Quick Look

Enshrinement of sacred objects in world's tallest Buddha Statue

The enshrinement of sacred objects in the world's tallest Buddha statue being built at the Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Raja Maha Viharaya will take place at 3.30 p.m. on Monday at a ceremony to be held under the patronage of Most Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter.

Several VIPs including Ministers and Parliamentarians will attend this ceremony.

A 365-day continuous pirith chanting to mark the occasion and invoke blessings on the country, Security Forces and Police and the people will begin at the Viharaya on Monday under the patronage of Viharadhipati Ven. Dr. Thumbulle Sri Seelakkhandha, Chief Sanghanayake Thera of Wayamba Palatha.

The pirith pinkama will conclude on January 20, 2009.

Celebrating 61 years of Lankan cinema

The National Film Corporation will launch several events to celebrate 61 years of the Sri Lankan cinema and 36 years of its inauguration.

An artistic and technical exhibition will be held at the National Art Gallery from 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on January 20 and 21. The exhibits are connected to the history of Sri Lankan cinema and some are unique to the exhibition. Schoolchildren are urged to take part as a free bus service will be provided islandwide. A documentary based on old movies will be screened at the New Film Theatre, The National Film Corporation from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A Seth Pirith chanting will be held at the Corporation at 8.00 a.m. on January 21 and a discussion will also take place on the same day at the John de Silva Theatre from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Actor Ravindra Randeniya and film director Sarath Dharmasiri will participate.

South Eastern University convocation

The fourth General Convocation of the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka will be held at the BMICH on Monday in two sessions.

The morning session which will commence at 9.30 a.m. will be attended by Deputy Higher Education Minister M. M. Mohamed Mustapha. The convocation address will be delivered by Prof. C. Gunawardena.

University Grants Commission Chairman Prof. Gamini Samaranayake, who will participate as chief guest in the afternoon session will also deliver the convocation address.

Sixty four students of Bachelor of Science, 398 students of Bachelor of Arts, 105 students of Bachelor of Business Administration, and 73 students of Bachelor of Commerce who have successfully completed their degree programmes will be confirmed with Degrees.

Needs help

O.K.. Didulanga, 12, of 47, Dehiwala Road, Boralesgamuwa is suffering from a heart ailment and has been recommended an urgent surgery estimated at Rs. 425,000. His mother U.K. Mallika says she is not in a position to foot this bill and seeks public assistance to help expedite the surgery.

Any contributions could be remitted to A/C Number 0420 02039864-101 of Seylan Bank, Kalubowila branch.

Diplomacy course

The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI) under the auspices of the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies will inaugurate the certificate course in Diplomacy and International Relations at 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday at the BIDTI Lecture Hall. Indian High Commissioner Alok Prasad will be the chief guest while Prof. Rifaat Hussain, Executive Director RCSS will be the guest of honour.

Concert to benefit tsunami victims

A concert to raise funds for the victims of the tsunami in Sri Lanka in 2004 will be held tonight in Wedmore, UK.

The event at St Mary's Church in the Somerset village will include music from the Cheddar Male Choir and the soprano Sarah Brown.

Rev. Thurairajah Samuel, Superintendent Minister in the West Mendip circuit, organised the event. He lost family in the disaster in the Indian Ocean in 2004.

BBC