Kuoni Travel has announced that the first six months of 2008 saw a 28% rise in the number of people enjoying luxury holidays in the Maldives, compared to the same time period in 2007, despite the UK presently suffering under the strain of a credit crunch.
The popularity of Maldives holidays continues to grow, with these luxury holidays seemingly unaffected by the UK’s changing financial landscape. Kuoni Travel’s recent developments to improve the usability of their website, most notably the addition of a wide choice of video guides, have no doubt helped maintain the Maldives’ status as their most successful destination.
Indeed, Kuoni travel videos have helped many holiday makers gain an insight into several of the top destinations around the world, not just the Maldives, helping travellers to get to know their chosen destination before setting foot on a plane.
"The Maldives is one of the destinations which have not been affected by the current economic climate,” commented Kuoni’s eBusiness Director, Matt Rooke. “In fact, with it’s ‘no-news’ tranquillity and natural beauty, it is the ideal destination to escape from press coverage of the economy"
The Maldives videos available online from Kuoni have certainly helped encourage a number of people to visit this tropical haven, with footage of beautiful sandy beaches giving way to sparkling, blue sea, with a host of tropical fish and stunning coral lurking beneath the waves.
“The videos not only highlight the stunning scenery of the Maldives, but also provide potential travellers with a fantastic tool to review the wide choice of hotels available on the different islands,” said Rooke. “From indulgent, luxury resorts such as Baros, to the more modest, but no less beautiful, resort of Kuramathi Cottage & Spa we offer a wide choice of Maldives hotels and are confident that the videos help our customers to find the one that’s perfect for their personal holiday needs".
About Kuoni Travel
With more than 100 years of expertise, Kuoni is honoured to be regularly voted as the industry’s long haul experts. Clients can choose from a selection of more than 25 superb brochures, showcasing thousands of luxury holidays to hundreds of exotic destinations on six continents, and covering every holiday interest from relaxing beach getaways to escorted cultural tours, overseas weddings to wildlife safaris.
Source: webwire.com
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Indian Ocean cracks down on illegal fishing
Satellite, radar and port inspections will be used to crack down on illegal fishing in the Indian Ocean, where tuna catches have reached the maximum sustainable limits, a regional fishing official said.
Estimated to be about 10 to 15 percent of the region's total catch, illegal and unreported fishing disrupts the tuna trade, worth tens of millions of dollars every year.
Navies in the region, often consisting of just one or two patrol vessels, struggle to intercept the hundreds of small boats, mainly from Taiwan and Indonesia, which spread out across the enormous ocean to catch the precious tuna.
"The main problem with IUU (illegal, unregulated, and unreported) fishing in terms of tuna stocks is ... the fact that we simply don't know how much fish is being taken," said David Ardill, from the inter-governmental Indian Ocean Commission.
"It seems to be a steadily increasing problem in this part of the ocean," Ardill told Reuters, referring to the south west Indian Ocean, the waters around Mauritius, Comoros, Madagascar, Seychelles, and Reunion, countries which make up the commission.
Small-scale fishing accounts for about half the tuna caught in the ocean, the second largest fishery after the Pacific.
Port inspections will play an increasingly major role in the crackdown, with authorities checking boats, documents and even cargoes, said Ardill, who manages a pilot project to monitor tuna fisheries.
Some 800 vessels were inspected last year in Mauritius' Port Louis, he said, adding that European moves to ensure the traceability of fish products back to approved and legal sources will make illegal fishing even harder.
Authorities in the region are also looking into the use of radar, and satellite pictures from the European Space agency, to check for unregistered fishing boats.
Enforcement is likely to remain problematic, with tiny navies covering enormous areas. But in the past year, French and Mauritian boats have caught illegal boats in Seychellois and Mauritian waters, he said.
"Essentially, the management advice is to limit fishing at current levels or to bring it back to (the levels of) 2 or 3 years back," Ardill said.
Indonesia, Iran, France, Spain, and Maldives catch the most tuna, but Taiwan catches by far the highest value, he said.
Albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye tuna are being fished to the maximum sustainable limit, officials say, but Ardill said tuna stocks may benefit from rising fuel prices.
"I understand that Taiwan has taken something like 130 vessels out of the Indian Ocean, and Japan has done more or less the same sort of thing," Ardill said.
Source: ReutersDamen cutter suction dredger for the Maldives
Damen in The Netherlands reports that a Damen CSD250 cutter suction dredger has been delivered to the Maldives.
The population of the Maldives not only earns its living from the tourist industry, but also in fishing. There are many small fishing harbours, which need periodic maintenance.
The DAMEN CSD250 cutter suction dredger consists of a main pontoon, two side pontoons and the cutter ladder. It can be shipped in two 40ft containers.
The dredger works at a maximum dredging depth of 6m, using its 40kW 'pick point' cutterhead. The dredge pump, a type BP2320, is equipped with a mechanical shaft seal and wear resistant cast parts. The dredge pump mixture capacity is some 1,000m3/h.
The dredger is powered by a 254 kW Caterpillar engine, a type C12 TA. The dredger, made for one-man operation, has a spacious operating cabin with extended rooftop and tinted sloping windows for minimal sun reflection and good view on the deck equipment.
The owner of the dredger, the Department of Public Works of the Maldives, already owns a number of dredgers. These larger dredgers have been used to create the various fishing harbours on the many islands in the Maldives.
The CSD250 is currently being shipped, together with two 40ft containers with floating HDPE and flexible floating pipelines.
As soon as the containers have arrived, Damen's service engineer will travel to the Maldives to assemble the dredger and to train the crew.
Source: sandandgravel.comSriLankan Airlines is to run non-stop flights between the UK and the Maldives this winter
SriLankan Airlines is to run non-stop flights between the UK and the Maldives this winter
The airline will operate twice weekly from Heathrow to Male starting on October 26 with a flying time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.
The carrier’s UK and Ireland manager Chanaka Olagama said: “We recognise the need to introduce this non-stop service for such a popular holiday destination.
“Customers’ needs are our priority and we believe that this new direct service will provide a time-effective way to travel in style and comfort to their paradise location.”
Source: travelmole.com
The airline will operate twice weekly from Heathrow to Male starting on October 26 with a flying time of 11 hours and 15 minutes.
The carrier’s UK and Ireland manager Chanaka Olagama said: “We recognise the need to introduce this non-stop service for such a popular holiday destination.
“Customers’ needs are our priority and we believe that this new direct service will provide a time-effective way to travel in style and comfort to their paradise location.”
Source: travelmole.com
Friday, June 20, 2008
Wataniya Telecom Maldives Selects Harris Stratex for Network Expansion
Wataniya Telecom Maldives has selected Harris Stratex Networks, a supplier of turnkey wireless transmission and network assurance solutions, to upgrade its core transmission network to provide multiple SDH trunks across Maldives.
As part of the contract, Harris Stratex Networks will supply the new TRuepoint 6500 ultra-high capacity, carrier-class all-indoor radio, together with network consulting and turnkey services, taking responsibility for the complete upgrade of the network.
Raj Kumar, vice president of Asia Pacific sales and services at Harris Stratex Networks, said: "Wataniya Telecom Maldives has our total commitment. We understand their requirements and appreciate the need for a robust high-capacity core network and that's why we are supplying our new TRuepoint 6500 products, together with our experienced service offerings."
