Quick Look

Lanka gains prominence among SA countries

Sri Lanka has gained a prominent place among countries in South Asia because it has returned to political and economic stability after ending 30 years of war, said Tourism Minister Achala Jagoda addressing new recruits to the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management a ceremony at Hotel Samudra, Colombo on Monday.

Jagoda described the new recruits as a fortunate group who should shoulder the responsibility of developing the tourist industry.

Cabs for Pradeshiya Sabhas in North

Irangika Range

The Government has taken measures to provide brand new single cabs to 25 Pradeshiya Sabhas in the Northern Province with the aim of improving the delivery of services and accelerating development activities in the region.

Local Governments and Provincial Councils Minister Janaka Bandara Thennakoon has taken steps to provide these 25 cabs.

Schools closed on 25, 26, 27

In view of the forthcoming Presidential Election to be held on January 26, all schools in the island will be closed on January 25, 26 and 27, a press release from Education Ministry stated.

The relevant circular to this effect has already been dispatched to all school principals and these schools will be reopened on January 28, the press release further stated.

Four arrested for transporting cut-outs

Matara Chief Magistrate Sudesh Ranathunge imposed a fine of Rs. 80,000 on four suspects who were produced before courts on charges of displaying posters and transporting cut-outs of politicians in violation of Presidential Elections Laws.

Meanwhile, Deniyaya police received a complaint of throwing a hand grenade at the UPFA election office at Waralla, Deniyaya causingdamage to the value of Rs 70,000.

St Sebastian

Born : Unknown

Died : January 20, 287 (martyred)

Feast : January 20 (Catholic), December 18 (Eastern Orthodox)

St. Sebastian was born at Narbonne, in Gaul, but his parents were of Milan, in Italy and he was brought up in that city.

He was a fervent servant of Christ and though his natural inclinations gave him an aversion to a military life, yet to be better able, without suspicion, to assist the confessors and martyrs in their sufferings, he went to Rome and entered the army under Emperor Carinus about the year 283.

Saint Sebastian is also patron to all soldiers.

He entered the Roman army under emperor Carinus in 283 in order to defend the confessors and martyrs of his day without drawing attention to himself.

Sisira A. Fernando

Sterilising clinic

The Animal Welfare and Protection Association will conduct a free sterilising/neutering clinic at “Lion’s City” Seeduwa, January 23 from 7.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon on a first come first served basis. Dogs and cats 4-6 months and over can be neutered and sterilised.

Presentation

‘Talent of Pathanians’, a musical and dancing presentation by Colombo Isipatana Vidyalaya’s junior band will be held on Thursday 21 at 6 p.m. at Lumbini Theatre, Colombo.