Ceremonies to mark President's birthday

COUNTRYWIDE ceremonies will be held on June 29 to mark the 60th birthday of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga.

A highlight will be the provision of free meals to 225 inmates at the Thawalampitiya Elders' Home, Mirigama under a program organised by Trade, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle.

On the same day the Minister has arranged to distribute 100 houses among 100 tsunami affected families at a ceremony at Pereliya at 5 p.m.

The project costing Rs. 39 million had been funded by donations made by well wishers and the Jeyaraj Fernandopulle Education Development Foundation.

Meanwhile the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council has organised two pinkamas to invoke blessings on the President at the Ratnapura Maha Saman Devalaya and the Kegalle Wewaladeniya Viharaya.

The pinkamas starting at 6 p.m. on this day will be held under the auspices of Sabaragamuwa Governor Reggie Ranatunge and Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Maheepala Herath respectively.