Quick Look

Docs' strike ends

The strike launched by the Government Medical Officers' Association over the grenade attack issue, was due to end at 8.00 am today.

Ministry yet to decide on new SEC Head

The Finance Ministry yesterday said it has still not decided on a replacement for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chief as his resignation has not been accepted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Reuters reported. SEC head Tilak Karunaratne resigned yesterday.

"He handed over the letter of resignation. No decision on a replacement (has been made) as (the) resignation has not yet accepted by his Excellency (the President)," Finance Ministry and Treasury Secretary Dr P B Jayasundera told Reuters.

Death of Maria Fonseka

Former Associate Photo Editor of Lake House Upali Fonseka's mother Maria Fonseka passed away at the age of 93. She is also the mother-in-law of "Arogya" journal editor Deepthi Fonseka.

The funeral will be held at the Wattala Roman Catholic Church cemetery at 3 pm on August 19 (Sunday). Her remains lie at No 19/6, Thelangapath Road, Wattala.

Blood donation Campaign

Wehella PRIYATHILAKE, Maharagama Spl. Corr.

A blood donation campaign in memory of late war hero Captain A. K. Indika of the Wijayaba Intantry Regiment who sacrificed his life during the war against the LTTE for the sake of his motherland, would be held on August 24 at Asia Hospital in Maharagama. The blood camp would be conducted by the Maharagama Cancer Institute. To invoke merits to the late war hero, the blood bank had been conducted for the last three years, late Indika's wife Ms. Thusara Indiaka said.

Kidney patient seeks help

Stanley Samarajeewa, 56, of Henapola, Pamunuwatta has been diagnosed with acute renal failure and has been recommended an urgent kidney transplant. Samarajeewa needs a kidney in O blood group. Donors contact 0779127373 or 0718399177.

SLID concerned about SEC developments

The Sri Lanka Institute of Directors (SLID) is perturbed by the recent and ongoing developments concerning the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The Institute believes the independence of regulatory bodies is an important contributing factor towards entrenching confidence in a country's capital market and economy. Therefore, any attempts to negatively interfere with the professionalism and independence of a Regulatory Body such as the SEC will only lead to widespread indiscipline and a break down in law and order and the resultant negative impact on the workings of the Capital Market, the SLID said in a release.

"We urge the governing authorities to take steps in redressing the current situation at the SEC and ensure that Regulatory Bodies are given the freedom to manage independently," the release said.

Woman gets two years' RI

Priyadarshani KAHAWALA, Ingiriya central group cor

A woman who allegedly attempted to kill her mother's lover by stabbing was sentenced to two years' rigorous imprisonment suspended for 10 years and fined Rs 7,500 by Negombo magistrate Shiran Gunarathna.

Buddha Pooja marks Dhamma School anniversary

An Atavisi Buddha Pooja to mark the 40th anniversary of Sri Kalyani Dhamma School of Sri Kalyani Raja Maha Viharaya will be held today at 3.30pm.

A Sangika Dana for 40 Buddhist monks will be held the following day.

The Sri Kalyani Dhamma School started in 1972 has over 3,500 students and 100 teachers.

It has been flourishing under the guidance of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya Chief Incumbent and Kelaniya University Pali and Buddhist Studies Prof Ven Kollupitiye Mahinda Sagarakkitha Nayaka Thera.

Dhamma School Principal Ven Maussagolle Muditha Thera in a message to mark the occasion said the Dhamma school has contributed immensely to propagate Dhamma knowledge among students.

The message: "The Dhamma school was founded under the guidance of then Chief Incumbent Ven Thalewela Wijitha Dhammarakkitha Nayake Thera.

The first Principal was E M K Ratnayake. Gunawardena, Ven Batawala Piyadhassi Thera, Ven Matheruwe Nandaratne Thera, Ven Katudora Piyarathana Thera and Ven Pahaladannoruwe Samitha Thera succeeded to this post and rendered a yeoman service to uplift the Dhamma school."