The Police Headquarters announced yesterday that traffic along the Galle Road from the Old Parliament roundabout to Kollupitiya junction and upto BMICH along Bauddhaloka Mawatha will be restricted today (Jul 30) from 9.45 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m. today due to SAARC security arrangements.
Motorists using this route are advised to follow alternative routes to enter the Colombo city.
Vehicles plying along the Galle road, Horana Road and High Level road can reach Colombo city via Borella junction using the Baseline Road from Kirulapona to the Kanatta roundabout and then proceed to Borella junction.
Vehicles leaving Colombo also can use the Baseline Road from the Kanatta roundabout to Kirulapona to reach Galle Road, Horana Road and High Level Road.
Courtesy: Daily News
Showing posts with label SAARC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SAARC. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Terrorism, food security, energy top agenda
The 15th SAARC Summit which got off the ground in Colombo yesterday is set to adopt a series of measures with the main focus on a joint approach to combating terrorism, maximising energy and water resources, food security, poverty alleviation in addition to several other key issues concerning the region.
Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day's deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.
Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.
The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.
Also according to Kariyawasam deliberations would focus on meaningful ways to uphold this year's SAARC theme "Partnership for Our People". Thus SAARC would deliberate regarding practical and meaningful ways to propel the vision of growth for our people through partnership, Kariyawasam said.
Kariyawasam said that the leaders had realized that SAARC had to evolve into a more people centered organisation and thus this year's theme was a progression from last year's theme of connectivity.
He further noted that in comparison to other such regional gatherings SAARC's progress in a relatively shorter span was very encouraging and said it was on the threshold of greater prosperity on both economic and social fronts through enhanced co-operation.
Also during its 15th Summit SAARC is set to adopt four agreements such as SAARC Development Fund, South Asian Standards Co-ordination, South Asian Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and Protocol of Afghanistan's accession to SAFTA.
In addition the economic, social and technical cooperation among the countries of South Asia is to be considered as a factor, which would contribute significantly to national and collective self-reliance.;
In addition several key issues pertaining to the progress of members and the region are slated for deliberation and discussion which could open up new vistas in regional cooperation.
A noteworthy aspect of the last Summit held in India was the 30 point declaration made by the Heads of States which covered areas of crucial importance to the SAARC membership. Some of the important areas of the declaration have a bearing on key connective instruments of SAARC.
This is inevitable since there has to be back up organs not only to formulate particular policies based on the decisions taken by the leaders but also to implement such policy.
Thus the 15th SAARC summit is expected to carry progress from that point onwards - in other words the implementation of the different proposals is what is most relevant and practical to SAARC.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) comprising eight countries of South Asia, i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka first came to be according to an idea mooted in May 1980 by then Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman.
The Foreign Secretaries of seven countries in South Asia met for the first time in Colombo in April 1981 and identified five broad areas for regional cooperation.
Next After a series of meetings the Foreign Ministers met in New Delhi in 1983 where they adopted the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC).
During the next two years South Asian nations committed themselves to form this South Asian alliance and the process culminated in the First SAARC Summit held on 7-8 December in 1985 in Dhaka where the Heads of State or Government of seven countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka adopted the Charter formally establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Moreover, the cooperation of the SAARC is also based on broader principles of respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the Member States and on mutual benefit. The highest authority of the Association rests with the Heads of State or Government.
The SAARC Charter provides that the Heads of State or Government shall meet once a year or more often as and when considered necessary by the Member States. The country which hosts the summit holds the Chair of the Association. Thus Sri Lanka will hold the Chair for the next year.
Courtesy: Daily News
Addl.Secretary to the Foreign Ministry cum Media spokesman for SAARC Prasad Kariyawasam addressing the media after the first day's deliberations said that the intention of the programming committee meeting which is set to continue today as well was to prepare the groundwork for the upcoming Foreign Ministers and Heads of State meetings.
Kariyawasam added that the programming committee would mainly focus on the twin issues of evaluating progress made since the last summit and introducing new vistas accordingly and preparation of the SAARC Declaration.
The SAARC Declaration which would focus on the above mentioned issues in addition to several other key issues concerning the region is to be agreed and adopted by the leaders at the end of the Summit after careful deliberation.
