Nearly 14 years ago we had a humble beginning by publishing our directory "Thamilar mathiyil" - world's first business directory for Tamils with only 72 pages. The 14 th Edition now in your hands consists of 1200 pages. As publishers we feel proud of the growth of the directory thanks to the numerous advertisers and well wishers who have immensely helped us in the laborious task

Our publication, which had served as a bridge between the Tamil business community and the end users, is the first and largest of its kind in the world.The directory contains both advertisements of businesses which serve the Tamil community and also valuable community oriented information to the public. It now serves not only the interest of the Tamil community in Canada, but also the tamil diaspora spread all over the world.

When our advertisers and end users of the directory complement us on the highest quality maintained, the 99% error free content and the excellent graphic designs displayed, we feel proud of our achievement over the years. It is for the these reasons that "Thamilar mathiyil" is the first choice of the advertisers when it comes to marketing their products and services to the Tamil community.

Year 2004 will be a historic milestone for us when the 15 th edition of "Thamilar mathiyil" will be released. We make a special appeal to all members of our Tamil business community in Canada and world wide to join in this edition by placing their advertisements in order that this special bumper issue will become a fully-fledged business directory representing the entire Tamil business community all over the world.

Finally we welcome the peace initiatives in our mother country Sri Lanka and wish that when year 2003 dawns the peace process will become a permanent reality for the betterment of our brethren in Sri Lanka. This would no doubt create a good economic climate where better business relationships can be forged by Sri Lankan business houses through the medium of our directory.