Quick Look

The Pinnawala elephant orphanage is a major attraction among foreign and local tourists alike where visitors come in large numbers. Here, a child who had come on tour is elated to pet a two-month old baby elephant. Picture by Saman Sri Wedage

Postponed grading test on Sept 10

The Sri Lanka Open University has announced the new date of the grading test of students to undergo the English language certificate course which had been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances as September 10 and the test will be held from 10 am to 12 noon on that day.

The admission cards which had already been issued to the candidates are valid for this test as well and the candidates are required to attend the same examination centres as mentioned in the admission cards.

Details can be obtained by contacting 2 881327 or 2 881426 of the Public Relations Unit of the Sri Lanka Open University.

Blake to visit SL

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert O Blake will arrive in Sri Lanka on September 12 for a two-day official visit.

According to a US embassy Information Department official, Blake is scheduled to meet senior government officials, university students and civil society representatives during his stay in Colombo.

His scheduled visit which was on August 9 was postponed due to hurricane Irene that lashed several parts of the US.

Acting Media Minister

Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena has been appointed acting Media Minister from September 8 to 14. President Mahinda Rajapaksa made this appointment as Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella is abroad on an official tour.

Unveiling of Gal Vihara replica

President Mahinda Rajapaksa will open a replica of the Gal Vihara near the Dehiwela Zoological Gardens, constructed on the advice of Chief Incumbent Dr Kanumuldeniye Sri Dharmasoka Nayaka Thera tomorrow. The ceremony is organized by Dehiwela SLFP Organizer and Mayoral candidate Dhanasiri Amaratunga.

Service of worship, praise and invocation

A service of worship and praise to God will be held tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Bauddhaloka Mawatha (adjoining the BMICH) Colombo 7.

Prayers will be offered for the individual needs of the congregation. The speaker and minister at this service, which is open to all, will be Dr. Vijaya Corea.

Trade fair

A trade fair and an educational exhibition organized by Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Hingurakgoda will be held from September 14 to 18 at the base premises to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Wildlife lecture

Conservation biologist and researcher in wildlife ecology and systematics Mahendra Siriwardhana will deliver a lecture on Exploring the faunal species diversity in Sri Lanka on September 15 at 6pm at the Institute of Engineers Sri Lanka (Wimalasurendra Auditorium) 120/15, Vidya Mawatha, off Wijerama Mawatha (BMICH end), Colombo 07.

Biography launch

A biography of former Minister R G Senanayake will be launched to commemorate his 100th birth anniversary today at 4 pm at Grassmere, No 39, Gregory's Road, Colombo.

Nirmalanjali concert

The Nirmalanjali School of Dance will hold a special concert titled Navarasa Virunthu by its students today at 6 pm at the Ramakrishna Mission Hall in Wellawatte to mark its Silver Jubilee. The chief guest will be I T Benedict. Kalasuri Arundathi Sri Ranganathan will be the guest of honour.

Lecture

Prof. Desmond Mallikarachchi, former head and professor of Philosophy and Psychology at University of Peradeniya will deliver a lecture on "Foucauldian Approach on History and its Relevance to Post-War Sri Lanka" at the ICES Auditorium, 2, Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8 on September 14 at 5.30 pm.

Prize-giving

The prize-giving ceremony to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Siri Wimalasiri English Dhamma School Ashokaramaya, Polpitimukalana, Kandana will be held today at 2.30 p.m.

Bomb found in jungle

Wennappuwa Police found a live mortar bomb hidden in a shrub jungle at Jayamawatha, Wennappuwa following a tip off.

Death of Deshabandu Sarath de Silva

Desabandhu Sarath de Silva, Deputy Chairman of the Tri-Star Apparel Exports (Pvt) Ltd., passed away last Wednesday.

A distinguished past student of Thurstan College, de Silva was a popular personality who played a prominent role in various social and religious activities contributing generously. He was 59 years at his demise. He leaves behind his wife Nirmala and three daughters. His remains are lying at 31/3, 1st Lane, Gnanendra Mawatha, Nawala. The funeral will take place today at 4.00 p.m at the General Cemetery, Borella.