Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sri Lankans’ peace march in London - Organized by Ziros & Irshad
Thousands of Sri Lankans representing all major nationalities and religions, organized under ‘Sri Lankans Against Terrorism (SLAT) UK’ By The Matrix, took part in a peace march in London, last Saturday, June 27.
The marchers expressed their grattitude to British people for their support in defeating terrorism and urged UK to take concrete steps to prevent terrorism re-emerging in Sri Lanka.
“Although the LTTE is militarily defeated, there is still considerable sympathy towards the LTTE a
mong the Tamil diaspora and some sections of the international community.
Therefore, we felt it is our duty to appeal to the international community to help rebuild the country rather than supporting the LTTE,” said the organizers Irshad and Ziros.
It was another jubilant victory for patriotic Sri Lankans in the UK when they took to the streets of London waving Lion flags on Saturday.
The mass peace march was organised to commemorate the dawning of peace in Sri Lanka and to show the strength of the Sri Lankan Diaspora in UK. The procession consisted of all races, faiths and all walks of life upholding solidarity amidst threats of LTTE operatives in London.
Despite short notice, crowds gathered in Tothill Street since 11.30 am and started moving at 1.00 pm towards Embankment via Broad Sanctuary, Parliament Square, Whitehall, Downing Street, Back to Victoria, covering two miles of a walk. Some of the banners read ‘Journey towards peace and unity in Sri Lanka and Sri Lankans lets march forward as one nation’.
The march carried a banner of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who launched the victorious humanitarian operations with opposition from certain countries in the West including the UK.
Halfway through the march, a petition with hundreds of signatures, addressed to Pr
ime Minister Gordon Brown was handed at his residence, No. 10, Downing Street. The petition recognised the British Government’s support to eliminate terrorism in Sri Lanka by having listed the LTTE as banned organisation in the UK. It also spoke of shortfalls of the British Government in implementing the Anti-Terrorism Act against LTTE supporters in UK. It also requested the halting of all Anti-Sri Lankan activities and bringing false allegations based on distorted information. A few requests are to take action decisively to stop anti-Sri Lankan campaigns organised by the pro-LTTE elements, which leads to polarization of communities destroying the foundations of multi-cultureralism; to support initiatives taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to restore peace and harmony in Sri Lanka which is a former colony, a friendly and a founder member of the commonwealth and to extend UK’s fullest cooperation to Sri Lanka in multi-lateral fora in its endeavours.
Tributes were paid to Sri Lankan Armed Forces personnel and the police who have made huge sacrifices to rescue Tamil civilians and the country from the LTTE.
The march ended at the Embankment with a vote of thanks being delivered by the organisers of the event, Sri Lankans Against Terrorism, UK, who has become victims of LTTE assaults recently.
Farhan Speaks about Michael
(3-8-2009) Over the past few years, Michael Jackson and Farhan spent quite a bit of time together in the recording studio. Farhan recently spoke to MTV about his memories of working with Michael Jackson.In the interview, Farhan said that he and Jackson recorded "days" of material, most of which never made it past the demo stages. Farhan also indicated that he was not that concerned if they are ever released, because, in the wake of Jackson's passing, he would prefer to reminisce about the man, not the music.
"My favorite moment was the day we actually met, because I didn't expect him to be that cool," Farhan said in MTV's "Michael Jackson's Human Nature" special, which aired over the weekend. "I expected him to be this diva — just hard to deal with, rarely speaks, got to send his message through someone else, you know? Because these are the stories you hear."
Before recording together,Farhan had a business meeting with Michael Jackson. He then starts to retell the story.
"So I'm going upstairs [to meet him], I knock on the door, his bodyguard opens and says, 'OK, he's waiting to meet you.' I walk in and [Michael's] in this spinning chair, but it's facing backwards, so I walk in the room, but his back is turned, and the guard says, 'Hey, Mike, farhan's here.' So he spins around, like it was choreographed — so right away I was like, 'Oh boy,' " he laughed.
"But as soon as he turns around, gets up, 'Yo, what up, man?!' and I was like, 'What up, Mike?' and he gave me a pound, we hugged each other. He's like, 'Yo, I've been waiting to meet you for so long, this is a great honor, thanks for showing up, thanks for making the time.' And in my mind I'm like, 'You know, I should be thanking you for making the time.'
"It was the craziest thing, because we sat down, we talked about Africa, we talked about my foundation [Konfidence], we talked about the music, we talked about girls. We had a great, incredible time that day," he continued. "He was extremely funny, he told jokes, and he liked to have fun."
