News in brief

Pinkama to mark D.R. Wijewardene's birth anniversary

COLOMBO: A two day pinkama will be held at Lake House today and tomorrow to mark the 120th birth anniversary of its founder late D.R. Wijewardene.

An all night pirith ceremony will begin at Lake House at 10 p.m. today as part of the pinkama which will conclude with a sanghika dana to 25 bhikkhus tomorrow forenoon.

The anusasana delivered by Ven. Pitiduwe Siridhamma Thera as a prelude to the pirith ceremony will be broadcast live over the SLBC national service at 10 p.m. today.

The pinkama is organised by the Lake House Buddhist Association with the assistance of Lake House employees and the patronage of Ven. Kirinde Premasiri Thera of the Sambuddhaloka Viharaya, Fort, Colombo.

Houses for tsunami victims: First Lady presides

COLOMBO: First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse will hand over 37 houses to tsunami victims on February 26 at 3.30 p.m. at Galagodawatta Ambalangoda.

These houses are built by Dharmawijaya Buddhist Vihara, Los-Angeles together with the Hollywood Artist Allions.

Urban Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and several Ministers and MPs will participate. a special delegation from the Hollywood Artist Allions will also participate.

The new housing project was launched by Ven. Walpola Piyananda Thera Chief Incumbent of the Dharmawijaya Vihara Los Angeles.

Architect exhibition

COLOMBO: Asian paints, the Indian headquartered paint company is also participating at the Architects Exhibition organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects.

Visitors to the Asian Paints stall are presented with questionnaires, which enable them to win prizes at draws held every half an hour at the company's main stall.

They will also receive 25 per cent discount coupons on paint purchases.