Sri Lanka News | Online edition of Daily News

President Mahinda Rajapaksa presided at a progress review meeting of the Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry at Temple Trees yesterday. Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry Secretary A Dissanayake and IGP Mahinda Balasuriya were also present. Picture by Nalin Hewapathirana

Carrots in East

Arrangements are underway to promote carrot cultivation in the Sainthamaruthu Agrarian Extension division.

Under the initial step of this program, Sainthamaruthu and Maligaikadu areas have been selected for carrot cultivation. One hundred farmer families in these areas will be provided assistance to cultivate carrot during the Yala season.

Anti-dengue campaign

The Centre for peace studies has launched an anti dengue campaign involving its members, students of all the schools in the Sammanthurai pradeshiya sabha area, Public Health Inspectors and residents. They will distribute leaflets and enlist the support of the public to maintain a mosquito free environment.

Irrigation network developed

The Central Provincial Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry will develop the irrigation network in the province with public participation.

The project will be implemented in the Matale and Nuwaraeliya districts, sources said.

SI released on bail

SI Virendra Weerawardena who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the death of a man in the Bambalapitiya sea was released on bail yesterday by Colombo High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundara.

He was in custody for nearly six months. The suspect’s passport was impounded and warned not to interfere with the witnesses. The deceased Balawarnan Shivakumar who was acting aggressively and stoning nearby vehicles and people on October 29 got drowned in the sea when police tried to arrest him.

Applications called for

Applications are invited for the 33rd National Youth Awards Festival for Photography (black and white colours) Wood Carving, Sculpture, Arts (scenery/traditional) and Graphic (oil paints, water colour or mixed medium) on or before March 15, 2011. Arts sizes should be minimum 10"X12" or maximum 17" to 24"

Sculpture - Wood, Bronze or clay (terra cota) Craving - Wood, bronze and terra cota

Applications should reach the Assistant Director (Aesthetic) 33rd National Youth Awards Festival, The National Youth Services Council, 65, High Level Road, Maharagama.

The date for handing over Photographs, Sculptures, Cravings and Arts to the NYSC will be notified later.

Public talk

Ven Dehiwela Chanda Visuddi will deliver a public talk in English on "Contemplating Dukka as a method of Meditation" at the meeting of the Servants of Buddha Society at Maithree Hall, Bambalapitiya on Saturday, February 26 at 4.30 pm.

Training courses

Applications will be received from qualified applicants of non-staff level employees in the State service for training by the State Services Training Institute.

Short-term Training courses will be available on Office Management and Information Technology. Long-term courses will be conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English in addition to English stenography. All employees who are not attached to staff-level positions can apply.

Details can be obtained from the State Services Training Institute's Website www.psti.gov.lk or from Email [email protected] and [email protected] or telephones (011) 2676433, 2684223 and 2698429. Applications will be sent on or before March 15.

Medical camp

The free medical and eye camp organized by the Kalmunai Islamic Secretariat with Lions Club Colombo 306-B2 with the sponsorship of the Nuremberg citizens Helping people in Sri Lanka Friendship Association will be held at Kalmunai Babriya Maha Vidyalaya, Kalmunai on February 27 at 4.00 pm.

Special service

A service of praise, worship, teaching and healing will be held at St Paul’s Church, Milagiriya at 5.30 pm today, February 24.

Stag Nite

The Stag Nite of St Peter’s College OBU will be held on March 3, 2011 from 7.30 pm onwards.

Seminar

The JICA Alumni Association of Sri Lanka will hold a seminar on “Prevention of Abuse of Children” on March 4 commencing 10 am at Mahamathya Maha Vidyalaya, Polhengoda Road, Colombo 5 in association with the Bureau for Prevention of Abuse of Children.

Bank robbery

A three member robber gang entered the Mabulgoda Sanasa Bank at Hiripitiya, Pannipitiya at around 10 am tuesday and robbed Rs 54,000. The pistol wielding gang threatened the only bank clerk on duty at that time and got away with the money. No arrest have been made so far.