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| Sunday, 25 May 2003 |
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GCE A/L: second leg on May 31, June 1 GCE A/L examination papers on Business Statistics I and II, Drama and Theatre I and II and Hinduism, Christianity, Sanskrit I and II will be held on May 31 and June 1. Earlier, the papers were scheduled for May 19 and 20 but were postponed to May 24 and 25 due to the flood situation in five districts in Western, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces. -AG RDA in full force Engineers of Road Development Authority (RDA) assessing destructions due to flood and landslide of highways told the Sunday Observer that last weeks' floods have completely washed away several roads in the Sabaragamuwa Province rendering several more impassable. The worst affected section in the Ratnapura district, was the Kalawana-Rakwana Road via Pothupitiya. RDA authorities said that the temporary repairs were being carried out at a cost of Rs. 8 million. In Sabaragamuwa, a 145 km stretch from Galle upto Deniyaya and into the interior have been badly damaged. Temporary patch up work is being done on the 55 km stretch. RDA sources said that permanent repairs to the roads will be looked into once the weather returns to normal. -AN Treasury Relief Fund 'flooded' The Treasury Relief Fund at the Ministry of Finance, has topped over Rs. 15 m. from state institutions and private companies, in support of the flood victims. The Ministry has received the donations within 48 hours of establishing the Fund, and corporate giants, the Bank of Ceylon with Rs. 5 million, the National Savings Bank Rs. 5 million, the Commercial Bank Rs. 3 million, Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Rs. 1 million and the First Capital Rs. 1 million. In keeping with a decision taken by Finance Minister K.N. Choksy and Deputy Finance Minister and Rural Economy Development Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the funds will be utilised to rebuild infrastructure in affected areas once the floods subside. -CW Austrian Airlines begins on-line operations to Colombo The Austrian Airlines Group has commenced year-round schedule services from Colombo to Vienna as the latest carrier to provide continued services. The Austrian Airlines group comprises Austrian Airlines, Lauda Air, Tyrolean and Rheintaflug. With a fleet of 99 aircraft, they fly to over 120 cities in Europe, Africa, North America, Middle East and Asia. Initially Colombo was served as a charter operation by Lauda Air and later for a brief period in 1999 Austrian Airlines operated schedule services between Colombo and Vienna. The resumption of schedule services year-round augurs well for the Sri Lankan tourist industry and a definite commitment and faith perceived by the Austrian Airlines Group in the Sri Lankan peace process, and will initiate encouraging signals for other prominent carriers to look at Colombo, especially in view of the peaceful atmosphere in this country stemming from the peace process. Kid appeals for help Three year-old Risini Rasandika of No. 23 Galgamuwa, Veyangoda, is suffering from an acute heart disease. She underwent treatment several times and the cardiologist Dr. P. A. Gunaratne of Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital, has recommended surgery, for which hospital charges have been estimated around Rs. 125,000 and for post surgery medicine another Rs. 100,000. Her parents who are employed, as daily paid workers are not in a position to foot the bill, and they request the public to save her life. Contributions could be made to A/c No. 630702403, National Savings Bank, Veyangoda Branch. Appeal A. B. Ranaweera of Pitakotte, is suffering from severe osteoarthritis of the right knee and needs total knee replacement surgery. The prosthesis cost Rs. 145, on which Ranaweera is unable to afford and requests financial assistant for the surgery. Donations could be made to the Bank of Ceylon, Pitakotte branch A/c No. 207021832-9. The spirit of Vesak in Canberra The Sri Lanka High Commission in Australia celebrated Vesak on May 15 at the Chancery Premises in grand style.Elaborate Vesak lanterns adorned the building which was a glittering testimony to the festivities. High Commissioner Major General Janaka Perera and Mrs. Wajira Perera together with the staff of the High Commission hosted, a number of destitute youth from the Lasa Youth Centre in Warramanga Canberra run by the Salvation army to tea. The guests were given a brief talk on the significance of Vesak and the essential element of Buddhism in the cultural fabric of Sri Lanka. It was followed by a short film. After the religious observances including offering of Gilampasa, the large number of guests both Australian and Sri Lankan, who flocked to the Chancery, listened to a discourse by the Ven. Tallande Gunananda Thera, incumbent of the Sri Lanka Vihare in Kambah, Canberra. Light refreshments were served to all and a booklet. The Buddha and His Message, Past Present and Future published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy was also distributed at the ceremony. |
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