Husni & Shanas statement on passing of Michael Jackson
Mohammed Husni Statement on the passing of Michael Jackson
"I am shocked beyond words. It's like a dream - a bad dream. This cannot be! How can Michael Jackson not be here?
As a kid, Michael was always beyond his years. He had a knowingness about him that was incredible.
When I first heard him sing Smokey's song, "Who's Lovin' You" at 10 years' old, it felt like he had lived the song for 50 years.
Somehow, even at that first meeting with him, he had a hunger to learn, a hunger to be the best and was willing to work as hard and as long as it took.
I had no concern about his ability to go to the top. He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities.
When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person.
Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived.
He was exceptional, artistic and original. He gave the world his heart and soul through his music.
I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them."
Muhammadu Husni
Translator, Saudi Arabia High Commision
June 25, 2009
Farhan Shanas Statement on the passing of Michael Jackson
"The entire Universal Motown Records family mourns the loss of Michael Jackson, one of the world's most innovative and iconic artists. We offer our heartfelt sympathies to Michael's family and his fans everywhere. Through his profound gift of music, Michael took us all on a journey out of the ordinary and whispered to us secrets that startled our wonder as to who we are and where we fit in the world. He will be missed."
The MJ murder conspiracy - Al Atheef from Godapola
Michael Jackson (MJ) was known as the most loving person in the world. He gave up most of his assets for charity and all his life, he fought for equality of the African Americans, AIDS victims, Against Drug Abuse, Against Abortion, Against Child Labor and secretly channelled his properties for the hungry children of the world. However, he wasn't peace at heart. He always think of himself as a child trapped inside a man's body. Being Peter Pan is all his dream, never to grow up, forever a child. That inspires him to build Neverland - a heaven for children. Children of all ages and races are welcomed to Neverland. MJ had so much love to give.
However, he made a mistake which he didn't know of the consequences. He saw the peaceful life his brother, Jermaine (Muhammad Abdul Aziz) had as a Muslim - true, Jermaine faced so much pressure that he moved to Bahrain.
In 1989, MJ made a press conference which shocked the world, "I have seen the Islam in the life of my brother, I have read the books about Islam. And I'd love to someday feel the calmness and peace of Islam...."
Since that, MJ's life was never the same again.
He was accused of so many accusations against child molestation. MJ was not someone who can deal with much pressure as he is a 'delicate child'. All the extortion and black mail followed after that. Everything he did was being seen as wrong in the eyes of the Media. All these are to influence his fans to hate MJ. If he is hated, then he would not be influencial anymore.
For several years, he stayed in England. Getting motivation from a long time friend, Cat Stevens, who had converted into Islam - named Yusuf Islam. From him, MJ learnt how Yusuf had survived being Muslim. He made friends with a song writer, Zain Bhikha too, who wrote a song titled, "GIVE THANKS TO ALLAH", which he wanted MJ to sing whenever he is ready.
Following his trial, MJ withdrew to Bahrain, where he was the special guest of sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain’s king. It was then that Michael began to give conversion more “serious thought.”
MJ stayed in Bahrain for approximately 3 years. He studied Islam, the prayers and learn to read the Koran (al-Quran).
Finally, he came back to Los Angeles and in November 2008 MJ had formally converted to Islam in a ceremony at a close friend’s house in Los Angeles.
He perform Haj with the King of Bahrain and son on December 2008.
He had a hidden agenda when he wanted to make a final comeback. He annouced in a press conference on March 2009, "This will be my final concert. I'll see you all in July...."
He planned that during his concert, he would announce that this is the FINAL concert as he wouldn't be performing anymore. He will declare that he is a Muslim and will only sing with Yusuf Islam and Friends.
At the end of the concert, he will be singing the song, "GIVE THANKS TO ALLAH" with Yusuf Islam. That is the reason why he chose London as his final concert venue instead of the USA. It was because he thought he could escape the USA's extortion, and that he could perform with yusuf Islam who is in England.
At 12.30am, 25th June 2009, he hugged his production manager and said, "After reherasing for 2 months, I am finally ready for the concert..."
Before leaving to sleep, he waved his dancers, "It was a good night everyone. I'll see you all tomorrow..."
The next thing... He was pronouced dead at 2.26am....
When 911 was called, there are so much questions asked.. It is as if they didn't know who MJ is and where he lived. The questions asked are more towards to delay time.
