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Polonnaruwa, Puttalam largely affected Issuing a cholera warning yesterday, the health authorities cautioned the public to take all necessary precautions as the epidemic which has raised its head again in the Polonnaruwa district could spill over and reach alarming proportions with the on-set of the monsoon rains. At least 10 persons have died so far in the Polonnaruwa and Puttalam districts where scores more are being treated at hospitals in these two regions. According to reports, over a 100 suspected cholera cases are under medical attention and so far 25 positive ones have been identified. Health officials warned that if the required precautionary measures were not adopted the epidemic which has posed a threat in Polonnaruwa could spill over to Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara districts. This was particularly so with the on-set of monsoon rains. Proper drinking water and sanitary facilities are of vital importance to curb the threat of cholera, health sources said. Para medical personnel have been despatched to Polonnaruwa, where the threat is reported to be growing, to help tackle the situation. Of the suspected cholera patients admitted to Polonnaruwa base hospital last Saturday one died, pushing the death toll in the district to six, these sources said. Four other cholera-related deaths have been reported from Puttalam district. No GST on migrant workers' recruitment fee The Goods and Services Tax (GST) levied on the recruitment fee charged by the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau (SLBFE) from migrant workers is to be withdrawn, SLBFE sources told ‘The Island’ yesterday. The withdrawal will come into effect from September 15. The sources said this move is a result of discussions between Labour Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne and officials of the Ministry of Finance. The Minister announced it on Saturday to a gathering at Kegalle, where he was chief guest at a ceremony to present Kuwait compensation to 450 people. "The GST is to be withdrawn in recognition of the fact that migrant workers contribute a great deal by way of remittances to the country’s development," the sources said. A registration fee ranging from Rs.5,200 to Rs.10,500 is charged from each migrant worker (depending on the salary he/she will receive in the country of employment). The addition of GST further hiked this sum and caused difficulty to workers who are often from the lower classes of society. The latest move comes even as the International Monetary Fund advises Sri Lanka that the exemption list (of goods and services from GST) is too long. (NW) SAB varsity students opposes amalgamation move The Students' Council of Sabaragamuwa University has expressed 'total opposition' to the move to affiliate the Agriculture Faculty of Sabaragamuwa University to the proposed Uva University. The Students Council has decided to show its opposition to this proposal by boycotting classes and examinations. In a press release the Students Council said its representatives met the Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education, Prof. Vishva Warnapala and had explained the "repercussions the students will have to face if the authorities went ahead with the affiliation with the proposed Uva University". The Council claims that the Deputy Minister had maintained that it had to be done due to shortage of funds. This decision by the government is an infringement of the basic rights of university students and as a protest a campaign of boycotting classes and examinations had been launched by the students with effect from September 2, the Students' Council said in its news communique. President Chandrika Kumaratunga returned Sunday night after attending the 12th NAM summit in Durban in the first week of this month. Officials said that she returned in a special Air Lanka flight while the other Sri Lanka delegates returned via Dubai. During NAM both President and Lakshman Kadirgamar have urged South Africa leaders to ensure that LTTE does not use South Africa as a base against Sri Lanka, sources said. Thivanka Pilimage looters not yet netted Polonnaruwa police probing last Friday’s destruction of an ancient Stupa within the world famous historic "Thivanka Pilimage" (Image House) site in Polonnaruwa, have so far failed to make any arrests. Investigations are continuing, police said. Treasure hunters had dug a 30 feet deep pit at the site of the foundation of this stupa. It’s not known whether they had removed any treasures from this stupa built by King Parakramabahu the First. Thivanka Pilimage, also known as ‘Northern Temple’ was once part of the ‘Uttararama Vihara complex’. Tiger
suicide bomber arrested A youth described by police as a Tiger suicide bomber has been arrested in Trincomalee. He was awaiting orders from the LTTE leadership to carry out an attack, police said. The fugitive was a resident of Trincomalee. He had revealed vital information on certain plans of the LTTE. He also had spoken about bombs hidden in certain areas. Police believe that his capture was timely or else there was all the possibility of him carrying out an explosion in Colombo city or elsewhere. Postponement
