Turning garbage into manure

A project to properly manage solid waste is now being planned to be launched at provincial level. Accordingly,

 the project will be implemented in Kalutara, Ambalangoda, Matara, Weligama and Tangalle.

The project envisages garbage discarded by householders to be turned into compost manure. The equipment necessary for this project will be provided by the Arthacharya Foundation, while the European Union has agreed to lend its support to the project.

Over 2,000 selected families in these areas will be trained on waste management. Awareness programmes will also be conducted in this regard.

There is a tremendous demand from the local farmers for compost manure. This type of manure is said to yield a better harvest.

Pattipola ideal for tree cultivation project

You may have read about the 'Devadara' tree cultivation project, in the Junior Observer of January 28. Then, we briefed you on the plans being launched by the Ministry of Indigenous Medicine to cultivate this particular type of medicinal tree in Sri Lanka.

Indian experts who conducted feasibility studies on the project have now decided that the Pattipola area is suitable for the cultivation of Devadara. Their recommendations have now being made to the Indian Government.

They have also presented a stock of Devadara seeds handed over by the Indian Government to officials of Sri Lanka's Indigenous Medicine Ministry to be planted under its 'Osu Govi' Villages project.

Devadara is widely used in the preparation of a range of Ayurvedic and traditional medicines. This tree is suitable to be grown in areas 500-6000 feet above sea level.

Distance learning programmes mooted

Many new projects have been introduced by the government with a view to improving the education sector of Sri Lanka.

The latest such venture is a distant education programme. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has made arrangements to evaluate such programmes. The establishment of Specialist Education Centres with internet access is one measure envisaged under this programme; this is expected to help students obtain information on a wide variety of subjects.

The new project is expected to not only develop distant learning programmes, but also to provide equal access to all students who are keen on continuing with their higher education.

As a result of the new systematic Management studies introduced through this programme, a foundation will also be provided to boost the country's economic growth.

A new divisional institute which comes under the National Education Institute will be started under this programme.

The facilities provided by the Open University are also expected to be improved under this programme, allowing many more students to get themselves involved in the programmes.

National Flag in stamps

It was only last week that we celebrated our 59th Independence Day. The National Flag of Sri Lanka was something that held our attention during the Independence Day celebrations.

Our national flag is a precious symbol which unites us all, irrespective of all differences and therefore, it must be respected, honoured and admired by all Sri Lankans. As children who will be the elder citizens of our country in the future, you should value the responsibilities underlined in our national flag for a brighter and prosperous future for our Motherland.

Several postal stamps of Sri Lanka, some of which are shown here, constantly remind us that our Motherland is calling its dutiful sons and daughters for peaceful co-existence under trying circumstances.

The green and orange stripes with the lion in the flag can be described as one of the most colourful combinations calling for unity in diversity. We should all respect such a meaningful symbol of exquisite value and importance.

Francis P. Gunasekera.

Japanese Language Day

The annual 'Japanese Language Day' conducted by Royal College, Colombo will be held at the Nawarangahala on February 12 (tomorrow) at 3.00 pm.

Over 240 children who excelled in Japanese language speech and drama competitions, held during the last year will be awarded trophies and certificates at the ceremony, conducted under the patronage of former Sri Jayawardanepura University Head Prof. Chandima Wijebandara.

Officials from the Japanese Information and Cultural Affairs Division Takashi Ato, and Mike Kitaoka will be present with a group of children from the Colombo Japanese School, led by Principal Norito Sasaki.

"The objective of holding such an event is to upgrade Japanese language proficiency among schoolchildren in Sri Lanka from their younger days," Principal, Royal College, Upali Gunasekara said.

A Japanese cultural event 'Sumo Show' and a 'Kimono Fashion Show' will be presented by the junior students of Royal College at the ceremony.

Students from Ananda Balika, Visakha, Gothami Balika, Nalanda, Isipathana, Mahanama, Sirimavo Balika, and Newstead Balika, Negombo will also attend the ceremony.

Chairman, Japanese Language Education Association of Sri Lanka, Dayasiri Warnakulasuriya and Royal College Deputy Principal, Ms. S.N. Amarasekara will also be present.

Ananda Kannangara