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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-
*********
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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
by Ananda KANNNANGARA
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
by Ananda KANNANGARA
|
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. |
