Rebuild Ampara Blog

Awareness on Violence Against Women

2008-08-08T20:04:00.005+05:30

Daily News (page 5) - July 7, 2008

An Awareness Creation Programme on ‘Violence against Women” organized by CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) with the assistance of Mother and Child Social Welfare Association was held at RDS Hall Addappallam, Nintavur recently.

The programme, which was held under the chairmanship of Director of CASP’s Centre for Gender Studies Dr.Anuzsiya Senathirajah, was attended by a large number of women from all walks of life from Tamil and Muslim Communities in the village of Addappallam and suburbs in the Nintavur DS Division.

Gender Specialist K.Sri Chitra assisted by Nadarajah Nisahanthi of Crisis Centre played a major role in conducting this programme. Domestic violence, Street violence, Understanding each other, Give and Take Policy, Narrow down the Gap between the two and decency in talking each other were the main topics taken for the awareness programmes. Group discussions, group works question and answers were also held.

Directors of the Centre for Gender Studies along with President Dr.M.A.Ifthikar and Secretary M.P Suibaitha of Mother and Child Social Welfare Association played a major role in conducting this programme where Senior Female lecturers of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka actively participated in the programme.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Certificate Awarding Ceremony of ACTC

2008-04-18T17:09:00.000+05:30

Daily News (page 3) - April 17, 2008

The first ever Certificate Awarding Ceremony of CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) ACTC (Akkaraipattu Computer and Training Centre) was held at the Training Centre in Akkaraipattu Sulaiman Complex recently. CASP's Project Co-Director David Boyce who participated as Chief Guest at this ceremony is seen handing over a certificate of merit to a female who has successfully completed her course. ACTC Manager M.A.S Deen, Ampara Manager I.R. Mirzaa, General Manager Dr. Anusiya Senethirajah and the course co-ordinator A. R. Farzan were also present. Picture by M.A. Phakurdeen Addalaichenai group correspondent.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Training should be continuous to fulfil needs of the people

2008-03-28T23:33:00.004+05:30

Daily News (page 3) - March 28, 2008

The Akkaraipattu Computer Training Centre conducted by CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) held its first ever Certificate Awarding Ceremony in a grand manner at the ACTC hall on Saturday in the presence of a large gathering of youth of the district.

The ceremony was presided over by the Manager of the Centre M.A.S. Deen and was attended by CASP's Project Co-Director David Boyce as Chief Guest and Ampara Manager I.R. Mirzaa as guest of honour. Prior to the ceremony, the Guest David Boyce and Guest of Honour I.R. Mirzaa were garlanded by the students and were taken in a procession flanked by the students.

One hundred and twenty four students who underwent training in Certificate in Online Communication, Certification in Computerized Accounting, Diploma in Computerized Accounting, Certificate in Intermediate Diploma in Computer Hardware, Diploma in Graphic Design, Diploma in Office Management and Diploma in Leadership Management received their Certificates of Merit from the Chief-Guest David Boyce.

In his keynote address, David Boyce outlined the Master Plan which CASP has assigned to prepare and he was happy to say that they have completed this task and paid a glowing tribute to those who were extending their fullest support to complete this assignment. He said CASP is, however, determined to continue the demonstrations projects such as Centre for Gender Studies, Potato Cultivation and Computer Training Centre.

Touching upon the Computer Training Centre, he said the Centre has been going ahead with its task efficiently in consideration with the desperate need of the youngsters of the area. "I am happy to note that a group of youth is leaving us after successfully completing their courses in their respective fields. This is a great achievement and this trend should go continuously fulfilling the need and inspiration of the people. He also added that gaining knowledge is not a limiting factor so every one of us must be determined to gain knowledge not only to benefit for themselves but also the society they belonged to. Then only our goal can be achieved".

Manager M.A.S. Deen said that we must always be thankful to CASP and its President Douglas MacArthur for the smooth functioning of this Computer Training Centre. He also said that the Centre has made all arrangements to streamline its activities with the shifting of this Centre to a new place. Hence, he made an appeal to the outgoing students to take this message to the colleagues to enroll them to widen their IT and English knowledge.

Ms. Narjees, who spoke on behalf of the outgoing students, paid a glowing tribute to the President of CASP Douglas MacArthur and the Vice-President Jeff MacArthur for affording them the opportunity, especially the youth of the area, to widen their knowledge in the field of Information and Technology and English Languages. This was a rare oppottunity and we should always be grateful to you, she said.

