Cuban Ambassador’s courtesy call

Cuban Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Miss Enna Vint paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives & Consumer Services, Bandula Gunawardena, at his official residence in Colombo, recently. They discussed future bilateral trade agreements. The Cuban Ambassador extended an invitation on behalf of her government, to Minister Gunawardena, to visit Cuba in May 2007.

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Dr. P.R. Anthonis Awards - 2007

The Board of Trustees and the Dayaka Sabha of the Vajiraramaya, Bambalapitiya will present, for the second consecutive year, ‘Deshamanya Dr. P.R. Anthonis Scholarship Awards’ to students who have successfully passed December 2005 G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
The winners will be provided a special financial grant of Rs. 500/= per month from April 2007 to May 2008. The winners will be selected from the neighbouring schools of Vajiraramaya, Bambalapitiya namely Visaka Vidyalaya, St. Paul’s Balika Vidyalaya, Isipathana College, Dudley Senanayake Vidyalaya and Lumbini Vidyalaya.

Deshamanya Dr. P.R. Anthonis is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bambalapitiya Vajiraramaya, since he took over the responsibility from his father, the late Mr. Polwattaarachchige Magris Anthonis. The late father of Dr. Anthonis had been one of the five founder members of the Board of Trustees when it was established in 1940.
The selection of the award winners will be carried out by a committee comprising Dr. K.D.G. Wimalaratne, former Director of National Archives, Dr. G. Bandarage, Dean, Faculty of Natural Science, Open University of Sri Lanka, and Dr. Ranil Gunaratne, Director, National Science and Technology Commission.

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Asia’s first Medical Mall

Professor Carlo Fonseka (Chief Guest) addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Phase-One of Asia’s ‘Thee Medical Mall’ [adjoining Donalds Studio building] at Maradana.

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Rajapakse Vidyalaya inaugurated

Schneider Electric and the Kashi Bunda Association inaugurated the extension of the Rajapakse Vidyalaya College in Ahungalle on January 22.
The Governor of the Southern Province, Mrs. Balasooriya, Chairman, Sri Lanka Telecom, Anura Weerasinghe, Balapitiya Town Council Vice Chairman, Channa Mendis, Country Manager of Schneider Electric, Eric Leger, and French Embassy officials were among the distinguished guests present.

The school facilities were upgraded to accommodate extra students from other schools, whose schooling was severely disrupted, by heavy damage sustained to their schools in the aftermath of the tsunami.

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‘Newspaper in Education’

‘Newspaper in Education’ (NIE) is a programme carried out by the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) to promote the reading habit among young people around the globe. At present over 700 NIE programmes are being conducted in 65 countries. Wijeya Newspapers and Upali Newspapers have taken over the task of introducing NIE programmes to Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the WAN. The programme also expects to promote the use of newspapers as an additional ‘textbook’ and an invaluable classroom resource.
The launch of the Newspaper in Education programme in Sri Lanka, will take place on March 4 at the BMICH Committee Room A, from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm.

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Zahira 2007 Past Prefects offices

The 4th Annual General Meeting of the Past Prefects Association of Zahira College, Colombo was held at the College Al Haj N. D. H. Abdul Ghaffoor Auditorium on February 2.
The following office bearers were elected for the year 2007. President - Shahey Faleel, Vice President - Azeem Saheer, General Secretary - R Slamath, Assistant Secretary - Imran Farook, Treasurer - Roshen A. Marso, Assistant Treasurer - M Zabith, Propaganda Secretary - I. A. K. Rahman, Assistant Propaganda Secretary - M.Rusdi,
Executive Committee Members: Roshan Razik, M. R. M. Nimnaz, M. Ansari, M. S. K. Namiz, M. R. M. Zanifer, Dilshad Jiffrey, Nilhar Nawaz.

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910 years of service at Hilton

The Hilton Colombo recently held its ‘Long Service Award Ceremony’ at the Grand Ballroom to honour its loyal team members for their outstanding dedication and professionalism over the years.
Team members celebrated 5, 10 and 15 years service. The sum total of the number of years performed by 80 award winners amounts to 910 years. William Costley, the General Manager commented “it is the hard work and dedication of the team that keeps the Hilton Colombo as the premier hotel for guest service and quality standards in Sri Lanka.” “When you join Hilton, you don’t join a company, you become a member of our family, and we are very proud and grateful of the commitment and loyalty our team members have shown through the years. They are a credit to the hotel and great Ambassadors for Sri Lankan tourism.”

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Miss World at Galadari

General Manager Galadari Hotel, Sampath Siriwardena, warmly welcomed reigning Miss World, Tatana Kucharove, who arrived in Sri Lanka last week and resided at the Galadari Hotel.
Seen in the picture are Sida Subramanium, Chairman Organising Committee, Surakshi Siriwardena, General Manager Galadari Hotel, Sampath Siriwardena Miss Tatana Kucharove, Director Sales and Marketing, Galadari Hotel, David Nicolle, Chairman Mel Advertising, Mel Assaw, and Assistant Director Sales and Marketing Galadari Hotel, Trudy Corea.

