In Brief
Spot fines for seat belt law breakers
Cabinet approval has been granted to impose spot fines on motorists
contravening seat belt regulations, Environment Minister Anura
Priyadharshana Yapa said.
Addressing the press Minister Yapa said that on a proposal by
Transport Minister Kumara Welgama Cabinet approved to amend Section 157
A (4) of the Motor Traffic Act to enable spot fines to be imposed in a
similar manner on drivers and passengers traveling in the front seat of
vehicles who contravene the seat belt regulations.
Sri Lanka Fisheries Atlas launched
Assisted by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United
Nations, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development and
the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA)
have produced the first volume of Sri Lanka Fisheries Atlas.
This colourful Atlas, designed on the lines of the National Atlas of
Sri Lanka, incorporates the results of surveys and management plans
developed for commercially important and export-oriented coastal
resources such as sea cucumber, chank, shrimp, lobster and marine
aquarium fish in the Northwest, south and east coasts of Sri Lanka.
Funds provided under projects supported by the Canadian International
Development Agency (CIDA) and the International Fund for Agriculture
Development (IFAD) and the technical support provided by FAO has enabled
NARA to conduct exhaustive surveys to determine the distribution and
abundance of these resources.
In addition, NARA and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources have successfully mobilized the fishing communities, traders
and other stakeholders involved in these fisheries to develop management
plans for sustainable utilization of these valuable resources.
Vavuniya office for Department of Immigration and Emigration
Arrangement have been made to open a Regional Office of the
Department of Immigration and Emigration in Vavuniya at Outer Circular
Road in the heart of Vavuniya city.
It was setup under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa,
under the supervision of Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry
of Defence and Urban Development will be opened with the presence of
Major General G.A. Chandrasiri, Governor for the Northern Province and
Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on the invitation
of W.A. Chulananda Perera, the Controller General of Immigration and
Emigration on Wednesday, 8 February, at the auspicious time of 9.31 a.m.
New passports could be secured within ten days and all amendments
including passport renewals are available in one day through this
regional office.
Holy Prophet's birthday celebrations in Galle
An elaborate program has been drawn to mark the Holy Prophet
Muhammed's Birthday by the Galle Muslim Cultural Association
(Incorporated) (GMCA).
This year's Meelad program kicked off with all island contests in
oratory, calligraphy, Quran recital, Islamic songs, 'Do you know'
contests and an Azan recital. Children from all parts of the island
including from the North and the East participated at these events.
The grand finale will be the public meeting and prize distribution
ceremony to be held at 4.00 p.m. today at the Galle Fort Ramparts. Dr.
Mohammed Nabi Hassani Pour, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran
will be the chief guest. Seyed Ali Zahir Moulana, Chairman, Eravur
Pradeshiya Sabha and Alhaj Thaalath Ismail, President Inthihaadu
Ahlisunnathi Wal Jamaa-ath will be the guests of honour. The guest
speaker will be Moulavi Abdul Haleem Lecturer, Zahira College, Colombo.
South Indian author to be feted
Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne will be the chief guest at a ceremony
to felicitate South Indian author, M.A. Jabbar, the translator of the
English version of Muhammed the Prophet, on February 10 at 4 p.m. at
Zahira College, Colombo.
The event is organised by the Muslim Media Forum.
Info on Dr. Richard Pathirana needed
Ranjith Amarakeerthi Palihapitiya who has authored over 70 books on
different themes is collecting information for a biography of former
Education Minister Dr. Richard Pathirana.
He appeals to those who are in possession of any relevant material or
sources to kindly contact him on : 0710446727/ 0771859960, E-mail
[email protected]
Kidney patient needs help
Mrs. Mala Hewavitharana of No. 19, Arahenawatte, Kemagoda, Dikwella
is suffering from acute renal failure.
Consultant Nephrologist Dr. Rasika Lanerolle has recommended kidney
transplant which is estimated to cost Rs. 1 million.
Due to needy circumstances, her family finds it difficult to foot the
medical bill and therefore appeals for public contributions which could
be remitted to A/C No. 13520 01761 86655 of People's Bank, Dikwella or
A/C No. 30720 01700 25325 of People's Bank, Gandara.
Appeal: hearing impediment
 Three-year-old baby W. M. Sahiru Vinjeetha Wijekoon of Kekulakada,
Wewagama, Kuliyapitiya, the only child in the family is suffering from a
hearing impediment.
The Consultant Surgeon Dr. H. M. S. B. Ethulgama of Sirimavo
Bandaranaike Childrens Hospital, Kandy has recommended Cochlear Implant
surgery which is estimated to cost Rs. 2.4 million.
The parents who find it difficult to foot the medical bill appeal for
public contributions which could be remitted to A/C No. 719 40159 of the
Bank of Ceylon, Kuliyapitiya.
|
