Image via Wikipedia

Officials in Sri Lanka on Sunday that their country might try to circumvent the restrictions imposed by U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil by buying in another currency than the dollar, tracking the India.

Sri Lanka is facing greater the possible consequences of the sanctions aimed at depriving Iran of dollars that Washington believes they are used in financing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Sri Lanka imports 93 percent of its oil from Iran, the second largest producer in OPEC can not only refinery with a capacity of 50 thousand barrels per day, but Iranian Oil Refining and three or four other types are not available in the market.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary of U.S. Treasury for terrorist financing Brunnen Locke went to visit Colombo in a one-day on Thursday to meet with a group of Sri Lankan government officials to explain the options available and the possible consequences to Sri Lanka.

Said a senior government official involved in the talks with the U.S. official said Brunnen, proposed a solution. He informed the official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters: “I do not know if he intentionally or accidentally, but said they do not worry only of transactions conducted in dollars .. This was a hint to us.”

“It gives us the option of paying Indian Rupees or other currencies, although we prefer payment Sri Lankan Rupee.”

Sri Lanka : Kandy (Photo credit: Miran Rijavec)

Image by 401K via Flickr

Among the south Asian countries Bangladesh lead the top ranking table, if consider the tax friendly environment and tax collection rate. This scale conforms of tax collection system and administrative transparency. A recently published report from Singapore- ‘Good governance for international business: Asia Pacific 2011- reported the information. Vriens & Partners Pte Ltd., did the research work on six indicators, among which tax was one. The other indicators were- rule of laws, opportunities for international trade and businesses, political stability, corruptions, fiscal and monetary policy. When the total indicators are consolidated – Bangladesh ranked 18th among 19 countries, in total it gained 37.03 points, and Singapore stood on top with 90.02 points.

In the context of Taxation, Bangladesh is leading the table but in the whole spectrum its position is 12th (in the Asia –Pacific region) or in south Asian context – number one. India’s position is 17th and Sri Lanka 18th.

Well, not to mention except taxation, Bangladesh done very poorly and it was depicting correctly. While considering rule of laws, corruptions, and political stability these three elements – Bangladesh hit the 18th position. Again when we check out the other three indicators- viz., international trade, fiscal and monetary management – Bangladesh got the 16th position.

Knowing this National Board of Revenue (NBR), politically commented that mainly in these last few years, NBR took many reforming steps with regard to taxes, to make people more conscious to pay taxes, and by extending tax-nets both vertically and horizontally. Hence tax collection increased dramatically, although critics say, by this success- NBR has been making peoples’ live more difficult, and making middle classes more down. It would have been better if you do worst in tax sector, and do excellent in others. If anybody with common sense just think for a minute the implications of what the indicators implied, would understand that most, all but one (Tax) indicators are positively correlated. For example, the more points you get on the business, definitely your economy is running well, new jobs and good economy people will get. Like that every other indicators indicate the similar story, in which Bangladesh did bad to worse. This rightly depicts the Bangladesh scenario indeed.

In the total Asia pacific table- number one spot occupied by Singapore, followed by Hong-Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

var geo_Partner = ‘8241825d-b1ed-472b-b989-e884972851ee’; var geo_isCG = true;

Image via Wikipedia

 in the game in the series of five. Later, England won the toss and chose to Sri Lanka in the leadoff spot. Almost immediately, the spearhead of the attack England fast bowling, Jimmy Anderson in Sri Lanka in trouble, the elimination of both Dilshan and without Chandemal worry scorers. More wickets followed soon after adjustment, including Jayawardene, so that the people of Sri Lanka in the score 20-4 very fragile and in danger of making the game more than 20 in one game to 50 You can even suggest that there may be some problems with his cricket team, was such that the gravity of the screen over to the poor.

