in brief

International Day Against Torture

COLOMBO: A programme to commemorate International Day Against Torture organised by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Human Rights and the Centre for the Study of Human Rights of the University of Colombo will be held on Monday.

Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva will be the chief guest. Minister Mahinda Samarasinghe attorney-at-law R.K.W. Goonesekera, Deputy Solicitor General Palitha Fernando, Senior Superintendent of Police Rienzie Perera, Director, Centre for the Study of Human Rights, Prof. Ravindra Fernando and Sunila Abeysekere will also address the gathering.

Vegetarian brunch

COLOMBO:Dhammacarini, a voluntary organisation of Buddhist women will present Vege-fair 2006, on the theme 'Respect and Spare Life' as part of their 2550 Sambuddha Jayanthi commemoration programme.

A vegetarian brunch of a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes will be held at the All Ceylon Women's Buddhist Congress hall on Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Executive chefs from Colombo's leading hotels will demonstrate vegetable and fruit carvings.

Proceeds will be utilised for Dhammacarini's projects.

HNDE celebrates 20th anniversary

Rafik Jalaldeen

COLOMBO: The 20th anniversary celebration of the Higher National Diploma in Engineering course conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) which comes under the Education Ministry will be held at the BMICH from today to Sunday.

The HNDE course was introduced to meet the requirement of middle level engineers.

The course spanning over three years consists of electrical, civil and mechanical engineering disciplines and provides facilities to students to enhance their knowledge under a number of options.

Remembering Premadasa

COLOMBO: The Premadasa Centre will mark the 82nd birth anniversary of late President Ranasinghe Premadasa with an alms giving this year.

Lunch will be provided to inmates of the Home for the Elders at Wickremesinghepura, Battaramulla (near ITN) today.

Blood donation

COLOMBO: A blood donation campaign and a free medical clinic will be held at the Purana Kande Viharaya, Galkanuwa Road, Gorakana tomorrow from 8.00 a.m.

Consultation of specialists will be provided free of charge.

Annual dinner

COLOMBO: The annual dinner of the Pharmaceutical Society of Sri Lanka will be held at the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo on Sunday from 7.00 p.m.

Training course

COLOMBO:A three- day leadership and skills training course for scout leaders and cub scout leaders under the theme `More Training for Effective Leadership' will be conducted by the Sri Lanka Scout Association, Colombo District Branch at Sanghindiyawa Animation Centre, Chilaw from today to Sunday.

The value of unity

COLOMBO: Sharing of thoughts on the value of "Unity" organised by the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centres Sri Lanka will be held at 55, Peters Lane, Dehiwala on Sunday from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.

Group discussions, sharing of thoughts by the participants will be included in the programme.