Lankapuvath

USA:
The United States of America (also referred to as the United States, the U.S., the USA, or America) is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its forty-eight contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the continent, with Canada to the east and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. The state of Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories in the Caribbean and Pacific.

At 3.79 million square miles (9.83 million km2) and with over 310 million people, the United States is the third or fourth largest country by total area, and the third largest both by land area and population. It is one of the world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale immigration from many countries.The U.S. economy is the world's largest national economy, with an estimated 2010 GDP of $14.780 trillion (23% of nominal global GDP and 20% of global GDP at purchasing power parity).


Barack Hussein Obama II, born August 4, 1961 is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.


 

Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden, Jr. born November 20, 1942 is the 47th and current Vice President of the United States, serving under President Barack Obama. He was a United States Senator from Delaware from January 3, 1973 until his resignation on January 15, 2009, following his election to the Vice Presidency.


 

Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton, born October 26, 1947 is the 67th United States Secretary of State, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama. She was a United States Senator for New York from 2001 to 2009. As the wife of the 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, she was the First Lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. In the 2008 election, Clinton was a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Facts and Figures:

OFFICIAL NAME: United States of America
CAPITAL CITY: Washington, D.C.
TOTAL AREA: 9,826,630 sq km (3rd largest in the world, behind Russia (1st) and Canada (2nd))
BIRTH RATE: 13.82 births/1,000 population
OVERALL LIFE EXPECTANCY: 78.11 years (75.65 years for men, 80.69 years for women)
POPULATION SIZE: 307,212,123 (3rd largest in the world, behind China (1st) and India (2nd))
URBANIZATION: 82% of total population
LITERACY RATE: 99% of total population
RELIGIONS: Protestant 51.3%, Roman Catholic 23.9%, Mormon 1.7%, other Christian 1.6%, Jewish 1.7%, Buddhist 0.7%, Muslim 0.6%, other or unspecified 2.5%, unaffiliated 12.1%, none 4% (2007 est.)


FLAG DESCRIPTION / SIGNIFICANCE: 13 equal horizontal stripes of red (top and bottom) alternating with white; there is a blue rectangle in the upper hoist-side corner bearing 50 small, white, five-pointed stars arranged in nine offset horizontal rows of six stars (top and bottom) alternating with rows of five stars; the 50 stars represent the 50 states, the 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies; the design and colors have been the basis for a number of other flags, including Chile, Liberia, Malaysia, and Puerto Rico

Message from the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives

This July 4 – celebrated as Independence Day in the United States – we recall our American beginnings.  Here in Sri Lanka, we also recall with pride that the relationship between our two countries also dates back to the earliest days of the United States.  Our relationship is broad, dynamic, mutually beneficial, and ever expanding.

On this 235th anniversary of American independence, our celebration focuses on youth.  The United Nations has designated 2011 as the International Year of Youth.  This year also marks the 50th anniversary of two initiatives, launched by our youngest-ever President, John F. Kennedy, to improve the lives of people around the world, especially young people -- the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Peace Corps.  

The focus on youth is timely and appropriate.  Roughly half of Sri Lankans are under the age of thirty.   That means that half of the country lacks a memory of pre-war Sri Lanka.  In so many ways, it will be up to this half of the population to define a new peaceful, united and democratic Sri Lanka.  

They are already beginning to make their mark.  Sri Lanka has too many youth organizations to name, but Sri Lanka Unites, Rotaract, the Weeramantry Center and Stitch have won praise, for their national conferences with youth from all regions; donation drives following the floods earlier this year; and exchange programs that bring young people from one region to another for community service projects.  The American Embassy has supported some of their efforts, but it’s their commitment, ideas, and dedication that make them the leaders of today.  

I’m gratified that much of USAID’s work focuses on youth, working closely with government, civil society, and youth leaders to help Sri Lanka’s young people open the doors to tomorrow.  Recently, for example, USAID organized a job fair in Vavuniya.  More than 3,200 young people received job offers with apparel manufacturers, produce suppliers, private banks, insurance agencies, and other employers.  

