In brief

CPC incurs Rs. 7,000m loss

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has incurred a loss of Rs. 7,000 million during the first four months of this year. Despite soaring world crude oil prices, which is nearing a record USD 125 per barrel, the Government has been subsidising kerosene and diesel in the local market.

Dy PS chairman shot dead

Deputy Chairman of the Weeraketiya Pradeshiya Sabha Sumith Vijayamuni was shot dead while he was returning home late on Friday night after attending a function, Lankapuwath reported.

Four civilians injured

Four civilians, including a woman and a ten-year-old child, were injured when LTTE terrorists fired mortars at Pannalgama in the Ampara District yesterday morning. The terrorists mounted an indiscriminate 81 mm mortar shell attack on a civilian settlement at Pannalgama in Bakmitiyawa, Damana around 7.15 a.m. yesterday.

50 Navy personnel honoured

Navy Commander Vice Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda conferred the Uttama Seva Padakkama (USP) on fifty naval personnel for 2004 and 2005 on Friday in appreciation of their service and devotion to duty. The investiture ceremony was held at the SLNS Rangalla.

Lanka’s eco friendly garments

Sri Lanka is emerging as a global leader in eco-friendly garment manufacturing, thanks to the drive of three industrial houses of Indian origin, Brandix, MAS Holdings and the Hirdaramani Group. These companies are leading the way to make “Garments without Guilt” and dispel the impression that South Asian garment factories are sweat shops.

Dr. Oliver Perera dies

The Managing Director of the Metropolitan Advertising Co. Ltd., and one of the pioneers in the local advertising, Dr. Oliver Perera passed away on Friday, after a brief illness.

Born in 1933, late Perera who was associated with personalities of the calibre of D. B. Dhanapala, Lirvy Wijemanne and Thevis Guruge, was involved in social activities of the Lions Club International being a Past Zonal Chairman.

Late Dr. Perera leaves his wife Kalyani, Sons, Kushan, Chanaka and Keshan. His mortal remains which are lying at Jayaratne Funeral Parlour, Borella, will leave for cremation, tomorrow, May 12, at 5.00 p.m. at the General Cemetery, Borella (Buddhist Section.)

Death of Lion Harish Gunesekera

Lion Harish W. Gunesekera (75) of Polkanatte Malinboda, Matara passed away after a brief illness. He joined the public service as an agricultural officer and functioned as a Divisional Manager of the Agricultural Development Authority. A well-known social and religious worker, he was the founder President of the Akuressa Lions Club.

He is survived by his four children.

Funeral takes place today, May 11 at 4.00 p.m. at the family burial grounds, Malimboda.

Vesak activities from May 12

Sri Dharmaloka Madya Maha Vidyalaya, Kelaniya has organized a series of religious ceremonies to mark the Vesak festival from May 12 to 19. According to the program schedule, sil campaign and a bodhi pooja will be held on May 12 and 15 respectively. A Vesak lantern competition will go on from May 15 to 19. A herbal drink dansala and a flower distribution too will commence on Vesak Day (May 18) at 7.00 pm.

The programs are conducted under the guidance of Ven. Napagoda Sumanatissa Thera and Principal A.G. Nimal Jayaweera.

Panel Discussion at BMICH

A lecture and panel discussion on 'Creating a best case scenario for Sri Lanka' will be held on 15 May at 6.00 to 8.00 pm at the BMICH Colombo.

Dinamina Vesak Kalapaya, and Daily News Buddha Pradeepa two annual publications to mark Vesak celebration were launched on May 7 at the Lake House auditorium. Here President of the Amarapura Maha Sangha Sabha, Agga Maha Panditha Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera receives copies of the two publications from Lake House Chairman, Bandula Padmakumara. Ven. Harispaththuwe Ariyawanshalankara Thera, Ven. Arama Dhammathilaka Thera, Ven. Madagama Dhammananda Thera, Ven. Rambukana Siddhartha Thera, Ven. Daranagama Kusaladhamma Thera, Ven. Induragare Dammarathana Thera, Buddhist nun Dhammadeera and members of the Lake House director board were also present at the occasion. pic by Sudam Gunasingha