Ampara Manager I.R. Mirzaa and Course Co-Coordinator - Administrative Officer A.R. Faizaan also spoke.

MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

CASP's Dr. Zheng examines Potato Cultivation in Ampara District

2008-03-14T00:51:00.000+05:30

Daily News (page 3) - March 14, 2008

Canadian Agro Sustainability Partnership's (CASP) Agricultural Specialist Dr. Zhiming Zheng was in Sri Lanka on the invitation of CASP's President Douglas MacArthur to assist in a research on Potato Cultivation Projects, specially the soil in which this cultivation is undertaken by the farmers of the District. Here, he is inspecting a snakegourd produced by a cultivator in his subsidiary food crops cultivation in Kuduwil. Deputy Director Agriculture P. Nimal Dayaratna, Research Officer Y. B. lqbal, Potato Specialist M. I. M. Nazeer and CASP's Ampara Manager I. R. Mirzaa were also present.

Picture by M. A. Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

CASP's David Boyce hands over Ampara District Master Plan to Government Agent Sunil Kannagara

2008-02-18T23:55:00.000+05:30

Thinnakaran (page 15) - February 18, 2008

CASP Potato Cultivation thrives despite floods

2008-02-12T00:25:00.002+05:30

Daily News (page 4) - February 12 2008

Potato cultivation undertaken by CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) in the Ampara District has shown tremendous progress in spite of the recent floods in the area. An inspection tour was carried out by CASP's Manager of Agriculture Development, Dr. Zhiming Zheng. Here, Dr. Zhiming examines a potato plant which has developed with tubers shown by Potato Specialist M.I.M. Nazeer. Agriculture Deputy Director Ampara (Provincial) P. Uganathan, Agriculture Deputy Director, Nimal Dayaratna, Assistant Agriculture Director, A.R.A. Latheef, Research Officer, U.L. lqbal and CASP's Ampara Manager, I.R. Mirzaa were also present.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Arugam Bay Tousist Association meeting [Daily News]

2008-01-03T02:04:00.000+05:30

Daily News (page 4) - Saturday 29 December 2007

CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership), which has undertaken the task of drawing a Master Plan to rebuild Ampara District, met the representatives of the Arugam Bay Tourists Association at the Star Dust Hotel, Arugam Bay. Here, CASP’s Project Co-Director David Boyce (centre) and Architectural Designer Robert Haggis (far left) are in discussion with the Vice-President William Perera and Executive Member MI Cader Mohideen as to how tourism could be developed and this area made into a tourist paradise.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

CIDA visits Centre for Gender Studies [Daily News]

2007-12-29T11:22:00.000+05:30

Daily News (page 4) - Wednesday 27 December 2007

CIDA representatives, accompanied by the First Secretary to the Canadian High Commission Calvin R Piggot, visited the Centre for Gender Studies housed in the South Eastern University of Sri Lanka at Oluvil to assess progress and look into future programmes. Here, Calvin R Piggot talks to students of the University while the CIDA Senior Developmemt Office Shahila Rodrigues and the Manager of the Centre for Gender Studies Dr. Anuzsiya Senathirajah (right) looking on. CIDA Development Officer HRM Shibly, CASP Director Hugh Fernando, and CASP Ampara Manager Ifthi Mirzaa were present.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Top spot for potato cultivation

2007-12-28T18:20:00.000+05:30

Daily News (page 4) - December 28 2007

Potato cultivation has been given a place of pride in CASP's (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) development activities envisaged for Ampara district this year and all arrangements in these connections are ready.

On the advice of CASP's president Douglas MacArthur and the support given by CIDA CASP's Potato Specialist M.I.M. Nazeer has undertaken this project in Alayadivembu, Wangamam, Padiyathalawa, Safa Nagar, Kudtjvil, Samanthurai, Barakath Nagar and Wehetagama covering all three communities and it is a hive of activity at present. Potato Specialist Nazeer who was responsible for successful potato cultivation last year witnessed by Minister Ferial Ashraff has been visiting the Potato Cultivators and providing them with all assistance and giving them the technical know how.

The Canadian Agro Sustainability partnership is the lead organization to mobilize and co-ordinate Canadian interests and expertise in International sustainable agriculture. CASP is headquartered in Prince Edward Island and its founding members are PEI in its Institutional Organizations are active in International Agriculture. Other leading agricultural organisations of Canada are also members of CASP. It is also informed that CASP also focuses on Agricultural Development needs, opportunities including cropping systems, aquaculture, agro-process, food safety, agro forestry and related educational and environmental co-considerations.

