Sisu Diriya makes headway

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The 'Sisu Diriya' national program under the 'Northern Spring' mega development plan, has lined up many events from July 31 to August 8 to celebrate its success over the past five years. "A program on social integration with the participation of 5,000 schoolchildren from all over the country will be the key event in its series," said Director, Social Development Affairs of the Presidential Secretariat Nandana Wijesinghe. The 'Sisu Diriya' national program will develop the students, personality and leadership skills in the North, East, North Central and Western Provinces.

The fifth anniversary festival will be held on August 5 at Temple Trees with the participation of 5,000 leaders and beneficiaries from these areas Wijesinghe said.

The series of events includes a symposium and a painting workshop on 'Peace, Harmony and Diversity' on August 2 at the New Arts theatre of the University of Colombo.

The 'Sisu Diriya' national program is the brainchild of President Mahinda Rajapaksa set up following the LTTE's Kebithigollewa massacre in 2006. It will enhance the knowledge of schoolchildren in the North and East. Sixty people died in the Kebithigollewa claymore mine attack.