requirements
* Applicants visiting Japan for the first time should produce the original birth certificate with a photocopy and an affidavit declaring that they have not changed their original name.

* A letter from the Travel agent confirming the itenery (The Embassy does not assume responsibility as regards obtaining (Refund on Air Tickets).

* A photograph taken within the past six months. (Refer Application Form for specifications on Photo).

* A valid Passport (a minimum validity of Six (6) Months) and previous cancelled passports; if any.

* Applicants if married, should produce the original marriage certificate with a photocopy.

Documents required for business visit
1. A letter from the local company (reasons for entry, period of stay & Japanese company intending to visit).

2. Original business registration of the local company with a photocopy.

3. Company's Bank Statements (Originals) for the past Six (6) Months.

(Fixed deposit Certificates will not be accepted)

4. The latest Original Tax payment receipt of the Company.

5. Original guarantee letter from a Japanese Company with Japanese Company Registration (Original).

Documents required for tourism, to visit relatives or attend seminars etc.
1. Bank Statements (Originals ) for the past Six (6) Months. (Fixed Deposit Certificates will not be accepted).

2. Employment Certificate; if employed. (or other relevant certificates i.e. original business registration certificate if owner or partner of a business). For student applicants a letter from the school Principal

or head of the institution.

3. Document explaining the applicants activities in Japan.

a. If sightseeing; detail itinery of proposed travel plan and a hotel reservation.

b. If visiting relatives; detail information about relatives and proposed plan of visit

* if relative or friend is a Sri Lankan, copy of alien card, alien registration certificate issued from city office in Japan & passport copies, including a copy of a valid visa to stay in Japan.

* if relative or friend is a Japanese, his/her income certificate, resident certificate & employment certificate.

c. Documents relating to tours or tour packages, brochures etc.

d. If attending a meeting, seminar or conference; details of such venue and programme.

e. Confirmation of hotel reservation by Fax only (E-mails will not be accepted)