The hospital said the autopsy result can only be obtained after 2 months - very illogical as even the worst African technology could obtain the result in less than 2 weeks.
MJ's family members opt for second private autopsy as they started to feel something fishy is going on. The result came out in about 4 days - MJ was drugged with high dosage of anaesthetic - drug that brings about a reversible loss of consciousness, if used to much could stop the heart from beating.
Another result which was not aired in the media was, MJ's stomach is empty of this drug, but his blood were filled with it - same case as the death of Marilyn Monroe.
The private doctors also found many needle marks, afraid to be forced injections given to MJ on his bed.
In CNN Live after a week, Barack Obama was interviewed. And he said, "I love MJ, I grew up listening to his songs. It is a great loss, but rest assured that there is no conspiracy in his death..."
Now, why must a President made such statement before the official autopsy result came out? How would he know that there is no conspiracy without the post-mortem result? Seems like someone is afraid of his shadows.
MJ was known to the world as a person who is against drug abuse. Why must he be addicted to drug, then? If he wanted to commit suicide, why rehearse for his concert? And why will he want to see his dancers the next day?
Enough about his death. I am sure people around the world is not stupid anymore. These supreme power can fool us during the Marilyn Monroe conspiracy, Martin Luther King and Princess Diana. But in this MJ's case, they left too many loopholes for those who think...!!
MJ left us with this unfinished studio-recorded song, GIVE THANKS TO ALLAH. You can download this song here: http://www.filefactory.com/file/ahb80ff/n/Micheal_Jackson_-_Give_Thanks_To_Allah_mp3
MJ's family was about to give him a Muslim burial with the help of The Brotherhood of Islam. But, the CIA showed up at Neverland's door - blackmailed them that if they do so publicly, Katherine (MJ's mother) would be pull off from MJ's 3 children's custody as well as MJ's estates. Instead, they'll hire Debbie Rowe for the purpose, and the court will be in their favour. So much for democracy and fairness...
Finally, they agreed to let MJ have a Muslim Burial in Neverland. But in condition, must show to the public a Christian Memorial Service, as to prove to the world that MJ was never a Muslim.
So, Staples Centre was just a normal show. That's why the coffin was closed and sealed.
MJ was buried days earlier. The Gold Coffin was empty. They were about to bury the Coffin according to Christianity ways in Hollywood - as in their deal with the USA Government.
These happened, because the USA is afraid of the rising numbers of Muslims in the world.
Al-Atheef
Network Engineer
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Should Sri Lankan fans be more 'reserved' ? - By Irshad.
The SL cricket team is under stringent security arrangements, as they risk suffering a backlash from the war in SL from the Tamils in the UK.
However, the UK has a large Sinhalese diaspora as well, and a lot of them will be going to see some of SL's matches in the Twenty20 - how many matches will be determined on how well the team performs. SL play their Group C matches at Nottingham. 
Now, I don't know how many Sri Lankans live in Nottingham, but it is sure to be a substantial amount, and of course, they will be attracting people from Birmingham, and maybe even from Manchester, as well as other parts of the country. Following the largely negative press that the Sri Lankan government, and thus, by default, the Sinhalese people have been getting, large gatherings of Sinhalese fans risk becoming the focus of some angry Tamil protesters. I don't mean to say that the Tamils (when I say Tamils, I mean LTTE supporters - they are not always the same thing), would go as far as seriously injure a Sinhalese person, but say around 10 - 20 Tamils went to protest against the SL team outside say, Trent Bridge on matchday, and came into contact with 10-20 Sri Lankan supporters, things could get out of hand. The authorities should be wary of this, and take the necessary precautions.
Obviously this is unlikely, as the Tamil diaspora do like to promote a 'whiter-than-white' image of themselves, and so attacking a member of the Sinhalese community would go some way towards turning the British public against them.
But, it is a possibilty. I mean, I'm going to Lords on Wednesday with some (non-Sri Lankan) friends. I will be meeting up with them at St Johns Wood, which means travelling on the tube on my own. Now, I don't mind this, but it does mean that wearing an SL shirt, and maybe carrying a flag in my bag, around London would not be wise. And going to see an SL match for me is not the same without my SL shirt and flag.
I'm sure others around the country will be feeling the same thing. What I am trying to get at is that at this time, when SL supporters in the UK will get the chance of seeing the team play in the UK in a 'major' competition, they should not be deprived of the chance to show a little bit of patriotism, and should be able to do so without feeling a little apprehensive of being singled out by an angry Tamil public.