Caption: Potato cultivation has once again been given a pride of place in CASP's (Canadian Agro Sustainability Partnership) programme envisaged in Ampara District. Here, CASP's Potato Specialist M.I. Nazeer (left) is giving instructions to the cultivators who are willingly engaged in this Project in Wangamam in Irrakkamam DS Division. CASP's Amapra Manager I.R. Mirzaa and Ampara District Forest Officer M.A.I. Suhood were also present.

Picture by MA Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

CASP delivers Master Plan draft to Minister Ashraff [Thinakaran]

2007-12-24T02:39:00.000+05:30

Thinakaran Tamil Daily - Friday 21 December 2007

Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership (CASP) has prepared a Master Plan while staying in Ampara District for more than a year. The Master Plan was prepared with the assistance of 17 Ministries, including Agriculture, Potato Cultivation, Fisheries, Health, Housing, Kalmunai Town Development, Vocational Training of Youth, Eduction, Road Development, and Technology, and will play a major role in developing this District. Above, the Master Plan is being handed over by CASP Project Co-Director David Boyceto the Minister of Housing and Common Amenities Ferial Ashraff.

Also present are the Ministry Secretary W.T. Ganagala (left), CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) representative and First Secretary to the Canadian High Commission Calvin Piggot (right), and Advisor to the Minister S. Lebbe (centre).

Master Plan handed over [Rupavahini/ITN]

2007-12-20T03:16:00.000+05:30

Rupavahini/ITN - Tuesday 18 December 2007

Sri Lanka national television news broadcast covering the handing over of CASP's Master Plan to Minister Ferial Ashraff.

Potato Cultivation continues [Thinakaran]

2007-12-10T07:58:00.000+05:30

Thinakaran Tamil Daily - Saturday 8 December 2007

Potato Cultivation has been given a pride of place in CASP's (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) development activities for Ampara District this year, with further arrangements already afoot.

On the advice of CASP President Dougalas MacArthur and with the support given
by CIDA, Potato Specialist MIM Nazeer has undertaken potato projects in Alayadivembu, Wangamam, Padiyathalawa, Safa Nagar, Kuduvil, Samnmanthurai, Barakath Nagar, and Weheragama which cover all three communities and a hive of activity is going on at present. Potato Specialist Nazeer, who was responsible for the successful potato cultivation last year witnessed by Minister Fariel Ashraff, has been visiting the potato cultivators and has been providing them with special assistance and technical know-how.

Shramadana environmental cleanup [Daily News]

2007-11-25T03:52:00.000+05:30

Daily News - Friday 23 November 2007

A shramadana was organised by the Central Camp Eastern Organisation for Democracy at Central Camp Colony 10 to clean the Salviniya weed spread all over the pond. A large number of villagers from all three communities who volunteered are engaged in their task (right). CASP’s Environmental Director David Boyce joined the volunteers in clearing the Salviniya (left). The highlight was the participation of a large number of women volunteers in the shramadana.

Pottuvil Traders Development Society meets with CASP [Daily News]

2007-09-28T23:11:00.000+05:30

Daily News, Thursday 27 September 2007

The members of the Pottuvil Traders Development Society met CASP's (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Parntership) Director of Environmental Services, David Boyce, at a hotel in Pottuvil (see map below) to discuss their future development programmes to include in the Master Plan CASP intends to draw. Here, Director David Boyce (third from right) in discussions with the President of the Society I.M. Rasheed, Secretary S.M. Muhseen, and members. Officials from CASP were also present.

Picture by M.A. Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

View Larger Map

EU-Ampara Parnership MOU signed

2007-09-10T11:36:00.000+05:30

Many significant Development Projects covering all sectors are to be implemented in Ampara District with the signing of an MOU by the European Union Ambassador in Sri Lanka, Julian Wilson, and the Ampara Government Agent, Sunil Kannanagara. The signing took place at the District Secretary’s Conference Hall in the presence of representatives from INGOs working in Ampara District who wish to move forward as partners to solve the major needs of the District.The EU-Ampara Partnership is funded by the European Union in the amount of EUR 78 million (approx. LKR 11,388,000.00), which will contribute towards the rehabilitation and sustainable development of Ampara District. The Partnership funds are delivered through eight partners working with local authorities and also with the National Ministries (RDA and Nation Building & Reconstruction) to ensure an integrated approach to the development of the entire district.