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Malaysian dance

‘Istana Buday’, the traditional Malaysian Cultural and Dance troupe comprising twenty-two members, will perform till March 7 in the centre lobby of the Hotel Galadari, presenting Malaysian culture, song and dance.

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Buddhist flag week

Commemorating the Buddhist Flag Week of the ‘All Ceylon Buddhist Congress,’ the President of the Congress, Jagath Sumathipala, is seen pinning a Buddhist flag to the Minister of Public Administration, Karu Jayasuriya.

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‘Architecture + Religion’

‘Architecture + Religion’ is the second in the series of thematic exhibitions called Made in Germany, that deal with contemporary German architecture, organised by the Goethe-Institute
Since ancient times, and in virtually all religious communities of humankind, to endow belief with a fixed location, buildings have been a fundamental preoccupation of humankind. The exhibition shows magnificent enclosures, places of prayer and of dialogue with God, transcending everyday life, all over Germany.
The exhibition will be open to the public till March 11 at the Goethe-Institute.

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Dr Jayawardana honoured

The Maha Nayake of the Sri Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Rt. Rev. Dr. Weveldeniya Medalankara Maha Nayake Thera, has conferred the honorary title, ‘Samadoothe Lanka Putra’ on the Parliamentarian, Dr. Jayalath Jayawardana, MP, recognising his services to the nation.

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Workshop on E-resources

A Workshop on E-resources entitled ‘What Are E-resources and How Can You Benefit?’ will be held at the British Council library, Colombo, on February 7 from 5.30pm – 7.00pm. This workshop is for undergraduates, postgraduates, students of professional studies (CIM, CIMA, ABE etc) and professionals. You can learn how to use the latest in learning resources and save valuable time, and find out how you can access the latest articles, research summaries, market trends and much more. E-resources on offer are Emerald Full Text, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Info-trac, Ashridge and Ebrary. Reserve your place at the Library Help Desk. Passes are available on a ‘first-come first-served’ basis.

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SLAS forum with US Ambassador

Sri Lanka America Society presents another SLAS forum with US Ambassador, Roert O. Blake, Jr. talking on ‘Trade, Investment and the U.S. – Sri Lanka Relationship - the way forward’ on March 5 at 6.00 pm at the Galle Face Hotel. (Refreshments at 6.00 p.m : the talk begins at 6.30p.m. Booking with Chully Tel: 0777 887377 e-mail: swastika@slt.lk, or Jeanne Tel: 2763135 or Dianne Tel: 2582374. The Co-Chairpersons are Kalyani Ranasinghe and Tita Nathanielsz

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Musicians to Strike a Chord

In an initiative that has enthused both education circles and the local music industry, a host of musicians will lend their professional skill to support a worthy cause, in mid March.
Strike a Chord will feature traditional, modern and original music from some of Sri Lanka’s finest performers, such as Mariazelle, Natasha, Noeline, Shanelle, Shyami, Sunil and Piyal, Druvi De Silva, Aanjanee Manesha and Krishanthi, Ivor Poobalan, Charles Mark, Ezra, and Cosmic Rays. EMEFCEE (featuring Chandralal, Lenny, Viraj, Dilantha, Dharshana and Lakshan) will lend their instrumental expertise as the backing band for the evening.

Strike a Chord will mark the first time that two of Sri Lanka’s foremost entertainers, Sunil and Piyal of the Gypsies, will be performing ‘live’ at a concert with a theme of this nature.
This night of music will take place on Saturday March 17, at St. Joseph’s College Auditorium (Colombo 10), commencing 7pm.

Strike a Chord is organised by the Colombo Theological Seminary (CTS), a vibrant centre of leadership training.
All proceeds of Strike a Chord are in aid of the CTS building fund. CTS is in the process of constructing its first modern facility in Kohuwela, providing custom-built learning and resource spaces, and be a visible centre of leadership training and vision building for students from Sri Lanka and South Asia.
Tickets priced at Rs. 1500, 1000, 750, 500, 300 (unreserved) are available at CTS, 189 Dutugemunu Street, Kohuwela, Pragna Bookshop, Back to the Bible Bookshop, Bible Society Salesroom, Angel Link (Liberty Plaza), Vijitha Yapa Bookshop (Unity Plaza), and online at www.eTickets.lk. For more information call CTS on 5524257.