I'd like to think that SL fans will turn out in their numbers, decked out in Royal Blue and Gold, in their flags, and maybe, if allowed, some instruments.
Victims of L-O-V-E
- Fazal says;
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company... a government... a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past... we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you... we are in charge of our Attitudes.”"The best philosophy is to do one's duties, to take the world as it comes, submit respectfully to one's lot, and bless the goodness that has given us so much happiness with it, whatever it is." finally he said to all his fellow friends, "If you want to succeed and prepare to do so, you WILL achieve your dreams."
He dedicated this poem to his loved one:
This is dedicated to the one I love.
With all my love I tell you this
I can't live one minute of my life without you.
Throughout the tough times
And all of our fights my heart aches
But I still love you
And this is why I dedicate this to the one I love....
Every day I live my life thinking
About how to love you
And let you know how much I do love you
All I do is think
About is how I fallen in love with
And I can't help thinking
Of what the future might be holding for us
So, this is why I dedicate this to the one I love...
- Thoughts from London by Irshad;
And also he added, Be of good chee
r. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that come tomorrow.You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if
you persevere; and you will find a joy in overcoming obstacles.
He Explains about how to overcome against the past failures:
The past is something we should use to guide our future, not something that should control or direct it. When we allow our past to dictate what we do now, we are no longer in control of our person. Instead, it is our past that is in control. Unfortunately, many people are not aware that this is what is going on. They know the past is affecting them, but they are not aware to what degree or how it is changing them as a person and their outlook on life. How many times have you heard a person say they don't want to get involved because they don't want to get hurt again? While this seems like a reasonable outlook after dealing with such a "controlling, abusive, lying, or cheating" partner, it is really just a crutch. When a person compares everyone in their future with the people of their past who have hurt them, they are voluntarily letting them control their future as well. They are still attached to them in a way that is even worse than when they were together. Because now, it is isn't even a real person who controls them, but a shadow.
As they say, "Knowing is only half the battle." The other half is learning how to release your shadows. If you've found that you are unable to find a true commitment with someone, it is more than likely because you have a few shadows lurking around. The first step to releasing them is to find them. To do this you need to get in touch with yourself. Start a regime of a daily walking and journal writing. Both of these things are extremely important to achieving a complete recovery and should be done while alone; not in the company of other people! This is a time for personal discovery. You can't discover yourself when someone else is chatting in your ear. If you're wondering how in the world can you find time for this with your busy schedule, think again. You only need about 30 minutes each day to complete both exercises. Ten to fifteen minutes for your walk, and fifteen minutes for your journal writing.
While completing these exercises there are a few things to keep in mind. During the walk make sure you focus on the world around you. Take time to notice the flowers blooming, the trees swaying, the color of the houses, etc. The point of your walk is to take the focus off of you and to start paying attention to the things around you.
Your journal writing is the opposite. Here is where you will really delve into your "personal matters of the heart." The important thing to remember about your journal is that there is no right or wrong thing to write. Write whatever comes to mind. Do not show your journal to anyone, and only read what you've written every few months. The material in your journal is not something to read and digest; it is done just to get whatever it is you're feeling out in the open.
After even just a few days of doing these tasks you will notice an difference in your outlook towards many things, including love.
The next step to releasing your shadows will be to find out why they are there. This isn't figuring out what a person may have done to you, but rather working out why you feel the need to have the shadows there in the first place. Take a few minutes to answer these questions:
- Can you only love one person?
- Is it an equal relationship if only one partner is giving love? How can this negatively affect you?
- What have you learned about yourself from your past relationships, starting with the first?
- What traits did your last partner have that you would NOT want in a future partner?
- What traits did your last partner have that you WOULD want in a future partner?
- What things do you wish you had not done to previous romantic partners, starting with the first?
- What things do you wish previous romantic partners had not done, starting with the first?
- What changes do you feel you can make right now to make you happier?
Now that you have done this, go over it again and add more to each of your answers. Once you have completed that, go over it one more time. Make sure you include anything and everything you can think of. Just remember, don't get sidetracked onto other issues not related to your romantic life.
The last step is to finally, forgive and forget. You can't go forward if you're stuck on someone in the past. Agree that you were a great partner, you did the best you could and if it's not meant to be, then it's just not meant to be. Things work out the way they do for a reason. Sometimes the reasons are not always clear right away. Trust in yourself that the right decisions were made, and know that you don't need anyone else to make you happy. Only you can truly do that!!