The EU-Ampara Partnership is comprised of the following programmes:

Reconstruction of Siyambalanduwa/Pottuvil/Akkaraipattu roads [EUR 13.5 million] co-financed by the ADB and Ministry of Highways;
Community Access Roads Programme (CAP) [EUR 30 million] implemented through IOM and local authorities;
Community Livelihood Support Programme (CLSP) [EUR 10 million] implemented through IOM and local authorities;
Livelihood Development Programme (LDP) [EUR 0.7 million] implemented through UNDP and local authorities;
North East Housing Reconstruction Programme (NEHRP) [EUR 13 million] co-financed by the World Bank and Ministry of Nation Building and Reconstruction;
Environmental Remediation Programme [EUR 10 million] implemented through UNOPS and local authorities;
Two environmental remediation actions under the ASIA PRO ECO HB – Post Tsunami programme in Kalmunai [EUR 1 million] co-financed with the City of Munich and Province of Modena and local authorities.

The EU-Ampara Partnership is committed to deliver aid to all vulnerable communities in the District and will ensure that the allocation of resources is strictly guided by the principles of equity.

Master Plan Transport and Traffic Workshop [Daily News]

2007-09-07T23:46:00.000+05:30

Daily News, 6 September 2007

CASP (Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership) has been conducting a series of workshops as a prelude to draw up a Master Plan for various sectors in order to improve the standard of the living of the people in Ampara District, especially in the tsunami-affected areas. Here, CASP's Director - Environmental Services, David Boyce is seen addressing the Transport and Traffic Sectoral Meeting at CASP's Ampara (see map below) conference hall. The officials from Transport and Traffic are seen on the right.

Picture by M.A. Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai group correspondent

Gender Sector seminar by CASP [Daily News]

2007-09-06T23:02:00.000+05:30

Daily News, 6 September 2007

The Canadian Agro-Sustainability Partnership, which has undertaken the task of drawing a master plan to rebuild tsunami-aftected Ampara District, has been conducting a series of meetings in different sectors. A meeting on the Gender Sector under its programme was held at the Akkaraipattu Computer & Training Centre's conference hall recently. Above left, CASP's General Manager Dr. Anuzsia Sonataraja with CASP's Director Administration/Finance M.M. Razeeen, and Gender Specialist Thilaka Pathmanathan at the seminar.

Picture by M.A. Phakurdeen, Addalaichenai Group Correspondent

District Agriculture Training Centre open at Palamuna

2007-09-05T08:28:00.000+05:30

A District Agriculture Training Centre constructed at Palamunai in the Addalaichenai DS Division was ceremonially declared open on Monday, September 3rd.

The Centre, which was built at a cost of Rs. 7 million provided by the European Union through the UNDP, is very well equipped and includes a demonstration plot consisting of one acre of land. It will cater to the needs of 60,000 farmers in improving their agricultural abilities in the Tamil speaking areas of the coastal belt.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Sri Lanka, Julian Wilson, participated as chief guest at this ceremony and declared the Training Centre open by cutting the ribbon following the hoisting of the National Flag. Government Agent Sunil Kannangara, Deputy Director of Agriculture P.T. Nimal Dayaratna, Assistant Director of Agriculture R.M. Latheef, as well as Agricultural Officers and Instructors also participated.Ambassador Wilson expressed his happiness to complete such a worthy project in this area where farmers are in the majority and appealed to them to make the maximum benefit out of the Centre. “We love Sri Lanka, and hence the people of European Union showed their kind generosity by voluntarily giving their financial assistance to uplift the standard of the common masses in the eastern part of Sri Lanka”, the Ambassador said. He further revealed that a large sum of money has been set apart for development projects in various sectors in Ampara District.

The UNDP’s Ampara Officer in Charge Z.A. Joufer, EU Coordinator Kiran Kothari, and many other representatives from interested INGOs attended the ceremonies. Also present in large numbers were the coastal area farmers wishing to express their gratitude to the EU and UNDP in implementing this project successfully and helping to solve some of their long-standing problems.

Akkaraipattu Seed Paddy Processing Centre nears completion

2007-08-26T15:54:00.000+05:30

On the initiative of Akkaraipattu Seed Paddy Producers Society, an outstanding problem of the farmers of the Ampara District is to be solved by the establishment of a full fledged Paddy Processing Centre along with a storage facility for seed paddy produced here in Akkaraipattu.