Sangakkara in cooperation with Randiv, and Matthews, managed to rebuild Sri Lanka and entries moved score to 155 before falling Matthews invited another collapse of tourists. Thurs wickets fell to Stuart Broad, who has been relieved to see some numbers in the column of windows after their recent decline. Other notable contributions came from Dernbach and Bresnan as Sri Lanka was shot and killed 170 in less than 44 overs. The choice of Sangakkara hitters who have held scoreline respectable in the chaos that surrounds him with a stroke of 75. Although living conditions for the players, the total well below par, and England must have imagined the opportunity to play a victory after the break.

There has been much debate about the role of Alistair Cook in New England, established ODI in recent weeks, as a player and captain. Many scoring pace is not suitable for the shorter format of the game.This was despite the fact he scored a magnificent 119 in the middle of the fall of the windows around the defeat of England by the people of Sri Lanka at Lords during the weekend. This was definitely the game where you put all doubts to bed indeed. Under favorable conditions for bowling with Kieswetter continued to dismantle the attack by the Sri Lankan bowling with good rounds of 95, not only 75 deliveries. The only thing that lifted England to victory in March was an interruption of the light rain, but this brief downpour could not save Sri Lanka, as England reached their victory total with 145 balls again without losing a wicket.

Cook was rightly named Man of the Match for his excellent batting display, and the victory of England means that the series is well established in 2.2, enter the finals will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Saturday.

Theravada is aswell accepted as the “Teaching of the Elders.” This is the ancient actual anatomy of Buddhism and is frequently begin in South and Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Sri Lanka. There is a greater focus on brainy development of which the accent is on meditation. The capital doctrines of Theravada are preserved in the Pali Canon which included classical article such as the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

There are a few levels of accomplishment for practitioners of Theravada Buddhism;

(1) Anagami (Non-Returner) – The being has eradicated a alternation of hindrances and would never be reborn into any carnal systems, but to a adorable branch in which he would attain broad-mindedness from there.

(2) Sakadagami (Once-Returner) – The being has eradicated or attenuated a alternation of hindrances whereby he would be reborn already afresh to a animal or adorable branch and would attain broad-mindedness from there, and

(3) Sottapanna (Stream-Returner) – whereby a being would be reborn no added than 7 times afresh into either the animal or adorable realm.

Apart from the Four Noble Truths, Theravada Buddhism aswell affected aloft capacity such as afterlife and rebirth, commutual origination, the three accepted characteristics of existence, the 5 aggregates and meditation.

Meditation is a ample accountable aural Theravada. There are two capital branches of brainwork accomplished by Theravada Buddhists, namely the samatha and the vipassana. The a lot of accepted address is the acquaintance of breathing. The meditator bankrupt off his senses to the alfresco apple and advised entering application breath as a abstracted technique.

Sri Lanka opposition bloc Web Site

Sri Lankan government accused, character assassination against the President of the Internet is blocked, a large number of locations. Other sites had been put on alertto face the same thing would be if the government is not supported.

According to the BBC, Monday, November 7th, 2011, the complex is at least six sites were blocked for several days to consider. Critics are also displayed, an attempt to censor free speech in cyberspace than to refer to this step.

The largest opposition party, the National Unity Party websites, including theownership block websites.

According to him, the government of Sri Lanka with any web site to register first. If you have not registered, the site manager to be done legally.

However, site-registration step, a senior opposition figures, as strange by Mangala Samaraweera. He said the government is crazy, and more experienced computer users may be a proxy network to outwit block access to websites.

Sri Lanka has a long history of censorship on the Internet. Web sites that criticize the government are often blocked. Against Tamil Rebels block websites conducted in June 2007. Then the government of Sri Lanka blocked the anti-government websites often.

Liam Fox is a proud man, seen as a leader by the Conservative right and a favourite of the Thatcherite wing of the Conservative Party. None of that could save him. The reasons against him staying grew too powerful – and there were too many.

Here are the top Five

1. Adam Werritty – so much more than just a friend?

Werritty is his friend, adviser, was best man at his wedding, and above all a constant companion on trips round the world. If Liam Fox thought so highly of him that he insisted on involving him closely in all his work – why did he not give him a job as a special adviser? The suspicion is that Werritty would have had a problem with security vetting – a necessity for the job.

