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Sunday, 9 August 2009

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International Day of the World's Indigenous People is today

The United Nations (UN) International Day of the World's Indigenous People is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population.

This event also recognises the achievements and contributions that indigenous people make to improve world issues such as environmental protection.

People from different nations are encouraged to participate in observing the day to spread the UN's message on indigenous peoples.It is celebrated on August 9 each year to recognise the first UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations meeting in Geneva in 1982. On December 23, 1994, the UN General Assembly decided that this day should be observed on August 9 annually during the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People.

In 2004 the assembly proclaimed the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (2005-2014). The assembly also decided to continue observing the International Day of Indigenous People annually during the second decade.

The decade's goal was to further strengthen international cooperation for solving problems faced by indigenous peoples in areas such as culture, education, health, human rights, the environment, and social and economic development.

In April 2000, the Commission on Human Rights adopted a resolution to establish the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that was endorsed by the Economic and Social Council. The forum's mandate is to discuss indigenous issues related to culture, economic and social development, education, the environment, health and human rights.


Coming home from his Little League game, Billy swung open the front door very excited. Unable to attend the game, his father immediately wanted to know what happened.

"So, how did you do, son?" he asked.

"You'll never believe it!" Billy said. "I was responsible for the winning run!" "Really? How'd you do that?" "I dropped the ball."

*********

What would you find on a haunted beach?

A sand witch.

****

What do you call a fairy who doesn't take a bath?

Stinkerbell

****

What did the teddy bear say when he was offered dessert?

No thanks, I'm stuffed!

****

What do you call a ship that lies on the bottom of the ocean and shakes?

A nervous WRECK!

****

What did the Pacific Ocean say to the Atlantic Ocean?

Nothing. It just waved.

****

What tools do you need in a math class?

Multi-Pliers

Why did the atoms cross the road?

It was time to split!

****

What do you do when your chair breaks?

Call a Chairman.

****

How can you tell twin witches apart?

It's not easy to tell which witch is which.

How did the man feel when he got a big bill from the electric company?

He was shocked.

How does a boat show affection?

It hugs the shore.

* * *

How many animals did Moses take on the ark?

Moses didn't take anything on the ark. Noah did!

* * *

If a boy is spanked by his mother and his father, who hurts the most?

The boy.

-END-

*********

----------

Birth and death anniversaries
from August 09 - August 15

August 9

* Hermann Hesse, a German writer, died in 1962.

Whitney Houston, American pop singer was born in 1963.

* K. Gunaratnam, Founder of Cinemas Limited, was shot dead in 1989.

August 10

* D.J. Wimalasurendra, Pioneer engineer of Hydro-electricity, who built the Laxapana power station in Sri Lanka, died in 1953.

* Sir R.S.S. Gunawardene, Cabinet Minister and diplomat died in 1981.

August 11

* Enid Blyton, Famous English author of children's books was born in 1897.

* W.M. Fernando, a great poet,m died in 1949.

King Sri Wijaya Rajasinghe, died in 1747.

August 12

* Sidath Wettamuni, Former test cricketer of Sri Lanka, was born in 1956.

* Ian Flemming, A famous English novelist, who introduced the character James Bond for spy stories, died in 1964.

* George Stevenson, a Britisher, who invented the first railway steam engine, died in 1848.

August 13

* Fidel Castro, a former president of Cuba (from 1959-2008), the longest serving president of the world, was born in 1927.

* Alfred Hitchcock, English film director was born in 1899.

Florence Nightingale, an English, founder of the modern nursing service died in 1910.

* H.G. Wells, Famous English Writer, journalist and a historian died in 1946.

* John Logie Beard, who invented the first colour television was born in 1888.

August 14

* Dr N.M. Perera, a former finance minister and founder leader of the Sri Lanka Socialist Party, died in 1979.

* Leonard Woolf, English civil servant and a great writer, who wrote Village in The Jungle died in 1969.

August 15

* Macbeth, King of Scotland (1040-1057) died in 1057.

* Napoleon Bonaparte, famous Emperor was born in 1769.

* Sir Walter Scott, Scottish novelist, was born in 1771.


Special events which took place in history
from August 09 - August 15

August 9

* The second nuclear bomb dropped on Nagasaki of Japan by United States of America.

* Singapore National Day. It became independent in 1965.

August 10

* Prototype diesel engine was successfully tested by Dr. Rudolph Diesel in 1893.

* The Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. was formed in 1846.

* Napoleon Bonaparte was deported to St. Helena in 1915.

August 11

* The Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya was established in 1812.

* Eugine Augustine obtained a patent for her first movie with dialogues.

August 12

* The first communication satellite, (Echo 1) was sent to space by America in 1960.

*United Left Front, (MEP, LSSP, CP) was formed in 1963.

*The Central Environmental Authority was established in 1981.

