Elephants driven out of National parks: The National parks were the sole territory of elephants, where they were able to find food and graze peacefully. Now herds of buffaloes have virtually taken over their territory worsening the human-elephant conflict, as elephants are driven to encroach human habitation for food. The picture tells it all! Pix Priyan de Silva, Matara CDN Sports Corr.

2011 - Year of Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism will launch a series of promotional programs under the theme ‘People and Culture’ to mark the ‘Year of Tourism 2011’. The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Bureau will also launch programs to convey the message of ‘Sinhala-Hindu New Year, the Bakmaha cultural pageant to the world. Tourists visiting Sri Lanka in April will be provided the opportunity to organise or take part in all New Year celebrations held in any part of the country. Special New Year festivals have been organised in Kandy and Dambulla.

Tourist hotels in the Southern coastal belt will also organised New Year celebrations for the tourists.

Waste disposal made easy - Matale Mayor

Kandy Special Correspondent

More than 17 tons of waste matter have to be disposed on a single day. It consists of degradable and non-degradable matter and its disposal is a herculean task for the municipal council said Matale Mayor Hilmy Careem addressing a news conference recently. He said during his recent overseas tour he found that many Asian Countries had effectively handled the problem of waste disposal.

The council will draw up plans to set up two waste paper recycling factories.

Four more factories will also be opened so that the problem of the waste disposal could be minimised he said. The Mayor said that many Asian Countries treat waste disposal as one of their own problems. Some countries have converted the waste into fertilizer.

Please help him

Student H.M.A. Pasindu Bandara of Gulugahawatte, Kumbalgama, Devinuwara is suffering from hearing loss in both ears. Consultant ENT Surgeon S. B. Ethulgama of Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Hospital, Peradeniya has recommended Cochlear Implant Surgery, estimated to cost Rs. 2. 4 million.

His parents appeal for public contributions to be remitted to A/C No 5774122, Bank of Ceylon, Super Grade Branch, Matara since they find it difficult to pay the medical costs due to needy circumstances.

New variety of paddy introduced

P. P. G. Sugathadasa -Thihagoda Gr. Cor.

Ambalantota Paddy Research Institute has introduced a fresh strain of paddy called AT303.

According to the paddy researchers attached to the institute the newly introduced paddy variety AT303 is highly resistant to pests and insects and climatic changes as well. It can be harvested within a span of 3 months, since its cultivation and the amount of 60-70 bussels of paddy can be obtained from an acre.

Eastern University re-commences

The academic sessions of the Eastern University of Sri Lanka will re-commence from April 19.

The Registrar of the university stated “Students of all faculties of the Eastern University, Vantharumoolai, Chenkalady are informed that academic sessions for the academic year 2009/2010 which were temporarily suspended will re-commence from April 19.

All students residing in the hostels are requested to report to their hostels from 6.00 a.m. on April 18.