Quick Look

Kolam rides from Ambalangda to Colombo

The kolam natakaya of Ariyapala Guruthuma who was conferred the Presidential accolade Sri Lanka Thilaka will be staged at the Maharagama youth centre theatre on February 13 at 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m.

Andabere Kolama, Arachchi Kolama, Mudali Kolama, Jasalenchina Kolama, Hewa Kolama, Police Kolama, Parangi Kolama and Singhe Kolma take the leading possession among the kolam.

Rukmal Wijesuriya, Amalka Wijesuriya, Subasha Liyanage, Chandana Priyashantha, Pathum Madawa, Isanka, Rumesh Chanaka, Priyankara, Sumith and Danuka Dakshina while herald the characters to life Kanchana Wijesuriya, Saman Kumara, Rashmirishi Sanjitha, Roshan Chathuranga and Tharaka Rasanjana contribute in song and music.

New variety of citrus

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Fruit Crop Research and Development Institute has introduced a new variety of citrus fruit (Jamanaran) named Indu.

Fruit Crop Research and Development Institute Research Officer W.D. Leslie who developed this new variety said this is most suitable for the wet zone and he hopes to introduce it to other areas.

The Agriculture Department is on the lookout for new varieties of citrus fruits which can be cultivated in the wet zone. After much research, the Agriculture Department hit upon Indu which could yield a bumper harvest.

“The average weight of a fruit is 75-80 grams and we can get a harvest of more than 350 fruits from a five year old tree. These trees have flourished after two or three years but we can’t get much of a harvest immediately.”

One killed, five children injured in road mishap

Rafik JALALDEEN

At least one person was killed and several others injured in a road accident in Owakanda, Rathgama yesterday morning. Among the injured were five schoolchildren.

Police Spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody said a bus plying from Matara-Colombo collided head on with a bus proceeding from Elpitiya to Galle in Owakanda at around 7.15 a.m. One person was killed on the spot. “Around 15 passengers including five schoolchildren were injured. It was reported that the schoolchildren are out of danger,” he added.

The injured were admitted to the Galle and the Karapitiya Hospitals. The deceased was a conductor attached to the Elpitiya Bus Depot and was returning home after duty.

Mahinda Amaraweera 48

Former Water Supply Minister and Hambantota District Parliamentarian Mahinda Amaraweera turns 48 today.

BIDTI launches sixth diploma course

The Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute (BIDTI), the training arm of the Lakshman Kadirgarmar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies will begin its next course in World Affairs and Professional Diplomacy on February 25. For details contact the BIDTI at Suite 3G-07, BMICH, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07. Tel: 2682110/2682111, Fax:2682111.

A unique feature of the Course is that it is not confined to lectures but also includes practical demonstrations in which the participants are expected to play a role. They get training in effective public speaking by making presentations at mock UN Sessions and press conferences. The Course is well-known for the high calibre of its lectures, as participants have the unique opportunity to listen to and have discussions with the most recognized experts in every field.

Lecture

Eminent UK explorer, BBC presenter and public speaker Paul Rose will be in Colombo on February 15 as part of a tour of India and Sri Lanka. He is here with a lecture series on ‘Talking Climate’ with the objective of communicating and raising awareness about climate change.

The British Council with the support of the National Science Foundation and TVE Asia Pacific has organized two events in Colombo as part of this tour. The first will be an opening ceremony followed by a panel discussion on the topic ‘Communicating Science on a warming planet’ from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. The panel discussion will be led by Paul Rose.

The other panelists include, Prof. M.T.M. Jiffry (Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka) Dr Jayantha Wattevidanage (Senior Lecturer, Open University of Sri Lanka) and the panel discussion will be facilitated by Nalaka Gunawardene (Director, TVE Asia Pacific; science writer and broadcaster)

Admission is free. To register contact the British Council at thushara. [email protected] or 0114521583.

Annual session

The 17th Annual Session of College of Medical Administrators will be held on February 12 at 6.00 p.m. at Waters Edge Hotel, Battaramulla.

Director, Program Management of World Health Organisation Regional Office, South East Asia Dr. Myint Htwe, an emeritus Prof. of Economics, Colombo University former Vice Chancellor Prof. W.D. Lakshman will be the chief guest. The special oration on Dr. Malinga Fernando will be delivered by Health Ministry Retired Secretary Dr. Jow Fernando.

The sessions has been organised by Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry Public Health Deputy Director General Dr. Palitha Maheepala.

Devi Balika sports meet

The annual inter-house sports meet of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo will be held at the Castle Street Health Grounds today at 1 p.m.

Bank of Ceylon former Chairman Sumitra Moonesinghe, a past pupil and Principal W.D.P.K. Samarasinghe will be the chief guests.

Laptop distribution

The distribution of laptop to enhance the information technology knowledge of students Ketawala Kanishta Vidyalaya and Saraswathy Vidyalaya in Mawathagama will be held on February 13, (Saturday) at the respective schools.

These laptops are provided by the CHART FOUNDATION, an entity formed through the Rotary Club of Colombo West. The foundation funds 154 laptops for students of Grade 1-5 in both schools.

Mowlood Program

Colombo Messenger Street Ummu Zaviya organised a Mowlood ceremony in memory of Holy Prophet Muhammad from February 16 to 26.

The SLBC Muslim Service will broadcast live the program from 7.45 am to 8.15 am. Colombo SLFP organiser Fawzan Anver is sponsoring this live program.

AGM

The Sri Lanka Ex-Air Force Logistics Association Annual General Meeting 2010 will be held on February 21 at 10.00 a.m. at Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen Association, Bristol Street, Colombo 01.

TU demonstration

A demonstration by trade unions and the public demanding legal action against persons threatening national security will be held opposite the Colombo Fort Railway Station today, Joint Trade Union Federation convenor and Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana said.