The work on this Rs. 15 million project commenced in November 2006, with funding assistance from the European Union through UNDP Ampara. Construction work is progressing quickly under the technical advises of the Department of Agriculture’s Extension, Seed Paddy, and Certifying Units, and is to be complete early next month.

Two important features of the project, a Seed Processing Machine and Seed Drier are to be brought down from Germany and India respectively. Once the project is complete, the Processing Centre will be in the position to supply 15,000 bushels of seed paddy after processing and certifying to the farmers of the District, helping to further facilitate their paddy cultivation.

A team of Officials from the European Union, headed by Ms. Merce de Torres and UNDP’s Ampara Chief Z.A. Joufer, visited the site recently and expressed their satisfaction after talking to the OIC of the Ampara Seed Paddy Processing Centre and members of the Akkaraipattu Seed Paddy Producers.It may be noted that Ampara District, the rice bowl of the Country, is the second largest paddy producing area in Sri Lanka, with 63,000 hectares of paddy cultivation fulfilling one fifth of the rice production in the Country. According to the Agriculture Department’s statistics, the farmers in the District produce 75% of the seed paddy required by the District themselves. Once this is more fully established, problems confronted by the farmers in the District in seeking quality seed paddy should be solved to a great extent.

Freshwater Fish Farming and more in Secretary's visit

2007-07-13T22:09:00.000+05:30

The Secretary of the Provincial Ministry of Land, Irrigation, Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock Development & Health and Cooperatives of the Eastern Province, A.R.M. Maharoof, together with the Director of Fisheries, S. Suthakaran,
recently travelled to the Ampara and the Batticaloa Districts.

As part of this trip, they met with individuals involved in agriculture, livestock, and freshwater fish farming in Illukkutchchenai on Sunday, July 8th. Discussions included matters relating to integrated farming and the ways and means to develop these sectors in Ampara District.

The following day, the Secretary was the chief guest at the first-year anniversary of the Kayalvizi Freshwater Fish Farmers Association at the 11th colony in Central Camp. In 1952, under the Galoya Scheme, 150 poor farmer families were settled at this colony on 600 acres of land, and the population has now grown to 2,300 families.

As part of the anniversary activities, the Secretary awarded prizes to the winners of a quiz competition conducted for schoolchildren by the Association. He also visited the sixteen freshwater fish ponds constructed there by the humanitarian organisation World Concern and inspected the condition of the fishes.

During subsequent meetings, the Secretary said that the Eastern Provincial Council hoped to renovate the three tanks [man-made lakes] in Annamalai, Panama, and Illukkutchchenai, for the benefit of Tamil, Sinhalese, and Muslim farmers and freshwater fishermen in the region.

On Tuesday, July 10th, the Secretary introduced 15,000 of the Thelapia Nirotika variety of fishlings at the Neelavanai Periyakulam tank in Ampara District.

UNDP's Sports for Peace

2007-07-09T20:43:00.000+05:30

The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), with the assistance of the Affected Women's Forum (AWF) and financial support from AusAID, has organized 'Sports for Peace' at the Ampara Urban Council Grounds. The purpose of the event, which drew a large crowd, was to foster inter-communal harmony and peace among the people belonging to the three major ethnic groups in Ampara District.

The programme began with the hoisting of the National Flag by the chief guest Additional Government Agent, J.S.D.M.Asanka Abeywardena, while the UNDP, UN, Sports for Peace, and AWF Flags were raised by OIC-UNDP's Z.M.Jaufar, UNFP's Ms. Zarrina Kurbanova, UNDP’s Ms. Dinesha Suppiah, and Ms. Vaani Simon, respectively. Following this, several doves, symbolizing 'peace’, were released and the traditional oil lamp was lighted by the guests. Religious dignitaries representing Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity then performed their respective religious observances.

Invitation tournaments were arranged for Netball and Cricket and were actively participated in by formidable clubs from Sinhala, Tamil, and Muslim areas. The winners were rewarded with sports equipment. Chief Guest Asanka Abeywardena, Guest of Honour Zarrina Kurbanova, and UNDP O.I.C.Jaufer handed over the prizes to the winners.

Among those who participated in the programme were Director of Planning A.A.Bawa, Divisional Secretaries, Officials of the Zonal Education Office, and representatives of UNICEF, UNOCHA, UNCHR, ILO, IOM, UNOPS, UN-HABITAT, and UNFAO.

