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A Disneyland for Sri Lanka – By GEORGE BRAINE This idea, apparently put forth by a somewhat controversial MP, has been criticized and even ridiculed. But, I believe a local Disneyland deserves serious consideration. Currently, Disneyland(s), which are theme parks, operate in five countries – the USA, France, Japan, Hong Kong, and China. A theme park is defined as “a large permanent area for public entertainment, with entertaining activities and big machines to ride on or play games on, restaurants, etc., all connected with a single subject”. I was living in Hong Kong when the idea of a local Disneyland was proposed to counteract the economic collapse in the late 90s, and saw it come to fruition.   Eventually, an agreement was reached with Disney, and the Hong Kong government invested $3.2 billion for 57% stake, and Disney invested $314 million for the balance 43%. Disney would manage the park. ...

Nov 1, 2022 Posted by In Articles, George Braine Tagged , , , , , ,
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Significance of Antarctica to Australia – By Arundathie Abeysinghe   There are some regions in the world where there has never been a war and the environment fully protected, instead has priority for scientific research. Antarctica is one of the most remote locations on Earth, the southernmost and fifth largest continent, twice the size of Australia Antarctica is the only continent without a permanent native population and there are no countries in Antarctica, although seven nations claim different parts of it: Australia, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Chile and Argentina. The only permanent human settlements are scientists and support staff approximately 1000 people who live for many months of the year on a rotating basis. Yet, during summer, there approximately 5000 people (excluding hundreds of tourists who briefly visit in tourist ships). The British Antarctic Survey maintains eight research stations and operates several field camps during summer, every ...

Jul 9, 2022 Posted by In Articles, Arundathie Abeysinghe Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
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Ashton Agar’s Sri Lankan Lineages – By Dr Michael Roberts Source:thuppahis.com Ashton Agar may play cricket now for Western Australia, but he is the eldest of three boys schooled at the De La Salle College in Melbourne. Our investigations indicate that his father John Agar is from a cricketing family associated with the Prahran Cricket Club in Melbourne – a happy coincidence because Prahran had several Burgher migrants active within its portals—notably Owen Mottau and Dav Whatmore.[1] As vitally, his mother Sonia is a Sinhalese Sri Lankan, being the daughter of Nala Hewawisa[2] from a marriage with Sheila Plunkett,[3] who is described in one source as a “Burgher of British descent.” John & Sonia Agar and eldest son Ashton The Agar family at Lords By marvelous coincidence it appears that there were Agars too in British Ceylon – working as planters. Philip Sansoni (in Sydney now) sent me this note: “Interestingly, there is a tablet ...

Jun 9, 2022 Posted by In Articles, Michael Roberts Tagged , , , , , , ,
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Emirates boosts services to Melbourne adding second daily A380 flight   Source:island.lk Emirates has announced the second daily flight on its Dubai-Melbourne route, served by its flagship A380 aircraft. Starting 1 May, the airline will offer customers fourteen weekly services from Dubai to Melbourne.  The expansion of services is supported by the Victorian Government to help fast-track the return of international flights to Melbourne and bring more visitors to the state.  The additional daily frequency between Dubai and Melbourne will grow Emirates’ seats to over 1,000 a day totalling 700,000 a year between the airline’s global Dubai hub and Victoria, with 516 seats on each flight. Travellers can choose from 14 First Class suites, 76 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 426 ergonomically designed seats in Economy Class. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents.  From 1 May, Emirates’ additional daily flight ...

Mar 26, 2022 Posted by In Articles Tagged , , , , , , ,
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