My Oasis of Silence is Within Me

My Oasis of Silence is Within Me, the photographic exhibition by the participants of the workshop with the Swiss photographer, Beat Presser, will be open until Wednesday, March 28, at Goethe Hall, German Cultural Centre from Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The programme is organised by the Embassy of Switzerland in collaboration with the Photographic Association of Sri Lanka.

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JR portrait unveiled

President Mahinda Rajapaksa unveiling the portrait of the former President, J. R. Jayewardene at the Parliament Complex recently with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker, W. J. M. Lokubandara, and other Members of Parliament in attendance.

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Children’s Day at Tewatte

Archdiocese of Colombo held its annual Children’s Day on March 3, at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Tewatte, Ragama. The Children’s Day which started in the year 1947, celebrated its 60th anniversary this year.
Originally, requested by the then Archbishop of Colombo, the families of the Archdiocese of Colombo came together at the Basilica to thank and praise the Lord for sparing our country from the destruction of World War II, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lanka. Even the Basilica was built as a thanks giving offering for the same purpose, naming Mary as Our Lady of Lanka. Eventually, this event evolved as a Children’s Day, where the children would come from all parts of the Archdiocese to thank and, praise God for the same purpose.

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Asian Astrologers’ Congress

At the 16th Asian Astrologers’ Congress, held in Tata, India, on February 4, G.V.S.S. Irosha Ranaweera was presented with the award for the Fengshui Specialist.

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Sri Lankan represents EWB

Darshani Samanthika Premaratne, a 4th year medical student of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura participated in the international student conference, ‘Education Without Borders (EWB) -2007’, held at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, UAE, from February 25 to 27.
The paper presented by her at the Conference, titled ‘Towards a Comprehensive Disaster Warning System: Effective Communication Links in Disaster Management’ has been selected as one of the most eloquent and fact-full papers.
More than 1000 students from 103 countries all over the world participated in this conference, which aimed to create a unique learning environment by providing high-profile keynote speakers as well as interactive workshops.
She also met HRH Prince Charles to discuss about poverty alleviation and, the remedies that could be adopted to alleviate suffering caused by natural disasters in developing countries.

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New wing at Galle Face Hotel

The Galle Face Hotel opened a new shopping complex which includes salons, coffee shops, book shops and jewelry shops on March 19.
The grand opening followed a cocktail party and many fun bringing events.

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Diriya 2007

Organised by the Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Disaster Relief Monitoring Unit (DRMU) of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Development with Disabled Network and Practical Action (ITDG) ‘Diriya 2007’, a conference on ‘Mainstreaming Disability into Development’ was held on March 6 and 7 at the BMICH. It was an attempt to challenge the myth that disabled people need a separate process of development. Diriya 2007 forum shared disability mainstreaming experiences, especially those from the South Asian region.

Country Director, Practical Action, Dr. Visakha Hidallege, Secretary, Ministry of Social Services and Social Welfare, Vegi Jegarajasingham, Chairman of Development With Disabled Network, and Team Leader, Practical Action, Upali Pannilege were also present at the inauguration.

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Appointed Justice of the Peace

S. Raajajothy, a senior journalist and social worker, was sworn in as an all-island Justice of the Peace, before Colombo Additional District Judge, H. P. S. W. Abeysinghe, recently.

He started his career as a journalist, in the year 1975, at the former Times of Cey1on Group of newspapers and, later served as an Advertising Staff Officer for a period of twelve years, at the former Sun-Dawasa group of newspapers. He also served as an Advertising Executive at the former Gunasena Newspapers Pvt. Ltd. He is now attached to the Supplement Division of the Lake House Group of newspapers.

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Philharmonic Choir to perform

The Colombo Philharmonic Choir, conducted by Manilal Weerakoon and accompanied by Soundarie David on the piano/organ, will sing Fauré’s ‘Requiem’, Mozart’s ‘Te Deum Laudamus’ and Anton Bruckner’s motet “Virga Jesse Floruit” at the Chapel of Ladies’ College, Colombo 7, on Wednesday, April 4.

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Edll

Organised by the International Centre for Ethnic Studies, Colombo Edll (Poland), a film by Piotr Trzaskalski will be shown on Thursday, March 29 at 5:30pm at the ICES Auditorium, 2, Kynsey Terrace, Colombo 8.

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A vision for life

A major donation of more than A$ l00,000 from the Sri Lanka Association of Victoria Inc. (SLAV) has enabled HELP Sri Lanka, a Melbourne-based not-for-profit organisation, fund the construction of two additional levels, to a new wing, at the North Dickwella Maha Vidyalaya, in Matara. The opening ceremony took place on March 19.
The project was instigated by the City of Melbourne. Additional donations from three Melbourne schools and, King’s College, in London, provided for a fully equipped science laboratory and, a functional kitchen, on site.
Gladstone Park Secondary College, Craigieburn South Primary and, Greenvale Primary, kicked off the networking, that triggered this major undertaking and, donated A$9000 towards the science lab.

