In brief

Karuna won’t replace CM

The breakaway LTTE leader, Karuna Amman in an interview with the BBC said that he has no plans to replace TMVP deputy leader, Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan as the new Chief Minister of the Eastern Province.

LTTE’s Michael Base captured

Troops operating under the Army 59 division captured the LTTE’s Michael Base. According to defence sources, the LTTE camp is one of the strategic satellite bases of the LTTE’s main “One Four Base” Complex inside the Mullaitivu jungle. Troops marching towards North of Janakapura, into Mullaitivu, captured the camp after three days of fierce fighting.

EU Commissioner reiterates commitment

The European Union Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner reiterated the European Union’s commitment to remain engaged in development activities in Sri Lanka.

Vehicle gas emission tests from July 15

Vehicle gas emission tests will come into effect from July 15, Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Champika Ranawaka said. The revenue licence would not be issued to vehicles which do not comply with the environmental standards on vehicle emissions, the Minister said.

State funeral for Dr. Pathirana

The State funeral of former Minister of Education, Dr. Richard Pathirana will take place tomorrow at the Samanala Stadium, Galle. The Education Ministry requests that white flags be hoisted in all schools and educational institutions as a mark of respect to the late Minister.

Postgraduate convocation of University of Colombo

The University of Colombo, will hold its Postgraduate Convocation for the conferment of Postgraduate Degrees and Diplomas on July 7, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The Convocation will be held in two sessions, in the morning and after-noon commencing 9.30 a.m. and 2.30 p.m. The Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, will confer the degrees and diplomas at the convocation. Around 1,466 Graduands and diplomates will be conferred postgraduate degrees/diplomas.

Old Anandians Century Group annual get-together

The annual get-together of the old Anandians Century Group will be held at the Holiday Inn, Colombo on July 12.

The organisers invite old boys of 1986 - 1988 group in the school.

South West monsoons affecting plantation

by P. Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya

The South West monsoon has started in the Nuwara Eliya district and in the hill-country. Residents said there could be heavy damages to property if strong winds continue.

According to planters in the district already crops have been affected due to strong winds.

The most affected are the vegetable and potato cultivators due to the adverse weather condition prevailing in the district.

Call to expedite work on Post Office

by P. Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya

The Post Office at Blackpool is in a dilapidated state. The house of a former postmaster is used as the post office.

According to residents of Blackpool the Postal Department had requested a land in the area. The foundation stone was laid a few years ago but work had come to a halt.

Blood-donation on July 8

The Negombo Regional Office of the HNB Assurance PLC, with the Negombo Municipal Council and the Negombo Police has organised a blood donation campaign on Tuesday, July 8 at the Green Park, Negombo to mark the Bank’s fifth anniversary.

Polyclinic

The Sri Lanka Cancer Society will hold their next polyclinic on Sunday July 13 from 8.30 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. at No. 37/25, Bullers Lane, Colombo 7, to screen patients for all types of cancer.

Paps smears testing, dental and general clinic activities too will be conducted. The services are free.