GOAL completes Al-Jalal School with Minister Ashraff at opening ceremonies

2007-07-04T18:41:00.000+05:30

The Sri Lanka Minister of Housing and Common Amenities, Ferial Ismail Ashraff, was the Chief Guest at the opening ceremony of Al-Jalal Viddyalaya school in Sainthamaruthu on June 25th. Students, teachers, and well-wishers of the school gave the minister an enthusiastic welcome on her arrival, followed by a large procession that included GOAL's Country Director, John Wain, and Team Leader, Stefan McEneaney, as well as the Divisional Secretary for Sainthamaruthu, A.L.M. Saleem.The new three-storey school building was constructed by GOAL Ireland and includes a computer room, a laboratory, and an assembly hall. Minister Ashraff declared the school open by unveiling the plaque on the building, while GOAL's Country Director and the school Principal, A.A. Rasool, cut the ribbons for the openings of the computer room and the school laboratory respectively.

Principal Rasool noted that "the cost of the building together with furniture, computers, sporting equipment, and land was around 110 million Rupees". At the meeting after the opening ceremonies, the Principal further explained that Al-Jalal Viddyalaya was established in 1951 as a mixed school and, after the destruction of the December 2004 tsunami, it was functioning as an evening school at Zahira College in Kalmunai. The current student population is 1,026.

The principal, teachers, students, and others gratefully acknowledged the work of GOAL's John Wain and Stefan Mc Eneaney and honoured them with the draping of gold shoals.Above (left to right): Stephen McEneaney (Team leader - GOAL, Ampara), John Wain (Country Director - GOAL), Minster Ferial Asraff, A.A. Rasool (School Principal), and A.L.M. Saleem (Divisional Secretary - Sainthamaruthu)

Out-Board Motor Repair training by Sewa Lanka and World Vision

2007-06-28T20:36:00.000+05:30

As part of its Livelihood Development for Tsunami-Affect Youth by Providing Vocational Training, the Sewa Lanka Foundation has trained twenty unemployed youths in Out-Board Motor (OBM) Repair and Maintenance.

The project, which cost roughly 1.1 million Rupees, was funded by World Vision. The participants were selected from the Muslim and Tamil communities living along the coastal areas of Ampara District and were provided with certificates and repair toolkits at a function held at the Sewa Lanka Foundation Hall in Thambattai, Thirukkovil, on Thursday June 21st.

World Vision District Manager, Nallathamby Nallarajah, along with Simmon Buller, a volunteer from the UK working as Management Advisor for Sewa Lanka, and A.L. Faleel, District Director of the Sewa Lanka Foundation, were present to award the trainees who successfully completed this three-month course.

Kadakkaraipalli Mosque receives NECORD Fisheries Community Hall and more

2007-06-19T01:44:00.000+05:30

The Minister of Housing and Common Amenities, Mrs. Ferial Ismail Ashraff, was recently the Chief Guest at a function for projects related to the Kadakkaraipalli Mosque.

The Minister handed over a Fisheries Community Hall, which was built at a cost of 3.5 million rupees on the premises of the Kadakkaraipalli mosque. NECORD (North East Community Restoration and Development Project) quickly constructed this building within a period of only four months at the request of Minister Ashraff. The other purpose of the function was the handing over of a burial ground boundary wall, constructed at a cost of three million rupees, to the Kadakkaraipalli Mosque. The Kadakkaraipally burial ground boundary wall is within the purview of the Kalmunaikudy Mohideen Jummah mosque whose Chief Trustee, Dr. S.M.A. Azeez, took charge of the wall.

Both the fisheries building and the boundary wall were handed over to the mosque before the annual flag hoisting ceremony on Saturday June 16th.

Vocational Training Centre in Sammanthurai by USAID and CH2M HILL

2007-06-17T02:28:00.000+05:30

Minister of Irrigation M.I. Anver Ismail was the Chief Guest at the foundation laying ceremony for a Vocational Training Centre in Sammanthurai on Tuesday June 12th. USAID and CH2M HILL are to construct this centre from their Sri Lanka Tsunami Reconstruction Project fund at a cost of 240 million rupees.

Mr. Ismail, USAID Project Manager Michael Gould, and Construction Manager Larry Belken laid the foundation stones for the construction of the buildings, which will be completed next year. The centre is aimed to benefit and develop the skills of tsunami-affected students in the coastal areas of Ampara District.

M.T. M. Saheed, Assistant Director of Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, presided over the meeting after the foundation laying ceremony was over. The Vice-Chancellor of South Eastern University, Hussain Ismail, and the Director of Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka, Bandula Thilakasiri, were also present.