Source: redorbit.comSlovakian Team Interested In Maldives Duo
The Slovakian league side FK Dubnica in on the trail of Maldives duo Ali Ashfaag and Mohamed Arif.
nadey maldives ashfag & arif keep it up.dont miss this chance.go europe & show then your telent
Masood Maldives Ashfaq, you are the best! Go Europe and show them what Maldivinas are capable of. :)
yasrib forkland, maldives its really nice to hear. Keep it up Ashfag. You are a world class player. We are proud of you.
SHAHID AMERICA CALFONIA ASFAQ KEEP IT UP.U ARE THE WORLD CLASS PLAYER.U ARE THE EUROPE STYLE PLAYED PLATER.U ARE THE NO 1 IN THE ASIA.KEEP IT UP.I LOVE MALDIVES PLAYERS.KEEP IT UP YOUR COUNTRY.YOYR COUNTRY SUPPORTERS ARE THE NO 1 OF THE WORLD
paulo italy work in male maldives oh well i think thats great news for ali ashfaaq.for sure i saw how great he's played hes game. you knew i don't like asian foot ball but i like to see the games he play.good luck boy.
Mohd Maldives Ashfaq, you are the best
Win Maldives Ashfaag please do not miss the oportunity. it is a time that you can prove to the world that you are the best out of all. you can challenge to the players from europe.. why not.. you have gott every thing to beat them... we all are with you..
wisemen Maldives Maldives is a tiny island nation in the Indian Ocean. We Maldivians are crazy about football. unfortunately Fk Dubnicia had lost the game they played in the Maldives. we are the champions of this region (India,Pakistan,Bangladhesh,Nepal, Sri Lanka) we've beaten them all. What do you now about The Maldives
michael italia im a retired italian footballer and i happend to be in the maldives at the time of the SAFF championships. i try to stay away from football but surely the football fever in the maldives was hard to stay away from.. i ended up watching the maldivian games with maldivians and i do admit that this ashfaa guy is sumthin amazin.. hes a mix of danielle de rossi and antonio cassano from my point of view.. could be the next big thing in Europe give the chance.. who knows? hes got the talent for sure
gui rio what's maldives, hmmmmmmmmmmmm?
andrew slovakia slovakia is in europe :D...but i dont think this league is right for them..but of course dubnica may get them cheap and sell them with tripple of their price
ravi india hei i watched th saff chmpship both of them r outstanding they culd perfm in europe. this is the chance to put maldives in world chart
isam maldives ashfag is wat makes us proud about maldivian football, great player, dont miss this chance dude,
Axaje Hulhudhoo, Maldives Ashfag you are the man Maldives is proud of, now take maldives to the next level of the beautiful game..go join the club vi jankech...this is the best opportunity
jimee Maldives Ashfaq is the bet player in this region. He is a man. He got tellents. He can do. I wanna say bro asfaq dnt loose this oppotunity. Keep it up. This is your carier.
anil maldives ali ashfaaq is the worldclass player......he can play europ big clubs. he is asia no:1 . so why not???
sujan nepal i saw aashfaag play during the asian games. great player
Xigamo maldives They are the best two players in Maldives, So...dont miss this opportunity....this is the time
saif male' pls psl dont miss this opportunity Ashfaag.....i m sure u will get more chances in future. yes thi might b ur gateway...u r a great player.u have enough skills that u can even play with european teams. u know i havent seen a forward like u in this Euro....i m sure u r the best forward in the worl right now. not only asia. surely u will get more chances. show ur tallents and skills to the world.....all the best
jack malaysia both of them plays well n even they can play in europe,it would be a great chance for them tu improve.
goru boki maldives kavi, kaley mihaaru goal.com ga post jahan feshee dho? uhun.. ali umar is the best.. hehe
Nasif Maldives Err im not so sure they want to go.. They wouldn't go to portugal, what makes you think they will go now. They are unbelievably talented and should go now before the door closes on them. Put Maldives on the Map boys!
Makavi Male, Maldives Hi Guys, Don't miss this great great Opportunity. That's right this a Gateway for the Maldivian Players as well. Specially Ashfaq, pls take this opportunity. This will be the Disney of our dreams.
ismail anil maldives Its great news. I guess coach wants them to be on his side when he takes up the director position. Neverthless, it is an opportunity they should not miss. Ashfaq has let gone too many of these wonderful opportunities. Imagine what he would have been if he had gone and played in Portugal with his first opportunity. Guys, please take this opportunity and shine in Europe. We are all behind you. You can always come back. If you guys use this chance, it will be something you are doing for yourself, for your country and the people whom you love. Oportunities don't come knocking at the door too often. Grab it when it does. Good luck.
smith london - it ll be great for u guys dont miss the chance n go ahead.
najeeb maldives - Its another opotunity for ashfaq, he's got quiet few opptunities in last few years especially benfica youth, i think this is a great chance to prove how good they are, coz they are still young and talented. go guys go.
ximan Maldives - PLEASE dont miss this oppotunity, it could be a gateway to another european league too..So give it a try and sharpen your skills, you guys will never be out of place with Jankech in Dubnica.
kavi malaysia surly - ali ashfag is the best in Asia.... just watch his talents
Write your comment on this blog or in source site goal.com
Source: goal.com
Maldives win SAFF Championship with 87th minute goal
Unlike finals in the previous years, the final yesterday between Maldives and India was pretty much dull with the Indian strikers barely trying to score and the defenders disappointing. Not that Maldives was in charge throughout the charge, it is just that a better performance was expected from the India, who were also the defending champions.
Mukhtar Naseer’s goal toward the end in the 87th minute was the only goal of the match as Maldives beat India 1-0 winning their first ever SAFF Championship title in Colombo. Maldives had previously finished as runners-up twice but never won.
The match was played in the presence of their President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom and first lady Nasrina Ibarhim.
Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia will need to do a lot of thinking after yesterday’s match and how he needs to tackle his team.
Source: indianteam.comSouth Asian Cup (SAFF) Fan Review: Maldives, India, Pakistan.
With Maldives defeating India in the final of the South Asian Cup last week, Goal.com Asia talked to fans of the two finalists, as well as the worst team Pakistan, to find out what they thought about their team, their rivals and the competition as a whole.
Were you satisfied with your team’s performance?
Pakistan - Absolutely not. I dont really know where to start. From strange team selections of players who do not even deserve to be part of the team -let alone having the right to call themselves a football player - at all (Kashif Siddiqui) to strange substitutions (subbing off Atif Bashir in 1st half in all three games) and playing long-ball that helped the opposition more than the team by giving away cheap possession and our short strikers being easily outjumped and outplayed by other sides with our defenders proving they are shambolic - okay maybe Zesh Rehman's freak illness absence meant we we had the disadvantage but these losses just proved how poor we are at the back and yet the coach still plays a defensive game.
India - Not really. The team didn't play to it's full potential and I must say that it was shocking to lose against Maldives in the finals. The injuries had a major role to play in this tournament for our side.
Maldives -Yeah I am fully satisfied with the team's performance and I've never seen such a tournament that Maldives participated. Its simply amazing.
What was the high point?
