Quick Look

United Nations Under-Secretary for Political Affairs B.Lynn Pascoe paid a courtesy call on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. Ministers G.L Peiris, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga and UN representative in Sri Lanka Neil Bhune were also present. Ptcture by Sudath Silva

Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne presented a Buddhist statue received from Thailand to Jathika Namal Uyana caretaker Ven Vanavasi Rahula Thera at the Prime Minister’s Office recently. Ven Halpanwila Palitha Thera was also present.

Hanwella traders set example

Dharmasiri WIJERATNE Hanwella group corr

The traders of Hanwella set an example to others recently when they willingly removed all unauthorised structures in the town, in response to a request by the Seethavake Pradeshiya Sabha.

The unauthorised structures at the super market complex and the weekly fair premises were a hindrance for the people.

The PS made the request in keeping with a recent decision taken by the government to remove all unauthorised structures in the island.

PUC to upgrade lubricating oil sector

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) will transform the lubricating oil sector into a quality service by educating the public and providing them the necessary guidance, Commissions Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe said.

The objective of this program is to ensure the import of high quality grease and other lubricants and enable those engaged in this trade to conform to certain standards, he said. The program includes the publication of a guide book on import of lubricants, permit applications, issuing of import permits, customs clearance, he added.

Halara Muzakarah Majlis

Ad Diayathush Shazuliyathul Fassiya of Sri Lanka organized Halara Muzakarah Majlis will be held tomorrow after Isha prayers at Wellawatte Jumma Mosque, Colombo. Moulavi A.M.M. Abdus Salam (valahi) will speak on "Meritorious Act of Remembrance of Allah (Zikr).

Help save his life

Susil Jayasinghe (55) of No 9, Lakshawatta, Meddawatta, Matara is suffering from end stage renal disease. Consultant Nephrologist Dr. C.A. Herath has recommended regular haemodiallysis followed by a kidney transplant to save his life. The haemodiallysis treatment costs Rs 33,600 to Rs 38,400 per month and the kidney transplant will cost Rs 300,000. Jayasinghe says he is unable to foot this bill due to financial constraints and requests the public to assist his cause. All contributions should be remitted to account number 10011 02 07551 at the National Savings Bank Ambalantota branch. He also requests a kind donor wishing to donate a 'O' positive kidney to contact him on 041-2259112

Awareness program

An awareness program on the Public Utilities Commission and its duties and responsibilities for the media personnel in the Colombo district, organized by the Public Utilities Commission will be held at the Government Information Department, Polhengoda, Colombo on June 18 at 10 a.m.

The program will be held for Government Agents, Divisional Secretaries, Samurdhi Development Officers and all types of field officers.

New Stamp

A first day cover and a Five Rupee stamp was issued by the Postal Department to mark the 175th Jubilee Anniversary of St. Anthony's Church, Kochchikade.

St. Anthony's Church has a history of more than 270 years. The church was first consecrated in 1834.

The first day cover was handed over to Archbishop of Colombo Rt Rev Dr Malcolm Ranjith by Posts and Telecommunications Minister Jeevan Kumaratunga.

Elephant meets death in pit

Asela KURULUWANSA

A wild elephant died after falling into a toilet pit in the premises of Agricultural Research Centre in Girandurukotte, Mahiyangana yesterday morning.

The OIC Agricultural Research Centre Sanath Bandara said it was common to see many elephants in the vicinity.

The Ulhitiya and Maduruoya forests in the Mahaweli ‘C’ Region. They frequent the premises daily.

He further said a herd of 10 elephants had come to the Research Centre premises and one had fallen into the pit. He said the elephants pose a danger to those conducting research activities.

Gangaramaya helps develop temples

The Hunupitiya Gangaramaya will assist temples and affiliated institutions in nine districts to obtain much needed water supply facilities. The program implemented with the assistance of Buddhist devotees in Thailand and Singapore will cost Rs 12 million initially, said Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Thera of the Gangaramaya.

Devotees in Sri Lanka too can contribute towards this meritorious deed.

The assistance will be distributed at a pinkama held at the Gangarama rest hall Kataragama in September. Temples and affiliated institutions needing assistance should send in their applications within two weeks to the Gangaramaya, No. 61, Sri Jinaratana Road, Colombo 2, Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Thera said .

Dr Jayatissa de Costa appointed PC

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Dr Jayatissa De Costa as a President’s Counsel with effect from May 19.

Dr Jayatissa De Costa was called to the Bar in early 1971 after passing the LLB degree of the University of Ceylon. He proceeded to UK for higher studies in Law, and was awarded the LL.M. Degree of the University of London in 1976.

Resuming his legal practice in Sri Lanka, he functioned as a lecturer and examiner in Law Faculty of University of Colombo and Sri Lanka Law College. He was awarded the doctorate in 1983, the first doctorate obtained from a recognized Law Faculty by a legal practitioner in the country.

Blood donation

A blood donation campaign organised by ‘Rantaru Social Services Organization, Pokunuwita with the assistance of Sanasa Bank will be held from 9 a.m. June 20 at Sirimevan Maha Vidyalaya, Pokunuwita.

Chaturya needs help

Baby Chaturya Tharushi Jayawardana of No. 64, Sri Rahula Mawatha, Kalubowila is afflicted with hearing impairment which has affected her speech faculties as well.

Her parents who are in needy circumstances appeal for public assistance to purchase a set of hearing aids. All such public contributions may be remitted to A/c No. 038010008737, Hatton National Bank, Piliyandala.

Branch of Sri Maha Bodhi to India

Steps have been taken to send a branch of the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to Buddha Gaya, India, in next January to commemorate the 2600th Themagul festival of the Buddha, states a press release from the Prime Minister's office.

It said the first round of talks was held at the Prime Minister's office premises yesterday. Headship of Indian Maha Bodhi Association and the Asgiri Chapter of Siyam Maha Nikaya, Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkhita Thera and Prime Minister D. M. Jayaratne led the discussion.

Steps have been taken to carry the Bodhi from Anuradhapura to Colombo and from Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport in a vehicle parade.

Two killed, as van plunges into precipice

Bakthi DHARMAPRIYA MENDIS

Two killed and five others injured when a van plying from Nawalapitiya to Maskeliya plunged into a 400 feet precipice at Norwood yesterday evening.

According to Norwood Police, this mishap occurred near the Castlereigh reservoir. It is reported that the driver has lost control of the vehicle due to a technical fault. The injured were admitted to the Dikoya District Hospital with the assistance of the residents in Nanuoya.

Art competition

An exhibition of paintings and an inter-international schools art competition has been organized by Burhani Serendib, Bambalapitiya.

The event will be held on June 19 and 20 at the National Art Gallery from 9 am to 6 pm

The inter international schools art competition would be the highlight of the day as it has been organized for the first time by Burhani Serendib Schools where an array of paintings submitted by students of many prestigious International Schools will also be showcased and judged.