St. Peters’ College Bambalapitiya won the Western Band competition, organised by the Old Royalists’ Cadet Band Association held at the Royal College Grounds. Army Com-mander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya, Royal College Principal, Upali Gunasekera look on while St. Peters’ College Band Leader receives the trophy from the Minister of Education, Bandula Gunawardena. Pic: Thilak Perera

Two thound Buddha statues were donated to the citizens in and around Nuwara Eliya by the Minister Naveen Dissanayaka last Poya day (25). It was sponsored by astrologer W.P. Ariyarathna of Kelaniya Saman Devalaya. Here a elderly upasika receiving a Buddha Statue from the Minister.

The Second Secretary of the Permanent Mission of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, Chamithri Rambukwella was elected Chairperson of the Committee on Con-ferences for the term 2013-14. Here She addresses the organisational session for 2013. Actg. Head of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management (DGACM), Jean–Jacques Graisse is on her right.This is the first time that Sri Lanka has become a member of the Committee.

Miss Sinduja Sri Bhaagya (centre) was crowned the Avurudu Kumari at the Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrations organised by Panadura Urban Council, Panadura Division-al Secretariat, Army Camp Panadura, Coastguard Brigade and Voluntary Organisations at the Panadura beach. Miss Saumya Fernando (right) and Padmee Madushani came first and second runners-up. Pic: Susil Ratnaweera, Panadura North Group. Cor.