Elected candidates must declare assets in Sri Lanka

Elected candidates must declare assets in Sri Lanka

The candidates elected in local government elections in Sri Lanka have to declare their assets to the Elections Commissioner before they are sworn in, an official said Wednesday.

Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said that all candidates elected to 23 local governments in Sri Lanka including the Colombo Municipal Council have to declare their assets to him before October 15.

This is the first time that election laws pertaining to elected candidates are being implemented since 1991.

"The Elections Commissioner's office has not been implementing this law for a long time," he admitted, adding that this was going to henceforth change.

If candidate delay in declaring assets then the gazette notification allowing them to be sworn in will also be postponed.

The last round of local government elections ended on Saturday but investigations are continuing into a shootout that killed four including a presidential advisor on the same day.

Editor: Yamei Wang

English.news.cn   2011-10-12 18:58:00 FeedbackPrintRSS
COLOMBO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua)

Vimanmek Palace

An outstanding example of 19th century architecture. While admiring the craftsmanship of the carpenters, you will travel back through time to gain a rare insight into the lifestyle of royalty.

Vimanmek Mansion, the principal building in the palace compound, was built for King Rama V on land he named The Dusit Garden located between Padung Krungkasem and Samsen canals. The completion was celebrated on March 27, 1901 and King RamaV took up residence until 1906. The mansion was originally his Summer Palace, the Munthaturaltanaroj Residence, on Sri Chang Island. It was dismantled and re-built at the present location under the supervision of HRH Prince Narissaranuwaddhiwongse.

The three-storey Vimanmek Mansion is the largest golden teak building in the world, built in an architectural style that reflects European influences. There are two right-angled wings, each 60 metres long and 20 metres high. The section where The King resided is octagonal and has four storeys. The mansion has 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers.

Following King Rama V moving to Amporn Satarn Mansion in 1906, Vimanmek Mansion was un-occupied until 1925 when King Rama VI gave permission for his wife, HRH Indharasaksaji to take up residence there. She stayed there until his death.

For the next 50 years it was used as just a storage area for the Bureau of the Royal Household until 1982 when HRH Queen Sirikit initiated its restoration as a museum to commemorate King Rama V.

Today, there are 31 exhibition rooms. Exhibits include a silverware room, ceramic display room, glassware and ivory display. Some of the rooms have been preserved to retain the atmosphere of the earlier era, particularly the bedrooms, bathrooms and the Audience Chamber. Other buildings in the compound also house displays of various artifacts and precious art objects.

How to get there: Bus Routes 18, 28, 108, 510, 515

Opening Hours: Open to the public everyday from 9.30 am. to 3.15 pm.

Admission Fee: Baht 100. If you have visited The Grand Palace on the same day you will have also received an entrance ticket to Vimanmek Palace which is valid.

Contact: Telephone: 0 2628 6300-9
Website:www.palaces.thai.net

Information by : Tourism Authority of Thailand

The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall

The Ananda Samakhom Throne Hall is the beautiful white building facing the Royal Plaza where the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn ( Rama V )stands.

In 1906, His Majesty commissioned the construction of a new Throne Hall within the grounds of the Dusit Palace. The name Ananda Samakhom was taken from a previous building that had deteriorated and was no longer usable. The foundation stone was placed by His Majesty King Chulalongkorn on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

The design and construction was supervised by Chao Phraya Yommaraj, with a team of Italian architects, engineers and painters. It took nine years to complete the building, which is designed in Italian Renaissance style. The exterior is decorated with marble imported from Carrara in Italy.

As beautiful as the exterior is, it is the exquisite paintings inside that really take your breath away. These paintings, by Mr. C. Riguli and Prof. G. Chini, trace the history of the Chakri Dynasty from Kings Rama I to Rama VI.

The north side dome is painted to depict King Rama I on his return from a battle in a neighbouring country, while the eastern dome has paintings of Kings Rama II and Rama III and their support for the arts.

How to get there:
Bus routes 70, 72, 503
Open : Daily from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except public holidays) Admission : 50 baht (proper attire is essential)Tel : 0 2628 6300 ext. 5119 - 5121 www.palaces.thai.net .

Information by : Tourism Authority of Thailand

National Memorial

It is located on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road slightly beyond Bangkok International Airport. Covering an area of 38 rai, the National Memorial is under the responsibility of the Armed Force Education Department, Supreme Command Headquarters.

There are wall paintings depicting historic events in Thai history from the Sukhothai period to Rattanakosin period, replicas of royal decorations, bas-reliefs of the establishment of the city and models recounting historic battles in Thai history.

Open : Mon. - Fri. from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2532 1021.

A speaker is available for a group visit but advance contact in writing is required.

Information by : Tourism Authority of Thailand

Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Situated in the southeastern area of Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park), the garden covers an area of approximately 6 rai. It comprises an activity ground, exhibition area, feed breeding room, embryo breeding room, scenic area, insectariums, butterfly garden and Lamphu tree ground. There is a cage covering an area of 1,100 square metres with a large dome of 15 metres high, built from an open framework for good ventilation.

The garden area connects to Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park. It is a natural study room ideal for learning and being a source of information as well as exchange of knowledge about butterflies and insects, their life cycles and being. The garden is open daily except for Monday during 8.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.

Open : Tue - Sun and public holidays
Admission : Free
Tel : 0 2272 4359-60, 0 2272 4680

Information by : Tourism Authority of Thailand