2. Follow the money – where did it come from?

Globe trotting, staying in five star hotels, is an expensive pastime. Werritty does not have the income to pay for his luxury travels. Just one example, he stayed at the Shangri-La hotel in Dubai which costs around $450 a night. If his bill was settled by a company that stood to gain from any deal involving government money – Fox is fatally compromised.

3. Gay rumours and possible blackmail threats 

Fox has only married in recent years, many claim that the marriage was aimed at giving him a better chance in the Conservative leadership elections. Tabloid and internet rumours have spread about his relationships with younger men. Fox has always said that his private life is a private matter and he is happily married. His friends and supporters have backed this. But the danger is that one of the many international spy operations run by national governments, or arms traders could set him up and run a blackmail operation.  

4. Setting up a private company in Sri Lanka

It has been revealed that Fox was involved in negotiations to set up a private investment company in Sri Lanka. This is directly against government policy on Sri Lanka which is to call for investigations of the government in connection with war crimes. His friend and unofficial adviser Adam Werritty was closely attached to the of negotiations.

5. Was Fox running his own defence policy?

Fox is heavily pro America and Israel, but anti Europe. He was involved in an organisation known as Atlantic Bridge which aims to strengthen ties between the UK, US, and Israel. This claimed to be a charity but had to disband when it was shown to be nothing more than a political lobby. Many of its backers are multi millionaires all with their own agenda. The suspicion is that Fox was too heavily involved with their ideas – which did not always coincide with Government policy. Opponents say he was running his own defence policy.

Fox has resigned. The reality is he was pushed and has gone quietly in the hope that Cameron will let him back into the cabinet at some point. That looks unlikely – but Fox will be a problem for Cameron in future.  

The world’s population will reach the seven billion mark on October 31 and with the increase in population, Sri Lanka too will face a number of challenges, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said today.

UNFPA sources said Sri Lanka would have to face a number of socio-economic challenges with the increasing population such as rising unemployment, the need to increase access to information on reproductive health and an increase in educational opportunities.

They said Sri Lanka had one of the fastest ageing populations in the developing world with 10 percent of the country’s population being over 60 years of age.

The sources said that by 2025 the elderly would account for 20 percent of the country’s population with women outnumbering men.

They said adolescents and youth account for 26 percent of the country’s population and is the largest youth population in Sri Lanka’s demographic history and while Sri Lankan youth population between ages 15 to 24 is 5.6 million they lack accurate information on reproductive health and contraception.

According to the UNFPA the unemployment rate has risen from 29 percent in 1990 to 30.8 percent in 2005. The national rate of contraceptive use has also increased from 61.7 percent to 70.2 percent from 1987 to 2007. However contraceptive use has not been adequate in some areas such as Batticaloa where contraception use was 34.5 percent.

With the rising population new challenges arise and these need to be addressed, the sources said.

Pakistan was a trusted ally of USA for decades – in fact ever since its independence in 1947. But recent happenings indicate that the relationship is not sustainable any longer – at least from America’s view point. America has lost its patience with the double game of the Pakistan government, its army, ISI and other organisations. Pakistan, on one hand, accepts American money amounting to billions of dollars. On the other hand, it uses this money to incite the Talibans and the terrorists to attack the American and NATO soldiers stationed in Afghanistan. This is the crux of the problem.

Pakistan’s double game

It is not that America was not aware of this double game before. America knew the treachery of Pakistan as the whole world knows it. Everybody is aware that Pakistan is the epicentre of international terrorism. You name any terrorist act in any part of the world, and Pakistani terrorists will be involved in it for sure. Once upon a time, there were no Islamic terrorists in the world. Terrorism was conducted by such organisations like LTTE of Sri Lanka, Irish Republic Army of Northern Ireland, Baader Meinhopf of Germany and such other organisations. But today, these organisations are not active in terrorism any more. Almost all terrorist activities are conducted by the Islamic fundamentalists. Their headquarters is Pakistan.