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Films

February 6 & 7
‘Luna Papa’ by Bakhtiar Khudojnazarov (107 min - 1998) in French with English subtitles, at the Alliance Française de Colombo - 6.30pm

Exhibitions

Until March 9
An exhibition of paintings by Janani Cooray, Indralatha Dharmasene, Inoka Silva, Krishanthi Sepalika at the Tearway Gallery, Hotel Thilaka, Kandy - 10.00am – 9.00pm

Until March 11
‘Oasis of Silence’ an exhibition of photographs by the Swiss photographer, Beat Presser on Theravada Buddhism at the Barefoot Gallery

Drama

February 9
‘Naribena and Kamare Pore’ by Dayananda Gunawardena’s drama, at Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo – 3.30/ 7.00pm

February 10
‘Gajaman Puwatha’, Nalu Keerthi Sabha theatre troup at the Lionel Wendt Theatre – 3.30/7.00pm


Workshop

Until March 10
‘Oasis of Silence’, Beat Presser, Switzerland, Images of Theravada Buddhism, photographic workshop at the Mount Lavinia Hotel

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ARIES
This week your lagna lord Mars moves in 10th and Sun is in 11th with Rahu. You act with dedication and courage. Can be a leader at work place. But opponents want to put you in trouble. Inheritance due from paternal side. Increased income for those engaged in technical and agricultural trades. Sudden windfalls seen. There may be phlegm-condition in the chest.

TAURUS
Lagna lord Venus is in 11th while Sun moves in 10th with Rahu and Mercury. This week brings mixed results. Income is increased of those doing textile and ornament business. Will buy new furniture and clothes. You will be invited for weddings and parties. Fair sex helpful. Rise in employment status of spouse. Take care against chest pains.

GEMINI
Sun is in 9th with lagna lord Mercury and Rahu. Rise in employment status of those in artistic field. This week brings fortune to children. Progress in their educational activities. Job seekers’ aspirations will be fulfilled. There will be sudden financial gains. But employment front is not so favourable. Disputes with superiors likely. Problems regarding inheritance of parental property will prevail.

CANCER
Mixed fortune awaits as Sun moves in 8th with Rahu and Mercury and Mars positioned in 7th. Superiors not so helpful at work place, but employment is stable. You create enemies due to your fighting attitude. Decrease in fixed assets. Sudden fortune denoted such as gems. Gains from speculations. Achieve profit from agriculture. Aspirations of those seeking higher studies abroad will be fulfilled.

LEO
Sun is moving in 7th with Rahu and Saturn moves in 12th. This week your mind is confused due to problems. You are worried over employment and household front. Delays in your daily affairs. Spouse will be involved in clandestine affairs. This brings mental worries. Disputes prevail in family life. Losses incurred from partnership business. Good period for building construction. Have to spend money on illnesses.

VIRGO
Lagna lord Mercury is moving in 6th with Sun and Rahu. You act with dedication and courage at work place. You will be involved in disputes as you are hot-tempered. There will be confrontations with superiors. Take care of children as they may be involved in undesirable activities due to stubbornness. You will be inclined to fair sex. Have to travel to a distant place on official duty.

LIBRA
According to your planetary chart lagna lord Venus posited in 6th. Sun is in 5th with Radu. Artistes can improve their talents. Good period for those engaged in beauty culture an ornament trade. Farmers get increased income. They may not be successful at exams and interviews. Have to act with patience in dealings with neighbours. Take care against high blood pressure.

SCORPIO
Lagna lord Mars posited in 3rd and Jupiter posited in lagna. You will be received in high esteem in society. Show signs of courage and dedication. Get opportunity to take part in functions and picnics. Peace and unity prevail in married life. Opponent’s subdued. Get relief from present ailments.

SAGITTARIUS
It is not favourable the moving of lagna lord Jupiter in 12th and Sun with Rahu in 3rd. Your day-today affairs will be in a confused situation although you are persevering. Disputes prevail among married partners. You can’t save, even though your earnings are good. Will be able to renovate the house. Be careful as there may be physical injuries due to accidents.

CAPRICORN
The moving of Mars in lagna and Sun with Rahu in 2nd denotes mixed effects. You are busy throughout the week. Though income is satisfactory, expenses take upward turn. Money is spent unnecessarily. May receive injuries by mediating in other’s disputes. Will be rewarded for your artistic talent. Sisters helpful.

AQUARIUS
Good effects on offing as Sun moves in lagna with Rahu while Mars posited in 12th. This is busy week and you are burdened with work. Have to medicate in children’s problems. Incur loss from documental work. Peace in the family is affected due disputes among married partners. Get the opportunity to take part in functions.

PISCES
This week’s planetary chart denotes good effects. You will be happy and courageous throughout the week. Receive unexpected gifts from friends. Good period for those in agricultural and technical trade. Will be a prominent figure in society. May renovate the house or buy new furniture. You are inclined to religious activities.

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RAHU
Sun. - 04.22 - 05.52
Mon. - 07.22 - 08.52
Tue. - 02.52 - 04.22
Wed. - 11.51 - 01.21
Thu. - 01.21 - 02.51
Fri. - 10.20 - 11.50
Sat. - 08.50 - 10.20

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