Ginidal Medin

Senior Advisor to the President, Tyronne Fernando presenting his book Ginidal Medin to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, at Temple Trees on April 10

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OTSC Office Bearers appointed

Sarath Colonne, former president of the Old Thomians’ Swimming Club (1997-2000), was unanimously elected as the president of the OTSC for the year 2007/2008, at the 51st Annual General Meeting, held recently at the Club House.
Colonne is a prominent businessman in the petroleum and Shell Gas industry. Under his presidency the present club house was built in the year 2000. He is currently serving as a member of the Ex-Co of the STC Mt. Lavinia OBA.
The following office bearers were unanimously elected: President: Sarath Colonne; Vice Presidents: Lincoln Fernando, N. L. Perera; Secretary: Jaminda Mendis; Asst Secretary: Dilip S. Soysa; Treasurer: Eransaka Perera; Social Secretary: Thusita de Alwis; Bar Secretary: Darshana Herath Gunaratne; Pool and Club House Secretary: Ajith Sirisena; Surf and Life Saving Captain: Amila Perera; Cricket Secretary: Gihan Fernando. Committee Members: Channa Asela de Silva, Romesh de Silva, Eddie Appathurai, Dilran Abeysekera, Ruben Rathnasinharn, Saliya Dhannadasa; Club Manager: Cyrilton Sellahewa; Auditors: B. R. de Silva and Company.

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Violence Against Women report presented

The report Violence Against Women in the Post-tsunami Context was presented to Child Development and Women’s Empowerment Minister Sumedha Jayasena, by an alliance of women’s organisations in Colombo on April 10. It calls on the government to take action to ensure that women’s rights are protected in the wake of all disasters.
“Even in disaster situations the atrocities against women do not stop. Men continue to be violent, communities continue to be ignorant, societies continue to be biased, and governments continue to be discriminatory! It is the responsibility of the family, community, society, and the government to ensure that their voices are heard, aspirations are met and the future secured,” affirmed ActionAid Asia Women’s Rights Coordinator, Sriyani Perera,.

The report is accompanied by a charter of demands endorsed by an alliance of more than 160 organisations in Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives. The Women’s organisations demand the implementation of the proposed charter, and the incorporation of women’s demands into the laws and policies of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction, especially on housing and land, livelihood, education, health and most importantly in laws on violence against women.

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CIE teacher training programme

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) organised a training workshop on April 1, for teachers and principals from various Sri Lankan schools, to familiarise them with contemporary teaching practices and techniques. The workshop brought together around 80 school teachers and principals, and provided them with a forum for exchange of ideas and best practices.

Speaking on the occasion, CIE’s Regional Manager, South Asia, William Bickerdike said, “The ways and methods of imparting education have changed immensely with time. The teachers and institutions need to constantly enhance their skills to keep pace with the changing environment. This workshop serves as a catalyst in familiarising them with the current teaching methodologies.” He further added, “CIE through its support site for teachers, provide information that is relevant and significant in upgrading their practices and techniques.”

The presentation highlighted curriculum overview, teaching support, student’s website, and CIE qualifications such as Cambridge International Primary Programme (CIPP), Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme (CLSP) etc.
Deputy Director, British Council Colombo, Philip Rylah, graced the occasion. The workshop concluded with an interactive session conducted by Regional Representative for Sri Lanka, CIE, Nirmali Hetteriachchi.
William Bickerdike addressing the gathering.

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STF scholarships

At a ceremony held at the STF headquarters recently, children of police officers who died in the course of duty, were awarded scholarships and gifts of school stationery requisites. A special feature of this year’s awards was that children of 452 STF officers who sacrificed their lives in the course of the war were also recipients of the scholarships
This scheme, which is a brainchild of Special Task Force Commander, DIG Nimal Lewke, has been in operation since 2004.

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In memory of King Faisal

The Islamic Religious Education Mission (IREM) of Akkaraipattu will celebrate the Silver Jubilee of King Faisal Qur’an Mathrasa on April 26.
People affected by the tsunami and the war will participate in the function. A Kathamul Quran reciting ceremony will also be held in memory of the pupils who died in the tsunami.
People who contributed to the development of the religion in the area will be honoured on this day. The participants are to be gifted copies of Holy Quran.
Educationists, religious leaders and the public are invited.

