Quick Look

Nursing degree to be introduced soon

Dharma Sri ABEYRATNE

A degree programme for nursing needs to be implemented soon to open new avenues for nurses, Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.

The nursing service in the country has to undergo changes to better serve the people, Minister Rajapaksa said.

He was addressing as chief guest, an event organised to celebrate the International Nurses' Day at Temple Trees recently.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) celebrates the International Nurses' Day since 1965. From January 1974, May 12 was chosen to celebrate the Day as it is the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale who is considered the founder of modern nursing.

Each year, ICN prepares and distributes the International Nurses’ Day Kit which contains educational and public information material, for use by nurses all over the world.

As a result of the three decades of terrorism, the standard of almost all services were affected. However, the standard of the nursing service in the country was not severely affected by terrorism.

“Our nurses provide a valiant service. But they do not gain better recognition internationally as they do not possess a nursing degree,” the minister said.

“Therefore, this is the time to start a nursing degree programme for the betterment of the entire nursing service of the country. When the country marches forward towards prosperity, every sector has to be streamlined and developed,” the minister said.

Felicitating a journalist

B M Mukthar - Beruwala Special correspondent

A series of ceremonies will be held in Beruwala tomorrow to felicitate senior journalist D Antony Andradi on his 70th birthday and completion of 55 years as a journalist.

Born in Diyalagoda, Maggona in the Beruwala electorate, Andradi functioned as a freelance journalist attached to the Messanger newspaper from his school days.

After competing his education, he joined the Island newspaper and functions as the provincial correspondent of Maggona attached to the Island and Divaina newspapers.

He was also attached to Asian Cotton Mills ltd and the Sri Lanka Textile Corporation for some time. He was also appointed a JP in recognition of his service towards social well being.

Andradi who has gained the confidence of the clergy belonging to all religions in Beruwala has rendered a great service towards promoting communal amity between the Sinhaleses and Muslims in the area.

Motorcyclist dies in accident

Ariyapala Wansathilake - Kurunegala Central Special

A motorcyclist who crashed into a parked lorry at Millawa on the Kandy-Kurunegala main road, died on the spot on Tuesday.

Two persons beside the lorry were injured and rushed to Kurunegala Hospital.

Meanwhile, a tractor driver died when the tractor transporting sand from Kospotu Oya to Mawathagama toppled near Theliyagonna.

The helper of the tractor was injured.

Free workshop on cinematography

A workshop conducted free of charge, on cinematography and digital photography under the tile, Get 100% from your DSLR , organised by the Spade Media Academy, Kandy will be held on June 1 from 9 am - 4 pm at YMBA Main Hall, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy. Those who wish to participate can register by calling 0710506030.

Sand dunes block fisheries harbour

Raja Waidyasekera - Tissamaharama special corr

The recently developed Weliptanwila fisheries harbor is blocked by sand dunes. The fisher community is facing difficulties as they have been deprived of deep sea fishing in multi day boats. The breakwater was to be set up 375 metres long but it has been built only up to a distance of 275 metres.

The ice plant, the row of toilets and the water storage tank remain overgrown with a shrub jungle.

Pillion rider falls to Kirama Oya

Raja Waidyasekera - Tissamaharama special corr

A 30-year-old pillion rider on a motor cycle travelling on an unprotected bridge over the Kirama Oya close to the Tangalle fisheries harbour, fell in to the Oya and died on admission to Tangalle base hospital. The person who rode the bike was also injured. W.Jayaminda, a resident of Rekawa, Netopitiya died in the incident.

The person who rode the motorcycle was remanded until May 31 on being produced before Tangalle Magistrate K.U.T.de Silva.

Cashew cultivation

promotion in Kurunegala M A R Manukulasooriya - Hiriyagala group corr

The Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation will develop cashew cultivation in the Kurunegala district.

Cashew Development Officer Antony Fernando said 127,000 cashew plants have been distributed among cultivators in the district.

The programme is implemented in 24 Divisional Secretariat divisions of the district.

Training and technical know-how will be given to the cultivators free of charge.