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With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year drawing near, thousands flock to bus terminals in the Capital to travel to their villages for the festival. Here, a view of the Pettah Central Bus Stand.

Child Rehabilitation Centre for tsunami hit children

The Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry will set up a Child Rehabilitation Centre (CRC) at a cost of Rs. 10.5 million for the welfare of tsunami affected children of the North-East and South with the assistance of a U.K. based business venture, Matalan, a ministry spokesman said.

He said the CRC will be set up in a five acre land at Maduruketiya in the Moneragala district.

The foundation stone for the Centre was laid recently by Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Minister Sumedha G. Jayasena and Director of Matalan, Jason Hargreaves.

The Centre which provides facilities to about 300 tsunami affected children will consist a fully fledged hostel, indoor sports auditorium, a swimming pool, a library, conference halls and other modern facilities.

Women's Empowerment and Social Welfare Ministry Secretary Sitha Rajapaksa, Uva Provincial Council Minister Dayaratne Bandara, Uva PC member Kumarasiri Ratnayake and several others were present at the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Khalid

More buses, trains for New Year

Thousands of people are flocking to their villages all over the country to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which dawns on April 14.

Transport authorities have bolstered services, anticipating a surge in demand over the holiday period. More buses and trains will be in operation to cater to the additional demand. Police are also planning for higher levels of private vehicular traffic.

Over 600 additional CTB and private buses have been deployed so far for the convenience of passengers during the festive season, transport authorities said.

National Transport Commission (NTC) Director Operations G. Perera told the Daily News that in the last two days alone around 400 additional buses have been sent to different parts of the country from Colombo under the special private bus service launched for the New Year.

"In addition to services commencing from Colombo, provincial transport authorities are deploying buses from areas like Katunayake, Kaduwela, Panadura and Avissawella. This has reduced the usual New Year congestion at the Pettah bus stands," he said.

He said that officials have been deployed in all main bus terminals to deploy buses according to the passenger demand while a special office has also been set up in Pettah to coordinate with commuters.

"Services to transport people back to Colombo after the New Year will start from April 16 from a number of areas including Matara, Tangalle, Gampaha, Kandy and Badulla," he added.

The Central Transport Board (CTB) said it has already deployed 270 buses in addition to the usual fleet to ensure a convenient ride for passengers going home for the New Year.

CTB Manager Operations C. Alahakoon told the Daily News that the highest number of buses has been sent to areas like Badulla, Ampara and Kandy.

"There is a significant drop in the number of passengers travelling South for the New Year this time, probably due to the tsunami disaster.

"This has lessened the usual crowding at Colombo bus terminals," he added.

Meanwhile, commuters travelling to certain areas have complained of over-charging by private bus operators.

NTC Director General M. Jeffrey said they have received eight -10 complaints of overcharging during the New Year service.

"We have summoned the alleged offenders before the Commission. Stern action including the cancellation of route permits will be taken if they are found guilty," he said.

Meanwhile, railway authorities have also boosted services over the New Year period. Railways Manager Operations P. Chandratilleke told the Daily News that under the program, more long distance trains will be deployed to different parts of the country.

Accordingly, special trains are to be deployed to Kandy, Badulla, Hatton, Matara, Galle, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa and Matale and back before and after the New Year for the convenience of commuters.

"Special services from Colombo commenced on April 8 from the Fort and Maradana railway stations. They will be available till April 12. The same service will be available for commuters to return to Colombo after the New Year," he said. The Department will also launch a special New Year train service from the Katunayake Free Trade Zone to Galle today.

Khalid