Also according to Kariyawasam deliberations would focus on meaningful ways to uphold this year's SAARC theme "Partnership for Our People". Thus SAARC would deliberate regarding practical and meaningful ways to propel the vision of growth for our people through partnership, Kariyawasam said.
Kariyawasam said that the leaders had realized that SAARC had to evolve into a more people centered organisation and thus this year's theme was a progression from last year's theme of connectivity.
He further noted that in comparison to other such regional gatherings SAARC's progress in a relatively shorter span was very encouraging and said it was on the threshold of greater prosperity on both economic and social fronts through enhanced co-operation.
Also during its 15th Summit SAARC is set to adopt four agreements such as SAARC Development Fund, South Asian Standards Co-ordination, South Asian Mutual Legal Assistance on Criminal Matters and Protocol of Afghanistan's accession to SAFTA.
In addition the economic, social and technical cooperation among the countries of South Asia is to be considered as a factor, which would contribute significantly to national and collective self-reliance.;
In addition several key issues pertaining to the progress of members and the region are slated for deliberation and discussion which could open up new vistas in regional cooperation.
A noteworthy aspect of the last Summit held in India was the 30 point declaration made by the Heads of States which covered areas of crucial importance to the SAARC membership. Some of the important areas of the declaration have a bearing on key connective instruments of SAARC.
This is inevitable since there has to be back up organs not only to formulate particular policies based on the decisions taken by the leaders but also to implement such policy.
Thus the 15th SAARC summit is expected to carry progress from that point onwards - in other words the implementation of the different proposals is what is most relevant and practical to SAARC.
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) comprising eight countries of South Asia, i.e. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka first came to be according to an idea mooted in May 1980 by then Bangladesh President Ziaur Rahman.
The Foreign Secretaries of seven countries in South Asia met for the first time in Colombo in April 1981 and identified five broad areas for regional cooperation.
Next After a series of meetings the Foreign Ministers met in New Delhi in 1983 where they adopted the Declaration on South Asian Regional Cooperation (SARC).
During the next two years South Asian nations committed themselves to form this South Asian alliance and the process culminated in the First SAARC Summit held on 7-8 December in 1985 in Dhaka where the Heads of State or Government of seven countries, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka adopted the Charter formally establishing the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).
Moreover, the cooperation of the SAARC is also based on broader principles of respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs of the Member States and on mutual benefit. The highest authority of the Association rests with the Heads of State or Government.
The SAARC Charter provides that the Heads of State or Government shall meet once a year or more often as and when considered necessary by the Member States. The country which hosts the summit holds the Chair of the Association. Thus Sri Lanka will hold the Chair for the next year.
Courtesy: Daily News
Friday, July 18, 2008
Minimum hassle, maximum security
The Government said yesterday that its security plan for the forthcoming South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC ) Summit had been organised in such a manner as to ensure minimum inconvenience to the public amidst maximum security.
Senior DIG Nimal Mediwaka addressing the media yesterday said that Authorities had conducted a pre-security feasibility study from March 1 and was now fully prepared to launch the full security measures which would be implemented from July 25 to August 4.
According to Mediwaka, the authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.
From July 25 to 30, vehicles will be allowed access to these HSZ's subjected to a thorough security check but from July 31 to August 3, only vehicles which have valid permits to access the Zones would be allowed.
Authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.
Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3.
Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations.
Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.
Some roads in Colombo will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3.
According to Mediwaka these vehicle passes could be obtained from Police stations by forwarding an application but the numbers would be limited according to priority basis.
Two centres have been opened at the Fort and Kollupitiya Police stations exclusively for this.
Employees whose offices are in the above-mentioned Zones could proceed to their organisations by presenting their company Identity Cards, Mediwaka said adding that they already possessed details regarding all personnel working within these HSZs.
Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3. Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations from there.
Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.
Some roads in Colombo including Sarana Road, Bauddhaloka Mawatha and Malalasekera Mawatha will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3 but according to Mediwaka alternative routes have been organised with Police personnel and road signs placed at strategic locations to show the way.
roads from the Ceramic junction to Kollupitiya upto the old Parliament, Sri Lanka Ports Authority area, Police HQ, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Galle Face, Slave Island Railway station covering the Army headquarters and the Ministry of Defence will be closed for general traffic.
There would also be restrictions along the Katunayake-Colombo main road from July 30 to August 4 and heavy vehicles would be barred from access during this period. When VIPs use the road to travel to the Airport and back the whole road will be closed for 26 minutes during the time of travel.
However, according to Mediwaka all these measures are to be adopted with minimum harassment to the public and they have organised alternative routes at times with a large security contingent on duty to guide the travellers.
According to sources, the authorities are also contemplating to declare August 01st as a public holiday and Schools are expected to close for their August holidays from July 26 onwards as part of security measures. Mediwaka urged vehicle owners to display their phone numbers when parked outside so that officials would be able to contact them in an emergency.
Replying to a query from a journalist regarding the role of foreign security personnel DIG Mediwaka said that their role would be confined to providing personal security for the relevant VIPs concerned and that they would not be allowed to dictate terms to Lankan Authorities regarding security arrangements as a whole.
He further said that the whole exercise was arranged due to the security threat posed by the LTTE and even though they were confident of the measures they did not rule out the possibility of sabotage which had resulted in these tough security arrangements.
The Tigers who are fighting a losing battle in the North might use the opportunity to tarnish the image of the country by trying to sabotage an international gathering and divert attention from their battle field losses, Mediwaka added.
DIG Mediwaka also urged public to be vigilant during the period and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Courtesy: Daily News
Senior DIG Nimal Mediwaka addressing the media yesterday said that Authorities had conducted a pre-security feasibility study from March 1 and was now fully prepared to launch the full security measures which would be implemented from July 25 to August 4.
According to Mediwaka, the authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.
From July 25 to 30, vehicles will be allowed access to these HSZ's subjected to a thorough security check but from July 31 to August 3, only vehicles which have valid permits to access the Zones would be allowed.
Authorities intend to declare four High Security Zones (HSZs) in the areas adjoining Fort, Katunayake, BMICH and Parliament.
Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3.
Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations.
Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.
Some roads in Colombo will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3.
According to Mediwaka these vehicle passes could be obtained from Police stations by forwarding an application but the numbers would be limited according to priority basis.
Two centres have been opened at the Fort and Kollupitiya Police stations exclusively for this.
Employees whose offices are in the above-mentioned Zones could proceed to their organisations by presenting their company Identity Cards, Mediwaka said adding that they already possessed details regarding all personnel working within these HSZs.
Buses and trains plying on the Galle Road are to be stopped at Ceramic Junction in Bambalapitiya from July 31 to August 3. Authorities have organised a shuttle service to take passengers to their intended locations from there.
Trains on other routes are to be stopped at Maradana with the shuttle service operating from there.
Some roads in Colombo including Sarana Road, Bauddhaloka Mawatha and Malalasekera Mawatha will be closed for traffic from July 31 to August 3 but according to Mediwaka alternative routes have been organised with Police personnel and road signs placed at strategic locations to show the way.
roads from the Ceramic junction to Kollupitiya upto the old Parliament, Sri Lanka Ports Authority area, Police HQ, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Galle Face, Slave Island Railway station covering the Army headquarters and the Ministry of Defence will be closed for general traffic.
There would also be restrictions along the Katunayake-Colombo main road from July 30 to August 4 and heavy vehicles would be barred from access during this period. When VIPs use the road to travel to the Airport and back the whole road will be closed for 26 minutes during the time of travel.
However, according to Mediwaka all these measures are to be adopted with minimum harassment to the public and they have organised alternative routes at times with a large security contingent on duty to guide the travellers.
According to sources, the authorities are also contemplating to declare August 01st as a public holiday and Schools are expected to close for their August holidays from July 26 onwards as part of security measures. Mediwaka urged vehicle owners to display their phone numbers when parked outside so that officials would be able to contact them in an emergency.
Replying to a query from a journalist regarding the role of foreign security personnel DIG Mediwaka said that their role would be confined to providing personal security for the relevant VIPs concerned and that they would not be allowed to dictate terms to Lankan Authorities regarding security arrangements as a whole.
He further said that the whole exercise was arranged due to the security threat posed by the LTTE and even though they were confident of the measures they did not rule out the possibility of sabotage which had resulted in these tough security arrangements.
The Tigers who are fighting a losing battle in the North might use the opportunity to tarnish the image of the country by trying to sabotage an international gathering and divert attention from their battle field losses, Mediwaka added.
DIG Mediwaka also urged public to be vigilant during the period and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Courtesy: Daily News
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