Sri Lanka News | Online edition of Daily News

Defence Secretary calls on Malwatte Prelate : Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa called on the Most Ven. Tibbotuwawe Sri Siddharta Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter at the Malwatte Viharaya in Kandy and received his blessings. Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela Bandara and Director General, Media Centre for National Security Lakshman Hulugalla were also present on the occasion. Picture by Shantha Rambukwella Kandy Picture corr.

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa opened the newly constructed public market in Kiribathgoda recently. Public Relations and Public Affairs Minister and Kelaniya SLFP Chief Organizer Dr. Mervyn Silva, Peliyagoda UC Chairman Nihal Ananda Perera and Kelaniya PS Member H.D. Somawardena were also present. Picture by Edward Weerasinghe Kelaniya Group Correspondent

The distribution of certificates to the apprentices who received training during 2009-2010 in 14 training centres in the Matara district under the Vocational Training Authority took place recently at the Thalalla District Vocational Training Centre in Matara, under the patronage of youth Affairs and Skills Development Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. Here, minister Alahapperuma presents a certificates to a trainee. Vocational Training Authority Chairman Dhammika Hewapathirana is also in the picture.

Websites for youth clubs

The Chairman, Director General of the National Youth Services Council (NYSC), Lalith Pium Perera said that it was the first time in the history of Youth Clubs District Federation that a website had been opened in Gamapaha and the Kadawatha Divisional Secretariats. Addressing the youth, he said that he hoped many such websites would be initiated in all districts within the year.

Lectures through internet

The Higher Education University and Sri Lanka Mobitel have jointly undertaken the implementation of ‘Mobitel mLearning’ technology where students from any part of the country can participate in lectures conducted live in Colombo through the interent. This programme implemented under the theme ‘Equal knowledge to all’ aims to solve problems faced by student at regional level and promote higher education programmes there. An agreement to this effect was signed at the University Grants Commission Auditorium recently by Higher Education Minister S B Dissanayake and Ministry Secretary Dr Sunil Jayantha Navaratne on behalf of the Ministry, and Mobitel Chief Executive Suren J. Amarasekera.

Alawwa development activities

The Alawwa Divisional Secretariat has expedited rural infrastructure development activities at Grama Niladari Divisional levels in the region.

Reconstructing broken road sides, tanks, anicut gates and irrigation canals will receive priority. “The total number of projects completed in the DS Division is 15,” Alawwa Divisional Secretary Jayawardane Pathiratne said. The Central Government and North Western Provincial Council have funded the project.

Calls to repair road

Residents urge authorities to reconstruct the road on the irrigation anicut at Pethara, Kitalagama in Thihagoda Divisional Secretariat as the road has been in disrepair for a long time and becomes impassable even during a shower.

This portion of the road is very narrow and motorists find it difficult to travel.

“As a hair-pin bend is also off this point, accidents are frequent,” residents said.

Dhamma education for prisoners

The Prison Reforms and Rehabilitation Ministry has commenced Dhamma schools in all prisons in the country from April 2011.

Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera has instructed to all 28 prisons Superintendents in this regard for this programme to be carried out with the assistance of Buddhist temples in the areas.

This programme is implemented under inter-ministerial co-operation project and about 26,000 prisoners would take part.

According to a study, 20 percent of prisoners have not received school or Dhamma education during their childhood.

Houses for youth

Under ‘a youth year and a house for village’ programme launched by the National Youth Services Council, a house for a member of the Mahapothuwila Rana Thisara Youth League Rasika Surangi is being constructed by the Pitabeddara Yawwana Samaja Sammelanaya with the assistance of all youth leagues in the area.

Appeal to repair road

Residents in the Nuwara Eliya district, Ambagmauwa DS division appeal to authorities to repair the Gevalwissa – Kotahela road which has not been repaired for several years. It is inconveniencing both motorists and pedestrians.

Coconut plantations under attack

Coconut growers in Ambalangoda, Rathgama, Hikkaduwa, Balapitiya and Galle coastal areas are facing much hardship as coconut plantation nurseries are under attack by Pol-Kurumini insects and dying within four to five months as a result. They call on authorities to provide solutions to the problem.

