Archives

NEWS IN BRIEF

Twenty small scale electricity projects

Twenty small-scale electricity projects will be set up in the Ratnapura and Kegalle Districts this year under a crash program mooted by the SPC, a Chief Ministry news release said.

The power-projects financed by the SPC and the World Environment Fund, are expected to produce 284.5 Kwh for rural consumption in areas, inaccessible to the National Grid. The projects operating independently would not be connected to the National Grid according to the release.

The power would be generated from small waterfalls in Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Kolonna, Elapatha, Opanaike, Kuruwita and Deraniyagala areas. The projects expected to cost Rs. 10 million would receive 400 dollars per Kwt of power generated from the World Environment Fund.

Over 1000 families in the remote areas would receive electricity at a concessionary rate.

The projects would be maintained by the villagers themselves from the date they come into operation, the release added.

NYSC to conduct 100 English language programs

The National Youth Services Council (NYSC),the pioneer state institution for youth welfare is conducting 100 English language training programs countrywide at district level including the North-East to enable less privileged rural youth to gain an English knowledge and vie for lucrative jobs here and abroad.

The training project named "Yovuwana Nenamini" implemented in line with the 100 day development program of the UNF Government will be conducted free of charge. Youth between the age group from 15 to 29 who are members of Youth Clubs are entitled to follow the training course in their respective areas, a NYSC spokesman told the Daily News yesterday.

He said according to a survey conducted by the NYSC,youth in rural areas are very keen to gain an English knowledge, but have no avenues to acquire such skills. As a remedy, the NYSC has taken initiatives to provide a systematic English language training to youth.

ROSL Arts scholarship

The Royal Over Seas League (ROSL Arts) is offering a 5-week scholarship to a Sri Lankan artist between July 2002 and May 2003.

Eligible candidates up to and including age 35 as at December 2002 currently living in Sri Lanka. Media used are limited to oil or comparable media, watercolour, drawing, mixed media, mono print or semi-relief. Free standing work, multi-edition prints and photographs are not accepted, a ROSL Arts relate stipulated.

The scholarship includes return airfares to UK, studio, accommodation and full board for one month and one week accommodation and hospitality in London or Edinburgh.

Deadline for applications is March 2002.

National Day celebrated in the U.A.E.

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai celebrated the National Day this year with the usual get-together of members of the community. There was an air of hope and optimism over peace and harmony in Sri Lanka noticeable at the celebrations in both cities.

In Abu Dhabi, the ceremony was attended by over 400 Sri Lankans. The function commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp and reciting of Jayamangala Gatha. A special feature of this function was that the lamp was lit by children representing different communities in the country in their traditional dresses. A multi denominational religious service was held thereafter. Messages of the President, the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were read by members of the staff. Ambassador Janaka Nakkawita addressed the gathering thereafter and his remarks related to the current developments in the country promising an era of peace which would lead to focus efforts on economic development, eradication of poverty and employment creation. He sought the support of the expatriate community in the many tasks that lie ahead.

OPA technical program

The 54th monthly technical program of the Organisation of Professional Associations will be held at the OPA auditorium of the Professional Centre at 275/75, Prof. Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha, Colombo 7 on Friday February 22 at 6.30 p.m.

The opening address will be by Dr. V. Loganathan, Chairman, Technical Programs, Committee OPA and the introductory speech will be by Dr. M. Kopalasuntharam, President OPA.

The introduction to the technical program will be by Mrs. Daya Ratnayake, President, Sri Lanka Library Association.

The keynote address will be delivered by Mark Mckenna, Resident Representative, Asia Foundation.

Prof. Russel Bowden-Consultant Information Scientist will speak on "Information and Knowledge-the Relationship". Mrs. Ira Unamboowe- Consultant, Management and Information Science will speak on "Knowledge Management-Organisational Value".

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager