1st February 1998

Romesh is here

Romesh Gunasekara, internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan writer, author of Monkfish Moon and the 1994 Booker Prize nominee for his work Reef, launched his new book The Sandglass at the main Lake House bookshop at No. 100 Sir Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mw. on Jan. 27 at 10.00 a.m. He also autographed copies of his new book. He will conduct a reading session of The Sandglass at British Council on Feb. 10 at 5.30 p.m.

Archaelogical Officers not to open Maligawa to the public

By Shelani de Silva

Archaelogical officials are not happy over the decision to open the Dalada Maligawa to the public claiming it was dangerous as the structural check is not complete.

Gamini Wijesuriya, Director Architectural Conservation told The Sunday Times that it was not a wise decision considering the immense damage to the temple.

The worst affected and the most difficult to restore will be the frescos, which were badly damaged.

“Entire paintings have come off. We are trying to collect the pieces and put them together, but I doubt if we will be able to patch up the entire paintings, there is a chance that we might not be able to restore it,” Mr. Wijesuriya said

The ‘Pathirippuwa’ roof was also damaged. The Moon Stone at the entrance has been destroyed. However The Archaeological Department believes that it can be put together.

The restoration work is being carried out by a team of Archaeological officers including six technical officers from the Central Cultural office in Kandy.

While several organisations have offered to assist financially, the UNP has vowed to give the fullest support. UNP General Secretary Gamini Athukorale told The Sunday Times that the party has not decided on opening a fund, but a decision will be taken soon.

It’s an outrage

The International Bar Association has condemned the killing of 10 civilians and the attack on the Dalada Maligawa.The entire legal community denounces this attack as a violation of international humanitarian standards which govern the conduct of hostilities, a statement from the association said.

“The International Bar Association condemns this outrage as an attack on civilized values and indeed an attack on civilization itself by a barbaric horde,” the statement said.

Bridal creations at Mahila Sandella

‘Mahila Sandella’, a programme of fun and entertainment organised by the Lanka Mahila Samithiya will be held at Galle Face Hotel on February 15 from 4 pm onwards.

Bridal creations, classical and traditional dances, live entertainment and a fashion show of latest sarees would be the main features at this event.

All proceeds will be used for the upliftment of rural women, a press release from the organisers said.

We’ve waited long enough-Trade Union

A powerful AirLanka trade union will resort to strike this week as it feels the airline’s chairman shows scant regard for its main demand of rectifying a salary anomaly.

A spokesman for the AirLanka Association of Aircraft and Workshop technicians said they had waited enough with the hope of some remedy for this seven-year-old salary anomaly.

“We had given the chairman six months to look into our demands and the deadline expired on January 17. We are not willing to wait any longer. The only option left is to turn to severe trade union action,” the spokesman said.

The association demands that salaries of AirLanka technicians be standardised with those of other airlines.

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