August 13

* Strike by Bullock Cart drivers in Colombo, in 1906.

* Construction of the Berlin Wall began in 1961.

August 14

* Pakistan became independent in 1947.

* The first International beauty contest was held in Kent,England in 1908.

* Sir Donald Bradman, Australian cricketer played his last test innings in 1948.

August 15

* Panama Canal was opened for shipping, joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans' countries, between United States and Central America, in 1914.


Preparation of term-test papers:

Education Dept will be directly involved

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha said that the Education Department will directly get involved in the preparation of question papers for the three term tests, commencing November this year. Minister Premajayantha who focused special attention towards certain education officials who were instrumental in preparing school term test papers in a careless and irresponsible manner, said that action is being taken with regard to this matter. It was reported that a large number of spelling, factual and printing errors were found in certain question papers given to the students at their mid-year school term test which concluded last week. When the Junior Observer asked the Education Minister, Premajayantha what action could be taken to rectify this problem he said, that after an important discussion he had with higher education officials, steps have now been taken to conduct an investigation calling for explanation from Provincial and Zonal education officials. He further said that he had submitted a report in this regard to President Mahinda Rajapaksa and stern action would be taken against officials responsible for preparing these question papers that caused so much stress and trauma to school children.It was noted that in some questions important words have been left out while the answer to some of the questions given in the papers were not known not only by students, but also by teachers. There were also a number of grammar errors in the English language question papers.


Presentation of school books


President, Pragna Pradeepa Foundation Dr. Jayantha de Silva presenting a book parcel to a bullock cart owner’s child.

The 'Pragna Pradeepa Educational Foundation' distributed a large stock of school books and educational equipment to needy children of bullock cart owners at a ceremony held at the Nikadalupotha remote village in the Kurunegala District, last week.The distribution was organised to coincide with the 25th anniversary of 'Galsarana' programme, conducted by the Pragna Pradeepa foundation every year.President, Pragna Pradeepa, Dr. Jayantha de Silva who was the chief guest at the occasion was warmly welcomed by about 200 bullock cart owners in the village.

Over 250 needy school children received parcels of books at the ceremony which was also attended by a large number of people from farmer families.Some bullock cart owners who complained of their grievances were provided financial assistance to repair their bullock carts and also their houses.Speaking to the Junior Observer, Dr. de Silva said that arrangements have also been made to launch a similar book distribution programme in the Jaffna and Kilinochchi districts before the end of this year, following the peaceful atmosphere that now prevails after three decades, of war for the benefit of schoolchildren in those areas.

 


CSDP workshop to promote mental welfare

The Children Skills Development Programme (CSDP) will hold a workshop for students, teachers, and parents at the Sinhala Cultural Institute's Gamini Fonseka Hall (opposite BMICH) Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 on August 16 from 9 am to 3 pm.The workshop will include psychological and entertaining activities to promote mutual understanding among the participants. The workshop will be held free of charge.The participants will receive certificates. The CSDP plans to hold quarterly workshops.Students between 10 and 18, teachers and parents should confirm their attendance by telephoning - 0112-672718 or 0112-689536.

More information may be obtained from CSDP 70/F-6 Rodney Street, Cotta Road, Borella, Colombo 8.


Competitions on World Post Day

In commemoration of World Postal Day which falls on October 9 every year, the Department of Posts, Sri Lanka holds a competition for school children approved by the Ministry of Education.

The competition will be held under two categories-junior and senior in the form of an art competition and essay competition.

Essay Competition for Juniors

Age limit: Below 15 years (about 1000 words)

Topics:

1.I wish to be in Public Service as an employee of the Department of Posts

2. I do not like to be an employee of the Department of Posts.

3. Post contribute to the development of the country

Essay Competition for Seniors

Age limit: Above 15 years (about 1500 words)

Topics:

1. Post faclitate natioal unity

2. Post and youth

3. If I am the Postmaster General

4. How do we develop the Post?

Art Competition for Juniors.

Below 15 years:

I like to be in public service as a postal employee

Art Competition for Seniors.

Above 15 years:

Post should contribute to protect the environment

(All Drawings should be on Bristol Boards)

Contact the Department of Posts on

2325111, 2325112 or 2421001 for further details.


News briefs

* Following the recent incident which led to the death of one student, the Ministry of Education is to issue a directive banning students from bringing mobile phones to school.

* Milk booths are to be set up at schools under a special programme initiated by the Ministry of Cooperative Development and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The first such booth was opened at the Panadura Royal College in the Kalutara district recently.

* Over 40,000 IDP children in welfare camps have been given a new lease of life with facilities being provided for them to attend school.

* The world's oldest man, British World War I veteran, Henry Allingham died on July 18 at the age of 113 years. He was born on September 21, 1806. The world's oldest woman is a 115-year-old American named Gertrude Baines.

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