Pakistan - The firing of Akhtar Mohiuddin. We wanted his head after losing 7-1 to Sri Lanka in AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers in April 2008 - a team supposed to be 'weaker' than Pakistan as per claims by people in the PFF and the need of a foreign coach became unavoidable with Pakistan proving how mediocre local coaches are who have no clue about the game. So yes, his dismissal was our high point, along with Adnan Ahmed scoring against India after working his socks off in these defeats.
India - Beating Nepal 4-1 but I would rate defeating arch rivals Pakistan as the best moment.
Maldives - I don't know what to say.. every match every minute is a high point.
What was the low point?
Pakistan - Losing all three games without even a whimper, that was signified by the exhausted, tired, and depressed face of Adnan Ahmed when he was rather mercifully subbed off in the final game of the group against Nepal.
India -Being taken to extra time and almost to penalties in the semis against Bhutan. Though our skipper Bhaichung Bhutia mentioned being impressed with the Bhutan win, it must be noted that Bhutan stretching us to that length is the lowest point.
Maldives - I don't see any low points from our team through out the tournament.
Who was your best player? Worst player?
Pakistan - Best player throughout the games was Adnan Ahmed from English League One side Tranmere Rovers. He did everything he could on the pitch. Showed good skill, passed the ball, went forward, tried protecting the defence, and basically ran to the point of complete exhaustion by the time he was subbed off against Nepal after playing three games in five days. Okay, maybe Farooq Shah was like a pitbull on the pitch when he was subbed in and became a crowd favourite in Maldives because of really short height and immense work rate, but he was still second best to the lion's effort Adnan Ahmed put in.
Worst player is difficult as they are too many. The central defenders were diabolical without Zesh telling them what they are supposed to do, the inclusion of Zahid Hameed as captain was strange because he had missed most of the previous Pakistan team matches as well as Pakistan Premier League season for WAPDA. I feel his inclusion and captaincy was a poor decision and he was like a lost pigeon on the field when he played. But THE worst player was without a doubt Kashif Siddiqui. His inclusion in the squad having failed miserably for the Pakistan U21 team in Olympic qualifiers where he couldnt even last the first half was a decision that makes me think that certain that he has no talent, and he has no right to be ever selected in team again.
India -The best player was Gouramangi Singh. His last ditch saves and two goals are enough for him to qualify as the best ahead of the other contender N.P.Pradeep. I wouldn't want to comment on the worst player.
Maldives- Well no doubt about this.. Ali Ashfaaq was the best player in this tournament. I don't see a worst player as they played at their level best.
Has your opinion of your coach changed?
Pakistan - I always knew that Akhtar had lost it as a coach, and was actually wanting him dismissed long before the SAFF Cup - winning it may have saved his job to our disappointment, but actually Pakistan's exit just made it happen. He was lucky to get a 0-0 draw with a third string, casual Iraq team in the World Cup qualifiers first round in Syria - hey if my team won 7-0, I may as well send the entire first team on holiday and play with the reserves in the next leg just to get them an international cap. He is a good person, loves football, but doesn't have the mindset nor the expertise to make the national team reach its objectives.
India -Not at all. He is one of the best in the business and one loss won't change our faith in him. The other day a former coach Syed Nayeemuddin called for Bob's resignation. It's publicly known how popular he is with the Indian players.
The best player of the other teams?
Pakistan - Well, H.A.Habib of Afghanistan was top scorer with 4 well taken goals so he was Afghanistan's best player. Sad his team fell to Bhutan. Ali Ashfaq and Ibrahim Fazeel were beasts for Maldives in this tournament with their goals, their passing, their movement, and their heart. The heart & soul of Maldives success and the main faces of their team unity. India's usual bunch of Bhutia, Chetri as well as Pradeep had a killer touch in front of goal in the group stages, but I guess they fell into a hole when their goals deserted India and lost in the final.
India -Ali Ashfaaq from Maldives.
Maldives - Sunil Chetri of India.. he played well in this tournament.
Did Maldives deserve to win?
Pakistan - Well after seeing their wild fans and their fast action packed football when they took us to the cleaners in the first game 3-0 in Male, I knew Maldives had what it takes to win the trophy and they did just that. They played with heart, with passion, with skill - the way football is meant to be played - and the word 'deserve' is an understatement to justify Maldives glorious victory this year. They were championship material from the first game down to the final. End of story.
India – No comment
Maldives- Yeah of course they are the best team in the region and even if you look at the individual performance Maldives is the best
Which team was the surprise package?
Pakistan -I never thought Bhutan would suddenly qualify for the semis and put India to the sword and almost reach the final. Their progress in this tournament was the real shock of South Asian football. A true 'rabbit out of the hat' performance by the tiny nation when everyone of us really believed they would be the whipping boys - instead they shocked the world and we became the whipping boys.
India -Who else but Maldives?
Maldives -Bhutan
Which team disappointed most?
Pakistan - Among other teams I thought Bangladesh was a disappointment, but Afghanistan not reaching the semis was a shock. They had qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup final round and were on their way to the semis before they ran into Bhutan who gave them a really rude awakening....but if anything Pakistan's poor performance makes us deserve the wooden spoon to show just how poor we were.
India -Has to be Pakistan.
How was the competition as a whole?
Pakistan- Well the SAFF Championship was brilliant in terms of shock values, results, and goals. It had it all. Thrills, chills, spills, and a lot of noise from Maldives fans. But one thing that I still find the main problem is the way the fixtures were carried out, there were no proper rest days and that meant many teams either lost steam or picked up injury or fatigue. 3Three games in five days is a killer for many players like it or not. They're need to be at least three days of rest between games rather than just one day. Sure it means a longer tournament but you cant get good football with tired teams. Some of the refereeing was poor at times as well. Pakistan should have had a penalty and India should have been penalised for a hand-ball by Bhutia in the build-up to India's second goal in that game against us.
India -Not that interesting as we could see just two or three games live. The final was telecasted a day later. That sums it all up.
Maldives - In my point of view its really amazing and it was the best tournament in the history of SAFF
How was the standard of play?
Pakistan - All teams were brilliant whenever they avoided long ball tactics, which lets face it, are a failure in South Asia since the strikers here are too small and weak to be taken seriously. Otherwise, the pace passing and movement of Maldives took the cake and won the tournament as conquerors.
India -From what I saw it must be improved. Miles to go
Maldives- The standard of play was really good in this tournament. It entertained the supporters as a whole and we love to watch such a tournament. In these days no one remembers about the EURO tournament in Maldives. They are crazy with the first ever gold medal in the history of Maldivian football.
Thanks again to all those who participated - John Duerden, Asia Editor
Riding the wave to riches
Summer 1986, in Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Huge, barrelling waves were pounding the beaches of Puerto Escondido. I was a teenage surfer on my first foreign surf trip, and I had befriended a 30-year-old kneeboarder from Llantwit Major who was obsessed with these heavy, tubular beach breaks. I, on the other hand, was obsessed with a piece I'd read in an old Aussie surf magazine on La Libertad in El Salvador. The story told of empty, mellow, tropical point breaks.
La Libertad. The name means freedom. I convinced my Welsh friend to make the trip south with me. The only problem was, a civil war was raging there. Every night, the environs of the capital were blacked out, and in the villages out towards the coast, the hills resounded with small arms fire and mortar shells. But out in La Libertad, an hour from San Salvador, we knew that beautiful, empty waves were peeling into the cove – and they were impossible to resist. We packed up, hopped on a bus to Guatemala City where we would make the transfer to El Salvador.
