Hirunika Premachandra after the election

After the election that what Hirunika tell us 

Full Name : Hirunika Eranjali Premachandra

School :  Visakha Vidyalaya

Hometown : Colombo

Status : Single

Birthday : 14 Oct 1987

Role model : My father

Passions : Dancing, singing, acting (Stage drama)

Cartoon you like : Tom and Jerry

Do you enjoy all the media attention you get?

Well I have never looked at the media as something I enjoy. Media started following me after I raised my voice against injustice. And I never ran after it, whatever I did or said became headlines the next minute, so I guess the media has been always following me, and I believe the media can make or break a person. As a public figure I always keep that in mind.

How is Colombo treating you? Very well

What inspires you? Ambitious, hard working, goal oriented people

What do you think about my column, 'THE BUZZ WITH DANU’? Love every bit of it! Very outspoken and fun.

What do you think about the NEW COLOMBO, and all the development?  I see a huge development, but sadly the development is centred and focused only in Colombo and urban areas. But in the rural areas there are people who still haven't seen anything beyond their paddy fields. We can't look at one town and come to a conclusion that the whole country is developed. On the other hand, people are loosing faith in justice, family values and the culture. Lots of buildings and roads aren't enough to measure the development of a country.

What's your favourite childhood memory? When I was 7 I joined my father's parliament election campaign, I was this little girl who didn't know what was going on, but I enjoyed the cheering and people gathered around my father. So I got into a tractor and welcomed my father. That’s something I will never forget.

What's the #1 most played song on your iPod? Set Fire to the Rain - Adele

What is one of your favourite quotes?
Change you can't to you can, and pretty soon you will say I did.

Everything will be okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.

What's your fashion statement?
White t shirt and blue jeans.

Your favourite brand in clothing? Victoria Beckham

Would you call yourself an activist?
No. So far I've only been talking about my father's issue. To be an activist, I have to focus on other issues too. I think to do that I need more people gathered around me, I think I'm still too young to be called an activist.



Your  TOP 5 in fashion?
1.Blazers
2.Jeans
3. Oversized tops
4.Shalwars
5.Sarees

What was the last experience that made you a stronger person? After my father passed away, I read so many weird stories about me, I was coming out of trauma and those rumours and gossips made me so fed up with life. And one day I had a long conversation with a close friend of my father and then realized, what am I doing? What I was going through was nothing compared to what my father went through as a young chap. That day I thought to myself, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. And I’ve never looked back since.

If Questions

If you had the power to change three things in our country, what would they be? Corruption, child abuse and sexual offences happening to women and children, education system and health care system.

If you were crowned Miss Sri Lanka the year you took part, what would you have done differently?
I can't think of anything more I would do, because I think Steph had done it at her level best. She had represented our country very well.
I think I wouldn't do anything different to what she has done.

If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would you choose? 
When I was 16, 17! The best time of my life.

If your dad was by your side, one thing you would ask him? I will ask him to hold me and give me a long hug.

If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for? I am so hung up on 70’s style, so I would throw a 70's style party. Once I take oaths as a lawyer I will throw that party.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to? Oh I like my name. I might change my middle name, not my first name though.

If you were reincarnated as an animal/drink/ice cream flavour, what would you be? Horse, Gin and Tonic, Chocolate

In the Spot

Do you feel your life is in danger?
Well, my ammi does. She is always scared. But I've passed that feeling. I've become so numb, that my only focus is to fight against injustice.

Define a great relationship?
When you are best friends with the person you love, I call it a great relationship. Because as you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other. If you are best friends with your partner and you can talk to him/her about anything without getting bored, that’s something to treasure.

Do you think your fashionable take on clothing, has worked against you, in the recent past, with your fight for justice? 
Well, I know what you are talking about. When there were headlines, of my attire, the question raised by everyone was - what's wrong with my attire? Because it was fully covered. There was a full page picture of it. I'm glad they posted that picture, the public realised it was totally not a big issue.

In your opinion what is the biggest flaw you see in Sri Lankan politicians?
They forget that they are representing us and they are in that position from our votes, that they are accountable to us. Unfortunately they forget that there are not superior but people have the power to make them as well as break them.

