A large number of pilgrims thronged Anuradhapura and Mihintale for the Poson season. Here a group of pilgrims on their way to the Sri Maha Bodhi for religious observances. Picture by Ranjith P. Nissanka.

Blood and eye donation camp on Poson poya day

Udaya Enterprises, Karagampitiya (Near Dehiwala Police Station) will conduct blood and eye donation camps for the 17th consecutive year on June 15. (Poson Full Moon Poya Day) from 8.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Health camp for Bhikkhus

by Janani Amarasekara

Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association along with Piya Saviya Development Foundation, Apeksha Foundation, Visakha Girl Guides, and the Interact Club of Wycherley International is organizing a free health camp for 1000 Bhikkhus to commemorate the 2600th Sambuddhathva Jayanthi.

Top medical specialists will be in attendance. In addition Bhikkus can also participate at the eye clinic (donation of spectacles), and for ECG and blood tests.

For Bhikkhus in and around Colombo, the camp will be held on June 18, at Kirulopane Poorwarama Viharaya, and for Bhikkus around Maharagama, and Sri Jayawerdenepura the clinic will be held at Siri Vajiragnana Viharaya, Maharagama on June 25.

Capt Subramaniam, chief guest at CMM's anniversary celebrations

Extra Master, Maritime Lecturer, Maritime Campus Principal, author of the "Nutshell Series" of Nautical Books for marine students and a well known Indian maritime professional, Captain H. Subramaniam with his wife Prema will visit Sri Lanka at the invitation of the Company of Master Mariners of Sri Lanka (CMM) on the 20th anniversary as the chief guest.

A talented teacher with friendly outlook, Capt Subramanium was very helpful to the many Sri Lankans who studied at the Lal Bhadhur Shastri Nautical & Engineering College (LBSN &EC) in Mumbai, India, which has been a popular destination for marine studies among Sri Lankans. Capt. Subramaniam is presently the Chief Examiner of Extra Masters in India and a Marine Examinations Consultant for the Marshall Islands Ships Registry.

Help: Cochlear Implant surgery

Three and a half-year-old Janith Hirusha of Uggalkumbura, Poojapitiya, Kandy who has been diagnosed with Profound Sensorineural hearing loss in both ears since birth. Consultant ENT Surgeon, Dr. Sisira Bandara Ethulgama has advised immediate Cochlear Implant surgery, at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Specialized Children's Hospital, Peradeniya.

The estimated cost of the device is Rs. 1.7-2.4 million, with a follow-up, the rehabilitation program for a few years.

His father who is a taxi driver appeals for financial assistance and the contributions could be credited to A/c No. 294-200200020955 of the People's Bank, Alawatugoda.

Cancer patient needs help

Thirteen-year-old K.K. Nushara Maduwanthi of 216/08 Samagi Mawatha, Delthara, Piliyandala is diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and is being treated at the National Cancer Institute, Maharagama, undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatment under consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr. Prasad Abeysinghe.

She requires an Allogenic Bone Marrow Transplantation, which is not available in Sri Lanka, will cost around SL Rs.4-5 million to be performed at the Christian Medical College, Vellore, India.

Well-wishers who wish to contribute could remit same to A/c No.70532433 of Bank of Ceylon, Piliyandala.