Developing archaeological sites

We have heard of many projects being conducted around the island by the Department of Archaeology. One of the latest such projects is the development of the historical Ramba Viharaya complex at Pallerota, Ambalantota and its surroundings into a 'Sacred City'.

The project is being carried out under the Ruhunu Cultural Triangle programme. The Department is currently carrying out the excavation work (digging) with regard to this project with the funding provided by the Central Cultural Fund.

Ruins of ancient buildings, Buddha and other statues, shrine rooms, Bodighara and Sanghavasa, caskets bearing relics, monks' begging bowls and clay ornaments are some of the items of historical, archaeological and religious value which have so far been unearthed from the site.

Ancient chronicles describe the Ramba Viharaya as being set up during the time of King Mahanaga. A large number of Bhikkus is also believed to have lived there. The area had been overtaken by robbers later and the shrine had become the target of treasure hunters.

The Archaeology Department is trying to rediscover the lost civilisation of the area so that future generations can learn about them, and to conserve and protect the ancient shrine.

Programme to promote Hindu religion, culture

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country with all religions playing an important role. As the Hindu religion is followed by a lot of people in the island, the Government is now spending a large sum of money to develop and promote the Hindu religion and culture.

This programme will be carried out in all parts of the country including the North and East.

Some of the projects that have been implemented under this programme are; development of Hindu Dhamma schools, promotion of Hindu culture and arts and Hindu religious activities.

The Hindu Religious and Cultural Affairs Department has conducted seminars for Hindu Dhamma school teachers in the districts of Colombo, Ratnapura, Puttalam, Jaffna, Kalutara, Batticaloa, Kilinochchi, Kegalle, Ampara, Nuwara-Eliya, Badulla, Kandy, Matale, Trincomalee, Mannar and Vavuniya.

Spiritual leadership training programmes were also conducted for 241 youths throughout the country.

Moves to facilitate primary education

Primary education is the foundation of a person's future, and whether a person turns out good or bad depends on the quality of the primary education he/she has received.

Primary education is a basic feature in the field of education. Moves are now afoot to facilitate this sector for the benefit of the future generation.

With this objective in mind, the Education Ministry is planning measures to establish two standard Model Primary Schools in every urban area throughout the island.

Besides regularising primary education, this move is also expected to ease the problems associated with school admissions. Many programmes are currently being carried out to revise and reform the Educational Divisions and Educational Regions.

A proper system of classification for schools is also being considered by the Ministry.

A complete scheme of classification decided after consulting the relevant authorities including educational officials of the eight provinces is expected within the next few months.

Kiddies' Club launched

It was the Pied Piper's birthday on October 28. He arrived on a pony, cut the birthday cake with lots of kids around him and shared the cake with all of them.

Afterwards, there was a nice elephant dance with four elephants - Indi, Namalee, Devi and Ganga.

This was a special day not only because it was Pied Piper's birthday, but also because of the launch of the Kiddies Club by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC). The first members were selected from among Hatton National Bank's Singithi account holders.

The concept of the Kiddies Club was expanded on the objective of the CHC. The club will be a first step on a long journey of social work the CHC will be starting.

Membership of this club will bring children a lot of benefits, like free accommodation in their hotels for children below 12 years, gifts from HNB and discounts from some shops as well.

Members will also get the opportunity of celebrating their birthday at the Dehiwela Zoo. Membership is open to kids between the ages of 3 and 12 years. The first child in the family is enrolled free, while the others will have to pay a membership fee.

Brigadier P. G. Charles, who is in charge of the Zoo, also invited the children to come and enjoy the attractions at the Zoo.

J.A

Art competition

'Sithuvili Sri Lanka', the art exhibition sponsored by the footwear company DSI will be held this year for the seventh time. A record of 118,000 entries reached the company last time and a larger response is expected this time.

Entries for the competition close on November 30. Entries should comply with the topic given to each category and should be to the specifications indicated in the entry form. The best 1,000 entries selected by the judges will be exhibited at the BMICH.

Cash prizes totalling Rs. 1,000,000 will be distributed among the outstanding participants, in addition to five schools being awarded Rs. 50,000 each.

No entry fee or proof of purchase is required. Any material can be used in creative works be it crayon, watercolours, oils, charcoal, lead or any other medium.

Application forms for 'DSI Sithuvili Sri Lanka 2006' are now available at all DSI showrooms island-wide.