of PC polls The Writ Application filed in the Court of Appeal, by the UNP and the JVP, challenging the postponement of the Provincial Council poll, will be supported in court on September 9. Shibly Aziz PC will support the applications filed by the UNP. R. K. W. Goonesekera will support the applications filed by the JVP. The petitions are to be heard by Justices H. S. Yapa and Upali de Z. Gunewardene. (C.W.) Attempt to smuggle gold from India foiled A Sri Lankan who allegedly attempted to smuggle in gold jewellery valued at around Rs. 1 million was taken into custody early yesterday by Customs at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The gold jewellery consisting of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc., weighing about one kilogram was found concealed inside the trouser pocket of the suspect when he was searched by Customs officers. Initial investigations had revealed that this suspect, a resident of Batticaloa had made several trips to Madras earlier. Further investigations are in progress by the Customs. Tourist arrivals recorded a drop of 4.3 per cent to 29,529 during the month of July this year, from 30,867 in July last year. The cumulative arrivals from January to July this year registered a slight drop of 1.2 per cent to 202,674 tourists over the same period last year. According to the "Monthly statistical bulletin on tourism July 1998", Western Europe showed a marginal increase of 0.8 per cent against the corresponding figure of last year. Individual markets from this region such as Germany and Netherlands recorded substantial increases of 18.3 per cent and 27. 3 per cent while UK, France and Italy experienced decreases of 12.5 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent respectively. Among other markets Denmark, Norway and Switzerland registered increases during the month. South Asia and East Asia continued to decrease by 4.3 per cent and 33.2 per cent respectively in July 1998, the bulletin stated. Major markets from these regions such as India and Japan decreased by 12.4 per cent and 6.3 per cent, respectively. As for other regions growth in arrivals from North America boosted by 36.1 per cent increase from Canada. Other regions namely, Eastern Europe, Australasia and Africa recorded increases of 7.3 per cent, 13.0 per cent and 6.3 per cent where as Middle East declined by 1.4 per cent and Latin America and the Caribbean remained unchanged. Nov. dates for Sunday Times Editor’s
appeal The appeal filed by the editor "Sunday Times" Sinha Tissa Migara Ratnatunga was called before the Court of Appeal yesterday. The case was fixed for argument on November 5 and 12. The accused appellant, Mr. Ratnatunga is challenging a judgment of the High Court of Colombo, whereby he was convicted of criminally defaming President Chandrika Kumaratunga by way of an article published in the "Sunday Times" on February 19, 1995. The respondent cited in the appeal is the Attorney General. Senior State Counsel Buwaneka Aluwihara took notice on behalf of the Attorney General. Upul Jayasuriya appeared for the appellant Ratnatunga. The bench comprised Justices F. N. D. Jayasuriya and P. H. K. Kulatillake. Ranil briefs US official UNP’s
stand on N-E issue UNP and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe last week briefed a senior US State Department official on his party’s stand on the North East crisis, resumption of talks with the LTTE, postponement of local government polls, economic situation, security situation and the proposed September 14 consultations on free and fair elections and de-politisation of key institutions. Senior Advisor to the South Asia Bureau, George Pickart accompanied by the US Ambassador in Colombo Shaun E. Donnelly had met the Opposition Leader last Wednesday, a day before flying to Palaly in an SLAF flight to meet Security Forces Commander, Jaffna, Major General Lionel Balagalle, official sources said. UNP has made arrangements to invite all registered political parties and organisations interested in ongoing peace efforts, initiated both by the government and the opposition to attend the September 14 consultations aimed at forcing the government to have free and fair polls. The idea is to develop a broad coalition of opinion supportive of free and fair elections,the UNP leader has explained. A former senior staffer of the Foreign Relations Committee, Pickart was on a fact finding tour of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, sources said, adding that during his stay here the State Department official had met representatives of political parties, foreign and defence ministry officials apart from touring parts of the Waligamam region. During talks with Pickart, Wickremesinghe had explained his position on the resumption of negotiations with the LTTE, one of the terrorist groups banned by US in October last year. UNP believes that the government should not lay down conditions except for agreeing on a time frame to conclude the negotiations. US has considerably increased anti-terrorist assistance to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has been included in the US Army’s Extended Relations Programme [ERP] and also Anti-Terrorist Assistance Programme [ATAP] of the State Department. Both programmes provides advance training for armed forces and police. Pickart had met acting Foreign Minister Lakshman Kiriella and several senior foreign and defence ministry officials. The head of the South Asia Bureau Karl Inderfurth had visited Colombo twice. Both