In another major show of support, networks aligned to a HELP committee member were explored to cement a relationship with King’s College, in Guildford, UK, to arrange a fundraising programme throughout 2007 for the kitchen facility to be built.

With student numbers boosted from 150 to 800, as a result of 12 schools in the area ravaged by the tsunami tragedy of December 2004, North Dickwella Maha Vidyalaya became a community hub for these students and, their families. The major donor to the project was the Sri Lanka Association of Victoria, the premier organisation representing the Sri Lankan community in Melbourne, which celebrates 40 years this year.
SLAV President, Joe Schokman and his wife Ingrid; Nihal de Run, President of HELP Sri Lanka, and, Melbourne business woman and Media and Fundraising Chair for HELP, Beverley Pinder; and Sarath Mataraarachichi representing Project Managers, Architects Without Frontiers, attended the opening.

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Consular Road Show launched

On March 19, Acting High Commissioner, Lesley Craig launched the British High Commission’s Consular Road Show. It is a chance for Consular staff and those working in the tourism and hospitality industries in Sri Lanka to discuss the role of the British High Commission in assisting British nationals. Each year, the British High Commission assists British nationals who experience problems in Sri Lanka, such as illness or injury, crime, or lost money and documents. The Consular Road Show will also explain how British travel advice is written, and the role it plays in protecting British nationals.

Speaking at the event Ms Craig said, “Protecting British nationals is at the forefront of the British government’s activity overseas. In Sri Lanka, our job is made easier because of the excellent partnerships we have with the local travel industry. We hope that this Consular Road Show will help us continue to develop those partnerships.”

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JDF to upgrade Hambantota District

MP and Chairman of the Janasuwaya Development Foundation, Sajith Premadasa, has initiated many projects to provide electricity to rural areas of Hambantota District. Under the auspices of the Foundation, the village of Ridiyagama of the Ambalantota Division was provided with electricity, at a cost of Rs.25,000 from his De-Centralised Budget Allocation.

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Sri Lanka – France health ties

The Ministry of Health and the Medical Research Institute in association with four leading French health institutions - Pasteur Institute, French Institute of Public Health Surveillance (INVS), Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, and the World Health Organisation - are holding a two-week training workshop from March 19 to 30 on ‘Improvement of the   Microbiology, Diagnosis, and the Surveillance Tools in Sri Lanka’ at the Medical Research Institute, in Colombo.

This is yet another opportunity where France and Sri Lanka cooperate for mutual benefit, and enhance the relations between the two countries. Global issues, including virus transmitted by mosquitoes (i.e. chikungunya, dengue fever) and other transmitted diseases (i.e. seasonal flu, avian flu and leptospirosis) in which France is actively involved in the research process, will be addressed during the programme. Expertise on biological diagnosis, and surveillance will be shared between the French and Sri Lankan experts in the field.

On the direction of the former Minister of Health in France Douste-Blazy, the INVS and the Pasteur Institute jointly conducted a mission to evaluate the health status of Sri Lanka in December 2005. Subsequent to this, 10 eminent French scientists affiliated to leading diagnostic health institutions have liaised with the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka and the Medical Research Institute to fulfil this venture.

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New appointment

Newly appointed Seethawaka Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman, Attorney-at-law, Raveendra Jayasinghe, accepting the appointment from Minister Maithripala Sirisena.
PC member Sumith Soyza is also in the picture.

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BPA fosters peace and reconciliation in SL

Small and medium entrepreneurs, representing the Business for Peace Alliance (BPA), member business chambers throughout Sri Lanka, reiterated their commitment to work collectively, to foster peace, and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. This commitment was expressed at a workshop on conflict transformation, organised by the BPA in Kandy, on March 10 and 11.

The BPA combines regional private sector interests with peace building. The BPA which is committed to regional empowerment, and fostering peace and reconciliation through business, has been operating over the last five years.
BPA’s projects revolve around sharing of experiences between regions (networking, strengthening regional identity across ethno-political lines, and joint lobbying on economic issues), policy advocacy in Colombo, by providing a platform for regional voices, and setting good examples on peace building and conflict transformation in the regions and sharing of experiences in terms of best practices.

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Films

March 25 onwards
Bridge to Terabithia at the Majestic Cinema, Colombo 4 - 10.30am /1.30pm / 4.15pm / 7.00pm.

March 26
Calender Girls at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 3.30pm.

March 27
Episode 8: The Center of the World, 1946-2003 (180 Minutes) at the American Centre, Colombo 3, at 6.30pm.

