Sri Lanka News | Online edition of Daily News

The newly established Consulate of Sri Lanka in Chengdu together with Sri Lanka Tourism organized a country promotion workshop on December 16 at the Consulate premises. The workshop, the first ever of its kind organized by Sri Lanka in Sichuan Province, was attended by over 60 representatives from local travel agencies, media and airlines.

Presiding over the event, Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Hussein A. Bhaila elaborated on the recent developments in Sri Lanka. Emphasising on the wide ranging tourist attractions and unique travel experiences Sri Lanka has to offer, the Deputy Foreign Minister invited the Chinese travel agencies of Western China to work together with Sri Lanka Tourism.

‘President done a lot for plantation sector’

Tamils and Muslims must vote for President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as he is the only leader who works with the interests of the minorities at heart. Therefore the minorities should vote for the candidate who will be useful to them. They should vote in a prudent manner. The President’s victory at the polls is certain, said Water Supply and Drainage Minister A L M Athaullah.

The Minister was speaking at Maskeliya town after commissioning a new water supply scheme with Danish assistance on December 27.

The Minister said water and electricity are two essential components in man’s life.

The water supply scheme which took four years to complete will provide an uninterrupted water supply to the residents of Maskeliya.

He said the estate sector greatly benefitted by supporting the UPFA. The UPFA Government had always provided for the well-being of the estate people.

Baratha community meets

The Baratha community will meet on Saturday, January 2 at 5.15 p.m. at St. Benedict's College Hall, Kotahena for a post Christmas service of prayer, reflection, carols and fellowship, said the co-ordinator Francis D'Almeida.

The Very Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Fernando will be the chief celebrant, the program will include seasonal carols presented by top choral singers in the community.

All members and families of the Baratha community including the Negombo and Mannar groups will participate.

Dr T. B. Jayah remembered

The 120th birth anniversary of educationist, statesman and national hero, Al Haj Dr. T. B. Jayah, falls on January 1. The Conference of Sri Lankan Malays (COSLAM) will mark this event with a public meeting on Sunday, January 3 at the Ghafoor Hall of Zahira College, Colombo, commencing at 9.30 a.m.

The chief guest will be Malaysian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Datuk Rosli Ismail, Justice Saleem Marsoof, PC, Judge of the Supreme Court will deliver the Dr. T. B. Jayah oration.

Evening of friendship

An evening of friendship and good cheer to promote fellowship organised by the Kalmunai Zahira College batch of 2000 will take place at the Zahira College ground on January 14.

Matara-Beliatta Railway line extension to begin

The construction work of the Matara-Beliatta railway line extension will commence in the first week in January 2010.

The construction work has been entrusted to a Chinese firm. About 1411 plots of land have been acquired. Rs 382 million has been paid as compensations. There will be two small bridges' four cross bridges and six culverts on the way from Matara to Kataragama according to the Project Director.

New hostel at PRI

The construction work of a well-equipped a hostel at Bathalagoda Paddy Research Institute (PRI) of the Kurunegala District is nearing completion. The Agricultural Development Ministry spends Rs 6.8 million for this. Those who show interest in agricultural activities would be provided with residential training. A batch of 75 participants would be provided with trading at a time.

Treasure hunters hunted

Ella Police arrested seven suspects including the owner of a house who were allegedly involved in digging the house for treasures on Wednesday. Police also seized several implements and ola leaf containing details of the purported treasure deposits.

Funds to develop SP roads

Two hundred million rupees have been allocated for the development of roads in the Southern Province on the initiative of Southern Provincial Council Highways Minister Hemal Gunasekera.

In Matara District 16 roads have been identified for renovations, according to a spokesman of the Ministry.

Bus goes down precipice

Around 15 persons were injured and admitted to Galagedara and Kurunegala hospitals when the private bus in which they were travelling, went off the rood and fell into a precipice at a culvert along the Kandy-Kurunegala road.

The passengers were returning after attending a wedding reception. Meanwhile in another accident at Blue Diamond Junction, Liyanagemulla, Seeduwa on Sunday a civil defence force member died.

‘Get-together for country’s development’

Tharunyata Hetak Movement President and convenor of Blue Brigade, Namal Rajapaksa addressing the Vavuniya District convention recently said that everyone should get-together as children of one mother to develop this country which was freed from the scourge of terrorism.

Maha Latsha Yaga Homam

The Maha Latsha Yaga Homam conducted annually at Sri Muthukumaran Kovil, Hunupitiya, Wattala will commence on Sunday, January 03 and concludes on January 11. This Yaga Latsha Homam will be conducted by Shivachariyars from Sri Lanka and India.

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa visits the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. Picture by Lalith Welivitigoda

At a time when peace has dawned in the country after 30 years the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited has stepped into provide an opportunity for the people to enjoy this new freedom, with the launch of a luxury bus service from Colombo to Jaffna. The service will commence on January 4, 2010 at 11 p.m. Here Sunday Observer Editor Dinesh Weerawansa issuing the first ticket to P. Parameshwaran Nathan of Wellawatte. Also present on the occasion was Transport Manager of ANCL Sunil Sendanayake. Picture by Sudam Gunasinghe

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Lankan tourism promotional campaign in China