Did you get a chance to speak to your dad before you left home, if so, what did he say to you? 
Yes I did. But couldn't see his face because he was in the bathroom. I was in a hurry to go to my dancing lesson; I wanted to get ready, and I asked if he'll be late to come out, he said 'Just 2 minutes', but I didn't wait, I went to the downstairs bathroom. When I came out, he was done and getting ready in his room. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye for the first time in my life. Because normally whenever I go out, I say goodbye to him. That day I couldn't.

For fun

What's the hardest thing you've ever done?
I went up to a guy in my economics class when I was doing my A/Ls and said that my friend likes him, and got rejected! It was so hard and embarrassing because it was a huge class of probably 3000 to 4000 students. Haha

When was the last time you had an amazing meal? 
I love Chinese food! So the last time I had Chinese food was from my favourite Chinese restaurant, I was so hungry that day.

What's the best/worst gift you've ever given/received?
Best gift given, I brought two rings for my dad and mom for their 25 anniversary. Worst gift, I gave my ex-boyfriend an egg (boiled) and some bad vegetables nicely wrapped for his 15 b'day. We were best friends those days. haha! Best gift received, a hamster. No worst gift received.

What do you miss most about being a kid?
I miss being not judged by anyone, because I could do any crazy thing as a kid. I was always the troublemaker; the fun and crazy one of the lot, I still am, but now I miss the things I used to do as a kid. I have to think twice now even if I want to laugh out loud.

What is your first memory of being really excited?
I think when thaththi and ammi bought me my first Barbie doll! I was so excited! It was a Mermaid Barbie.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
My first salary was from the part time job I did as a nanny back in the UK, I bought some clothes.

When was the last time you were nervous? 
Oh god! Miss Sri Lanka, question time. For some reason I was so nervous!

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Mother and child injured in Dambulla accident

A mother and her child who sustained injuries have been admitted to the Dambulla Base Hospital.

The police stated that the accident was a result of a collision involving a private bus and a motorcycle.

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Facebook plans to use drones, satellites and lasers to deliver Internet to the world.

After announcing Internet.org last year, an initiative to improve Internet access across the globe, Mark Zuckerberg unveiled the Connectivity Lab, a new team of scientists that has been working on the ambitious project.

He said that the Connectivity Lab would develop “new platforms for connectivity on the ground, in the air and in orbit,” according to a post on Internet.org on Thursday.

“Connecting the whole world will require inventing new technology,” Zuckerberg wrote in a Facebook post announcing the Connectivity Lab.

Facebook hired scientists from organizations like NASA, the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and Ascenta, a British company that developed the a solar-powered drone. These scientists will develop solar-powered drones that can provide Internet connectivity from high altitudes in suburban areas. For lower density areas, they will try to develop satellites that can “beam internet access to the ground,” according to the announcement.

Earlier this month, rumors indicated Facebook was interested in buying drone-maker Titan, but it’s unclear if the company is part of this new plan.

Facebook didn’t share many details about these new efforts, but Zuckerberg did say that Internet.org has already helped connect three million new people to the Internet in the Philippines and Paraguay, doubling the number of people using mobile data.

Google has been working on similar projects. In November 2013, the search giant announced Project Link, a new initiative to bring fiber networks to the developing world. A few months earlier, Google launched a more crazy-sounding idea: bring Internet to remote area through hot air balloons. The initiative was code-named Project Loon.

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Top 10 happiest countries in the world

We live in a world where even happiness is taken for granted. But on the contradiction, there are communities where people believe in keeping their spirits high and in turn make everybody around them happy too. As Mahatma Gandhi rightly said, “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony”, we list top 10 countries where people live by this reason, experiencing true happiness. Check out our top 10 happiest countries in the world.

 10. Australia

Finding a place in the happiest countries in the World? Go Australia- rated highly in education and personal freedom, the beautiful nation beams with optimism! With over 70% of the population in the working age group having a paid job, and a life expectancy of 83 years, living in Australia makes for good living. The only major developed nation to avoid the 2009 global recession, Australia performs exceptionally well in well-being parameters. A vibrant democracy, Australia witnessed a voter turnout of 93%, which lies well above the global average. With high satisfactions level, Australians make Australia one of the happiest countries in the World.

