A new project targeting the improvement of the health and nutrient
status of rural plantation village communities in the Badulla district
was launched by the German Embassy's special project scheme on
sustainable support for social empowerment, in June 2010. The project
aims at increasing the living standard of these communities as well as
promoting the consumption of fresh milk products by establishing a
lacteal product centre.
While providing employment and marketing training for women the
program also campaigns for the positive contribution of milk products to
health.
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Land and Land
Development Minister Janaka Bandara Tennakoon and his Deputy
Siripala Gamlath participated in a harvest in a vineyard
belonging to the farmers of Kantale, Tissapura and Kanela.
The cultivation of grapes was initiated under the land
development project by the Department of the Commissioner
General of Land. The project was a success with farmers
enjoying a good harvest. |
ARKEFLY flies to Colombo
ARKEFLY and TUI Netherlands had announced that they
will recommence services to Sri Lanka with effect from October 6,
2010.
Operating with a frequency of weekly basis (till
April 2011), TUI Netherlands brought over 100 travel agents from all
corners of Holland to Colombo on a special flight on Friday October
1.
A mega familiarisation tour is scheduled to set off
to experience Sri Lanka's best kept secrets well known around the
globe as a travel destination.
Aitken Spence, the ground handling agents said that
they are getting ready with the inevitable boom around the corner.
Undisputedly the Sri Lankan tourist industry now
remains a vital element of the country's socio-economic development.
The upward trend will cushion the after effects of
the conflict and the increasing air accessibility will help the
future of the economy to move beyond its traditional goals.
Taboo on inferior imports - Prof Vitharana
Inferior quality imports will not be allowed into
the country, said Science, Technology and Research Minister
Professor Tissa Vitharana.
The Government will protect the consumer.
A report on a consignment of imported cement
detained by the Customs, had been called for from the Sri Lanka
Standards Institution, the Minister said.
SLSI Director General Dr. Seneweera said that the
report which is being prepared will be handed over to the Minister
within a few days.
The Government had gazetted 103 items which should
qualify to the SLSI quality standards to enter the Sri Lanka market.
(LSAW)
Mahinda - Nimal at HRC in Geneva
Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe left for Geneva on
Friday afternoon to make representations on behalf of the Government
at the Human Rights Committee (HRC) of the Inter Parliamentary Union
(IPU).
He will be heading a team of State officials that
will make submissions on behalf of Government interests against a
number of issues, including the white flag allegation of Sarath
Fonseka and assassinations of MPs Joseph Pararajasingham, N.Raviraj
and T.Maheswaran.
Former Human Rights Minister, Samarasinghe was
accompanied by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. (MF)
EU Mobile library in Jaffna
A mobile library which is fully funded by the
European Union will be launched at the Jaffna Public Library on
Thursday. The mobile library is expected to serve thousands of
schoolchildren from over 100 schools in the peninsula.
The Mayor of Jaffna Mrs. Patkunarajah and the
European Union Minister-Counsellor, Wim Prud’homme will launch the
mobile library. This initiative is supported by the jaffna Public
Library, Municipal Council of Jaffna, Zonal Education Department and
Gods Own Children Foundation.
The European Union will also set up the first
European Union Information Centre in Sri Lanka at the Jaffna Public
Library on the same day. This initiative will be launched with the
signing of an agreement between the European Union and the Jaffna
Library.
Youth held over birth by girl
by L.S. Ananda WEDAARACHCHI
A youth was taken into custody in connection with an
incident in which a 14-year-old girl had given birth to a baby at
the Borella Castle Street Hospital.National Child Protection
Authority NCPA Chairman Anoma Dissanayaka said that statement made
by the girl was found to be contradictory. A DNA test will be held
to prove the paternity of the baby, she said.
The police had recorded statements from the girl’s
mother, sisters and other relatives. NCPA is looking after the girl
and the baby, she said.
Foreigner drowns
by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE
The Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) of Nagoda
Hospital Dr. Fernando who conducted the postmortem examination on
the body of the Ukranian national who drowned while bathing at
Moragalle had stated in his report that the death was due to
asphyxia. The autopsy was carried out yesterday, the Police Media
Spokesman SP Prishantha Jayakody told the Sunday Observer. Meanwhile
arrangements have been made to hand over his body to his wife who
accompanied him to Sri Lanka on a holiday. The couple were spending
their vacation at the Eden hotel, Moragalle. The deceased was
identified as Victor Polannav (54) an Ukranian national.
The tragedy occurred while he was bathing in the
sea, off the Moragalle coast. Due to powerful under water currents
he was dragged away but was rescued by Life Guards who brought him a
shore and admitted him to the Nagoda hospital where he died.
Haj travel agents approved
by Mohammed NAALIR
The Muslim Cultural Affairs Department (MCAD) has
approved 96 travel agents to conduct Haj pilgrim tours, MCAD
Director Y.L.M. Navavi said.
The MCAD will not be responsible for Hadj pilgrims
who went on pilgrimage through travel agents not approved by MCAD. A
Haj preparatory team has been set up under the chairmanship of
Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana. Deputy Environment Minister
Faizar Musthapa and former Colombo Municipal Council Deputy Mayor
Asath Saley.
Island’s premier school celebrates philatelic
anniversary
Philatelic Club of Royal College which is the oldest
Philatelic Club in Sri Lanka is organizing its annual philatelic
exhibition “Royal Philex 2010” to celebrate the 66th anniversary of
the club from 7 to 9 October 2010 at the National Art Gallery,
Colombo 07.
As Royal College celebrates its 175th anniversary
this year, elaborate arrangements have been made to hold this year’s
exhibition in a grand scale with the participation of other leading
schools in Colombo.
It is organized to coincide with the World Postal
Day which falls on October 9.
The opening ceremony will be on October 7 at 2.30
p.m. with the Hon. Minister of Post and Telecommunication Jeewan
Kumaranatunga as the Chief Guest.
Help this child to hear
Two and a half year old P. Hasintha Promode
Pathirana is suffering from severe to profound hearing loss which
could be rectified by a cochlear implant. The cost is around
Rs.2,800,000 for the Nucleus Cochlear Implant Fredom System, with no
hospital charges.
Hasintha's parents who cannot afford the system,
appeal to the generous public and contributions may be remitted to
A/c No.198-2-001-3-0013392 of the People's Bank, Pallewela.
For details, please contact : 077-9125065
Help save her life
Gihani Priyangika Weeraratne Jayasuriya of No. 1,
Gandara Bazzar, Matara is suffering from cancer of the thyroid.
Specialists have recommended radioactive iodine treatment.
The procedure will cost Rs. 105,000. Priyangika says
she is not in a position to foot this bill and hence appeals to
well-wishers to assist her cause by sending financial contributions
to A/c No. 1-0039-21-2368-1 of the National Savings Bank, Gandara
Branch.
Kidney patient needs help
M.I. Samsudeen of No.9, Pitawetiya Road, Hali Ela is
afflicted with acute renal failure.
The Consultant Nephrologist has recommended that the
patient needs Rs.300,000 to meet exigencies such as special
investigations and purchase of drugs.
Due to the needy circumstances his family finds it
difficult to foot this bill and as such requests public
contributions to be remitted to his Ac No.225-2-001-6-5727924
Peoples Bank, Hali Ela.