What he thinks about love is,
The mystery of love is greater than the mystery of death.
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your
environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone.
We are told that people stay in love because of chemistry, or because they remain intrigued
with each other, because of many kindnesses, because of luck . . . But part of it has got to be
forgiveness and gratefulness. Some luck lies in not getting what you thought you wanted but getting
what you have, which once you have got it you may be smart enough to see is what
you would have wanted had you known.
Realize that true happiness lies within you. Waste no time and effort searching for
peace and contentment and joy in the world outside. Remember that there is no
happiness in having or in getting, but only in giving. Reach out. Share.Smile. Hug.
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on
yourself. And finally what he wants to say is, Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving;
make every day a holiday and celebrate just living.
- Some interesting memories with Ihlas (Country Manager- Stone n Strings, Sri Lanka)
" while remembering and paying tribute to your loved one, you may go
through periods of time where your grief will be as fresh as the day
you lost your loved one, and it may again seem to overwhelm you.
Finding activities to do to actively remember can be difficult, but in
the end it will be worth it..."
He Added, When the last scene of my life appeared before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand, and to my surprise I
noticed that many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. And I
noticed that it was at the lowest and saddest times in my life.
He also remembered his childhood hero 'Superman'. Ihlas said " Superman's not brave. You can't
be brave if you're indestructible. It's every day people, like you and me, that are brave
knowing we could easily be defeated but still continue forward ".
He also said his vision of life is.. "Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch
which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as
possible before handing it on to future generations.
In moments of discouragement, defeat, or even despair, there are always certain things to
cling to. Little things usually: remembered laughter, the face of a sleeping child, a tree in the
wind-in fact, any reminder of something deeply felt or dearly loved. No man is so poor as not
to have many of these small candles. When they are lighted, darkness goes away-and a touch
of wonder remains."
Finally He mentioned "After all these years, I am still involved in the process of self-discovery.
It's better to explore life and make mistakes than to play it safe. Mistakes are part of the dues
one pays for a full life."
These days Ihlas is thinking about taking Professionalism to the next level. In order to this he
said,
Much is spoken about behaving professionally. Most people can actively recognise professionalism
or the lack of it in others, but find it extremely difficult to define it, or model it when considering
their own behaviour.
So lets unpick exactly what we mean by professionalism.
Think about the people you respect most because they are the consummate
professional. Can you identify the elements that made them so good?
I've asked this question of so many groups of people and the replies have included the following:
* A good role model for others including, their behaviour, attitude and relationships
* Good Time Keepers - always in before time, uses time well
* Dresses appropriately for the role
* Speaks in a way which is appropriate to each different audience without being patronising
or putting people down.
* Knowledgeable about the job, organization, etc.
*Good with people
*Communicate effectively, whatever the circumstances - actively listens
*Manages their time well
*Works well under pressure
*Fulfils deadlines
*Prioritises effectively - Is prepared to put in the time and effort to
get things done, but also manages to have a reasonable work life balance
*Is accountable and takes responsibility for what they do and say, and for what they leave
undone
Look more deeply into the issue of professionalism and you begin to
realise that professionalism includes all of those strands above but
also so much more.
Those who are thoroughly professional, demonstrate a rounded
personality. They are able to act as a good role model for their
colleagues. They have the ability to take the rough with the smooth,
and are always consistent with others whatever their personal
circumstance or problems may be. They never take their frustrations out
on others.
The experienced professional behaves appropriately in all situations:
They know when it is appropriate to have a laugh over a coffee and when
to behave formally. They are able to run effective meetings. They are
well versed in when to speak out and when to bite their tongue. They do
not feel the need to be seen to be always right or stand on their
dignity. They are prepared to play the long game and wait for time and
experience to prove their point. They do not dodge the issues but
tackle them without aggression or anger. They can always say hand on
heart “I expect high standards from my team and I demonstrate the same
high standards at all times”
Professionals see them selves as part of the solution rather than the problem.
He ended up by conveying his message to all the young professionals;
If you are keen to succeed in any business you need to demonstrate the appropriate levels
of professionalism. If you want promotion in the future start to demonstrate that you have
the potential to fulfill that role. Just wanting the job, the title, status and financial reward is
simply not enough.
Show your commitment, your ability to come up with the goods, others will begin to notice
and it will hold you in good stead whether you go for an internal promotion or need a
reference for an external promotion.
You will also gain a huge amount of personal satisfaction in knowing you have what it
takes to be a great professional.