Quick Look

The Ambassador for Iran Mahmoud Rahimi Gorji paid a courtesy call on Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa at his office in the Parliament yesterday. Here the Speaker welcomes the Iranian Ambassador. Picture by Rukmal Gamage

Murali to retire from test cricket

The world’s leading wicket-taker and champion spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has decided to retire from test cricket after the first test in Galle versus India commencing on July 18, 2010.

Muralitharan has had discussions with the National Selectors, SLC officials and has had the blessings of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Minister of Sports, C.B. Ratnayake. Sri Lanka Cricket will hold an Official Press Conference to announced his retirement in due course.

Archaelogical Week begins today

Priyanka KURUGALA

The National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Ministry and Archaeological Department will launch Archaeological Week under the patronage of National Heritage and Cultural Affairs Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Deputy Minister Gunarathna Weerakoon at the Archaeological Department, said Commissioner Director General Dr Senerath Dissanayake to commemorate the National Archaeological Day which falls today.

Along with the National Archaeological Day a publication titled Dayada will also be launched. The Department has received about 80 archaeological research papers this year from all over the country.

All veteran and amateur archaeologists will present their views about their research, he said.

Deputy Minister wants to expedite road development

Chaminda PERERA

Deputy Highways Minister Mervyn Silva yesterday instructed heads of all institutions under the Highways Ministry to expedite ongoing road development projects.

The Deputy Minister said officials should focus particular attention to ensure that these projects are in conformity with proper standards.

Mervyn Silva addressing Ministry officials and institution heads at his office recently, emphasized that the Ministry should be a place totally free from corruption.

He said he would take stern action against officials who indulge in corruption in the Ministry.

Bar Association condoles over death of Desmond Fernando PC

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka deeply regrets to announce the death of President’s Counsel, Desmond Fernando who was the first Secretary of the Bar Association (1975-1977), President of the Association from 1989-1991 and 2005-2006.

He was an Honorary Life Member (Honoris Causa) of the Association and was the only Sri Lankan to hold the prestigious post of the President of the International Bar Association (IBA).

The Bar Association requests its members to assemble at the Main Entrance of the General Cemetery, Kanatte on Thursday at 3.45 p.m. to participate at the funeral procession of the distinguished and departed colleague.

Help save his life

N.K. Podimahathmaya, 56, of Karadiyamulla in Balangoda is suffering from a severe heart disease.

Dr. Sujeeth H. Suvarana FRCS Consultant Cardiotheoracic Surgeon Lanka Hospital has recommended an early Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery to save his life. The surgery is estimated to cost Rs 435,000.

Podimahathmaya a mason by profession is unemployed due to his illness. All contributions should be remitted to Account No. 07200126394352 at the People’s Bank Balangoda Branch.

Buddhist talk

Ranjan Zylva will deliver a public talk in English on “Sila” at the meeting on the Servants of Buddha Society at the Maithree Hall, Lauries Road, Bambalapitiya on July 10 at 4.30 p.m.

Lecture

Minnesota University English Department Literary Critic Prof. Qadri Ismail will deliver a lecture on “Reading the Painting of the ‘43 Group’ and ‘90s Trend’ at the ICES Auditorium, 2, Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8 on July 9 at 5.30 p.m.

Hindu Society Program

A special pooja to mark the 49 anniversary of the People's Bank is to be held today at 5.30 pm at the Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar Kovil, Kochchikade, Colombo 13.

Chairman Karunajeewa, CEO/General Manager P.V. Pathirana and higher officers of the People's Bank will grace the occasion.

New Basnayake Nilame

The function to appoint the Basnayake Nilame of the Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya will be held at the Negombo Angurukaramulla Temple on July 10. Nilwala Group of Companies Chairman Dr. Upul Jayasinghe is due to be appointed the Basnayake Nilame by Mahanayake of the Ambagahapity Chapter of Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha Ven. Heenatiyana Nandatissa Thera.

Dr. Jayasinghe is the present Basnayake Nilame of the Seruwavila Raja Maha Viharaya. He is the son of former Principal of Matara Nilwala Vidyalaya and social worker, the late L U Jayasinghe.

AGM

Kapila SOMARATNE-Panadura group corr.

The second Annual General Meeting of Mahinda College Galle Retired Teachers' Association will be held at the Hotel Aradhana, Richmond Hill Road, Galle (close to the Leco Electric Co.) on July 11 at 9.00 a.m.

The Chief Guest is Professor Saman Wimalasundara of Galle Teaching Hospital, Karapitiya. He is scheduled to deliver a lecture on eye care.

All members are cordially invited. Those who have not got membership could contact Secretary Bandula Pilannavithana on 071-8059242.

Teacher Training finals

Teachers who were unable to complete the Teacher Training College Finals upto this year are to be given another chance to sit for the final examination, according to a decision taken by the Education Ministry.

A Ministry release said teachers who were unable to complete their finals should furnish their details to the Director, Teacher Education Administration Division, Insurupaya, Battaramulla to reach him on or before July 31.

OBA AGM

The 20th Annual General Meeting of Old Anthonians Association of St. Anthony’s College, Panadura will be held on July 18 at 9.00 a.m. at the College Hall.

Old Anthonian and Western Province Council Member Nimal Chandraratne will be the Chief Guest.

Prize day

The annual Prize Giving of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia will be held at the College Hall on July 9 at 4 p.m Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya will be the Chief Guest.

Clash injures wildlife officers

Asela KURULUWANSA and Hasalaka Group corr.

Two wildlife officers attached to the Wasgomuwa forest reserve were injured and admitted to the Wilgamuwa hospital following a clash with a group of visiting local tourists.

Corrections and Clarifications

President’s Counsel D.S. Wijesinghe informed that the appearance for President Mahinda Rajapaksa in yesterday’s Daily News report on the Presidential Election Petition should be corrected as D.S. Wijesinghe PC with Nihal Jayamanne PC, S.S. Sahabandu PC, D.P. Mendis PC, Palitha Kumarasinghe PC, Dr. Jayatissa De Costa PC, Kaushalya Molligoda, Chamila Thalagoda and Isuru Somadasa instructed by Athula de Silva appeared for President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The error is regretted.