Quick Look

Udul refused bail again

Colombo Chief Magistrate Rashmi Singappuli yesterday again rejected the bail application of Inter University Student Federation Convener Udul Premaratne and ordered to further remand him till November 26.

He was arrested October 29 for forcibly entering the Higher Education Ministry premises with IUSF members and damaging property.

Tree planting program

Ariyapala WANSATHILAKE- Kurunegala Central Special

The North Western Provincial Council will launch a program to plant 350,000 trees on November 15 to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa's second swearing in.

This program is coordinated by NWP Provincial Environment Authority Director Saman Senanayake.

The provincial program will be held at the Sakura free school ground November 15 from 8.30 am.

North Western Province Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe and Governor Tissa R Balalla will grace this occasion.

Lecture

A memorial lecture on ‘Successful Turnaround of Indian Railways and Lessons Relevant for Sri Lanka Railways’ will be held on November 15 at 5.30 pm at the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL) to coincide with B D Rampala’s 100th birth anniversary.

Sri Lanka Railways’ Engineer K K Hewavithana, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and a product of Moratuwa University with over 15 years experience, will deliver the lecture.

Coconut saplings to be distributed

Gayan RAJAPAKSA

Measures are under way to distribute 40,000 coconut saplings planted in Rajagama Irrigation Model Farm in the Irrigation Engineer’s office premises to mark the occasion of the second term of office of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

These coconut saplings planted under the Waripubuduwa Agro project will be distributed among farmers in Kurunegala, Mahaweli H Zone, Tissawewa, Huruluwewa, Nachchaduwa, Migalawa and Padaviya on the instructions of Irrigation Director W B Palugaswewa.

Development work completed

Ratnapura special correspondent

Development work undertaken in 2010 under the Jathika Saviya Gamaneguma have been completed, said Nivitigala Divisional Secretary Mahinda S Weerasuriya. The entire project costs Rs 8.5 million. Development work was undertaken in all 17 wasams.

Children ordained

Jayasiri PEDURUARACHCHI Gandara Group Correspondent

The ordination of 30 children took place at Randuwa Uposathagaraya, Matara on the instructions of Ruhunu University Chancellor Ven Attudawe Sri Rahula Mahanayaka Thera of Sri Rohana Chapter under the program to ordain 100 children.

Water project

The Akuressa water supply project built at a cost of Rs 338.6 million will be vested with the public by Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardana today.

Rat fever raises head

Siri WAWWAGE-Matara Roving correspondent

The rat fever epidemic is spreading in the Matara District and 283 patients have obtained treatment, Matara District Epidemiologist Dr R M U K Ratnayake said. He said more patients have been reported from Pasgoda, Devinuwara, Kamburupitiya, Mulatiyana and Morawaka areas and the number of patients hospitalized for treatments last week was 34.

Work progresses

Nimal Wijayatunga Eheliyagoda special corr.

Re-cultivation of fallow paddy fields belonging to the Eheliyagoda Agrarian office area has increased to a great extent.

According to sources, abandoned paddy fields in Paleegala, Thalawitiya, Amuhenkanda, Mahingoda, Wiyalagoda, Thibbotuwawa and Moragala areas are under the plough.

Houses for homeless

The Housing Ministry will hold a national felicitation program of donating 320 houses for homeless disabled people of each 320 Divisional Secretariats in the island on the day President Mahinda Rajapaksa is swearing-in for the second term.

Aravinda Wanniarachchi, Minister Wimal Weerawansa’s Co-ordinating Secretary addressing the Working Committee at Matale further explained that the Ministry has worked out a national scheme to grant housing loans for homeless people of the island and the scheme will be launched at the Government declared President’s inauguration week from November 15 to 22.

Accused gets RI

Kurunegala Central special

The fifth witness of the Ampara sexual abuse case Vidana Pathiranage Sriyane Premalatha (32) was remanded by Kurunegala High Court Judge Manilal Waidyathilake for giving false evidence before Court yesterday.

He was sentenced for two years rigorous imprisonment suspended for eight years and fined Rs 5,000.

She needs help

Student D M Lakshika Vinodani of Udaha Divel Kella, Wepatha Ira North, Hakmana is unable to walk as she is suffering from acute neuropathy. A large sum is required for her treatment which can’t be borne by her parents. They seek assistance from donors to cover her medical expenses.

Donations can be made to Account Number 70736772 at the Bank of Ceylon Hakmana Branch by her mother N W P A Manel.

Porn star nabbed

Bakthi Dharmapriya Mendis

Police Child and Women’s Bureau has identified four females who appeared on porn web sites. One was arrested yesterday. Child and Women’s Bureau official said they have detected about 15 porn web sites and action would be taken to prohibit them. He said after publishing 81 photographs of females, information from the public is being received.

Requiem Mass

St Patrick’s College, Jaffna, Alumni Association Colombo Branch was organized the Annual Requiem Mass for the souls of departed Patricians at St Peter’s College Chapel, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 4 today at 9 am. The Association’s Chaplain Rev Fr Anton P Ranjith will be the celebrant.

Lectures

The Royal Asiatic Society has organized a series of lectures to mark the 2600th Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Anniversary which falls in 2011, Royal Asiatic Society President Dr Susantha Gunathilake said.

The next main lecture will be held at the Mahaweli Auditorium on November 15 at 5.00 pm by Dr Ananda W P Guruge.

The theme of his lecture is Sri Lanka’s Role in the Spread of Buddhism.

Sai Baba celebrations

The Sathya Sai Sewa Samithi, Colombo will hold an exhibition depicting the life and message of Sathya Sai Baba at the Sai Mandhir, Barnes Place, Colombo 7 from November 18 to 21 to celebrate the 85th birthday of Sai Baba which falls on November 23.

There will be a special program at the Sai Mandhir, Barnes Place, Colombo 7 on November 23 at 5.00 am.

Competition

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers, London will hold its competition in Sri Lanka at the Galadari Hotel, Colombo today at 4.30 pm. Winner will participate in the regional competition to be held in New Delhi in April 2011.