In brief

Uma Oya project

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will inaugurate the USD 450 million Uma Oya multipurpose irrigation project on Tuesday. Iranian President Ahmadinejad is due to arrive in Colombo tomorrow. Twenty-five thousand acres in Uva-Wellassa and Ruhuna will get water for cultivation during the Yala and Maha seasons under the four-year project funded by Iran.

CB Governor on ITN

The BBC’s ‘Hard Talk’ interview with the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Ajith Nivard Cabraal will be telecast on ITN at 9.30 p.m. tomorrow. During the BBC interview, the Governor discussed various issues relating to Sri Lanka’s economy, factors relating to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, targets for the coming year and short and long term economic goals.

18 terrorists killed

At least 18 LTTE terrorists were killed and over 20 wounded as Army infantry and armour battalions ripped through LTTE defences during multi-pronged assaults launched in Mannar, Vavuniya and Welioya.

According to Wanni ground sources, troops made further strides into the non-liberated Wanni area after securing the sacred Madhu shrine from the LTTE, in two fronts from Palampiddy and Thatchchanamarathamadu.

C’wealth Youth Ministers parley

The seventh Commonwealth Youth Ministers’ Conference will be inaugurated at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, today. Youth Ministers of 53 Commonwealth countries will participate along with the General Secretary of the Commonwealth Headquarters. The proposal to hold the five-day Conference will be inaugurated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at 3 p.m. today.

Bogollagama lauds UN

Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama applauded the work done by the United Nations in combatting terrorism when he addressed the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce.

Ven. Morontuduwe Nandarama thera passes away

Venerable Morontuduwe Nandarama thera, Parivenadhipathi of Molligoda Pravachanodaya Pirivena and Pitigala Gangathilaka Pirivena passed away last Tuesday. The thera was 71.

He rendered a great service to the Sasana as the Viharadhipathi of Molligoda Vasantharamaya. The thera’s contribution was immense in uplifting the Daham Pasal education.

In honour of his great service, the title “Pravachana Keerthi Sri” was conferred on him by Kalyana Sri Sangha Sabha, Kotte.

The funeral will take place today at 4.oo p.m at Wadduwa Public play ground .

Death of Rev. Fr. W. L. A. Don Peter

Well Known Catholic scholar and Educationist and historian Rev. Fr.W.L.A. Don Peter passed away on Thursday. A colossus among the Catholic clergy and a respected academician who initiated many path breaking reforms affecting Catholic Education. He was 92 at the time of death.

The funeral will be held today. The Archbishop the Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis will preside at the funeral Mass at the Chapel of St. Joseph’s College, at 3.00 p.m. The burial will be at the General Cemetery, Borella.

De Mazenodians get Diamond Jubilee Building

The opening of the new Diamond Jubilee building and the computer centre will be held on April 30 at 8.30 a.m. Rev. Bro. Thomas Johnson, FSC. Vicar General of the Institute of the Brothers of Christian Schools will be the Chief Guest. Rev. Bros. David Hawke, FSC. General Councillor and Rev. Bro. Jorge Gellardo, FSC, General Councillor are the guests of honour.

Rev. Bro. Henry Dissanayake, Provincial Visitor of the Lasallian Brothers in Sri Lanka, past principals of the College, alumni, clergy, old Mazenodians, members of the Council of the OBA, committee members of the Old Girls’ Association, the School Development Society, parents and teachers and the upper school students will attend the ceremony.

Lalith Athulathmudali memorial oration

The Institute for Democracy and Leadership and its partner Freidrich Naumann Stiftung Fur Die Frieheit will host a memorial oration to commemorate the 15th death anniversary of Lalith Athulathmudali PCMP (former Cabinet Minister and the leader of the DUNF) tomorrow at 6.00 pm at the BMICH.

Leader of the Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe will speak on “People’s Sovereignty means Universal franchise and liberty” on the invitation of Chairman of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership Ravi Karunanayaka MP.