In brief

Farmer shot dead by fleeing robber

by T. Vivekarasa, Vavuniya Special Corr.

Ramamoorthy Pulendran, 32-year-old farmer from Samanankulam, Vavuniya was shot dead last Friday, while he was attempting to stop a man who was fleeing after robbing three houses in the area.According to Police sources, the robber had fired at the victim with a T-56 assault rifle, when the latter was surrounded by a crowd.

Fleeing after robbing the third house, the thief was surrounded by a group of people. He had started firing at the crowd, killing the young farmer Pulendram and injuring another person named Thirunavukarasu Kirubakaran.

The gunman managed to escape.

Twenty six gold sovereigns and cash worth Rs. 115,000 had been robbed from the three houses, according to Police sources.

Vavuniya Magistrate Alex Raja visited the scene and conducted inquest. Police launched a manhunt for the killer, sources said.

Ensuring food safety

The Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition has taken steps to observe the week from October 16 to 23 as ‘Food Protection Week’ on par with World Food Day. This year’s World Food Day was under the theme “Consumers’ contribution towards food protection”.

During the week, the Ministry of Healthcare and Nutrition, Provincial Health Ministries and the Department of Health will jointly conduct programs through Municipal Councils and Divisional Health Offices to educate consumers and schoolchildren on food safety.In keeping in line with this island-wide program, the assistance of 1,500 Public Health Inspectors will be obtained to inspect all hotels and eating houses for hygiene and wholesomeness of their food. This will be carried out from October 20 to 22.

 Grand Mosque appeals...

The Colombo Grand Mosque appeals to the Muslim public to look out for the new moon tomorrow, Monday, October 19, immediately after Maghrib to decide on the beginning of the Islamic month of Dhul Ka’Dha Hijri 1430. Insha Allah, if you sight the new moon, kindly telephone the Colombo Grand Mosque on any one of the following telephone numbers: 2390783/2432110/2434651/0777366099.

Cookery demo at Mount’s Regency

A cookery demonstration, organised by the Sri Lanka Navy Seva Vanitha Unit will be held at the Regency Room of Hotel Mount Lavinia on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 3.00 p.m. The funds will be collected in aid of the Naval War Heroes Housing Project. The Chefs Dr. Publis Silva and Sudeepa Jayanetti will conduct the demonstration.

Felicitation of newspaper agents

The Newspaper Agents Association call for applications islandwide for the eligibility for felicitation of Most Senior Newspaper Agents in Sri Lanka at the 4th Annual General Meeting to be held in the last week of November 2009. Retired or elderly newspaper agents are entitled to apply for consideration. Applications can be obtained from Coordinating Officer, Newspaper Agents Association, 43/31, Bonjean Road, Colombo 13. Mobile No. 0714288824 on or before October 24.

Free course in Women’s Studies

The Women’s Education and Research Centre will conduct a free certificate Course in Women’s Studies in Sinhala, which will be of three months duration commencing in December. The closing date for applications is November 8 and further details log onto [email protected] or [email protected]

Heart patient needs help

H. V. Sarath Jayarathna (46) of No. 58/A4, Gamini Road, Kovinna, Adiambalama, is suffering from coronary artery disease and has been recommended to undergo an urgent surgery by Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Dr. Kesera Dev at Durdans Heart Surgical Centre (Pvt) Ltd. The estimated cost of the surgery is Rs. 440,000+Rs. 105,000 (cost of Balloon pump), totalling Rs. 545,000. The patient is unable to find the funds and hence appeals to the generous public, to contribute to A/c No. 106550017221 of Sampath Bank, Minuwangoda.

Epileptic child needs help

Four and a half year old Mohammed Hassim Ajeesh is suffering from Myoclonic epilepsy, for which he underwent treatment, under consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Dr. J. Wanigasinghe at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital.As the cost of drugs is estimated to cost around Rs. 20,000 per month, Hassim's parents appeal to well-wishers, remit their contributions to A/c No. 1845131 of Bank of Ceylon, Regent Street's branch, Colombo 10. Contact phone No. 0775586884.