Solar energy electrification project

As we have told you before, there are many areas in Sri Lanka which do not have access to electricity. Among these are areas where electricity from the national grid will not be available in the near future. The government is now planning to implement a solar energy electrification project for the benefit of such rural areas.

The Indian government, in consultation with Sri Lanka’s Power and Energy Ministry, has already pledged to implement a solar energy electrification project in Galgamuwa, in the Monaragala district. This project is expected to provide electricity for nearly 300 households as well as the provision of 50 streetlights.

Cabinet approval has already been granted for the implementation of this project and it is envisaged to be completed before the 15th SAARC Summit to be held in Colombo in August.

The implementation of projects on energy security was one of the commitments made by the Heads of States of the SAARC region during the 14th SAARC Summit held last year.

Lankan heritage at US State Department

The famous Buddha statues at Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa will soon be a feature adorning the walls of the front office of the US State Department’s Bureau for South and Central Asia.

This has been made possible by the presentation to the Bureau of a framed 80 cm X 80 cm photograph of the masterpiece, by Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda during a recent visit to Washington.

The black and white image of these astounding 12th century statues carved on a single piece of rock has been captured on lens by Nihal Fernando.

The presentation is part of the tradition for Sri Lanka Tourism in featuring artistic representations of the features of Sri Lanka which are expected to serve as important reminders of the diversity and vibrancy of the various natural, cultural and heritage features and the warmth of the people of the country.

Sri Lanka Tourism has also been requested by the Minister to conduct a competition among Lankan photographers and artists to create a series of the ‘Best of Sri Lanka’ to be used as high quality exhibits from Sri Lanka to be displayed at places of significance in important international capitals.
 

Bee and the small flower

Young, talented and creative, Isurumali Ayomi Fransisco (17), has just launched her latest children’s story book ‘Bee and the small flower’. She started writing books from a younger age and wrote her first book when she was just 12 years old.

Writing is her hobby; she uses that as a way of expressing her feelings and emotions. Through her new book, she is trying to give children a message about the strong bond of friendship. It also gives a message about other good qualities like bravery and courage. “When you are writing, you shouldn’t get discouraged whatever the circumstances are.

You must read a lot to improve your writing skills”, she advises other children who are willing to take up writing seriously. The illustrations in the book have also been done by Isurumali. She wishes to thank everybody who has helped her to make this story a success.

Entertainment bonanza from DS students

Young, talented and creative, Isurumali Ayomi Fransisco (17), has just launched her latest children’s story book ‘Bee and the small flower’. She started writing books from a younger age and wrote her first book when she was just 12 years old.

Writing is her hobby; she uses that as a way of expressing her feelings and emotions. Through her new book, she is trying to give children a message about the strong bond of friendship. It also gives a message about other good qualities like bravery and courage. “When you are writing, you shouldn’t get discouraged whatever the circumstances are.

You must read a lot to improve your writing skills”, she advises other children who are willing to take up writing seriously. The illustrations in the book have also been done by Isurumali. She wishes to thank everybody who has helped her to make this story a success.

Entertainment bonanza from DS students

by Asha Senevirathne

The Western Music Association of D. S. Senanayake College (WMADS) held ‘Golden Eve 2008’ for the sixth consecutive year at the BMICH, Colombo on June 27.

The event commenced with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. However, going by the new concept, the age-old brass lamp was replaced by a ‘human lamp’ which was formed by some of the students of the invited schools, attired in eye-catching costumes.

This entertainment programme comprised various Western Music-related performances presented by the members of the Western Music Association and the invited schools.

The programme comprised three sections; Classical, Romantic and Modern. Many colourful and interesting items were presented. Some of them were the piano and sax duet, Fur Elize , piano solo, orchestra, You and me (song) and Lips of an angel. Keerthi Pasquel, Priyantha Fernando, Sanath Wimalasiri and Kamal Addaraarachchi were the professional artistes that performed at the show.

Minister of Justice Dilan Perera was the chief guest at the event. The proceedings from the event will be used for the development of a needy school.The DS musicians performed the Death March as a mark of respect for the students of the school who died in the terrorist attack last February.

National Olympiad 2008

A mathematics and science National Olympiad 2008 has been organised by the Education Ministry’s Mathematics and Science Division to promote these areas of study among students and focus them towards national industries.

This follows a directive given by Education Minister Susil Premajayantha to introduce a process which would help students to become creative professionals and scientists in the future, according to the Education Ministry.

The first stage of this programme - the selection of provincial teams through a competitive examination for students who obtained the highest marks at the 2007 scholarship examination - has already been completed.

These selected students will receive two-months training at provincial pools. The training programme which got under way on June 14 will be carried out in the weekend. After this training is complete, 108 students, 12 from each province, will be selected to participate in the national competition, the Ministry said.

Restoration of temples in Anuradhapura
 

Anuradhapura is a historic city with many ancient Buddhist landmarks being located there. Some of them are in a dilapidated state with no repairs being carried out on them for a long time.

Now, there are plans for the restoration and development of hundreds of such temples in the Anuradhapura district. The programme has received an allocation of Rs 4.9 million for the work to be carried out in 2008. Under the first phase of the programme, 100 temples which need repairs and basic amenities such as water and electricity, will be provided with a grant of Rs 50,000 each.