Compiled by Husna Inayathullah

Olympic gold medals not made of gold

Gold medals are the ultimate prize in any Olympic sport. However, at the Rio Olympics there is no such thing. Both the first and the second place athletes get silver medals with the only difference being that those that finish first get theirs plated in a tiny amount of gold.

The medals given to champions at these Olympics will weigh around 500g, so to make them entirely from gold would have cost about $23,500 in material, each. By taking the silver medals and then plating them in a tiny amount of Brazilian gold, the actual value of the metal inside those medals is about $600. The gold cover is certified to have a certain amount of purity and is considered very high quality. A total of 2,488 medals have been produced: 812 gold, 812 silver and 864 bronze.

What is the design like? For the first time, the medals are slightly thicker at their central point compared with their edges. The name of the event for which the medal was won is engraved by laser along the outside edge. The designs feature laurel leaves - a symbol of victory in ancient Greece, in the form of the wreaths awarded to competition winners - surrounding the Rio 2016 Olympic logo. The laurel leaves represent the link between the force of nature and Olympians. According to Olympic Games tradition, the other side of the medals features an image of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory with the Panathinaiko Stadium and the Acropolis in the background.

International Mathematics competition in Thailand

The International Mathematics Competition was held in Chiangmai, Thailand from August 14 to 20. Sixteen students and four group leaders qualified at the national level from Sri Lanka.

This tournament was organised by the Bureau of Education Innovation Development Office of the Basic Education Commission in Thailand. During this tour, the children had the opportunity to gather an international level practical experience on Mathematics which also helps build a broader thinking beyond the curriculum. The air tickets for the students who participated were handed over at the Ministry of Education.

Zahira College celebrates 125th anniversary

Zahira College will be celebrating its 125th anniversary next year. Several events have been planned by the Old Boys' Association together with the college staff and students to celebrate this historic year.

Zahira College is one of the leading educational institutions in the country. The school was established on August 21, 1892 by late A.M. Wapichche Marikkar, ably supported by late M.C. SiddiLebbe, I.L.M. Abdul Azeez and Ahamed Orabi Pasha.

The first event to commemorate the anniversary will be an education exhibition and fun fair at the college premises from September 2 to 4. The college staff and students will present the exhibition with prominence given to innovations. Other institutions are being invited to exhibit their creations. The corporate and business sector will also be invited to exhibit their products and sell them at reasonable prices. The amusement and fun fair will consist of the Kiddies Corner and related activities for adults as well. Fun, games and cultural presentations, humour and stunts will be on offer.

MALAYSIA DONATES TEXTBOOKS TO DELMELLA KANISHTA VIDYALAYA

Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme Alumni Association of Sri Lanka (MTCPAASL)in collaboration with the Malaysian High Commission, Colombo recently contributed textbooks and other equipment to improve the library of Delmella Kanishta Vidyalaya, Horana, Bulathsinghala. The objective of the program is to develop reading and information skills amongst schoolchildren. The school was also given the musical instruments to initiate Eastern band.

The event was followed by a workshop conducted for schoolchildren by the MTCPAASL members.

Malaysian High Commissioner Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, graced the event. Azhar Bin Mat (Head of Chancery of the Malaysian High Commission), Principal, G Lalith Pushpakumara, President MTCPAASL, Ananda Pannila and members of MTCPAASL were also present.