 9. Luxembourg

 When it comes to happiness, the size of a country doesn’t matter. This fact is exemplified by the entry of Luxembourg, a tiny nation with a population of just over half a million, makes it to list of the happiest countries of the World. Backed by well placed systems in Health and an atmosphere conducive to Entrepreneurship & Opportunity, the World has many lessons to learn from this European nation.  High levels of education, life expectancy, civil participation contribute to making the citizens of Luxembourg a happy bunch, paving way for the country to count among the happiest countries in the world.

 8. Netherlands

 Ranking high on Social Capital and Health, the Netherlands finds a place among the happiest countries in the world. With over 90% of the Dutch satisfied with their lives, a life expectancy of over 80 years, and around three quarters of the population in the working age group having a paid job, Netherlands makes a happy country! While money can’t buy happiness, it is a means to achieve better living standards. With a per capita income of over $ 25,000, the Netherlands fair well when analyzed in the Global context.

 7. Finland

 Finland, a part of the Scandinavian countries, which are perceived to be the happiest countries in the World, makes its presence felt in the club of happiest countries. Rated high on Entrepreneurship & Opportunity and Safety & Security, Finland boasts of the World’s best school education system, topping consistently year after year, in the PISA study on education sector. Performing well on the dynamics of health, education, quality of life, economic and political environment, the Finns are pretty content with their lives. With good performance on a host of parameters, Finland’s presence on the happiest countries list springs no surprise.

 6. Denmark

 Raising themselves among the happiest people on the planet, the Danes ensure that their homeland, Denmark ranks highly among the happiest countries of the world. Counting among the best places for Entrepreneurship & Opportunity and Social Capital, Denmark also fares well on life expectancy, a sense of social support, freedom to make choices and a culture of generosity. Led by a polity, widely perceived to be non-corrupt and efficient, the Danes are a group well involved in the political dynamics of their nation. The Danish healthcare system is one which the World envies, and as the adage goes that a happy mind resides in a healthy body, Denmark is one of the happiest countries of the world.

 5. New Zealand

 An island country located in the south-western Pacific ocean, New Zealand is not only one of the most beautiful places, but also one of the happiest countries in the world.  With a robust education system, good governance model and rich social capital, New Zealand marches its way to the happiest places to live in. Residents of New Zealand are found to be pretty satisfied with their lives, and are active participants in the civil society. The country features as an exotic tourist destination, with its rich natural heritage. With all its qualities, New Zealand deservedly finds a seat among the happiest countries of the world.

 4. Sweden

 Like its Nordic neighbors, Sweden also features prominently in the list of happiest countries in the world. Living with a combination of high interpersonal trust and an individualistic social culture, the Swedes rate themselves to be a pretty happy bunch. Ranking as the top nation on the parameter of Entrepreneurship and Opportunity, Sweden is also renowned for its egalitarianism. Scoring well on environmental quality, health and life satisfaction, Sweden, the most populous among the Scandinavian countries, secures a place for itself in the upper tier of the list of happiest countries in the world.

 3. Canada

 The only country from the Americas to make it to the top 10 happiest countries in the world, Canada ranks highly on the parameter of happiness of its denizens! Powered by high ratings in personal freedom and education, Canada stands high on the happiness ladder. The cold and harsh winters are no deterrent to the spirit of Canadians, who are a merry lot. Canada manages to do well in the parameters of per capita income, life expectancy, perceived national corruption and freedom to make life choices, all of which are found to be correlated to happiness and well-being. These factors make Canada, one among the happiest countries of the world.

 2. Switzerland

 The tiny landlocked nation of Switzerland is home to the happiest people in the world. According to a World Economic Forum report, Switzerland invests more of health, education and talent of its citizens than any other country in the World. Leveraging the investments in human capital, facilitated by a good governance system, Switzerland zooms its way up in the happiest countries index. As far as health and wellness is concerned, considering factors like, longevity, infant mortality and general state of health of its population, Switzerland is the best in the world. A vibrant economy provides the thrust which places Switzerland among the happiest countries in the world

 1. Norway

Leading the table of happiest countries in the world, is Norway with exceptional performance in economy and social capital sub-indices. The Norwegians ace it multiple parameters. From having the highest per capita GDP of $ 53,000 per year, to over 95% of the population being satisfied with their standards of living, Norway has all it takes to be the happiest nation! Interpersonal trust among Norwegians is unparalleled. This Scandinavian nation, blessed by vast resources of oil and gas, is a welfare state, which ensures equality of all citizens.  Considering all the positives that Norway offers, it indeed turns out to be the happiest country in the world.