That's the thing about surf travellers. All that really matters is the quality of the waves. And surfers' thirst for the new has resulted in their pioneering many coastal destinations – from the Andaman Islands to Bali – teeming now with tourists of every creed.
The current generation of surfers are party to the newly-packaged adventure experience, and flock to all-inclusive "surf camps" that filter out the hazards, pitfalls and perils of independent travel where few hardy souls have ventured.
But it doesn't matter how far flung, or how exotic the world of surf camps, boat charters, and all-expenses-in surf packages have become - an exploratory, feral-living surfer got there first.
The feral surfer is a completely committed coastal survivalist who will remain camped in a parasite-infested jungle, and will brave political turmoil and natural disaster for months on end in order to ride pristine, empty waves. He is surfing's Holy Fool, and, whether or not the ethics are intact, every traveller to the exotic coastlines and islands of the planet is deeply indebted to the trail he has blazed.
The early 1970s marked the feral surfer's ascendancy. It might have been partly to do with design innovation, partly to do with avoidance of the Vietnam draft, and partly to do with the rise and rise of drug culture. Either way, the design of surfboards had made quantum leaps from the easy-gliding longboard era of the early-to-mid sixties. Since 1966 when Australian surfer Nat Young won the world championships on a revolutionarily board, surfboards had been dramatically shrinking in size, making them more portable than ever. As a result, new coastal frontiers with faster and more hollow waves, from Bali, Java and Sumatra to Latin America and the South Pacific, were being pioneered by a new breed of tuned out, turned on wave riders.
Saarc Summit to focus on food, fuel security
Food and fuel security will be high on the agenda of the upcoming 15th summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in Colombo in August.
The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated this in New Delhi on Monday evening after holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The summit is scheduled to be held against the backdrop of soaring prices and crisis of food grains and oil across the globe that is hitting South Asian countries hard.
The two-day summit of South Asian heads of state and government, scheduled to begin August 2, is expected to see a forward movement on the proposal for setting up a SAARC Food Bank aimed at meeting the requirements of member-countries at times of need.
Bogollagama said the food as well as fuel security issue would be high on the agenda of the summit, that will have a structured discussion on the subjects to see how the two issues can be addressed and the burden reduced.
Both leaders discussed the food security issue and agreed on need for boosting food grains production.
Saarc had agreed during the previous summit last year to set up a Food Bank where the member-countries will keep a stock of rice and wheat to meet food security in the region during shortages and emergencies. Four countries, including India, have already ratified the declaration and the rest are expected to do the same.
Bogollagama who also discussed the problems with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, stressed on the need for this step to be completed soon.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the recent FAO summit in Rome suggested the setting up of a regional food security fund.
Another important item on the agenda of the forthcoming Saarc summit will be connectivity among the member-countries for strengthening trade and economic development, Bogollagama said.
During his meeting with Mukherjee, Bogollagama stressed the need to continue the theme of connectivity, which was the focus of the 14th Summit in Delhi in 2007.
Official sources said Mukherjee and Bogollagama also discussed other SAARC-related issues like SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Standards Organisation and South Asia University.
The Lankan minister sought to allay fears about security in the Sri Lankan capital for the coming summit in the wake of escalation of violence in his country saying "isolated" incidents would not be allowed to cast a shadow on the event.
He said the summit would discuss how to deal with terrorism that is affecting several SAARC countries.
LANKA VOWS SAARC SUMMIT WILL GO AHEAD
Sri Lanka's foreign minister insisted Monday the island would be able to host the next Saarc summit despite a surge in deadly rebel attacks, reports AFP from New Delhi.
The eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is due to hold its 15th annual summit in Colombo on August 2-3.
"We will do everything possible to ensure the correct level of security," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in the Indian capital New Delhi.
His statement came hours after a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police compound in northern Sri Lanka, killing at least 12 police and wounding 40 other people.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge in violence blamed on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) targeting buses, trains and politicians since the government scrapped a 2002 ceasefire with the guerrillas in January.
Bogollagama condemned the latest attack staged by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle as an example of the brutality of the LTTE, who have been fighting for an independent Tamil homeland since 1972.
"These isolated attacks are most brutal in their character but will not affect our overall security situation" in holding the summit, he said, adding the island had recently played host to various international leaders.
Bogollagama visited India to personally invite Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the summit and to discuss bilateral and regional issues with Indian leaders.
New Delhi hosted the last Saarc summit in 2007 and Singh is due to hand over the Saarc chairmanship to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the Colombo summit.
Saarc is made up of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also expected to attend as official observers are the United States, China, the European Union, Iran and Japan.
Around 1,000 delegates and hordes of media are expected to pour into Colombo for the summit.
This year's meeting is seen as key as the region faces growing crises over soaring fuel and food prices, which will both be part of the talks, as well as terrorism, Bogollagama said.
Set up in 1985, Saarc has been criticised for achieving little -- mostly because of tensions between key members India and Pakistan, who have fought three wars, two over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated this in New Delhi on Monday evening after holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The summit is scheduled to be held against the backdrop of soaring prices and crisis of food grains and oil across the globe that is hitting South Asian countries hard.
The two-day summit of South Asian heads of state and government, scheduled to begin August 2, is expected to see a forward movement on the proposal for setting up a SAARC Food Bank aimed at meeting the requirements of member-countries at times of need.
Bogollagama said the food as well as fuel security issue would be high on the agenda of the summit, that will have a structured discussion on the subjects to see how the two issues can be addressed and the burden reduced.
Both leaders discussed the food security issue and agreed on need for boosting food grains production.
Saarc had agreed during the previous summit last year to set up a Food Bank where the member-countries will keep a stock of rice and wheat to meet food security in the region during shortages and emergencies. Four countries, including India, have already ratified the declaration and the rest are expected to do the same.
Bogollagama who also discussed the problems with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, stressed on the need for this step to be completed soon.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the recent FAO summit in Rome suggested the setting up of a regional food security fund.
Another important item on the agenda of the forthcoming Saarc summit will be connectivity among the member-countries for strengthening trade and economic development, Bogollagama said.
During his meeting with Mukherjee, Bogollagama stressed the need to continue the theme of connectivity, which was the focus of the 14th Summit in Delhi in 2007.
Official sources said Mukherjee and Bogollagama also discussed other SAARC-related issues like SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Standards Organisation and South Asia University.
The Lankan minister sought to allay fears about security in the Sri Lankan capital for the coming summit in the wake of escalation of violence in his country saying "isolated" incidents would not be allowed to cast a shadow on the event.
He said the summit would discuss how to deal with terrorism that is affecting several SAARC countries.
LANKA VOWS SAARC SUMMIT WILL GO AHEAD
Sri Lanka's foreign minister insisted Monday the island would be able to host the next Saarc summit despite a surge in deadly rebel attacks, reports AFP from New Delhi.
The eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is due to hold its 15th annual summit in Colombo on August 2-3.
"We will do everything possible to ensure the correct level of security," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in the Indian capital New Delhi.
