News in brief

Quranic programme

COLOMBO: The second in the series titled ‘In the shade of the Quran programme’ will be held on Poya day, Saturday June 30 at the YMMA Conference Auditorium, No 63, Sri Vajiragnana Mawatha, (Dematagoda Road) Colombo 9, commencing at 10 a.m. and ending around 12 noon.

This programme, which will be held every Poya day henceforth, is carefully designed to improve the Quranic Knowledge of the Muslims with the view of equipping ourselves to meet the present day challenges.

Pension scheme for tea pluckers, smallholders

Chaminda PERERA

COLOMBO: The Plantation Industries Ministry jointly with Social Services Board will introduce a pension scheme for tea pluckers and Tea Smallholders whose contribution for the national tea production is 74 per cent.

Fifty thousand tea pluckers and tea smallholders will be benefited under this Ran Dalu Samuha Vishrama Vetup programme.

This was disclosed at a meeting presided by Plantation Ministry Additional Secretary U.G. Wijeratne at the Ministry.

Plantation Industries Minister D.M Jayaratne at a progress review meeting with Tea estate development officers had said the tea smallholders are indispensable for the national tea production and deserve more benefits and encouragement.

Ads banned inside buses, trains

COLOMBO: Displaying advertising posters will be banned in buses and trains, according to a directive from Transport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma.

It has been noted that unrestricted display of advertisements while rendering their interiors messy have also posed a threat to passenger safety.

With the exception of that of the Head of State or advertisements pertaining to public security, the Minister has banned all advertisements including pictures of the subject minister from being displayed in buses and trains.