Government Requests observation of One Minute Silence Today To Honour Sir Arthur.C.Clarke


Saturday, 22 March 2008
The Government while extending deepest condolences on the demise of Arthur.C.Clarke kindly requests that all media institutions in the Island would as a mark of respect observe 1 minute silence from 3.30 -3.31 pm today Saturday the 22nd of March 2008.
Though already all Television channels, Radio stations, News papers both state and private have recognized him for his contributions we cannot forget the fact that Arthur. Clarke is a special citizen of Sri Lanka, who has chosen Sri Lanka as his homeland and worked towards the advancement of science, education, space and satellite technology and excelled as a science fiction writer.He was committed to his vocation in life as a unique scientist and science fiction writer with a great passionSir Arthur.C.Clarke passed away on 19th march 2008 in a private nursing home in Colombo Sri Lanka The international Telecommunication Community will always remember Sir Arthur.C.Clarke for popularizing the concept of utilizing the geo-stationary, orbit for communication as early as 1945 he researched and published a paper titled" Extra Terrestrial Relays - can Rocket Stations give world wide Radio Coverage?" in the British magazine Wireless World. Since then Sir Arthur.C.Clarke has written more than 80 books involving space, science and science fiction and He served as the chancellor of the Katubedda University and patronized the Arthur.C.Clarke center.

16 new prefabricated flyovers in Colombo

With the successful implementation of the flyover project at Peliyagoda, the Highways Ministry has decided to construct 16 new pre-fabricated flyovers in Colombo and suburbs to ease traffic congestion, Highways Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle said.

The total cost of the project is estimated at pounds 75 million and will be implemented with British assistance.Inspecting the construction work at the Peliyagoda flyover, Fernandopulle said these new flyovers will be constructed apart from the four already planned to construct in Colombo.“The construction of these new flyovers will ease heavy traffic congestion in Colombo”, the Minister added.The Minister had discussions with British engineers in charge of the construction of the Peliyagoda flyover, labourers and shop owners living close to the flyover during his inspection tour.The first phase of the Peliyagoda flyover is due to be completed on March 25, possibly adding yet another world record in the construction industry.The second phase of the project is due to commence in April with the intention of completing the construction work by July end, Fernandopulle said. Apart from the 16 flyover projects the Government has also embarked on a project to construct 222 bridges countrywide with pounds 50 million financial assistance from the British Government.