News In brief

Thirty monks return after chanting Suthra Pitakaya

KATUNAYAKE: Thirty Buddhist Monks led by Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera, will be ceremonially received at the VIP Lounge of the Katunayake International Airport after chanting the "Suthra Pitakaya" at Buddhagaya, Dambadiva (North India) to commemorate the 2550th Buddha Jayanthiya. They will arrive in the island on March 07 at 08.00 p.m. The ceremony is sponsored under state patronage.

Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera is the patron of the Mahameuna Meditation Hermitage of Polgahawela. He is known countrywide for his eloquent religious discourses and calm and serene practice of meditation.

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Wall collapses: Three dead

Sarath MALALASEKERA

KATUGASTOTA: Three persons died after a wall had collapsed near the Katugastota Police area yesterday morning.

According to the Katugastota Police the three dead were labourers employed at the site. Another person who had received serious injuries had been admitted to the Peradeniya hospital, the Katugastota Police said.

Chief Inspector Gunaratne, OIC Katugastota Police said that they are continuing further investigations into the incident.

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H.R. Piyasiri remanded

Sarath MALALASEKERA

MATARA: Former UNP Deputy Minister H. R. Piyasiri who was produced by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) before the Matara Magistrate on a charge of possessing firearms was remanded till today, February 6.

The special CID team investigating the murder of Piyasiri's son several months ago had recovered a number of firearms from his house.

The CID had recovered one T 56, 34 rounds of T 56 ammunition, 18 rounds of empty ammunition, nineteen 9 mm live bullets, one T 56 magazine, one SAR magazine, one SLR magazine and Army camouflage kits.

The CID also had recovered a rubber stamp of the Meetiyagoda OIC and the Galle District Education Director.

Producing the former deputy minister the CID had moved court for remand until the completion of investigations.

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Pakistan tour packages for Lankan pilgrims

COLOMBO: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will shortly introduce a tour package for Sri Lankan Buddhist pilgrims to visit Taxila and other places of interest in the Mogul city of Lahore which was once the centre of Ancient Buddhist scholars, the Pakistan High Commission said yesterday.

The aim is to boost the Pakistan tourism industry as well as to give Sri Lankan pilgrims an opportunity to see historic places that have a religious significance, said High Commission spokesman Zahoor Baralas.

"We are expecting to announce the package before the end of this month and our target group is mid to high income passengers," he said.