In brief

No visa fee for Lankans

The Government of Thailand has decided to waive off the visa fee from Sri Lankans travelling to Thailand for the first time.

An official of the Royal Thai Embassy said that the Thai government has made this offer to woo more tourists to the country from across the world.

This offer would be available until June 4, 2009 and visitors should visit the Thai Embassy and get their passport stamped free before embarking on the journey.

However this offer would not be applicable for Business or Transit visas.

(SS)

Dengue patients on the rise

by Harshini PERERA

An increase in the number of Dengue patients was recorded in the Colombo metropolitan area to which the Municipal Council of Colombo has already taken precautionary measures to control the situation, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Colombo, Dr. Pradeep Kariyawasam said.

He said that 105 patients were recorded in January whereas the number recorded in January 2008 was only 38. Thus the increase of Dengue patients is three fold this year.

In February, 2008, there were 34 patients reported whereas 65 patients are reported in February this year.

 Abhidhamma classes from March 12

The Sumangala Gunanusmarana Sabhava will start an Abhidhamma class at the YMBA Wellawatte in Sinhala from March 12, 2009.

The class is conducted free by Tripitakacharya H. W. Nandasena.

Further details could be obtained on telephone number 011 2360435.

Blood donation campaign

A blood donation campaign will be held at Purana Viharaya, Handala on March 10 from 1.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on (medin) Poya day.

This campaign is being held for the last 30 years with the sponsorship of the Young Men’s Buddhist Society of Hendala.

Heart patient seeks help

Eighteen-year-old Iresha Malkanthi of Thibbottawa, Bulathsinhala, was suffering from a heart ailment, for which she underwent an angiogram at the National Hospital, Colombo 1997, when she was only 7 years. She has since then, been recommended follow-up treatment with drugs, which she has to purchase in the open market, regularly.

Her Father is 70 and mother, Gunawathy Liyanage is after an eye surgery and is feeble, unable to seek any employment.

Her parents appeal to the generous public to contribute to this worthy cause, by contributing to her A/c No.10835 at Bank of Ceylon, Bulathsinhala branch.