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Srilanaka became top in World’s Happiest Countries

When the United Nations declared March 20 the International Day of Happiness, it recognised the relevance of “happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world.” This officially designated happy date is marking its second year.

The happiest of countries – many of which are in Scandinavia according the latest World Happiness Report — have a robust combination of higher life expectancy, gross domestic product per capita, social support, generosity, freedom to make life choices and lower perceptions of corruption. By analyzing happiness data, officials hope to improve the world’s social, economic and environmental well-being.

The following countries are ranked the top 10 happiest countries in the world.

1. Denmark

2. Norway

3. Switzerland

4. Netherlands

5. Sweden

6. Canada

7. Finland

8. Austria

9. Iceland

10. Australia

Sri Lanka is in the bottom 20 countries on the index, ranking below Mali, Uganda, the Palestinian Territories, Sudan, Zimbabwe and Haiti.

According to the report, Sri Lanka is ranked 137th right under Niger, a country in the midst of the conflict in Nigeria’s north between the army and the Boko Haram Islamist militants.

Sri Lanka is placed just 19 spots from hitting the bottom of the list and has the lowest ranking for any South Asian country listed on the index.

Neigbouring India is ranked 111th on the report.

The United States of America is ranked as the 17th happiest nation while Russia is ranked as the 68th.

The unhappiest country in the world is the West African country, Togo being ranked as 156th at the bottom of the list.


#next post top 10 Happiest Countries

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American hunter kills 500-pound boar with one shot

Killing a 500-plus pound boar might sound like a big deal. But for one American man North Carolina, it is just how he brings home the bacon.

Jett Webb killed the massive animal last month in eastern North Carolina.

When the pictures of the animal and hunter recently circulated on the Internet, Webb started fielding calls from the media. Webb told CNN on Thursday that while many people were astonished by the kill, he shot a boar of a similar size two years ago.

Still, friends and family were in awe.

“They were blown away. It’s not every day you see something that size,” Webb said. “They can’t believe something that big is running around the woods of eastern North Carolina.”

Webb, a firefighter in Conetoe, said the gigantic pig provided so much meat that it filled up his deep freezer. He gave a lot of meat away, but still has “a lot to last me a while.”

Webb, 34, said hunting isn’t about bagging trophies for him. He has been hunting since he was twelve-years-old and says it relaxes him and provides food for his family.

“The meat the pig provided and the memory that hunting provides is worth more than any trophy,” he said.

Webb and a few other of his fellow hunters at the White Oak Ranch Hunting Club had been tracking the massive hog since January on surveillance cameras they have placed throughout their hunting grounds.

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I’m gonna tell God everything

This picture is haunting and it’s been floating around the internet with the sentence:

The last sentence a 3-year-old Syrian said before he died: “I’m gonna tell God everything”

And that’s equally haunting.  It’s impossible to verify but the picture tells a story about the pain and suffering that exists in Syria right now.  There are many in the media who would like to say this is because president Bashar al-Assad is a ruthless killer.  And that’s half true.  Like other government leaders – he has engaged in war and with that war has come the death of tens of thousands and the displacement of over 1 million Syrians now living in refugee camps.

But this hasn’t always been the case.  This is the inevitable result of a covert war being waged by the U.S., Israel and other Sunni countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  Our interests in taking down the Syrian dictator al-Assad are all about geo-politics.  If we take out Syria – we neuter Iranian influence in the region.  It has gotten so bad that al-Qaeda is now fighting on the same side as the United States government and Bashar al-Assad and his government are fighting al-Qaeda.  And Syrians are all the victim of this massive global covert proxy war.

It has gotten to the point where we don’t even know if the chemical weapons that were used in Syria were the result of al-Qaeda or the Syrian government.  When it comes to matters of intelligence and propaganda – it’s very hard to discern truth from fiction.  But no one can deny that Syria was a very stable country until we decided to go in all guns blazing.  We’re not bringing democracy to the world – that’s the sound of imperialism baby.

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