times he met the President. Some of the people invited to meet Pickart had urged US pressure on the government to resume negotiations with the LTTE, ‘The Island’ learns. Pickart accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Richard Smythe, Defence Advisor Colonel Michael Poore and Shavindra Fernando of the embassy had visited Jaffna town on September 3. "They visited the town and met several people and representatives of various organisations active in Jaffna," officials said. Major General Balagalle, the overall commander of forces in the peninsula and Kilinochchi sector had briefed the delegation. They had toured Waligamam. Places visited included Chemmani, the scene of alleged mass graves. Pickart had sought to assess the current human rights situation. Sri Lankan officials said that the government had taken a series of steps to improve the human rights situation not only in Jaffna but Colombo and other areas where counter-terrorist operations were taking place against LTTE covert operatives. The military believes that the US delegation was satisfied with efforts made by both the civilian and military authorities in Jaffna to improve living conditions in the peninsula. The US visit comes just a few weeks after British High Commissioner David Tatham flew to Palaly-Jaffna. Tatham during his brief visit urged the Tamil community to request their people abroad not to fund the ongoing war. Tatham accompanied by defence advisor Colonel Robert Kendall later visited some parts of Mannar but were unable to tour Mannar island as scheduled. The High Commissioner was expected to re-schedule Mannar tour. ASG gives undertaking to Appeal Court Mr. K. C. Kamalasabaysan Additional Solicitor General, PC, on September 1, gave the undertaking to the Court of Appeal that, he will instruct, the Public Enterprises Reform Commission of Sri Lanka, not to take any steps to hold the bid conference and to issue a letter of award until 23.09.98 to import and market finished lubricants. Notice was issued by the Court of Appeal on respondents The Secretary to the Treasury, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury and the Public Enterprises Reform Commission and three other respondents, in respect of a writ application filed by A. W. H. Suranimala Abeyagoonasekera, Chairman, Ceylon Motor Traders' Association and four others, requesting court to grant a "writ of certiorari quashing the requirement contained in the In formation Memorandum and Concession Agreement, which enjoined all shortlisted applicants, to apply a concession fee of Rs. 35,000,000/- as a pre-condition to obtaining a licence to import and market finished lubricant. The writ application was supported by Mr. K. N. Choksy PC, with Mr. Ananda Kasthuriarachchi, Mr. Sanjeewa Jayewardene, and Ms. K. Wijetunga. The petitioner, also requested the Court of Appeal, to grant an interim order, restraining treasury officials and the Public Enterprises Reforms Commission, from calling upon any of the applicants who had been shortlisted, to pay the said concession fee as a pre-condition to obtaining the aforesaid licence. On September 1 and 3, that case was heard before, Justice H. S. Yapa and Justice Upali de Z. Gunewardene. Hearing will be continued on September 23. Mr. K. C. Kamalasabaysan, Additional Solicitor General, PC with State Counsel Uditha Igalahewa, appeared for the respondent Treasury officials and the PERC. Mr. Shibly Aziz, PC, with Mr. Nigel Hatch and Mr. S. Panditharathne appeared for the fourth respondent. Lanka Lubricants Ltd. of Wellampitiya, while, Mr. D. S. Wijesinghe PC and Mr. Kushan de Alwis, appeared for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. Lankan elected V. President of ICID Eng. L. T. Wijesuriya, Director General of Irrigation, has been elected as the Vice President for Asia Region of the International Commission of Irrigation & Drainage (ICID). He was elected to this significant post at the 49th International Executive Council meeting of the ICID, held at Bali, Indonesia recently. Two other similar places for Vice Presidency was secured by the United States and Egypt. The International Commission on Irrigation & Drainage was formed in 1950 as a non-government organisation with the objective of promoting technical, economic and social aspects of irrigation, drainage, flood control and river training. It is the apex international body on irrigation & drainage matters and the forum where professionals, and authorities on the subject of international repute and eminence meet, interact and collaborate for the welfare of nations in this important sector, along with other agencies which has similar interests. Sri Lanka was a founder member of the International Commission. However, this is the first time a Sri Lankan has been elected to an executive post in this Council. The election of Eng. Wijesuriya who presently functions as the Chairman, Sri Lanka National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage and Chairman, Sri Lanka Committee on Large Dams, to the Vice Presidency of the ICID is a very great achievement for the engineers and scientific personnel of Sri Lanka. Eng. Wijesuriya joined the public service in 1963 and has continuous service of 35 years as an engineer. He had served in various parts of Sri Lanka as an Engineer, Chief Engineer, Deputy Director, Snr. Deputy Director and was appointed