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Rotary village open

On April 2, Minister Ferial Ashraff in the company of a group of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Colombo, handed over keys to the ‘Rotary Village’ in Sengamam in Pottuvil. There were 46 houses and a community centre cum medical centre, built at a cost of Rs. 50 million.
A three-district, three-country Rotary project - namely 9450 Western Australia, RA WCS, Western Australia, Rotary Vectis Village, District 1110 UK, Rebuild Sri Lanka and the Rotary Club of Colombo - the Rotary Village will offer around 250 persons homes and roadways, lighting, sewerage and pipe borne water.

A former Rotarian of the Colombo Club, Rtn. Anil Weeratunge, who now lives in Perth represented District 2450 (Western Australia) and Rotary World Community Service, Rtn. Roger Esnault and a team who visited the island just after the tsunami, joined shortly thereafter and represented District 1110. The Rotary Club of Colombo was represented by Past President Asgi Askberally, President 2004-2005 and Project Chairman Past President Mahen Ambani.

Current Rotary President, Mike Masilamani drew attention to the mango tree planted by the Rotarians in front of each house as a symbol of the hopes and wishes of Rotary, that this village will grow and prosper its occupants for many generations to come.
A special award from Rotary District 9450 Western Australia was then presented to Rotary Past President Asgi Akbarally in recognition of his tireless efforts to make this village a reality.

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Veet mini pack launched

Veet, the world’s No.1 hair removal system, recently launched the mini-pack range at the event held to mark International Women’s Day.
Brand Manager Veet, Shenali Wickramaaratchi handing over Veet packs to Veet Brand Ambassador, Anarkalli Aakarssha at the launch.

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B.Com seminar series

The Department of Commerce of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has organised a seminar series covering all the courses offered in the B. Com. (General) External Programme for externally registered students. This annual seminar series to be conducted on weekends starting from the April 21 (Saturday) at the Mahamaya Vidyalaya, Gansaba Junction, Nugegoda.
For further information contact B. Com. External programme Coordinator, Senior Lecturer, E. Dayaratne on 011-2802513 or Assistant Registrar, External Examination Unit B. A. N. Krishantha on 011-2801481 or calling over personally at the External Examination Branch of the university.

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SJC ’87 batch AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the Batch of ’87 of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10, will be held on Thursday, April 26, at the Crystal Room, Taj Samudra, Colombo starting at 7p.m. All batch members are invited for this event, which will be followed by fellowship and dinner. The Rector Rev. Fr. Sylvester Ranasinghe will be the chief guest on this occasion.
For further details please contact Charlton – 0777717603; Albertine – 0773047163; Teddy – 0777312066.

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Japanese exhibition

The Lanka-Japan Friendship Society and the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Japanese Solidarity Association will hold a Japanese cultural exhibition on April 22 at the National Art Gallery, and John De Silva Theatre, 106, Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7.

The exhibition will include some of the salient cultural features of Japan such as ikehana: the art of floral arrangements, origami: the art of decorative paper folding, bonsai: the art of growing miniature trees; aikido: a form of Japanese martial art; hand-painting on ceramics; kimono wearing; and the famous elaborate tea ceremony.
A musical feature by the Okinawa Band consisting of Japanese residents in Sri Lanka, will be held from 1p.m. to 5p.m. at the John De Silva Theatre.
Admission to the exhibition and demonstrations are open to the public free of charge.

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Films

April 24
Shakespeare In Love (122 Minutes), at the American Centre, Colombo 3, at 6.30 p.m.

April 24 & 25
Un Dérangement Considérable by de Bernard Stora (110 min – 1999) in French with English subtitles, at the Alliance Française, at 3.30/6.00 p.m.

April 27
36 Chowringhee Lane (3 hours) in Hindi with English subtitles, at the Indian Cultural Centre, Colombo 4, at 5.30 p.m.

April 28
A Walk In The Clouds, at the Russian Centre, Colombo 7, at 5.00 p.m.

Drama

April 22
Inter School Drama Competition (finals) organised by the Interact Club of Royal College, at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.

April 27 - 29
Kinduri, the Sinhala translation of Henry Ibsen’s The Lady From The Sea by Pasan Kodikara at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo 7.

April 24 - 26
Hamlet, Othello and Macbeth presented by the Shakespeare Circle at the Elphinston Theatre, Colombo 10 at 3.30/6.30pm.

