News in brief

Saradharma Perahera

COLOMBO:The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage has organised a Saradharma Perahera to create an awareness among people on building a society with high moral values in keeping with the Mahinda Chintana.

This perahera (procession) with the participation of all parties and ethnic groups will start off from the Matara Bodhi premises today at 6 a.m. and reach the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises on May 28 at noon after which the programme will be concluded with religious observances.

Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and all Ministers and Parliamentarians in the Anuradhapura district are also to attend the concluding ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises on May 28.

Siyambalapitiya Acting Education Minister

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa has appointed Finance, Planning and Education Deputy Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya as Acting Education Minister from May 22 until Minister Susil Premajayantha returns from abroad.

Buddha Jayanthiya ceremony

ANURADHAPURA: A ceremony to mark the 2550th Buddha Jayanthiya will be held at the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhiya, Anuradhapura on May 27 and 28.

The event has been organised by the Moratuwa-Egoda Uyana Educational, Social and Cultural Forum under the patronage of Atamasthanadhipathi Dr. Pallegama Siri Nivasa Nayaka Thera.

New factory

RATHDEGODA:The laying of the foundation stone for the fourth factory to be opened under the 300 factories programme under Industrial Development Minister Kumara Welgama's direction will take place under the Minister's patronage at Rathdegoda in the Millaniya Divisional Secretariat Division today at 10 a.m.

Book launch

COLOMBO:Thun Nivunnu Saha Rangili Jalawa written by Birendri Perera, an year nine student of Milagiriya St. Pauls Girls School will be launched at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo 7 on Sunday at 3 p.m.

St. Pauls Principal will be the chief guest and write Soma Jayakody will deliver the keynote address at the launching.