Director General of Irrigation in February, 1995. In addition to his professional work, he was President, Section C of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science in 1996 and also served in many other technical and non technical committees. He has participated in many international conferences and has established his credentials as an expert on irrigation and drainage matters. Sri Lankan trawler drifting into Seychelles The skipper of a Sri Lankan trawler which drifted into the waters of the Seychelles island was fined Seychelles Rupees 2.5 million (Rs. 30 million) and the trawler was confiscated. The captain was fined when he along with his five-member crew were produced before a court, in that country. The Sri Lankan fishing vessel was captured by the island’s coastal authorities when it drifted into its territorial waters. The skipper was sentenced to a four-and-a-half-year prison term if he failed to pay the imposed fine. He is one Gerard Emanuel Fernando of Negombo. The five others who were released following the intervention of the Fisheries Ministry, were deported. They returned to Sri Lanka last Sunday morning on an Air Lanka flight. One of the returnees K. J. Felician of Munnakkarai, Negombo told ‘The Island’ that they had set out to sea on April 14, from Negombo. "I do not know how we entered the African coast. The Seychelles coast guards captured our vessel. They arrested Captain Gerard and the rest of us were detained in the vessel itself for over four months. They treated us well. We were given food, etc. But we were unable to return as we did not have the required funds," he said. Anthony Kumudu Fernando of Negombo who was also one of the returnees said that an appeal was made in respect of the fine imposed, but the higher court had returned the same verdict. "One of the coast guard officers said that a four and a half year prison term would be imposed if the captain failed to pay the fine. We appeal to the authorities concerned to release Captain Gerard," he said. All five returnees are residents of Munnakkara in Negombo. Members of the Fisheries Workers Society and the Fisheries Inspector for the area along with the families of the returnees were at the airport to receive them. ‘Sri
Lanka, a capital gem nation’ Facets ’98, the Sri-Lanka Gem and Jewellery show was ‘opened’ at the Hilton Hotel on its third day yesterday under the patronage of Emmanuel Piat from Daniel H. Piat and Co. in France. The show is on its eighth consecutive year and according to A. E. T Ellawela, the Chairman National Gem and Jewellery Authority it is now an event in the international trade calendar sparking much foreign interest. The show features around 65 stalls displaying various precious and semi precious gems as well as unique pieces of jewellery in gold and silver. Among the participants are booth holders from overseas which include Australia and Thailand. Emmanuel Piat in his address said that as a gem merchant, he has a long special attachment with Sri-Lanka. "Sri-Lanka, the only country with a city name which means ‘Gem City’ is for me a capital gem country". He made special mention of the high quality gems that are found in Sri Lanka and the diversity of the gems produced for hundreds of years. Among the rare stones that are on display are ones with enchanting names such as Colourless Iolite, Colour Changing Garnet and Apatite Cat’s Eye. These gems sell for between US $100 and $500 a piece. The gems are mined mainly from the gem city, Ratnapura as well as other areas of Sri Lanka such as Horana and Pelmadulla. Although Thailand at one time was Sri Lanka’s biggest competitor, this situation has been countered and Sri Lanka is now well known in international circles as a producer of fine and high quality gems. The general opinion among the stall holders however was that this year’s exhibition did not generate enough publicity and as a result was at a slower pace as compared to last year. Nevertheless, some beautiful works of nature can be viewed at the exhibition which concludes today. War will be over soon, but you won’t
lose your jobs Security forces personnel should not be discouraged that they will lose their jobs and join the unemployment queue after the war is over. We have already drawn up a scheme to ensure the sustenance of all members of the armed forces after the war comes to an end, Acting Defence Minister Gen. Anuruddha Ratwatte told Saturday's ceremony to mark the 117th anniversary of the Voluntary regiment of the Sri Lanka Army in Kandy. He was the chief guest on the occasion. This senseless war is not going to be permanent. But your jobs are not going to impermanent. We are endeavouring to end this war in the near future Gen. Ratwatte assured. The Minister paying a tribute said the security forces and the police render yeoman service to protect the lives of the people and the country's integrity. The Minister said the government will not leave room for the Voluntary Force to fear about the future and be discouraged and disappointed about because the services of that regiment was required in the future as well. Gen. Ratwatte distributed the awards, Army Commander Gen. Rohan Daluwatte and several senior military officials were also present. 