Sri Lanka News | Sundayobserver.lk

Carlton Pre-School, which is managed by First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, held its concert at Maligawatta on Friday. Here the First Lady is flanked by the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, the Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Chairperson of the Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit, Ioma Rajapaksa watch an item presented by the tiny tots.
Pix by Nisanka de Silva

The Disaster Management Minister, A. H. M. Fowzie organised special prayers on President Mahinda Rajapaksa's 65th birthday and his assumption of office for the second term at the Maradana Jumma Mosque, Colombo recently. Here Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa addresses the gathering. Minister Fowzie, Malaysian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Rosli Ismail, Parliamentarian Abdul Cader, Basheer Segu Dawood, Praba Ganeshan, Provincial Councillor Nawzer Fowzie, Moulavi Sajir and Moulavi Thasleem are also in the picture. Pic: Ruzaik Farook

A picture captioned, ‘Budu Panividayak’ depicting Buddha’s first discourse to the Five Ascetics has been prepared to mark the 2600th Sri Sambuddha Jayanthi under the patronage of Astronomer Anura C. Perera. Since it has been decided to distribute copies of this picture free among the local public and the Buddhist Centres abroad, those who wish to contribute to this worthy cause may contact, The President, Lanka Knowledge Bank, 23, Sapumal Place, Rajagiriya, Colombo.

A Bodhi pooja Pinkama to mark President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s 65th birthday and second swearing in was held at the Matara Bodhiya precincts. Matara District MP and cricket icon Sanath Jayasuriya organised the pinkama. Here Jayasuriya presents pirikara to Ven. Yatigala Somathilaka Thera, Parivenadhapathi Jayasumanarama Pirivena, Kotuwegoda
Pic: A. W. Gunawardhana, Matara Central Correspondent

Prof. Mohan Munasignhe who shared the 2007 Nobel Prize for Peace, was congratulated by Chinese Minister of Meteorology and Environment Guoguang Zheng at the launch of the Chinese edition of Prof. Munasinghe's book "Making Development More Sustainable". Prof. Munasinghe was appointed guest professor at Peking University, in recognition of his outstanding global contributions to research on sustainable development and climate change.

Thundershowers to continue

Thundershowers will continue islandwide in the next few days, Meteorologist Preetika Jayakody said. Rains could be expected during the mornings due to the low-level disturbances in the Bay of Bengal.

Haldummulla received the highest rainfall of 154.4 mm followed by Colombo Fort 124.3 mm, Jaffna 118.2 mm and Katunayake 107.7 mm during the past 24 hours. Deputy Director Emergency Operations Disaster Management Centre W.A.S. Lalkumara said that 6,954 families comprising 28,367 people have been affected due to heavy rains and landslides during the past four days.

The Disaster Management Ministry has provided funds to the relevant Government Agents for relief work, he said.

World Diabetes Day Walk

World Diabetes Day was commemorated recently to raise awareness among the public about the prevention and treatment of diabetes. An estimated 285 million people today live with diabetes worldwide.

This figure is expected to rise to 438 million by 2030. In Sri Lanka 10.3 percent of the adult population suffer from diabetes - 1.3 million is diabetic while 1.5 million are in a pre diabetes condition in Sri Lanka. This figure is expected to increase by 14 percent by 2030.

Swiss Biogenic Ltd, one of the largest healthcare companies in Sri Lanka, supports diabetes awareness and education programs across the country.Swiss Biogenic employees and employees of the parent group, Sunshine Holdings PLC joined the, "Walk for Life 2010" organised by the Diabetes Research Unit.

The walk commenced from Independence Square under the patronage of First LadyShiranthi Rajapaksa and Minister of Health Maithripala Sirisena.

They were accompanied by over 500 other dignitaries representing the medical profession, government institutions, pharmaceutical companies and hospitals who walked to the BMICH, where an exhibition was held to commemorate the World Diabetes Day 2010.Swiss Biogenic also organised many diabetes screening programs in various parts of the country including the North and the East.

First DRM+ trial in Asia-Pacific

The DRM Consortium along with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) Germany's international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle and the Asian-Pacific Broadcasting Union has organised a DRM+ trial and workshop in Sri Lanka. The SLBC has offered the DRM Consortium its support and the use of one of its low power stations in Colombo for the duration of the trial.

The two day DRM+ technical trial is planned for tomorrow and Tuesday. the attendees will be invited to observe the results of the DRM+ trial and to learn more about the full DRM standard.

Chairman of SLBC Hudson Samarasinghe commented: "Being the pioneer broadcaster in Asia, the SLBC considers it a privilege to be part of this prestigious event.

Death of social worker

The death occurred of Gunadasa Walakuluge, a well-known social worker of Nedagamuwa, Kotugoda.

His remains lie at Jayaratne funeral parlour and the funeral will take place today, Nov. 28 at 4.00 p.m. at the General Cemetery, Borella.

Kidney patient needs funds for drugs

Twenty-three year old Kanagaraj Vinodson of Kerawalapitiya in Wattala, who recently underwent kidney transplant, seeks financial support from donors and well-wishers to cover his medical expenses.

Vinodson of 400/18, St.Sebastian Mawatha, Kerawalapitiya, Wattala has been prescribed Oral Valgancyelovir 450 mg for the next three months and needs 120 tablets for this course. The price of tablets are exorbitant and he is not financially sound and seeks help from donors and well-wishers.

Those who wish to help for this needy cause may please remit to his father's A/c No. 8890006807 of Commercial Bank. For details tel: 0775761263, 0778296041.

Student needs help

Student D.M. Lakshika Vinodini of Vepathaira Gunasekera Maha Vidyalaya, Hakmana is afflicted with neuropathy as diagnosed by Consultant Neurophysiologists, Colombo National Hospital, Dr. Sudath Gunasekara.

Due to needy circumstances her parents who find it difficult to foot her medical bills, request public contributions to be remitted to A/c 70736772, Bank of Ceylon, Hakmana.

Free seminar at SLIOP

Sri Lanka Institute of Printing (SLIOP) has organised two workshop style seminars, on Graphic Design and Multimedia Education.

The Graphic Designing seminar will be held on December 5 from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm at the Institute, which will give an exposure and understanding of the use of essential graphic software packages used in the industry.