WPC stresses need of religious education

Stop tuition classes on Sundays/Poya days for schoolchildren:

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Western Provincial Council (WPC) paid special attention last week towards conducting tuition classes on Poya days and Sunday mornings.

WPC, Chief Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the Junior Observer that as a result of young schoolchildren attending tuition classes on these particular days they have been unable to participate in religious activities and Daham Pasal on such days.

He said if tuition classes were held on a selective basis, depending on age groups, it would not have an adverse impact on the religious education of young children.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that schoolchildren, especially those who are below 16 years must be engaged in religious activities, since it is very useful for them to develop their moral values.

"Although, the matter of banning tuition classes on these particular two days were brought to the attention of teachers even in the past, many teachers have ignored this request,".

He said he has already appointed a committee to look into this matter and directed the officials to submit a report within the next two weeks.

"Under this programme we do not ban all tuition classes, especially adult classes, since some students who are engaged in higher studies and follow educational courses need to attend tuition classes to enhance their knowledge and get through examinations, which in turn would help them in their endeavour of finding employment," he added.

An islandwide census after 30 years

by Rohana JAYALAL

The Census and Statistics Department has decided to launch a countrywide census in Sri Lanka next year after 30 years Census and Statistics Department sources said.

According to the Department sources, 2011 census will be held in three steps; mapping, listing all buildings and counting.

The Department has decided to collect information for the first time on people's communication methods. Data entry will be done through OMR/ICR scanning and not through keying. E-Census will be introduced to select rich, high class households in Colombo in order to ensure that they are included in the census.

Any residents of such households who do not like officials visiting their homes and collecting data, will be able to enter their data through the Internet using a password, said the sources.

According to the Department, a census should be conducted once in every 10 years.

A census is the only way of gathering complete data on people and property. The last census was held in 1981 after 20 years covering only 18 districts out of 25. Sri Lanka's first census was held in 1871.

Oratorical contest

In the Kurunegala district:

The Dharma Sri Mahindanandodaya English Dhamma School at Ku/Gattuwana Maha Vidyalaya will hold an oratorical elocution contest for children in the Kurunegala District in September 2010.

The main objective of this contest is to encourage the children to learn the art of public speaking, acquire proficiency in the English Language and appreciate the teaching of the Buddha to lead a harmonious life.

Conditions of the contest are as follows:

This contest will be conducted in the English Language only and it will be confined to the children in Kurunegala District. It will be based on Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold.

The contest is organised in different groups.

They are:

i. Basic Division girls/boys between 9-11 years 12 lines of a poem and speech

ii Primary Division girls/boys between 11-13 years 20 lines of a poem and speech.

iii. Junior Division girls/boys between 13-17 25 lines of a poem and speech

iv. Senior Division girls/boys between 17-21 years 30 lines of a poem and speech.

A self prepared application with the intended poem and the speech according to that poem should be sent along with two self addressed stamped envelopes by registered post on or before August 5, 2010 to:

Secretary, Dhamma School Association,

Dharma Sri Mahindanandodaya English Dhamma School,

C/o Gattuwana Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala.

The contest will commence on September 12 at Gattuwana Maha Vidyalaya.

Admission cards will be posted to every eligible candidate by September 1 . Those who do not receive the admission on time should contact the organisers on T.P. 0725513322. The date of the finals will be intimated to the contestants.

All candidates are advised to dress only in white.

The candidate who won the first prize at the Light of Asia Contest organised by the YMBA Colombo will not be eligible to enter again.

Winners will be awarded prizes and a certificates in the following manner:

i. First prize Rs. 25,000/-

ii. Second prize Rs. 20,000/-

iii. Third prize Rs. 15,000/-

iv. Fourth prize Rs. 10,000/-

v. Fifth prize Rs. 5,000/-

The judges' decision will be final.