His statement came hours after a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police compound in northern Sri Lanka, killing at least 12 police and wounding 40 other people.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge in violence blamed on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) targeting buses, trains and politicians since the government scrapped a 2002 ceasefire with the guerrillas in January.
Bogollagama condemned the latest attack staged by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle as an example of the brutality of the LTTE, who have been fighting for an independent Tamil homeland since 1972.
"These isolated attacks are most brutal in their character but will not affect our overall security situation" in holding the summit, he said, adding the island had recently played host to various international leaders.
Bogollagama visited India to personally invite Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the summit and to discuss bilateral and regional issues with Indian leaders.
New Delhi hosted the last Saarc summit in 2007 and Singh is due to hand over the Saarc chairmanship to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the Colombo summit.
Saarc is made up of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also expected to attend as official observers are the United States, China, the European Union, Iran and Japan.
Around 1,000 delegates and hordes of media are expected to pour into Colombo for the summit.
This year's meeting is seen as key as the region faces growing crises over soaring fuel and food prices, which will both be part of the talks, as well as terrorism, Bogollagama said.
Set up in 1985, Saarc has been criticised for achieving little -- mostly because of tensions between key members India and Pakistan, who have fought three wars, two over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
Saarc Summit to focus on food, fuel security
Food and fuel security will be high on the agenda of the upcoming 15th summit of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) in Colombo in August.
The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated this in New Delhi on Monday evening after holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The summit is scheduled to be held against the backdrop of soaring prices and crisis of food grains and oil across the globe that is hitting South Asian countries hard.
The two-day summit of South Asian heads of state and government, scheduled to begin August 2, is expected to see a forward movement on the proposal for setting up a SAARC Food Bank aimed at meeting the requirements of member-countries at times of need.
Bogollagama said the food as well as fuel security issue would be high on the agenda of the summit, that will have a structured discussion on the subjects to see how the two issues can be addressed and the burden reduced.
Both leaders discussed the food security issue and agreed on need for boosting food grains production.
Saarc had agreed during the previous summit last year to set up a Food Bank where the member-countries will keep a stock of rice and wheat to meet food security in the region during shortages and emergencies. Four countries, including India, have already ratified the declaration and the rest are expected to do the same.
Bogollagama who also discussed the problems with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, stressed on the need for this step to be completed soon.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the recent FAO summit in Rome suggested the setting up of a regional food security fund.
Another important item on the agenda of the forthcoming Saarc summit will be connectivity among the member-countries for strengthening trade and economic development, Bogollagama said.
During his meeting with Mukherjee, Bogollagama stressed the need to continue the theme of connectivity, which was the focus of the 14th Summit in Delhi in 2007.
Official sources said Mukherjee and Bogollagama also discussed other SAARC-related issues like SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Standards Organisation and South Asia University.
The Lankan minister sought to allay fears about security in the Sri Lankan capital for the coming summit in the wake of escalation of violence in his country saying "isolated" incidents would not be allowed to cast a shadow on the event.
He said the summit would discuss how to deal with terrorism that is affecting several SAARC countries.
LANKA VOWS SAARC SUMMIT WILL GO AHEAD
Sri Lanka's foreign minister insisted Monday the island would be able to host the next Saarc summit despite a surge in deadly rebel attacks, reports AFP from New Delhi.
The eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is due to hold its 15th annual summit in Colombo on August 2-3.
"We will do everything possible to ensure the correct level of security," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in the Indian capital New Delhi.
His statement came hours after a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police compound in northern Sri Lanka, killing at least 12 police and wounding 40 other people.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge in violence blamed on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) targeting buses, trains and politicians since the government scrapped a 2002 ceasefire with the guerrillas in January.
Bogollagama condemned the latest attack staged by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle as an example of the brutality of the LTTE, who have been fighting for an independent Tamil homeland since 1972.
"These isolated attacks are most brutal in their character but will not affect our overall security situation" in holding the summit, he said, adding the island had recently played host to various international leaders.
Bogollagama visited India to personally invite Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the summit and to discuss bilateral and regional issues with Indian leaders.
New Delhi hosted the last Saarc summit in 2007 and Singh is due to hand over the Saarc chairmanship to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the Colombo summit.
Saarc is made up of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also expected to attend as official observers are the United States, China, the European Union, Iran and Japan.
Around 1,000 delegates and hordes of media are expected to pour into Colombo for the summit.
This year's meeting is seen as key as the region faces growing crises over soaring fuel and food prices, which will both be part of the talks, as well as terrorism, Bogollagama said.
Set up in 1985, Saarc has been criticised for achieving little -- mostly because of tensions between key members India and Pakistan, who have fought three wars, two over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
The visiting Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama stated this in New Delhi on Monday evening after holding talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The summit is scheduled to be held against the backdrop of soaring prices and crisis of food grains and oil across the globe that is hitting South Asian countries hard.
The two-day summit of South Asian heads of state and government, scheduled to begin August 2, is expected to see a forward movement on the proposal for setting up a SAARC Food Bank aimed at meeting the requirements of member-countries at times of need.
Bogollagama said the food as well as fuel security issue would be high on the agenda of the summit, that will have a structured discussion on the subjects to see how the two issues can be addressed and the burden reduced.
Both leaders discussed the food security issue and agreed on need for boosting food grains production.
Saarc had agreed during the previous summit last year to set up a Food Bank where the member-countries will keep a stock of rice and wheat to meet food security in the region during shortages and emergencies. Four countries, including India, have already ratified the declaration and the rest are expected to do the same.
Bogollagama who also discussed the problems with Indian External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, stressed on the need for this step to be completed soon.
Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the recent FAO summit in Rome suggested the setting up of a regional food security fund.
Another important item on the agenda of the forthcoming Saarc summit will be connectivity among the member-countries for strengthening trade and economic development, Bogollagama said.
During his meeting with Mukherjee, Bogollagama stressed the need to continue the theme of connectivity, which was the focus of the 14th Summit in Delhi in 2007.
Official sources said Mukherjee and Bogollagama also discussed other SAARC-related issues like SAARC Development Fund, SAARC Standards Organisation and South Asia University.
The Lankan minister sought to allay fears about security in the Sri Lankan capital for the coming summit in the wake of escalation of violence in his country saying "isolated" incidents would not be allowed to cast a shadow on the event.
He said the summit would discuss how to deal with terrorism that is affecting several SAARC countries.
LANKA VOWS SAARC SUMMIT WILL GO AHEAD
Sri Lanka's foreign minister insisted Monday the island would be able to host the next Saarc summit despite a surge in deadly rebel attacks, reports AFP from New Delhi.
The eight-nation South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) is due to hold its 15th annual summit in Colombo on August 2-3.
"We will do everything possible to ensure the correct level of security," Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama said in the Indian capital New Delhi.
His statement came hours after a suspected Tamil Tiger suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police compound in northern Sri Lanka, killing at least 12 police and wounding 40 other people.
Sri Lanka has seen a surge in violence blamed on the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) targeting buses, trains and politicians since the government scrapped a 2002 ceasefire with the guerrillas in January.
Bogollagama condemned the latest attack staged by a suicide bomber on a motorcycle as an example of the brutality of the LTTE, who have been fighting for an independent Tamil homeland since 1972.
"These isolated attacks are most brutal in their character but will not affect our overall security situation" in holding the summit, he said, adding the island had recently played host to various international leaders.
Bogollagama visited India to personally invite Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the summit and to discuss bilateral and regional issues with Indian leaders.
New Delhi hosted the last Saarc summit in 2007 and Singh is due to hand over the Saarc chairmanship to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse at the Colombo summit.
Saarc is made up of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Also expected to attend as official observers are the United States, China, the European Union, Iran and Japan.
Around 1,000 delegates and hordes of media are expected to pour into Colombo for the summit.
This year's meeting is seen as key as the region faces growing crises over soaring fuel and food prices, which will both be part of the talks, as well as terrorism, Bogollagama said.
Set up in 1985, Saarc has been criticised for achieving little -- mostly because of tensions between key members India and Pakistan, who have fought three wars, two over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Source: www.thedailystar.net
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Nasir Critically Ill In Singapore
A source close to former Maldivian President Ibrahim Nasir has said he is critically ill in the intensive care unit of Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
The 82-year-old former leader, exiled in Singapore since his presidency ended in 1978, has previously suffered kidney problems and the prospects of a recovery are “gloomy”, according to the source.
Ruler of the Maldives from 1968 to 1978, Nasir is credited with bringing about Maldivian independence. The country had previously been a British protectorate.
But he was criticised for a crackdown on a 1959 breakaway republic in the south of the country.
Nasir has been in retirement in Singapore since resigning the presidency in 1978. His family still has “hopes that he will recover,” according to the source, but his prospects of recovery are slim following several weeks in hospital.
Nasir – a descendant of one of the Maldivian royal families - first served as Prime Minister under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi from 1957 to 1968, before becoming first president of the second Maldivian republic in 1968.
He held office until declining to accept nomination by the parliament for another term in November 1978.
Some hail him as a national hero due to his involvement in deal which saw Maldives, previously a British protectorate, gain independence in 1965.
He is also credited with introducing the current school curriculum, modernising the fisheries industry and initiating tourism in Maldives, which now generates 30 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
However he faced criticism for use of authoritarian methods against opponents. As prime minister in 1962, Nasir sent a militia from the capital, Malé, to suppress islanders of Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo after they declared a breakaway state in the southern atolls.
In 1981, he was sentenced by President Gayoom in absentia for alleged corruption and planning a coup, but he was later pardoned.
But the source says Gayoom has not “created the conditions” under which Nasir could return to the Maldives, though he retains his Maldivian passport.
Source: minivannews.com
The 82-year-old former leader, exiled in Singapore since his presidency ended in 1978, has previously suffered kidney problems and the prospects of a recovery are “gloomy”, according to the source.
Ruler of the Maldives from 1968 to 1978, Nasir is credited with bringing about Maldivian independence. The country had previously been a British protectorate.
But he was criticised for a crackdown on a 1959 breakaway republic in the south of the country.
Nasir has been in retirement in Singapore since resigning the presidency in 1978. His family still has “hopes that he will recover,” according to the source, but his prospects of recovery are slim following several weeks in hospital.
Nasir – a descendant of one of the Maldivian royal families - first served as Prime Minister under Sultan Muhammad Fareed Didi from 1957 to 1968, before becoming first president of the second Maldivian republic in 1968.
He held office until declining to accept nomination by the parliament for another term in November 1978.
Some hail him as a national hero due to his involvement in deal which saw Maldives, previously a British protectorate, gain independence in 1965.
He is also credited with introducing the current school curriculum, modernising the fisheries industry and initiating tourism in Maldives, which now generates 30 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
However he faced criticism for use of authoritarian methods against opponents. As prime minister in 1962, Nasir sent a militia from the capital, Malé, to suppress islanders of Gaaf Dhaal Thinadhoo after they declared a breakaway state in the southern atolls.
In 1981, he was sentenced by President Gayoom in absentia for alleged corruption and planning a coup, but he was later pardoned.
But the source says Gayoom has not “created the conditions” under which Nasir could return to the Maldives, though he retains his Maldivian passport.
Source: minivannews.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Wataniya Telecom Maldives Selects Harris Stratex for Network Expansion
Wataniya Telecom Maldives has selected Harris Stratex Networks, a supplier of turnkey wireless transmission and network assurance solutions, to upgrade its core transmission network to provide multiple SDH trunks across Maldives.
As part of the contract, Harris Stratex Networks will supply the new TRuepoint 6500 ultra-high capacity, carrier-class all-indoor radio, together with network consulting and turnkey services, taking responsibility for the complete upgrade of the network.
Raj Kumar, vice president of Asia Pacific sales and services at Harris Stratex Networks, said: "Wataniya Telecom Maldives has our total commitment. We understand their requirements and appreciate the need for a robust high-capacity core network and that's why we are supplying our new TRuepoint 6500 products, together with our experienced service offerings."
Source: redorbit.comTuesday, June 17, 2008
India Were Just Unlucky Against Maldives
Star Indian midfielder N.P.Pradeep blamed sheer bad luck for the SAFF Cup loss to Maldives on Saturday at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka.
Speaking to Goal.com from his hometown, the Kerala star said, “It was bad luck that we lost to Maldives in the finals. I missed two chances and am very disappointed with that.”
As always the midfielder was one of the star performers for the Indian team and was pleased to have represented his country after the recent injury worries.
“Playing for the national side is always very inspirational. Coming back from the injury, I managed four goals in five games which I feel is very impressive. But it counts to nothing having lost the final.”
N.P. felt that the presence of Steven Dias and Renedy Singh would have helped the Indian cause.
“Renedy Bhai and Steven were a big loss. With them surely things would have been different. They always put the ball in the box. Without them, that service was missing.”
The Nehru Cup hero mentioned that the crowd support for the Maldives national side was immense.
“For the finals, some 5000 people flew from Maldives to Sri Lanka. They just had to pay the air fare. The rest was taken care of. Guess by whom? The Maldives government,” said the amazed star.
However, the star picked up another knock in the finals and has a bruised right knee.
“I have been advised to rest for the next 10 days. The camp starts on the 22nd.”
Source: goal.com
Monday, June 16, 2008
Maldives win SAFF Championship with 87th minute goal
Unlike finals in the previous years, the final yesterday between Maldives and India was pretty much dull with the Indian strikers barely trying to score and the defenders disappointing. Not that Maldives was in charge throughout the charge, it is just that a better performance was expected from the India, who were also the defending champions.
Mukhtar Naseer’s goal toward the end in the 87th minute was the only goal of the match as Maldives beat India 1-0 winning their first ever SAFF Championship title in Colombo. Maldives had previously finished as runners-up twice but never won.
The match was played in the presence of their President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom and first lady Nasrina Ibarhim.
Indian skipper Bhaichung Bhutia will need to do a lot of thinking after yesterday’s match and how he needs to tackle his team.
Source: indianteam.comIndia scrape past Maldives in SAFF Cup
Holders India defeated hosts Maldives 1-0 in an unconvincing fashion in their last Group A match in the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup here. In a late match Saturday night, India decided to rest some of their key players including skipper Bhaichung Bhutia and N.P. Pradeep as they have already qualified for the semi-finals. And a neat header from Gourimangi Singh in the 14th minute helped India maintain their winning run.
Maldives gave a tough competition to the defending champions, who were down to 10-men in the 68th minute when defender Sameer Naik was red carded.