Exhibitions

April 22
An exhibition of paintings, by Thushara Kumarasinghe, at the Lionel Wendt Gallery.

April 27 - 29
An exhibition of paintings by T.V.S. Menaka, at the Lionel Wendt Gallery, Colombo 7.

Public talks

April 22
Is There Something Sacred? (Brockwood 1975 talk 7), organised by the Krishnamurti Centre, Sri Lanka, at the Anula Nursary School, 310, H.L.R. Colombo 6 at 9:45 a.m.

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ARIES
With Sun in your first house and Mars and Rahu in the 11th, this week will bring you mixed results - an energetic and busy week. You will take the lead in household and employment related activities. Praise from superiors, along with enthusiasm in your work place may tend to put you into inconvenience. A good week for those involved in the industrial and technological fields. May be afflicted by phlegm-related ailments and stomach aches.

TAURUS
Lagna lord Sikuru (Venus) traverses in your first house along with Sun in the 12th this week, bringing you mixed results. There could be opportunities to receive luxury vehicles, items and clothing. A happy and carefree week, you will be attracted more towards the opposite sex. Expenditure will be high in relation to construction or renovation of residence.

GEMINI
Lagna lord Budha (Mercury) traverses in your 10th house with Ravi (Sun) in the 11th this week, strongly enhancing your income. Will receive loans already requested. Your hard- earned income tends to be wasted on pleasurable activities. Ailments related to throat and arms indicated. You may drift away from religious activities.

CANCER
Shani (Saturn) in your 1st house with Ravi (Sun) in the 10th. Will be energetic in your domestic and employment related activities. A good week for students in relation to their educational activities. You can enhance your technological activities. Good week for the purchase of houses or vehicles.

LEO
With Lagna lord Ravi (Sun) in your 9th house and Shani (Saturn) in the 12th, this week will bring you higher expenditure due to ill health. Ailments relating to the head and feet indicated. Disputes arise between spouses. An accident-prone week for both partners. Even though employment tends to bring some relief, it will be negated by your lethargy.

VIRGO
With lagna lord Budha (Mercury) in the 7th and Ravi (Sun) in the 8th, this week portends a mixed bag of results. Stomach or nervous illnesses will afflict your spouse or partner. Problems between spouses due to illnesses. Interest in employment will wane and income avenues will be obstructed, but unexpected fortune is indicated. Favourable for those waiting for foreign employment opportunities.

LIBRA
Your planetary positions indicate disputes with your spouse. Your strong will and decisions will affect your marital life. This can be avoided by discussing matters with your partner. Increase in income will be offset by expenditure on ill health. Expect sudden monetary gains, especially from females. Lethargic week in employment.

SCORPIO
The week will bring you the highest results, with Guru (Jupiter) in your 1st house and Ravi (Sun) in the 6th. There will be an end to enemy activity, and assistance from higher officials of government indicated. A week which portends special assistance from your father. You will stand out in society and earn respect and accolades.

SAGITTARIUS
According to your astrological chart, this is a week of good and bad for you. You tend to attend to your daily matters with extra will and effort, but your income will be low. Obstacles shown in your avenues of income. Losses indicated in land or property transactions. Those engaged in education will be able to improve their efforts.

CAPRICORN
Depletion of marital happiness due to your spouse being afflicted by hereditary or continuing illnesses. Those engaged in joint ventures will face serious obstacles and loss in profits. But those engaged in house building will enjoy favourable results. A very good week for youth engaged in education matters.

AQUARIUS
Your astrological chart portends a week with mixed results. You tend to take hasty decisions. Your haste may lead to accidents. Your spouses’ health will not be satisfactory. Employment related matters will be somewhat satisfactory. You will enjoy success in building activities.

PISCES
A very favourable week for forging ahead in your career, as monetary gains are indicated this week with your lagna lord Jupiter (Guru) traversing the 9th house and Sun (Ravi) in the 2nd. If you are expecting cash or other benefits from the state, you will receive them this week. Expect sudden financial gains. Assistance indicated from sisters.

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RAHU

Sun. 4.00 – 5.00
Mon. 7.00 – 8.30
Tue. 2.29 – 3.59
Wed. 11.29 – 12.59
Thu. 12.58 – 2.28
Fri. 9.58 – 11.28
Sat. 8.28 – 9.58
(Applicable both day and night)

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