Stamp to mark D.R. Wijewardene's 130th birth anniversary

A commemorative stamp and First Day Cover were issued to mark the 130th birth anniversary of D.R. Wijewardene, the founder of Lake House, at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Colombo recently.

Parliamentary Reforms and Mass Media Minister Gayantha Karunatillake was the Chief Guest. It was organised by the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited. Several dignitaries including diplomats and media personnel were present. State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardena spoke on the occasion. A panel discussion was also held to mark the event.

Awards for students who excelled in music

The awards ceremony of the 'All Island School Music Competitions 2015' organised by the Ministry of Education was held recently at the Ministry under the patronage of Minister of Education, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam.

Forty-two thousand students participated in the competition. There were 53 best performers at the award ceremony and among them 26 students received the Sangeeth Abhimani award and 14 received the Sangeeth Praveen award. The Head Prefect of Swarnajayanthi Maha Vidyalaya, Kegalle, Palmaka Manjitha Karunanayaka recieved several awards including the Sangeeth Visharada and the Sangeeth Praveen.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Education including the Additional Secretary, Hemantha Premathilaka, Director of Aesthetic Education, Thushara Gunathilaka and the Dean of the Faculty of Music of the University of Aesthetic Education and Prof. Kumara Liyanawatta were present.

Baby born with heart birthmark on forehead

Baby Poppy-Rae has a rather unique birthmark on her forehead...a heart! Two days after she was born, Poppy-Rae's parents noticed the mark on her head.

The distinct heart shape is even more special because Poppy-Rae's mother found that her pregnancy began on Valentine's Day last year! The mark worried Poppy-Rae's parents when it turned a dark red whenever she laughed or cried. A trip to the doctor reassured them that it was just a regular birthmark in an unusual place and shape. Doctors said the mark may disappear when Poppy-Rae turns to age 4 or 5 but could reappear later in life.

by Husna Inayathullah