In the last 10 minutes, the hosts sent down a barrage of attacks but some brilliant saves by Subrata Paul helped India scrape past with a lucky win.
Source: www.thaindian.comSangri-La's Villingili Resort And Spa, Maldives is The First Resort in The Maldives to Feature Natur
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives will open in Addu Atoll during the fourth quarter of 2008 as the first Maldives resort with nature trails and weekly guided nature tours for guests provided by a resident expert.
Unlike many resorts in the archipelago, Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives features a varied and natural landscape with 12 hectares of lush foliage, lagoons and native bird life.
The three-kilometre-long island offers guests the expected pristine sandy beaches and clear waters, but being surrounded by towering ancient Banyan trees and nature trails adds a different experience for seasoned travellers to the Maldives. The landscape of Villingili is dominated by 17,000 coconut trees and 45 plant species, including the noni plant, which is believed to be useful for the treatment of ailments such as arthritis and hypertension.
Guests looking for an energetic afternoon to commune with nature can catch the guided weekly walking tours to learn more about the flora on Villingili. Guests that are more adventurous can pack a picnic and explore the nature trails. The resort will provide trail maps and there will be plaques providing information about the plants along the route. Guests can stop for a picnic break by one of the three natural lagoons, naturally tinged in red, blue or green.
For guests who prefer to take in the views from the comfort of their villas, all land-based villas will offer views of the ocean and the verdant vegetation. Some, like the luxurious Tree House villas, are secluded and perched on three-metre stilts among the treetops. The Pool villas are surrounded by lush forest with views of the beach through tropical foliage.
Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives is the first luxury resort in Addu Atoll. The resort, which is currently under development, will feature 142 villas with views of the ocean or the island's natural lush vegetation. The Maldives' second international airport, Gan International Airport, is an eight-minute boat ride away from the resort and Male International Airport is 70 minutes by air.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and manages 55 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.
The group has over 50 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Japan, Macau, Maldives, Philippines, Qatar, Seychelles, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information or reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.
Source: www.pr-usa.netSunday, June 15, 2008
Maldives wins 7th SAFF Championship cup
The Maldives won the final of the 7th South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship Saturday night after beating India with 1-0 in Colombo.
It was the first time for the India Ocean archipelago to bag the championship cup since the event started in 1993.
Mukthar Naseer unleashed a powerful shot into India's citadel when the match was into its 88th minute, leaving the defending champion very little time to revenge.
The Maldives' players played well with the presence of Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and thousands of fans from their country.
India won the championship four times in 1993, 1997, 1999 and 2005 while the Maldives emerged runner up in 1997 and 2003.
The winners carried away the SAFF Championship Cup and a purse worth 50,000 U.S. dollars, while the runner-up got 25,000 dollars.
The championship, starting on June 3, was co-hosted by Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Maldives and India made their way to the final after defeating Sri Lanka and Bhutan respectively Wednesday night.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan also participated in this year's championship.
Source: xinhuanet.comDreaming of Maldives 2nd Edition
Specialist in Maldives and well-known Travel, Aerial and Hotel photographer Sakis Papadopoulos, proudly presents, in association with MTPB, the 2nd Edition of the Best- Selling Photography Book of Maldives : “Dreaming of Maldives “.
Along 128 pages, Dreaming of Maldives 2nd Edition, bring you further into the Maldivian Archipelago with 160 unique and matchless Photographs : unequalled and breathtaking Aerial views, Local and Desert Islands, a selection of some of the best Hotels, Resorts and Spas, Traditions, Lifestyle, Nature, Landscapes and more...
Source: visitmaldives.com.mv
Maldives Win Their Maiden SAFF Cup
Mukhtar Nasser’s goal three minutes from time was enough to break Indian hearts as Maldives were crowned as the new South Asian champions at the Sughathadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka.
The depleted Indian side didn’t look at its best and Maldives were certainly the better team of the night. Maldives had the best chance of the first half when Ahmed Thoriq’s header hit the vertical bar.
Ranked six places below India in the latest FIFA rankings, Maldives played on par with the defending champions and took charge of the game.
The second half saw a surcharged Maldivian side who repeatedly probed into the opposition’s half and were often denied by the heroics of goalkeeper Subrata Pal. Ali Ashfaq and Nasser were the most offensive players for the eventual winners as India’s defence was in sixes and sevens.
The 87th minute saw a powerful 25 yarder from Nasser which beat the Indian custodian and sent the crowd into madness. The dying minutes saw a few more chances fall their way but weren’t finished clinically.
This was a sweet revenge for the co-hosts after having lost 0-1 to India earlier in the tournament. This is Maldives’ maiden SAFF Cup victory.
India sorely missed the services of it’s wingers – Steven Dias and Renedy Singh as their replacements – Bungo Singh and makeshift medio Samir Naik weren’t upto the mark. Manjit Singh who came on for the last 20 minutes didn’t impress either.
Source: kr.goal.comSaturday, June 14, 2008
Maldives shock India in SAFF final
Mukhtar Naseer`s last gasp goal upset the Indian applecart as Maldives beat the defending champions 1-0 to win their first SAFF Championship title at the Sugathadasa Stadium Saturday.
Inspired by the presence of their President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom and first lady Nasrina Ibarhim, the Maldives players defended well before delivering a late blow to beat the Bhaichung Bhutia-led side by the solitary goal.
This was the first SAFF Championship title for Maldives, who had twice finished runners-up in the past.
In the floodlit final which never rose to any great height, India`s goal-shy forwards once again let down the side and the defence too crumbled towards the end to allow Mukhtar score the winner.
The Indian defence had just cleared Ismail Mohammad`s header off a Mukhtar pass before Mukhtar raided their citadel again when the match was into its 87th minute. Mukhtar stormed into the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Indian custodian Subrata Paul all ends up.
This was a sweet revenge for the winners who were beaten 1-0 by the Indians in a league match earlier.
India started their title defence on a positive note and could have gone up in the opening minute when Mohamed Jameel fouled Bhutia just outside the penalty area but the Indian skipper`s free kick sailed over the bar.
Maldives soon responded in the eight minute but Subrata Paul came to India`s rescue as he thwarted away Ismail`s powerful right-footer.
There was nothing much to differentiate between the two sides in terms of ball possession in the opening half. To add to that, apart from a few on and off chances, action was more or less restricted to the midfield and both the teams lacked finishing.
The game did not rise to a great height in the second half either. India got a couple of chances but once Sunil Chetri`s header flew over the bar and on another occasion, his shot was blocked by a Maldives defender.
Maldives got two corner kicks towards the end but the Indian defenders thwarted their efforts before Mukhtar finally brought down their citadel.
Source: zeenews.com
Inspired by the presence of their President Maumoon Abdul Qayyoom and first lady Nasrina Ibarhim, the Maldives players defended well before delivering a late blow to beat the Bhaichung Bhutia-led side by the solitary goal.
This was the first SAFF Championship title for Maldives, who had twice finished runners-up in the past.
In the floodlit final which never rose to any great height, India`s goal-shy forwards once again let down the side and the defence too crumbled towards the end to allow Mukhtar score the winner.
