[In Brief]

Maha Sivarathri pooja in Wattala

Sri Ayyappan Temple, Wattala has organised a pooja on Maha Sivarathri Day on February 17.

The poojas will commence at midnight and go on till the dawn on Feb. 18.

Swasri Sellathurai Kurukkal will conduct the pooja.

Daya Somasiri's book launch today

Journalist Daya Somasiri's Piya Venuven Kavi Kee Diyanee will be launched today at 3.00 p.m. at the Piliyandala UC auditorium to mark the 106th birth anniversary of former parliamentarian Somaweera Chandrasiri. The event is organised by the Somaweera Chandrasiri Foundation.

Kidney patient needs help

H.W. Jayalath Samarawickrema of Denipitiya, Hettiyaowita, Indigaha Owita needs a O+ or O- kidney, with the transplant surgery to be performed by consultant Nephrologist Dr. Nadeeka Ratnamalala at the Karapitiya Hospital, Galle.

Samarawickrema, a father of two school-going children cannot afford the cost of surgery. He appeals for financial support from well-wishers who could remit their contribution to Bank of Ceylon Weligama branch A/c No. 76999352.

The patient could be contacted on: 0724696280

Kidney patient

Fifty-nine-year old D.I.G.K. Wijeratne, mother of one, of Doranagoda, Udugampola has been diagnosed with End Stage kidney failure by Consultant Nephrologist of the National Institute of Nephrology, Colombo 10, Dr. Anura Hewageegane.

She has to undergo kidney transplantation (Blood Group O) and appeals for monetary help from the public.

Contributions may be remitted to A/c No. 871783 of Bank of Ceylon, Gampaha branch. The patients Could be contacted on: 0724522458.

Lecture today

A public lecture in English on "Cultural Heritage of India" by Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan from the Institute of Scientific Heritage of India will be held today from 6.30 to 8.30 pm at the Sri Bathrakaliamman Hindu Temple Hall, 17A, Mayura Place, Colombo 5.

The lecture is held under the auspices of the Sanathana Dharma Yuga Awareness Association of the Astanga Yoga Mandhir of the Sri Bathrakaliamman temple in association with the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO).

Dr. Gopalakrishnan is an internationally renowned lecturer on the subject.

Build SL 2015 Expo

The Build SL 2015 construction and Regenerating Expo, organised by the Chamber of Construction Industry will be held at the BMICH from May 29-31. The trade fair will will showcase new technology and modern methods of construction. The exhibition will also promote opportunities for infrastructure projects and urban regeneration for local and foreign investors through the infrastructure development fund to be set up shortly.

S. African Roadshow in Colombo

The South African High Commission with South African Tourism will flag off its first ever Tourism Roadshow in Colombo at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel tomorrow. The roadshow will bring delegates from some of South Africa’s leading operators to exhibit their products and packages to local operators and potential travellers.

The roadshow will showcase several popular South African suppliers.

South Africa is rapidly becoming an affordable destination with an abundance of natural beauty and amazing wildlife sitings, with world class facilities, exciting adventure destination, excellent weather, all hosted by a diverse rainbow nation. Tourist arrivals to South Africa for the first quarter of 2014 grew by 4.9% over 2013 to reach 2,583,034.