March 27
Rosenstrasse at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 3.30pm.

March 28
The Earth at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 3.30pm.

March 28
Walk in the Cloud at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 5.00pm.

March 31
An Affair to Remember at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 5.00pm.

March 27 & 28
Les silences du palais by Moufida Tlatti (127 min – 1994) in Frnch with English subtitles at the Alliance Française, at 3.30/6.00pm.

Exhibitions

March 25

The Roof, an exhibition of paintings by Sarath Weerasinghe, at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7.

March 30 & 31
An exhibition of paintings by Suraj and Kelum at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7.

Until April 1
An exhibition of paintings and sculpture by Manoranjana Herath at the Barefoot Gallery, Colombo 7.
Drama

March 30
Charandas by Parakrama Nirialle at the Tower Hall, Maradana, at 3.30pm and 6.30pm.

Concerts

March 25
Country Roads for Children, presented by the Country Music Foundation (CMF) and the aid organisation, Save the Children at the Empire Ballroom, Mount Lavinia Hotel, at 7.00pm.

March 31
Evening of song organised by the Art Circle of Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, featuring legendary Sunil Shantha’s songs, sung by Ivor Denis, at 6.45 pm at the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, Borella.

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ARIES
Venus is in lagna and Sun is in 12th this week. Expenses take an upward turn. Money is spent for comfort. Disputes are likely with colleagues at work place. Superiors not helpful as you try to take the lead. There will be legal problems pertaining to land or property. Lots of traveling seen towards the week-end.

TAURUS
Sun posited in 11th and lagna lord posited in 12th. This is a week of mixed effects - rise in status at place of work, with the support of superiors. Income increases. You act with dedication and courage. If you have applied for employment abroad, you will be called for interviews. Disputes arise in family life.

GEMINI
The moving of Sun in 10th and Venus in 11th is favourable. Promotions and privileges or change for good, likely in employment. Peaceful atmosphere prevails in the household. Possible assistance from fair sex; success in educational pursuits; good marriage proposals for those who want to get married.

CANCER
Mixed fortune denoted this week as Sun is moving in 9th and Venus is moving in 10th. The disturbing situation which prevailed at the work place will improve. You will get the assistance from colleagues; progress in employment front for those engaged in artistic fields and trading. Good period for educational activities.

LEO
According to the planetary situation this week, good results cannot be expected. Difficulties will prevail at work place; you will be subjected to harassment by employers; be deprived of privileges and concessions. Peace in family life is affected due to disputes. Business affected by difference of opinion among business partners. You will experience mental worries at the beginning of the week.

VIRGO
Lagna lord Mercury moves with Rahu and Sun moves in 7th house. Household and employment activities will be confused. Implementation of plans will get delayed. Worry due to children’s stubbornness. Life on the family front will not be satisfactory. You will be involved in clandestine affairs.

LIBRA
The moving of lagna lord Venus in 7th and Sun in 6th is a god sign. You will be enthusiastic and courageous, and active in household and employment affairs. Peace and unity prevail in married life. Increase in assets as you make efforts to earn. Technicians and farmers get increased income.

SCORPIO
This is a week of good effects as lagna lord Mars moves in 3rd and Sun moves in 5th. You will get accolades from society; receive higher position at work place due to diligent work on your part. You will be offered new employment. Students meet with success in their educational activities.

SAGITTARIUS
Mixed fortune awaits you as Sun posited in 4th and Mars posited in 2nd. Sudden financial gains seen; profits from land transactions. May inherit property from paternal side. Increased income derived from agricultural and technical sectors. May change the residence. Good period for those intending to travel overseas.

CAPRICORN
Good effects indicated due to the movement of Mars in lagna and Sun in 3rd. Engage enthusiastically in employment and household affairs. Additional gains from literary and artistic undertakings. Sudden windfalls seen for those engaged in gem business. Superiors at workplace will be helpful. Rise in employment status.

AQUARIUS
Planetary chart shows mixed results as Mercury and Rahu occupy the lagna and Sun is in 2nd house. Although you earn more, expenses too rise. Problems seen as you take the control of the household. Difference of opinion prevails at work place as you stay firm.

PISCES
Increased income seen as Sun moves in lagna and Mars moves in 11th. Sudden financial gain from a land sale or sudden windfall from another source. Will be in two minds in implementing your plans. Participation in functions and pleasure trips indicated. Confusion reigns in partnership business. Care should be taken in household dealings.

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RAHU

Sun. - 04.13 - 05.43
Mon. - 07.13 - 08.43
Tue. - 02.42 - 04.12
Wed. - 11.42 - 01.12
Thu. - 01.11 - 02.41
Fri. - 10.11 - 11.41
Sat. - 08.40 - 10.10
(Applicable both day & night)

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