Quick Look

Legal action against Palmyra tree fellers

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprises Development Minister Douglas Devananda has instructed officials to take legal action against those who cut down Palmyra trees without permits.

A comprehensive replanting program has been launched by the Palmyra Development Board on the instruction of Minister Devananda. The Palmyra palm is exclusively found in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Mannar and Hambantota districts. Extensive stretches of this palm were destroyed during the war and during the tsunami.

Workshops

Co-operatives and Internal Trade Minister Johnston Fernando has directed the Consumer Affairs Authority to hold countrywide workshops to educate the public on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

The Minister has said such workshops are aimed to foster a good rapport between traders and consumers rather than to penalize traders.

Esala festival

The annual Esala festival of the Sapugoda Vidyaniketha Piriven Viharaya in Kamburupitiya will be held from July 25 to August 1 on a grand scale.

The Randoli Maha Perahera will be held on July 30. There will be up-country, low-country and Sabaragamuwa dances and cultural activities.

The Kolmura yaga (Deva thovilaya) will be held on July 31 at night.

The water cutting ceremony will take place on August 1, morning. The festival will end with the Deva Danaya.

Commemoration of Ven. Sri Rathanapala, Ven. Sri Sugathapala and Ven. Sri Chandararathana Nayaka Theras will also be held with the Esala festival on the special instructions – Rajakeeya Panditha, Prof. Ven. Gathare Dhammapala Nayaka Thera, the incumbent Vidyaniketha Piriven Viharaya, Sapugoda, Kamburupitiya.

Felicitation Night

The “Devans Felicitation Night” organized by the Maliyadeva College Old Boys’ Association will be held at Hotel Seasons, Lake Round, Kurunegala on July 24 from 6.30 p.m. This is to felicitate and recognize the 30 eminent Devans in high ranks in the field of Security Forces, Government service, Politics, Business, Music etc.

For details contact 0372220185, 0375623602 or the president of the Old Boys’ Association on 0777414768.

UNP Working Committee meets today

Shirley Wijesinghe

The UNP Working Committee is to meet today to finalize the party reforms proposed by the committee headed by MP Joseph Michael Perera. It will also decide when the party convention would be held.

According to party sources, the next UNP convention was initially fixed to be held during the second week of this month after finalizing the party reforms.

Kasippu haul seized

Panadura Group Corr

A massive load of kasippu and goda packed in barrels were seized by Horana Excise officials vice squad during raids in two distilleries in Millawa, Panadura.

The two suspects and the production are to be produced before the Horana Magistrate’s Court.

Missing

M P Gunatilleke, (52) brother of M P Amarasinghe of No.451/1, Gohagoda Road, Katugastota is missing since June 29.

He is 5’ in height.

Any information about him could be given to the above address or the nearest Police station or telephone Nos.0812 498808 - 077 6696887.