In another example, after the devastating floods earlier this year, USAID brought together young people from southern Sri Lanka to help their peers in the North.  Working hand-in-hand around Kilinochchi, it was the first time that most of the youth from the South had travelled to the North

At the American Center in Colombo and at the American Corners in Jaffna, Oluvil and Kandy, we organize essay contests, reading clubs, art workshops, and film screenings for young people.  We continue to support English language learning.  Last year, a young women’s rugby team from the United States visited Sri Lanka -- and was handily defeated by the Sri Lankan teams I might add.  This year, students from Elon University in North Carolina and Vanderbilt University in Tennessee traveled to Sri Lanka to work on environmental projects and to teach English classes in rural schools.

America’s relationship with Sri Lanka has a past, a present, and a future.  Those of us who are older can recall the many roads we have travelled together.  We older Americans can take pride in how our nation has helped Sri Lanka reach its dynamic present, even as the young join us with new expectations.  And it will not be long, though, before they take our place.

In his inaugural address in 1961, John Kennedy said “the torch has been passed to a new generation.”  Those of us who directly heard, and were inspired by, his words know that he spoke of a timeless process.  I use this occasion, which marks a milestone of the past, to look forward and to salute the young people of Sri Lanka who are working for a better future.

 Patricia A. Butenis

USAID activities in Sri Lanka

Declaration of Independence

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, and issued from the U.S. Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence is America’s most cherished symbol of liberty.  Over 75% of the American public consider it to be the most influential document in American history.  Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson, who would later become President, expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people.  The political philosophy of the Declaration was not new; its ideals of individual liberty had already been expressed by philosophers, such as John Locke.  What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy into “self-evident truths” and set forth a list of grievances against the British King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country.  

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.”

The Declaration of Independence is currently displayed in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building in Washingon, DC, alongside the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.

NEW YEAR’S DAY:

Like many countries around the world, America celebrates the new year on January 1st, the first day on the American calendar. Americans celebrate New Year’s eve, the night leading into the first day of the new year, in many different ways - the most famous of which is the lowering of a large illuminated ball on top of a skyscraper in New York City’s Times Square. Although many Americans celebrate New Year’s eve by attending such displays, most Americans spend the evening with family and friends, usually at celebratory parties, and often watch the public displays on television instead. Both public and private New Year’s eve celebrations last until midnight, when the new year begins.
Many adults celebrate the beginning of the new year with a glass of champagne, and couples often exchange a kiss at the stroke of midnight. Many championship, or “bowl,” games for college-level American football take place later on New Year’s Day, making it an especially important occasion for sports fans.

Martin Luther King Day:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day marks the birthday of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. King was the chief spokesman of the nonviolent civil rights movement, which successfully opposed racial discrimination in American federal and state laws. Although he was assassinated in 1968, Dr. King’s legacy continues to have a strong impact on American politics and social life.  The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which always falls close to Dr. King's actual birthday of January 15. It is one of three United States federal holidays to commemorate an individual person. today.

 

WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY:

Washington's Birthday is celebrated on the third Monday of February. It is also commonly known as Presidents Day. Although schools and businesses previously were closed during the holiday, its proximity to Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, another holiday, led the Federal Government to honor both presidents on the same day. When Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was created as an additional day off of work, many employers stopped closing shop on Presidents’ Day to compensate for the new day off. Because many businesses now stay open during Washington’s Birthday, it has lost much of its luster in recent years. Today, Washington’s Birthday is most familiar to Americans as an occasion for special sales at retail outlets, particularly car dealerships.

 

MEMORIAL DAY:

Memorial Day is a national holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It commemorates U.S. men and women who died while serving in the military. Although the holiday was first enacted to honor veterans of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to honor American casualties from any war or military action. Because the holiday falls on a Monday, many American families take advantage of the extended weekend to travel. Additionally, many Americans also hold “Memorial Day Barbeques,” outdoor cookouts where they gather with friends and family to enjoy grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and other snacks.