44 Pakistani companies at SAARC trade fair Forty four Pakistani companies will take part in the second SAARC trade fair scheduled to be inaugurated today (8) at the BMICH, Pakistan High Commission sources said yesterday. Trade fair will continue till September 15. Pakistan will have forty-four stalls at the fair with exhibits ranging from light and heavy engineering goods, three wheelers, scooters, vans, motor-cycles, airconditioners, to un-interrupted power supply systems, surgical instruments, pharmaceuticals, health products, toys, furnitures, rice and vegetables, besides traditional Pakistani exports like garments, hosiery, fabrics, bedsheets, yarn, etc. Pakistan, a country of over 130.58 million inhabitants has a GDP amounting to US$ 55.6 billion with a per capita to GNP of US$ 440. Agriculture is the mainstay of the economy. The healthy expansion in agriculture has stimulated exports in other sectors both through raising domestic demand for industrial goods and other services, and by supply of raw materials to agro-based industries. Textile is the single most important component of manufacturing industry and manufactured exports. Other important industries are leather and leather products, carpets and rugs, surgical instruments, sports goods, fertilizer, cement, sugar, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petroleum and petrochemicals, electrical goods and electronics. The fair will not only be a trade promotional event in the SAARC region, but also more importantly, be an international promotional event, which will project the export marketing capacity of all the SAARC countries to the global market place. Those who wished Fowzie "well" thanked The family members of A. H. M. Fowzie, Minister of Transport & Highways and National President, SLFP Muslim Federation yesterday thanked the religious dignitaries of the sacred places of worship of all denominations where religious ceremonies were conducted for the speedy recovery of the Minister and also the various organisations and members of the public who participated at these ceremonies. "We also wish to thank President, Chandrika Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike, Speaker, all Ministers of the Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Governors, Provincial Councillors, Members of Municipal Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas, Inspector General of Police, Officers of the Armed Forces, Chairman, Directors, Staff of the Ministry of Transport & Highways and officials of other ministries and the general public who visited the Minister to wish him a fast recovery. We also specially thank the Chairman, Deputy Chairman, Doctors and the staff of Nawaloka Hospitals (Pvt) Ltd; for their kind, co-operation and assistance given during this period. (Press release) Court of Appeal re-issues notice on NCP
Governor The Court of Appeal yesterday re-issued notice on Mr. G. M. S. Samaraweera, Governor of the North Central Province. The notice was in respect of a writ application filed by DIG Mr. Chandra Fernando, challenging the adverse findings made against the petitioner Fernando, in the report of the commission, which probed election violence, that had taken place during the Pradeshiya Sabha poll held in the Eastern Province in 1994. Mr. Samaraweera was the Commissioner who had chaired the aforesaid investigations. The report of the commission had recommended that civic disability should be imposed on 67 police officers, inclusive of DIG Fernando. The writ application filed by Fernando was yesterday supported in the Court of Appeal, by Mr. R. K. W. Goonesekera, with Mr. J. C. Weliamuna. The first respondent Mr. Samaraweera was unrepresented and absent, yesterday which was the notice returnable day. Deputy Solicitor General Mr. Kolitha Dharmawardene with State Counsel, Mrs. F. Jameel, appeared for the Attorney General. The bench comprised Justice H. S. Yapa and Justice Upali de Z. Gunewardene. Notice re-issued on Mr. Samarawera is returnable on October 01. Internal Trade Dept. should tackle GST
complications says Dy. Comm. It is our duty to collect the Goods and Services Taxes from the relevant sources. Any complications regarding the excess charging of such taxes should be referred to the Internal Trade Department, said the Deputy Commissioner of Inland Revenue P. Guruge. Speaking at a seminar on GST, organised by the Sri Lanka Economic Association and Section F of the Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science at the SLAAS auditorium he said, the Department is implementing the government’s policy and they are not answerable to the public queries. It is the responsibility of the Internal Trade Department to answer any questions by the public in relation to pricing and excess charging and to clarify whenever it is necessary. Everybody should be aware of this arrangement, he said. The Goods and Services Tax which is 12.5% is charged on number of selected items. It can be charged by the organisations which exceeds the quarterly revenue of Rs. 500,000 or yearly Rs. 1.8 million . There had been several seminars, lectures regarding GST but, the public had not been properly educated on this subject, the Deputy Commissioner noted. Only the registered business organisations are authorised to charge GST and the Department of Inland Revenue welcomes any suggestions in regard to payment of GST, he added. This seminar and the discussion was open to the general public. Six billion world population expected by
