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Lankans rally round Anil

Sri Lankans have been dubbed uncaring and selfish in recent times. But just one instance of how wrong these stereotypes are, came to the fore when The Sunday Times launched a fund for helpless little Anil* who is HIV positive.

Slowly but surely, cash and cheques keep flowing into the fund, as kindhearted Sri Lankans rally round to see Anil through the agony of his disease and hopefully give him a longer childhood. Following numerous requests after infant Anil's story was published in the PLUS of June 15, The Sunday Times, in coordination with the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care of the Western Province, opened Savings Account No. 1-0001-08-4276-1 at the National Savings Bank Head Office branch.

Donations can be made to any branch of the NSB islandwide, to be channelled to his account. Anil, became a ward of the state when he was abandoned by his mother soon after his birth at the Castle Street Hospital for Women and was handed over to the Commissioner of Probation and Child Care by the hospital authorities.

He was being cared for in a state home, until he was found to be HIV Positive.

Now being treated at the Mulleriyawa Infectious Diseases Hospital, Anil needs medication to keep the HIV virus down. The government, unfortunately, does not provide anti-retroviral drugs through the free healthcare system.

Anil's savings book now has over Rs. 50,000 showing this little orphan that "guardian angels" scattered across the country are thinking of him and wishing him well.

Every donation sent through The Sunday Times to Anil's fund will be acknowledged and the monies utilized for his medical needs. The funds will be channelled through the Probation and Child Care authorities.

* Anil's name has been changed to protect his identity.

Thomians launch three tree project

The S. Thomas' College Class of 76-NCGE Batch launched a tree project on August 7 at the Thomian Wonderland Fair called the "Three Tree Project".

It is a novel concept that allows old-Thomians to be a part of the history of the school and at the same time helps the school raise funds. It is estimated that around Rs. 15 million will be raised in 15 years.

Class President Mahinda Halangoda said, "Initially, we set out to plant eight trees in remembrance of our departed classmates. Whilst working out the logistics we realized that more could be done. Then came the support of the class members and the project was conceived. We are giving every Thomian the chance to give back to the college."

The proceeds from the sale of the trees will be used for projects that need to be implemented at STC. The benefits will be reaped in 15 - 20 years. At this stage, the trees could either be used by the college for furniture or be sold at the prevailing market price.

Donor names will be inscribed on a weatherproof plaque that will be placed at the foot of the tree.

When the tree is felled, the tree will be valued and the amount will be recorded by the college as a donation from the donor.

The school has its own team of specialized individuals under whose care these trees will be nurtured. Donors will be frequently updated on their trees. A website; www.stc1976.org/treeproject will also be launched to provide details of the project.

Seminar on career development

The INGRIN Institute of Printing and Graphics will conduct a seminar for school leavers on career development in Computer Graphics, Information Technology and Printing Technology on September 6.

This seminar will help students understand the career opportunities in these fields and the available study programmes. The opportunities available for higher studies and jobs in these fields will be highlighted at the seminar.

The seminar is free of charge although participation may be limited by capacity. Those interested could contact 421846 or 445106 to reserve a seat. The seminar will be held from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. at the INGRIN Auditorium, 290, D.R. Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10. Reservations will be on a first come first served basis.

The INGRIN Institute of Printing and Graphics Sri Lanka was set up under the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Training, the INGRIN Foundation Netherlands in association with the Sri Lanka Association of Printers, Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging, International Advertising Association and Export Development Board (EDB).

Young lawyers gather

The Junior Bar Committee (JBC) is hosting its third Annual Residential Junior National Law Conference on September 20 and 21, 2003, at the Tangerine Beach Hotel, Kalutara. Chief Justice, Sarath N. Silva, President's Counsel, will be the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony (September 20).

The Conference is organized by a special committee to benefit Junior Lawyers who have less than ten years practice in the legal profession. The main reason for such an event is to direct young lawyers towards the dynamic changes that are taking place in the law and to provide them with the necessary exposure, skill and expertise.

This conference is also designed to enable these young lawyers to meet, liaise and get acquainted with the judiciary and experienced senior practitioners of the profession. The Junior Bar is part of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL), which has about 9000 members, with more than 60 branch associations islandwide.

The theme of this two day residential conference is "Access to Justice". It runs into ten Academic Sessions. The topics range from Commercial Law to Criminal Law to Intellectual Property and the Human Rights-Based Approach to Development and many others. The JBC has invited the most eminent practitioners to speak on these topics. They have been chosen from the judiciary, official and unofficial Bars.

Tickets are available at the BASL.

Blessing of the sick at Tewatte

All roads lead to Tewatte today, when Catholics and others throng to the premises of the the Basilica for a service of healing and blessing of the sick. Archbishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Oswald Gomis will preside at the service assisted by several priests. There will be a Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the end.

Tewatte was dedicated as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lanka in fulfilment of a vow made by the then Archbishop of the Metropolis, Rt. Rev. Jean Mary Masson. The prelate promised the Mother of God that a great church would be erected if the isle of Ceylon was spared the ravages of the invading Japanese army.

Rt. Rev. Thomas Benjamin Coorey did not hesitate to set about fulfilling the vow when he took office in 1947, by which time the war had ended. His first act in office was to visit Tewatte which he did on November 9, 1949 to explore all possibilities of erecting the promised edifice. As many as 500 rubber trees were cut down as work commenced immediately. The Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka was consecrated on February 6,1974 amidst much pomp and ceremony with all the faithful in attendance to show their gratitude to the Virgin Mother.

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