Pakistan is the epicentre of all terrorism in the world

Why have the terrorists chosen their headquarters as Pakistan? This is because of the wholehearted support, training in weapons, financial and material assistance provided by the Pakistani government, its army, ISI and other terrorist organisations. In Pakistan, one can become rich overnight by becoming a terrorist. Terrorism against India is not a very profitable activity as America does not dole out billions of dollars to curb terrorists’ activities against India. Indian government is also not bothered very much. On the other hand, terrorism against America, Europe and Americans fetches huge money for Pakistan. America pays billions of dollars to Pakistan to sponsor killings of its own citizens. Therefore, except a handful of terrorists who concentrate against India, almost all the terrorists target USA and Americans world over. For example, Ilyas Kashmiri initially concentrated his terrorist activities against India. But sensing that it was not fetching any money to him, he switched over to attacking Americans and USA.

Intensification of attack on American soldiers

Of late, USA has awakened from its long and deep slumber. Sheltering of Osama bin Laden by Pakistan army for many years was the trigger point. Intensification of attack on American soldiers by the Talibans with assistance from the ISI and Pakistan army was the last straw. US openly accused Pakistan’s ISI of encouraging the Haqqani network in Afghanistan to attack and kill American soldiers stationed there. War of words has intensified between USA and Pakistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar has described the Haqqani network as the ‘blue eyed boy of the CIA’ once. She also warned USA of losing an ‘ally’ in its war on terrorism. But Pentagon spokesman John Kirby retorted that there was credible evidence of involvement of ISI with Haqqani network.

Pakistani leaders try to cool the atmosphere

Pakistani Army Chief Parvez Ashfaq Kayani has cancelled his UK visit to keep his army ready in the event of any military attack by USA against Pakistan for snatching its nuclear weapons. Possibility of surgical strikes by USA against terrorist havens inside Pakistan also cannot be ruled out. Pakistan army and ISI want to avoid a direct confrontation with USA and want to be friendly with it in order to ensure continued flow of funds amounting to billions of dollars from US. Pakistani army and ISI need huge money to finance the terrorists to kill Americans inside Afghanistan and all over the world. This huge money can come only from USA. Therefore, there is an all out effort from the Pakistani leaders to cool the tempers to obtain more money so that more Americans can be killed.

China is interested in destroying America

Will America cooperate with Pakistan and pump in more money to Pakistan army and ISI to finance their activities? It is difficult to say at this moment exactly about this. But the possibility of Pakistan army handing over dozens of nuclear weapons to the terrorists to target USA is very distinct. America should prevent this eventuality by all means to ensure its own safety. China is also interested in destroying America through terrorists as after destruction of USA, China will be the only superpower in the world and it can swallow other countries one by one through military force.

America should snatch Pakistani nuclear weapons

America is the only saviour of world order and peace. Now America itself is in danger. It should immediately send its military inside Pakistan and snatch all the nuclear weapons under its custody. Only after this, America will be safe. The Haqqani network is not the real threat for America. At the most, it can kill a few hundred American soldiers on Afghan soil. But Pakistan Army’s handing over the nuclear weapons to the terrorists will wipe out USA from the world map. America, better be careful. Swing into action immediately and take away all the nuclear bombs that Pakistan possesses. That will ensure not only America’s safety, but also world peace by and large.

However, problems occur. According to Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State, at the end of the three-day visit in Sri Lanka, Tamil residents in the formerregion to feel intimidated by the presence of government troops and police, mostly ethnic Sinhalese.

So from that, Blake urged the government of Sri Lanka’s Tamil deploy morepolice. The cops will be on duty in the former conflict zones. ”This is to help healthe wounds of war,” said Blake.

“Tamil police needed to improve public order. Thus, the military no longer need toperform that function,” added Blake.

Blake also asked the government of Sri Lanka to disarm weapons of paramilitarygroups who support the Tamil-speaking ethnic Sinhalese. The group, according to Blake, terrorizing the local Tamil population.

Meanwhile, in his meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and senior government officials, Blake stressed the importance of addressing citizencomplaints of the Tamil conflict 37 years.