Police investions pending

Panadura police is still unable to complete the investigations into the killing of five youths below 24 years at Karapan Canai Bundat Dibbedda, Goluwakotuwa Watte in Nalluruwa, Panadura on August 25, 2007.

Unhealthy food

Officials from the office of Divisional Medical Officer of Health recently found 14 places with unhealthy food, a report from Mahiyanganaya said.

Public Health Inspector Tanujaya Pradeep of the Mahiyanganaya DMOH office had inspected food on sale in a range of outlets in Mahiyanganaya under the instructions of Mahiyanganaya DMOH Dr C P Lokuliyana

Arrested for murder

A suspect residing in Pallemalala, Hambantota wanted in connection with the alleged murder of Neil Sameera Dhammika by shooting him at Walawawatta, Ambalantota on January 21, was arrested by the Hungama Police on Monday.

Meelad- Un-Nabi celebrations

The 58th annual Meelad-Un-Nabi celebrations of the Moor's Islamic Cultural Home (Inc) will be held on April 23 at the MICH reception hall Her Highness Sheika Fatima Building, 7, Lily Avenue, Wellawatte, Colombo 6.

The proceedings will commence with the recital of mowlood followed by the prize giving ceremony.

Cash prizes and awards will be distributed to winners for both juniors and seniors in oratory and calligraphy for both sexes.

Lecture

A lecture titled 'Not Time Enough: A Critique of Reactionary Modernity' by two Indian speakers Dr Dilip Simeon, and Rahul Roya will be held on April 25 at 5 pm at the International Centre for Ethnic Studies auditorium, 2, Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8. Prof Neloufer de Mel will moderate the discussion.

A lecture in English on 'The Challenges facing the Muslim Youth' will be delivered by Al-hafil al alim ash Sheikh Mohamed Zaid Noor Amith on April 23 at 7 pm at the Ladies Zaviya Hall, 56, Kotelawala Avenue, Colombo 4. The lecture has been organized by the Ihthihaad Ahlisunnathi Wal Jamaathi Assocaition.

Easter services

The Jesus Centre Ministries will conduct the Easter Sunday service on April 24 at 9.15 am at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Banquet Hall.

Soldiers cannot be brought before tribunal - Kiriella

The brave soldiers who fought terrorism cannot be brought before an international tribunal and punished, although the UN special panel report says that they can be punished by such an international panel, said UNP Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella at the UNP leader's Office recently.

He also said that when Ranil Wickremesinghe was the Prime Minister of the county, international pressure was brought upon him to sign the Roman declaration which he politely refused. Because of this no Sri Lankan leader can be punished for war crimes by an international tribunal.

Ancient parts of vessels discovered

The National Archaeological Department has discovered parts of 20 ancient vessels in the south of the country, an archaeologist said yesterday.

Sanath Karunarathne, an archaeologist with the National Archaeological Department said the ancient vessel parts were discovered as they were conducting a marine archaeological survey in the southern coastal belt.

Karunaratne said they have also been able to locate a wreckage of a very ancient ship close to the historical Godavaya Port in the Hambantota District. Xinhua

Results out on April 25

The results of the language proficiency written examination (level one and two) for public servants conducted in May 2010 will be released on April 25, said a spokesman for the Official Languages Department yesterday.

Seethawaka PS meeting

The first meeting of the fifth session of the Seethavaka Pradeshiya Sabha will be held on April 25 at 10 am at the PS Auditorium.

Boy drowns

A 16-year-boy drowned while bathing in the Menik Ganga in Kataragama with a group of pilgrims on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased was identified as Sabaratnam Yugam of Natachchadu Eichchantivu, a student of Natachchadu Vidyalaya. The pilgrimage had been organised by his school. The autopsy was due to be held yesterday. Kataragama police are investigating.

Fair venue shifted

According to a decision taken by the Nawalapitiya Urban Council the weekly fair held along the Council road has been shifted to the Dolosbage road.

Pedestrian knocked down

A pedestrian knocked down by a motorcyclist between the 77th and 78 km posts on the Galle Road at Ahungalla succumbed to his injuries on admission to the Balapitiya hospital on Tuesday. The motorcyclist who was also injured is receiving treatment at the Balapitiya hospital. Ahungalla police are conducting investigations.