The Indian defence had just cleared Ismail Mohammad`s header off a Mukhtar pass before Mukhtar raided their citadel again when the match was into its 87th minute. Mukhtar stormed into the edge of the box before unleashing a powerful shot that beat Indian custodian Subrata Paul all ends up.
This was a sweet revenge for the winners who were beaten 1-0 by the Indians in a league match earlier.
India started their title defence on a positive note and could have gone up in the opening minute when Mohamed Jameel fouled Bhutia just outside the penalty area but the Indian skipper`s free kick sailed over the bar.
Maldives soon responded in the eight minute but Subrata Paul came to India`s rescue as he thwarted away Ismail`s powerful right-footer.
There was nothing much to differentiate between the two sides in terms of ball possession in the opening half. To add to that, apart from a few on and off chances, action was more or less restricted to the midfield and both the teams lacked finishing.
The game did not rise to a great height in the second half either. India got a couple of chances but once Sunil Chetri`s header flew over the bar and on another occasion, his shot was blocked by a Maldives defender.
Maldives got two corner kicks towards the end but the Indian defenders thwarted their efforts before Mukhtar finally brought down their citadel.
Source: zeenews.com
Maldives beat India to lift SAFF Cup
A last-gasp goal by Mukhtar Nasser helped Maldives shock defending champions India to lift their maiden South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Cup title at the packed Sugathadassa Stadium here on Saturday.
Four-time champion India paid heavily for the numerous chances they missed throughout the 90 minutes. And when the game looked like going into extra-time, the stunner came with a long ranger from Nasser in the 87th minute.
It was 159th ranked Maldives' third appearance in the final and this time they emerged unscathed and also took a sweet revenge for their 0-1 loss to India at home in the group stage.
India throughout the tournament never played like defending champions and had to toil hard for all their victories.
Maldives never looked like a team ranked six spots below India and right from the start made efforts to rattle the opposition defence.
Nasser had the first clear chance of opening the scoring in the ninth minute but it was thwarted by Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul. Maldives' strikers Nasser and Ali Ashfaq showed good coordination to pounce on the loose ball repeatedly.
India had to pay through its nose for the profligacy of its players, who showed eagerness in attempting long rangers rather than playing short passes. Climax Lawrence and Sameer Naik attempted some ambitious long rangers but they had neither power nor direction.
Indian strikers Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chettri were hardly given any chance as they were heavily policed by the Maldivian defenders. They still had a few opportunities but failed to convert them. One such opportunity came in the 18th minute, when Bhaichung set it up for Chettri with a deep pass but the chance went abegging.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Four-time champion India paid heavily for the numerous chances they missed throughout the 90 minutes. And when the game looked like going into extra-time, the stunner came with a long ranger from Nasser in the 87th minute.
It was 159th ranked Maldives' third appearance in the final and this time they emerged unscathed and also took a sweet revenge for their 0-1 loss to India at home in the group stage.
India throughout the tournament never played like defending champions and had to toil hard for all their victories.
Maldives never looked like a team ranked six spots below India and right from the start made efforts to rattle the opposition defence.
Nasser had the first clear chance of opening the scoring in the ninth minute but it was thwarted by Indian goalkeeper Subrata Paul. Maldives' strikers Nasser and Ali Ashfaq showed good coordination to pounce on the loose ball repeatedly.
India had to pay through its nose for the profligacy of its players, who showed eagerness in attempting long rangers rather than playing short passes. Climax Lawrence and Sameer Naik attempted some ambitious long rangers but they had neither power nor direction.
Indian strikers Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chettri were hardly given any chance as they were heavily policed by the Maldivian defenders. They still had a few opportunities but failed to convert them. One such opportunity came in the 18th minute, when Bhaichung set it up for Chettri with a deep pass but the chance went abegging.
Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com
Friday, June 6, 2008
Tourism Minister meets with the Managing Director of Kuoni Travel
Newly appointed Managing Director of the leading specialist tour operator of UK Kuoni Travel Limited, Mr. Nick Hughes met with Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahmood Shaugee.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Hughes applauded that the Maldives has retained its Number 1 position as the favourite long haul destination both for 2007 and going forward to 2008. Mr. Hughes emphasizes the initiatives implemented by the Government for the rapid development of tourism in the Maldives and noted that the Maldives has attained prestige and recognition in this sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Hughes mentions that Kuoni travels is more focused on tailor made holidays targeted for super premium market. In this regards he briefed the meetings held between Sri Lankan Airlines to negotiate their proposal to operate Sri Lankan Airline’s direct flight to Male’ from London 3-4 times a week.
Currently Sri Lankan Airlines operates a Colombo-Male-London-Male-Colombo flight twice a week. Mr. Hughes highlighted that this increase in the frequency of Sri Lankan Airlines to Male’ direct from London would enable Kuoni to offer a quality airline service in their
holiday packages.
During the meeting the Tourism Minister, Dr. Shaugee emphasized on the importance of Kuoni Travels to the Maldives tourism and thanked Kuoni for their effort to promote Maldives to the British travelers. He also briefed Mr. Hughes on the current tourism development.
The meeting was attended by the senior officials of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.
The Maldives attracted a record number of 675,889 visitors during 2007. The United Kingdom ranked top in 2007 among the source markets with a total arrival of 125,158 visitors, which is a growth of 15.9% compared to 2006.
Source:
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Hughes applauded that the Maldives has retained its Number 1 position as the favourite long haul destination both for 2007 and going forward to 2008. Mr. Hughes emphasizes the initiatives implemented by the Government for the rapid development of tourism in the Maldives and noted that the Maldives has attained prestige and recognition in this sector.
Furthermore, Mr. Hughes mentions that Kuoni travels is more focused on tailor made holidays targeted for super premium market. In this regards he briefed the meetings held between Sri Lankan Airlines to negotiate their proposal to operate Sri Lankan Airline’s direct flight to Male’ from London 3-4 times a week.
Currently Sri Lankan Airlines operates a Colombo-Male-London-Male-Colombo flight twice a week. Mr. Hughes highlighted that this increase in the frequency of Sri Lankan Airlines to Male’ direct from London would enable Kuoni to offer a quality airline service in their
holiday packages.
During the meeting the Tourism Minister, Dr. Shaugee emphasized on the importance of Kuoni Travels to the Maldives tourism and thanked Kuoni for their effort to promote Maldives to the British travelers. He also briefed Mr. Hughes on the current tourism development.
The meeting was attended by the senior officials of Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board.
The Maldives attracted a record number of 675,889 visitors during 2007. The United Kingdom ranked top in 2007 among the source markets with a total arrival of 125,158 visitors, which is a growth of 15.9% compared to 2006.
Source:
Monday, June 2, 2008
Pakistan to play Maldives in opening match of SAFF Championship
Pakistan will take on hosts Maldives on Tuesday in their opening match of the South Asian Football Championship.
The first edition of the tournament, then known as SAARC Gold Cup, was played at Lahore in 1993.
In the latest edition, the Singapore-based World Sport Group (WSG) are the official sponsors. US $ 95,000 prize money will be distributed among the teams with $50,000 earmarked for the winners, $25,000 for the runners-up and US $10,000 each for the two losing semi finalists.
The SAFF Championship is held biannually. Launched at Lahore’s Railway Stadium in 1993 as SAARC Gold Cup, it was renamed as SAFF Championship in 1997.
Source: http://www.app.com.pk
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