Car doc for smooth run
By Ruwanthi Herat Gunaratne
Eye surgeons, pediatricians, dentists......we all know exactly who and
where to run to in the case of a medical emergency. But now you can add
to that list the Car Doctor, who can combat all the maladies our vehicles
encounter.
Introduced and activated for the first time in Sri Lanka by Brown and
Company, the good doctor known as 'Proxia' is available to all users of
Citron vehicles distributed by Browns since 1999. It's quite a simple procedure.
The cars come with a custom fitted in-built computer system that can be
connected to 'Proxia' via a cable. Once 'Proxia' is given the necessary
information regarding the vehicle such as number, model etc., it is able
to run a routine check within a few minutes.
"It is an electronically managed affair," says Sheran Fernando, Director,
Motor and Battery at Brown and Company Ltd., "It makes what is normally
a manual check-up far more effective."
Whilst running this check, 'Proxia' is also able to detect any other
malfunctions in the vehicle. For example, if a certain part in the vehicle
is faulty, 'Proxia' is then able to inform the company and even suggest
where the part can be obtained from. If it is not available in Sri Lanka,
'Proxia' then logs on to Citron's worldwide network through PSA On-line
(an almost Internet-like facility that connects to Citron Worldwide) and
checks to see where exactly the spare part can be located. It will then
inform the consumer how it can be purchased, the cost and even how long
it will take to ship the item!
And if the local dealers are unable to find the malfunction in the car,
you simply connect to Citron through 'Proxia' which informs the manufacturer
of the vehicle of the symptoms, so that they can prescribe the necessary
remedy.
'Proxia' also has the ability to give the consumer an update on the
car's entire history. It can inform the owner where and when exactly a
spare part was changed and why this had to be done, etc.
This facility is available free to all compatible vehicles at the Brown
and Company office down Kirula Road.
A colourful world for kids
By Nilika de Silva
An interesting exhibition for preschool teachers, mothers and all those
engaged in working with children explore the vast world out there, will
take place on November 28 and 29 at the Lionel Wendt gallery.
Students of the Pre School Teacher Training course at The Ladies College
Department of Vocational Studies were preparing for the exhibition when
I met them last week.
Every one of their creations showed an abundance of enthusiasm, something
every toddler should experience before the jaded world takes away his/her
fresh outlook towards learning.
From story telling to performing, from nature study to creating environmentally
friendly handicrafts, the preschool teacher uses a vast array of equipment
in giving the children an understanding that the world is their oyster.
In the art department alone an amazing range of utensils had been used
by the student-teachers demonstrating how much potential could be tapped
to make the learning experience varied and enjoyable for the kids.
The live wires behind the exhibition are the two Co-Course Directors
Hiranthi Fernando and Soharnee Walpita.
Ms. Fernando showed us different pictures created with food colouring,
and non toxic powder pens, nature stuff, egg shells, blowing out paint
through straws, crumpling newspaper and dipping it in paint etc.
"I get them to make a book by observing one child," Ms. Soharnee Walpita
who lectures in Child Development and Language Development said. Ms. Walpita
who co-ordinates the course sends the students out for practical training
to some 17 nurseries at international and local schools.
A large batch of 20 students come over from the Maldives each year to
study preschool teaching here. Two of them, Shafana and Farahu busy adding
the finishing touches to their display said, "We have learnt so many things."
The one year Diploma course includes training in child psychology, physical
education, a First Aid certificate from St. John's Ambulance and child
health.
While in depth training and practicals take place, the course provides
an overall view of child education with visits to the SOS Village and Blind
School. The students also visit places like Chitra Lane School for the
Special Child to gain a comprehensive formation on child education.
The exhibition will take place from 11a.m. -5 p.m. on Wednesday, November
28, and 9 a.m. to 5p.m. on Thursday, November 29. |