Hooch spots destroyed

Chilaw police conducted a raid on the Merawala island at Chilaw on Tuesday and destroyed 20 illicit kasippu distilleries located there. Police also seized 1,080 drams of kasippu, 118,800 drams of goda and several distilling equipment and arrested one suspect who was due to be produced in court. Further investigations are continuing.

Agri officers face flak

"Performance of the Galle district Agrarian Services Department is not satisfactory and people's friendly. Agrarian Services Officers should try to understand the situation and strive to promote the efficiency and standard of the services for the people," said Galle District Secretary Wijerathne Sakalasooriya.The District Secretary made these observations at the Galle district Agrarian Services Committee meeting held at the Galle District Secretariat recently.

It was also revealed that several Agrarian Services Officers had failed to submit reports regarding the free distribution of fertilizer to the farmers of the district.

Coconut nursery

A coconut nursery with 15,000 seedlings has been started at the new farm belonging to the Taldena prison by the Coconut Cultivation Board for distribution among coconut growers in the Badulla district on the initiative of Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The nursery will be extended to cover 100,000 seedlings during the second stage of its development programme, said Coconut Development Officer Bandara Watagodekumbura.

Man run over by vehicle

A man walking along the Yatiyana-Kadawedduwa main road in the Thihagoda police area was run over by a canter vehicle.

Residents rushed the man to the Matara General Hospital where he was pronounced dead on admission.

Two die in accidents

Two persons died in two separate road accidents which occurred at Nugawela and Yatiwawala in Katugastota on Wednesday.

An army private named Sampath Perera (30) died when the motor cycle he was riding crashed onto a concrete post on the Kandy-Kurunegala road around 1 pm. While a person named Mohamed Uvais Mohamed Faris died after being knocked down by a lorry plying on the same road at Yatiwala around 5 pm.

Suspect arrested

Investigations led police to recover two gold rings and two wrist-watches in the suspect's possession.

Electricity for Nugagala residents

The Power and Energy Ministry has taken measures to provide power supply to the residents of Nugagala in Hiniduma in the Galle District. A spokesperson to the Ministry stated that Rs 45 million was allocated last year for power supply projects in the Galle district. He said at the moment 516 electricity supply projects are in progress in the Galle district.

Floating body identified

The body floating in the Kelani river, in Wattala yesterday, was identified as that of Niluka Chandana (36), the head of a family where mother and her son were mysteriously killed, in Peragas junction, Biyagama on Tuesday.

Niluka Chandana was missing from the day of the incident. The body was identified by her close relatives, Buddika Priyadarshana and S Dissanayaka.

The Wattala Magistrate conducted the Magisterial inquiry yesterday and the post mortem will be held at Ragama Hospital today.

Biyagama Police OIC Shantha Thilakaratne, Crime OIC A G Y S Keerthi Singhe are conducting further inquires.

Filippino dies on board Liberian ship in Galle

Galle Harbour Police are conducting investigations into the death of a technical officer attached to a Liberian ship on its way from Malaysia to Iran to transport a consignment of oil.

The deceased, a Filippino named Sallar Polite was aged 44. The complaint made to Harbour Police said he had died of a heart attack. The body was handed over to a florist to arrange it to be flown back to the Philippines.

Nayaka Thera passes away

Chief Incumbent of Bulathsinhala Sri Devamithra Purana Viharaya and Chief Sangha Nayaka of Pasyodunkorale Ven Bulathsinhala Nandarama Nayaka Thera had passed away yesterday morning at Jayawardenepura General Hospital following a brief illness.

The Thera was a famous Dhamma preacher and a well-known Bhikkhu in the area. He carried out a yeoman service for the welfare of the Buddha Sasana and people of the area.

Costly liquor

A person who pleaded guilty to the charge of selling liquor without a permit was fined Rs 50,000 by Kandy Magistrate S U B Karaliyadda yesterday.

The Magistrate also imposed a sentence of six months' rigorous imprisonment in default of the fine.

New water project

A new water supply project for Gaminipura a village situated in the Hatton area in the Nuwara Eliya district was commissioned by the Ambagamuwa Divisional Secretariat recently.

Patients leave hospital

About 20 indoor patients had left Nagoda hospital without being formally discharged by the hospital authorities.

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