in brief

First copy of Sinhala encyclopedia presented to President

COLOMBO: The first copy of the Sinhala encyclopedia “Maha Sinhala Sabdha Koshaya” edited by Harischandra Wijetunga was presented to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees last Tuesday (06).

The encyclopedia contains more than 2,000 words that are in use not only in day-to-day expression of ideas, but covering a vast area relating to the fields of Chemistry, Geography and History.

The President receiving the book stated that it will serve the dual purpose of enriching the knowledge of Sinhala language while helping the younger generation to face the challenges of the modern world.

Maternity ward nearing completion

RIKILLAGASKADA: The construction on the first phase of the maternity ward complex at the Rikillagaskada district hospital is now nearing completion. The Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medicine in the Central Province has allocated Rs. 20,939,248 for the project.

This facility once completed will benefit people in Rikillagaskada, Hewaheta, Pallebowala, Hanguranketha, Padiyapelella, Maturata, Adhikarigama and other surrounding areas.

Memorial scholarship at Trinity

COLOMBO: It is one year since the death of old Trinitian Vasanth Nadesan in Sydney, Australia. A full scholarship will be awarded to Vasanth Nadesan’s ‘alma mater’ Trinity College, Kandy in his memory.

Two well deserving sporting students of the college will benefit each year from this act of generosity.

Symposium to educate true spirit of Quran

COLOMBO: The Muslim Women’s Research and Action Forum (MWRAF) jointly with the Asia Foundation and the Federation of All Mosques in the Ampara District (FAMAD) conducted 3 regional forums in Ampara, a seminar in Badulla and Kaththankudy to ascertain the impact of Islamic interpretation and practice of religion in Sri Lanka on women and realise the need of raising awareness on multi-religious, cultural, nature of Sri Lankan society.

These workshops will culminate in an islandwide symposium which will be held on February 17 at the Zahira College, Colombo 10.

The symposium will explore the experiences, gathered from the regional forums that will be shared with the selected participants.

Speakers from the Muslim community will raise awareness on the greater understanding of the true spirit of the Quran to understand the women’s position within an Islamic framework.