In brief

Grenade attack in Vavuniya

Seventeen civilians including six women and two children were injured in a grenade attack in Vavuniya yesterday.

The attack occurred at Bazaar Street, Vavuniya around 11 a.m. Those injured were rushed to the Vavuniya General hospital and they were reported to be out of danger, sources said.

President appeals to Lankans in UK

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has called upon all Sri Lankans domiciled abroad to be vigilant of false propaganda spread by the LTTE and their affiliated groups, to tarnish Sri Lanka’s image. President Rajapaksa made this appeal when he met representatives of the London SLFP branch during his recent visit to the UK.

Timber racket busted

A massive illegal timber racket has been busted by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Ministry of Environment. The SIU officials raided a timber mill in Narammala and seized a massive load of unauthorised timber worth over four million rupees consisting of jak, mahogany, kumbuk and satin.

Garment factory in East

A large-scale garment factory will be set up in the East under the Negenahira Navodaya program. The Brandix Group will set up the new BOI project in Punani. The total investment of the eco-friendly project is expected to be Rs. 340 million and it will generate 455 direct employment opportunities at the initial stage.

Steel balls in ‘paint’ containers

The Terrorist Investigation Division (TID) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) launched a full-scale investigation into a clandestine operation where steel balls concealed in ‘Paint’ containers were sent to the North by a Colombo businessman. According to police, these steel balls are used to manufacture bombs to intensify the disaster caused by the explosion.

Photographic exhibition in Galle

A photographic exhibition by renowned Indian photographer Benoy K. Behl on Buddhist historical and art heritage, will be inaugurated by Sri Alok Prasad, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka on May 20 at 10.00 a.m. in the Galle city hall.

The exhibition will be opened from May 20 - 23 from 2.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. and on May 21, from 10 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Republic Day celebrations on May 22

The Government has launched a programme to be implemented by all Ministries, Departments, State Corporations and Statutory Institutions to commemorate the Republic Day on account of Sri Lanka becaming a Republic on May 22 1972.

The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs has informed all Secretaries to the Ministries, Provincial and Chief Secretaries, Heads of Departments and Heads of State Corporations, Statutory Institutions to hoist the national flag at 8.30 a.m. on May 22 with the participation of all staff members and a brief talk delivered to create awareness among the staff members on the importance of Republic Day.

Shilpa Gammanaya to be developed

The Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion has taken steps to develop the Shilpa Gammanaya of the Jana Kala Kendraya Battaramulla. Forty stalls will be added to the Shilpa Gammanaya within the next two weeks under the supervision of the Minister of Rural Industries and Self Employment S. B. Navinna, .

The Ministry of Tourism will provide financial assistance for the project.

The Chairman of the National Crafts Council, Buddi Keerthisena said that they hope to help artists to display their crafts.

AGM of Thurstan Junior OBU

The 15th Annual General Meeting of Thurstan College Junior Old Boys Union will be held on Saturday May 24, 3.00 p.m. at the College auditorium. All members of the Thurstan College Junior Old Boys Union are invited for this event. Contact: Suranga 0777-370665 or Prasanna 0773-555565.

Scout Council AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Scout Council will be held on Saturday, May 24 from 10.00 a.m. at the Skills Development Centre, Royal College, Rajakeeya Mawatha, Colombo 7. All the members are kindly requested to be present and for further details contact: Secretary of the Council, H. A. Madanayake on 2843159.

AGM of Ex-SLAWC

The 13th Annual General Meeting of the Ex-Army Womens Association will be held on Saturday, May 24 at 9.00 a.m. at the Ex-Servicemens Association, Bristol Street, Colombo.

The retired and resigned members may join the association on this day. Contact Secretary: Vijitha Sirisuriya: Tel 5757165

Lions’ public lecture on Saturday

A public lecture on “Let’s Overcome Our life and Employment”, delivered by TV personality and founder of the Mithdamyaya Samaja Sathkara Sevaya Mahinda Perera and organised by the Lions Club of Colombo Fort, will be delivered on Saturday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Public Library Services auditorium, Colombo 7.