Quick Look

Floriculture research symposium soon

Priyanka KURUGALA

Around 20 research papers will be presented at the 4th Annual National Symposium on Floriculture Research, held on December 16 at the National Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, said National Botanical Garden Director General Dr Siril Wijesundara.

He added that the 4th symposium will be a good platform to present various floriculture related research findings of university academics and the private sector. The symposium will be organised by the National Botanical Gardens Department with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Council for Agriculture Research Policy (CARP).

Rural areas to be developed

Ariyapala Wansathilake- Kurunegala Central special

The Wayamba Industrial Service Bureau (ISB) has selected to develop Polpitigama, Rasnayakapura, Kotavehera and Ambanpola in the North Western Province.

Under the guidance of Switch Asia programme, Rs 75 million has been allocated to develop dry zone areas.

Under this programme, the ISB selected 385 GN Divisions and hopes to develop animal husbandry. It also hopes to distribute agricultural equipment among cultivators.

They also provide water for those who face a water shortage.

Home gardening promotion

M.I.M. Azhar- Maligaikadu group corr.

The Sainthmaruthu Agrarian Service Centre will promote home gardening on 50 acres in the Sainthamaruthu divisional secretariat area.

This will be carried out through awareness campaigns and free distribution of crop seeds and other planting material.

Paddy stocks released

Gamini JAYASINGHE

Existing paddy stocks in PMB store rooms (warehouses) in the Anuradhapura district are now being released to private sector millers to accommodate the Maha harvest of paddy purchased from farmers in the region.

PMB Zonal Manager Bandula Kumara said 7000 metric tons of Nadu paddy have already been sold to private millers at prices ranging from Rs 29 to 30 per kilogramme.

Already nine out of the 54 PMB stores in the district have disposed their old stocks and emptied to accommodate new stocks purchased from farmers from the Maha harvest.

Supiri Mal Dakma

The professional plant growers' Association will hold 'Supiri Mal Dakma' the last exhibition of the year at 'Diyawanna Oya Park' Battaramulla opposite Parliament roundabout on December 16, 17 and 18 from 7 am to 9 pm.

Newly imported ornamental plants, vegetable seeds and plants, flower pots (cement, clay and plastic) fertilizer and chemicals will also be available at the exhibition.

Bodhi Pooja

A Bodhi pooja to invoke blessings on Ven. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, Viharadhipathi Hunupitiya Gangaramaya will be held at the Viharaya at 5 pm today to mark his birthday.

The Pinkama is organized by the Maha Sangha and devotees attached to the temple. Financial assistance will also be granted to 300 temples in difficult areas countrywide towards the improvement of their water supply facilities as part of this Pinkama.

Pinkama

A commemorative pinkama will be held at the Samanala Raja Maha Viharaya, Galle on December 14 and 15 to transfer merit on late Ven Kalahe Sri Gunaratana, Ven Ilukpitiye Sri Jinaratana, Ven Unawatune Ratanajothi, Wattehene Ratanasara and Wattehene Piyaratana Nayaka Theras.

The pinkama held under the patronage of Viharadhipati Ven Metaramba Hemaratana Deputy Chief Sanghanayaka Thera of Dakshina Lanka will include an allnight pirith ceremony on December 14 and a Sanghika dana in December 15.

Carol service

The New Covenant Church will hold its annual carol service on Sunday, December 18 at 10 a.m. at 59, E.S. Fernando Mawatha, Wellawatte, Colombo 5. Dr. Verghese Chandy will be the speaker. All are welcome.

Remembering Sir Razik Fareed

The Sir Razik Fareed Foundation (Inc) will pay tribute to Alhaj Sir Razik Fareed for his services to the Ceylon Moor community and country on his 118th birth anniversary which falls on December 29.

Katham-Ul-Quran prayers will offer at his grave at the MICH 'Pasha Villa' premises Dematagoda, 9. Haji Moulavi-Hafiz Al-Alim Aadhil of the MICH Madhrasa will lead the prayers.

New library for Beruwala UC

The foundation stone laying ceremony for the new library and montessori for the Beruwala Urban Council will be held tomorrow presided by Beruwala Urban Council Chairman Milfer Gaffoor.

The library is being constructed at a cost of Rs 2.5 million, funded by "IFAD" institute and the montessori at a cost of Rs 2 million by German philanthropist Hans George Paul Wildin.

Education Minister Bandula Gunawardena and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne will be the chief guests.

Felicitation ceremony

A reception to felicitate Colombo Mayor AJM Muzammil organized by the Moors' Islamic Cultural Home will be held today at 4.30 pm at "A.A.M. Marleen Hall" of the Moors' Islamic Cultural Home, "Her Highness Sheika Fatima Building," No. 7, Lily Avenue, Wellawatte, Colombo 6.

Awards ceremony

The awards ceremony of the literary contest conducted by the Katubedda Public Library to mark literary month this year will be held at the Katubedda Public Library on December 14 at 2 p.m.

Mayor of Moratuwa Samanlal Fernando will be the chief guest.