mid next year The world population which was five billion in 1987, will rise to 6 billion by mid next year, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said. "Whether the world population will grow to 8, 10 or 12 billion will depend on policy decisions in the next decade. Over 90% of the growth will take place in today’s developing countries", the UNFPA said in its annual report for 1998 released on Wednesday. The report was released at the UNFPA office in Colombo last Wednesday by the UNFPA Representative Mrs. Suneetha Mukherjee, at a ceremony at her office. This year’s report is on the "new generations" -- the largest ever group of people now entering their child-bearing and working years, and the growing number of people over age 65. Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, Lakshman Jayakody, who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony, said that any measures taken for population control in Sri Lanka should not go against the cultural traditions of this country. Deputy Minister of Health, Mrs. Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Deputy Minister of Health Services M. S. M. Abubakr spoke about the problems created by the rising population and the need to provide various social welfare facilities for the people. Mrs. Rosy Senanayake UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador and Dr. V. Jeganathan, Director General, Health Services also spoke about the implications of the rising population. The report said the momentum of global population growth is slowing. Thanks to the efforts of the past 30 years, growth rates have fallen and will fall further in the coming decades. But because of high fertility in the past, world population is still growing by over 80 million a year. It will continue to grow at or near these levels for the next decade: what happens after that depends on action in the coming years. Women are having only half as many children as their mothers’ generation, because they have more choices -- in education, marriage and employment as well as in family size and spacing. Extending these choices to all women will further slow the momentum of population growth, the report said. The report further said that as the largest ever young generation comes of age, society’s obligation to address their educational and health needs, and to promote their human rights is both a moral and practical imperative. Enabling young women to exercise greater control over sexual and reproductive lives helps ensure their contribution to development. The concept of retirement is changing. In less developed countries, few older people, especially women occupy formal sector jobs in which the concept is meaningful. A trend in industrialized countries has recently reversed, while growing numbers of older persons engage in part-time work or volunteer activities, the report further stated. "Cyber Trader" to be launched
shortly "Cyber Trader" a trade information network, which will serve as the service arm of "Trade net" is to be launched shortly. ‘Trade Net’ was set up in 1995 on an initiative by the Ministry of Trade.Its governing body consists of Moratuwa University, Arthur.C. Clarke Centre, Treasury, Telecom,EDB and the Department of commerce. Its primary objective is to provide timely trade information to exporters, businessmen,overseas buyers, government officials and decision makers through electronic and popularisation high tech methods of carrying out business such as e - business and e - commerce Dr.Lalith Gamage Director of Trade said. The cyber trader provides trade information through web sites.This facility will allow the transfer of business modules to incorporate internet technology.In other words what this means is access to a large client base all over the world he added.This would enable businessmen to place orders all over the world,while also finding information about competitors through electronic means. Cybertrader services include trade information on product, company and marketing profiles and trade statistics.Trade policies and opportunities for investments are also provided through these websites apart from advertising on the internet and CD ROM preparations. Small and medium scale businessmen and even big companies are sometimes unaware of the best markets for their products Dr.Gamage noted. Our search and advisory service facility is a service where expert business profesionals can help businessmen and exporters to launch a specific search to find key information Dr. Gamage explained.This facility is also open to the public who want to venture on their own along with Internet and other facilities provided by the Cybertrader. According to Dr.Gamage, ‘Trade net’ has 300 enlisted companies and about 75 enlisted individuals.He explained that the main reason Cybertrader was being set up was because there was an increasing demand for internet search and advisory and other related services at Trade net.Thus Cybertrader is being set up as the service arm. while Trade net will remain the research and development arm.According to Dr.Gamage the project is financed by the government, "however we earn revenue from our web pages and other facilities we provide at a small fee he was added. Cybertrader which is situated on the seventh floor of the new EDB building hopes to open itself to the public in a few weeks. |
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