 

INDEPENDENCE DAY:

American Independence Day is celebrated every year on July 4th. Commonly referred to as the Fourth of July, it commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Declaration officially severed ties between the United States and the British Monarchy, and is the formal beginning of the American Revolution. A little known fact about the holiday is that the Declaration of Independence was actually signed on July 2, but the public did not know that it had been signed until two days later, at which point until the Declaration had been edited into its final form and was widely distributed. Americans commemorate the Fourth of July with outdoor picnics and barbeques, and sit down to enjoy elaborate fireworks displays at night.

 

LABOR DAY:

Labor Day is observed every year on the first Monday in September. The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union of New York City sought to create "a day off for the working citizens," and the American Congress declared it a federal holiday on 1894. Traditionally, Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer. Today, Labor Day is often regarded as a day of rest and parades, and an occasion for picnics, barbecues, water sports, and a last chance for travel before the end of summer. Labor Day marks the beginning of the American football season at both the professional and university level.


COLUMBUS DAY:

Columbus Day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s discovery of America, and is celebrated on the second Monday in October. Many schools and businesses around the country close in recognition of the holiday, although many choose to stay open as well. Schools often have special lesson plans in the days leading up to the holiday that teach students about Columbus’s voyage and the importance of his arrival in the New World. Many members of the Italian-American community consider the holiday a celebration of their heritage.

 

VETERANS DAY:

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans, and is celebrated on November 11. If November 11th falls on a weekend during a particular year, then the nearest weekday is designated for holiday leave. It was originally called Armistice Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. In 1954 the name of the holiday was officially changed to Veterans Day, in order to recognize the sacrifices of American soldiers in subsequent military conflicts. Veterans Day is marked with parades and ceremonies to honor American servicemen and women around the country.

 

THANKSGIVING DAY:

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Although it was historically a religious observation to give thanks to God, it is now considered a secular holiday. Thanksgiving commemorates early English settlers’ success and gratitude after surviving an especially brutal first winter in America. Most Americans celebrate by gathering at home with family or friends for a holiday feast. The feast reflects the food eaten by American colonists, traditionally featuring dishes like mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, other fall vegetables, and pumpkin pie. A full turkey (often baked or fried) serves as the meal’s centerpiece, and has become so symbolically linked with the holiday that Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Turkey Day.” Although the Thanksgiving feast may appear to be an unnecessary indulgence, Thanksgiving is also an occasion for community service. Many Americans help to feed the needy at Thanksgiving time, and most communities have annual food drives that collect packaged and canned foods for this purpose.

 

CHRISTMAS DAY:

Like in many countries around the world, Christmas Day is a cause for celebration in the United States. Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas gives Americans of all religions time away from work and school that they can spend with friends and family. Although many Christian Americans commemorate the holiday by exchanging presents, many Americans of other faiths engage in holiday gift giving as well. Although the holiday has a strong religious foundation that is a key part of many Americans’ Christmas experience, for other Americans the holiday’s festivities take on a more secular role of setting the mood at the beginning of the winter season. Many neighborhoods and public areas are illuminated with strings of lights to give a festive mood, with many of these displays installed shortly after Thanksgiving. Some of the more famous Christmas displays include an enormous Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York City, and Washington D.C.’s impressive National Christmas Tree that is displayed across the street from the White House.

Other celebrations in US:  

 

HALLOWEEN:

Halloween is a non-Federal holiday celebrated on October 31. The day is often associated with the colors orange and black, and is strongly associated with symbols such as the jack-o'-lantern, a hollowed-out pumpkin whose sides are carved to create small openings that become illuminated when a lit candle is placed inside it. Halloween activities include bonfires, costume parties, visiting seasonal attractions, carving jack-o'-lanterns, reading scary stories, and watching horror movies. Perhaps the most notable Halloween activity, however, is called “trick-or-treating.”

 

VALENTINE’S DAY:

Americans celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Although Valentine’s Day is not a Federal Holiday, it is nonetheless an important holiday for many Americans. The day is most closely associated with the mutual exchange of love notes in the form of "valentines". Valentine’s Day symbols include the heart-shaped outlines, doves, and images of the winged Cupid.