In brief
 

Mass Media and Communication Minister Keheliya Rambukwella assumed duties at his office last week. He is seen here performing religious rites before commencing work. Others present are Secretary to the Media Ministry W.B. Ganegala, MP Namal Rajapaksa, Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Environment Minister and former Media and Information Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa. Pic: Saman Sri Wedage

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A 23-member high level business delegation from Pakistan which arrived in Sri Lanka to attend INTRAD-EXPO 2010, paid a courtesy call on Prof. G. L. Peiris, Minister of External Affairs at his Ministry recently.

Prof. Ariyaratne Athugala who has been appointed as the new Director of the Government Information Department, assumed duties at his office on Friday. Prof. Athugala earlier functioned as Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chairman. A leading intellectual in the university and Mass Communication fields, he is an Honours Graduate in Mass Communication from the Kelaniya University. Prof. Athugala who served as a university lecturer for nearly 15 years had also headed the Mass Communication Department of the Kelaniya University. He has also authored several books on media and mass communication.

Sarath Kongahage assumed duties as the Chairman of the Rupavahini Corporation at a brief ceremony which was attended by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Mass Media and Information Ministry W.B. Ganegala and media heads. Here the new Chairman participating at religious observances before assuming duties.

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The new Secretary to the Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Ministry K.E. Karunatileka assumed duties last week. This appointment is unique in that he is the first to be appointed Secretary from within the agriculture sector itself. For more than three decades he had been serving the Agriculture Department in different capacities. Karunatileka who had his secondary education at Nugawela Central College obtained his Agriculture Degree from the Peradeniya University in 1978. He joined the Agriculture Department as an Agriculture Officer in 1980 and in 2009 he was promoted Additional Secretary to the Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Ministry. Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Deputy Minister Jagath Pushpakumara are also in the picture. LSAW.

Latest innovations at Royal College

Royal College, Colombo will launch the latest innovations under the auspices of Minister of Education Bandula Gunawardane on May 11.

Royal College was crowned one of the world's best innovative schools in the Microsoft Innovative School Program 2009, continuing its innovations in the application of Information and Communication Technology to complement teaching and learning activities.

'Lab 175' computer laboratory, new look Royal College website, `21st Century Teacher' Project and `Virtual School' at Royal College would be some of the ICT initiatives which would be inaugurated by the Minister.

Lab 175 is the latest and most advanced computer laboratory established at Royal College for the benefit of teachers and students. The Loyalty Pledge Management Committee of the Royal College Union has funded the procurement of computers and network infrastructure for this laboratory. Browns Group has offered EZY personal computers for this project.

Colombo University Convocation

The General Convocation of the University of Colombo will be held on May 10 and 11 at the BMICH Main Hall.

The Convocation will consist of five sessions. The Most Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis, Chancellor of the University will confer bachelors Degrees at this convocation to 2,237 graduands.

Buddhist book exhibition

The Buddhist Cultural Centre in view of the Vesak celebrations has organised a book exhibition at Colombo Art Gallery, Green Path, during the week starting from May 15 enabling the Buddhist book lover to buy Buddhist Statues of various sizes, requisites of Monks, umbrella studded with beads, Relic caskets, Vesak cards depicting the events of Buddhist history and various utensils used for Buddhist festivals, imported from Thailand at a reasonable price.

Blood donation camp

The Prefects Guild of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo has organised a blood donation camp on Saturday, May 15 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the school.

The organisers have requested donors' help in their cause.

Vesak Zone at Maharagama

The Water Supply and Drainage Ministry in collaboration with the Maharagama Public Foundation organizes a Vesak Zone from Maharagama town to Borelesgamuwa tank.

The Vesak Zone will be decorated and illuminated and several religious and performing aesthetic events will be included in the program.

Vesak lantern contest, Bhakthi Gee programs on floating stages and a floating Vesak lantern exhibition on the water of the tank is scheduled.

A Vesak drama will also be performed at the vevuthavulla of Boralesgamuwa tank.

The program will be held from May 27-29. Water Supply and Drainage Minister Dinesh Gunawardena will be present.

Appeal for liquor, meat-free Wesak

The Lanka Knowledge Bank of which the astronomer and popular service writer, Anura C. Perera is the President has made arrangements to observe a 'Liquor and meat-free Wesak Week' from May 24 to 30 to mark the 2574th anniversary of the Buddha's Parinibbana.

He appeals to all fellow citizens to extend their cooperation to make the move a success.

Ahlan wa Sahlan, an Arabian experience

Ahlan wa Sahlan, to exotic Arabia, an Arabian experience will be showcased at the Galadari Hotel on Sunday, May 23 from 10.30 a.m. There will be items from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and other countries. The highlight of the afternoon will be a presentation of the latest trends from many Middle Eastern countries.

The proceeds of the fund raiser will fund the creche of 30 children of the underprivileged working mothers in Kirillapone and schols to support the needy university students.

It is organised by the Young Muslim Women's League.

Sri Lanka Scout Assn. AGM on May 22

The Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Scout Association will be held on Saturday, May 22 at 10.00 a.m. at the auditorium of the Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka, 275/75, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.

The Secretary of the Sri Lanka Scout Council requests members of the Council to submit their resolutions for the betterment of the Association, to the Secretary on or before May 14.

'Victorian Extravaganza' today

The Past Pupils' Association of Convent of Our Lady of Victories has organised a gala evening the "Victorian Extravaganza" to celebrate its 75th anniversary, followed by high tea on today, at 6.00 p.m. at Mt. Lavinia Hotel.

Vesak lantern competition

Wehelle PIYATHILAKE -Maharagama spl cor.

A Vesak lantern competition organised by Malapalla Sports Club and the Welfare Society will be held in Sri Sudarshanaramaya, Malapalla, Pannipitiya on May 27 to 29.

The best Vesak lantern will be presented Rs. 20,000 and Rs 15,000 for the second place and Rs. 10,000 for the third place. All the competitors will be presented with Rs. 2,000 each.

Applications sent after May 20 will not be recognised. For further details contact Asiri Sports Club Secretary, 104, Malapalla, Pannipitiya or contact on phone 0722 805575, 0778 454471.

New Year celebrations

Sri Lanka institute of Marketing the national body of Marketers will hold Avurudu Uthsawaya to celebrate Sinhala and Hindu New Year at the Jana Kala Kendraya today from 9 a.m. onwards.

Dental workshop

Dr. Paul Mullasseril, Dental expert from USA will hold a workshop organized by 3M ESPE, for the general dental practitioner post APDC, from May 12 to 16 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre.