Deduru-Oya Irrigation Project

A Mega Deduru-Oya Irrigation Project is to be launched by the government at an estimated cost of Rs. 650 million. This will provide solutions for the irrigation and drinking water problems of the Wayamba area; over 27,000 acres of paddy land in the area are expected to be irrigated under the project.

The feasibility study for the project has already been completed by the Ministry of Irrigation. It was expected to commence last month and see its completion in 2010.

The project will include a massive dam to be built at Tummodera near Padeniya on the Anuradhapura-Wariyapola Road.

While providing the communities of the area with a regular supply of water for irrigation and drinking, the project is also expected to include a 1.5 megawatt rural electricity plant and will supply infrastructure facilities to develop the fisheries industry.

Land has already been allocated by the Ministry to 700 families who will lose their land and property under this project. Irrigation facilities will also be provided to about 250 farmer families with paddy lands at Redeebandi-ella.

Project to conserve archaeological treasures

If you are a diving enthusiast, or may be interested in archaeology and conserving ancient artifacts, both land and sea-based, this piece of news is sure to excite you!

A three-year training programme for divers of 18 countries was launched recently by the Asia-Pacific Oceanic Archaeological Divers Training School, which operates from the Galle Fort.

The objective of the programme is to conserve the archaeological assets of sunken ships in the seas off Galle, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. Nine divers and three ocean archaeological conservators have already been trained by this school.

The programme has been initiated as a joint effort of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Archaeological Department, Central Cultural Fund and the Post-graduate Institute of Sri Lanka.

Three million rupees has already been provided towards this project, by the UNESCO.

Shelter for all

Countries around the globe will commemorate the World Habitat Day on October 2 (tomorrow). The Day, designated by the United Nations, is celebrated on the first Monday of every October to reflect on the state of human settlements and the basic right to shelter for all. It also reminds the world of its collective responsibility for the future of all human habitats.

This year's theme is 'Cities, Magnets of Hope', and has been chosen by the United Nations to remind us that the world is witnessing the greatest migration in history, of people into towns and cities.

In 1950, only one third of the world population lived in cities. Now, 50 years later, half of all human beings live in cities. By 2050, cities are expected to provide homes to two thirds (six billion) of all people. Towns and cities are catalysts (stimulators) for national development, and should provide proper living conditions for their inhabitants.

Everyone has the right to the city, a decent environment, clean water, sanitation, transport, electricity and other facilities. One of the greatest challenges facing humanity today is how to properly manage all these different aspects.

The activities related to Habitat Day are spearheaded around the world by UN-HABITAT, the Human Settlements Programme. The main celebrations this year will be held in Naples, Italy, while Kazan in the Russian Federation will be another stage for activities.

The World Habitat Day was inaugurated in 1986 to address issues to do with human habitats.

'Shower of Happiness'

'Shower of Happiness', a book of poems written by 14-year-old schoolgirl, Kaushalya Madugalle was launched at the History Restaurant, Kandy recently.

Kaushalya, a student of Ecole Internationale, Kandy wrote her maiden book, comprising 51 poems, with ideas that had grown in her mind and things that inspired her. Some of the poems are, Halloween Night, Dear Elephant, Stealing of the Souls and Fireworks. Some of them have been published in weekend newspapers.

The first copy of the book was presented to the Director of Education (English Language), Central Province, Ms. E.A.D. Suneetha, who was the chief guest at the event.

The cover design of the book is by Dharshana Karunatilake; it has been printed by Ariya Printers, Kandy. Kaushalya has dedicated her maiden book to her parents. In the book, she also thanks Administrator/Director of her school, Ms. M.M. Rajapakse and her teachers, for the encouragement given to her.

Day to honour your teachers

Today is a special day, as it celebrates all children as well as the elders of the world. But did you know that another important day which honours a segment of people who are absolutely vital to your development also falls within this week? This is World Teachers' Day, which is observed on October 5.

It is organised to draw attention to the importance of teachers to the societies in which they live and operate in.

Teachers' Day is now observed in almost 100 countries around the world, and is organised by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

This year's theme is 'Quality Teachers for Quality Education', which has been extended from last year to emphasise the importance of training the trainers.

World Teachers' Day was inaugurated in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the UNESCO/ILO (International Labour Organisation) Recommendation Concerning the Status of Teachers, on October 5, 1966. This year's event is extra special as it's the 40th anniversary of the signing of this document.

'Ran Daru art exhibition'

An exhibition of 500 paintings created by children of Sri Lanka will be open to the public in Colombo on October 7 and 8 under the patronage of Ceylinco Life.

The paintings, selected by the panel of judges, from 116,000 paintings sent in by children from pre-school age to 18 years, will be on display at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre, which hosts the third 'Ran Daru' Art Exhibition organised by the company, under the banner of its child insurance brand, 'Ran Daru'.

The exhibition is the culmination of an island-wide art competition launched in July. The competition was judged by a panel headed by the renowned children's artist, illustrator and novelist Sybil Wettasinghe.

The competition is conducted in four age groups and offers participants an opportunity to win 12 cash scholarships worth nearly Rs. 600,000 and 488 consolation prizes, providing a cumulative prize value of more than Rs. 1.5 million in addition to national exposure for their talents. Every single participant receives a certificate as well.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 9.30 a.m. onwards. A series of events for children and entertainment items have been organised for visitors. Ceylinco Life will also present the awards including the scholarships to the main winners in each age category, at 3.00 p.m. on October 7.

Young poet bags int'l awards

Thirteen-year-old Harsha Dilan Perera is an outstanding poet and has already won many awards, including international awards, for his achievements in poetry.

His poem, 'Love is the Best Gift' bagged him a medal, as well as the Editor's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievements in Poetry presented by 'poetry.com' and the International Library of Poetry.

Meanwhile, another poem of his, 'The Most Valued Love' brought him the crystal award for Outstanding Achievements in Poetry, presented by the International Society of Poets.

The awards were presented at a ceremony held in Las Vegas, USA.

Harsha is a Grade 9 student of Lyceum International School. He follows studies in the Science stream.