Travel from University to Hotel at Kalutara

University Bus (GC 9375) leaves from 6.15 am on 30 November 2007 and also on 1 December 2007 in front of main gate of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Paricipants can use this
free travel to come to Tangerine Beach Hotel from University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda.

Day participants can return again in the bus to University after the sessions are over in each day.

Accomodation for Foreign Participants

Symposium registration will include accommodation and food from 30 November Morning to 1 December 5pm.
If you need to stay longer or arrive early please contact Mr Lakal Jayasinghe, Resident Manager, Tangerine Beach Hotel. tangerinerm@sltnet.lk
He will arrange a special rate for symposium participants.

Travel from Katunayake Air port to Hotel at Kalutara

Bandaranayake International Air Port is at Katunayake, 30 km north of Colombo.
On the right of the Arrivals hall after you pass through customs, there is a pre-paid taxi counter close to the banks. You can also take an a/c cab beyond the exit, but those will be much expensive.

A/C intercity buses (No 187) run every half an hour to Colombo's Pettah main bus stand. To ensure a seat it may be worth walking towards the vehicular exit where the bus waits. Slower government CTB buses also rung the trip (No. 187, 240, 300). If you come by these buses to Colombo Pettah, then you have to take another bus from there to Kalutara (No. 400) and get down at Tangerine Beach Hotel at Kalutara.

News story: Wells around Navinna- Maharagama dumping site contaminate with Heavy toxic metals

Dumping of metal products as municipal solid waste has become a serious problem around Navinna area as the some heavy metals such as chromium, cadmium and lead have leached to the groundwater table with toxic concentrations. Large number of residents in the area consumes well water for their daily need of drinking and cooking. Hence daily exposure of the heavy metals may lead to chronic or long term toxicities says researchers at Department of Zoology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura based on a research conducted in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, University of Kelaniya.

This research was conducted by Dr. Pathmalal M Manage, Dr. Janitha A Liyanage and Mr. Aakash Welgama, which is to be presented at International Forestry and Environment Symposium on 30 November 2007 organized by Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

News story: New coconut form, Bothal thembili, was discovered from Unawatuna area

Based on recent studies new coconut forms were found scattered as single palms or a few palms within home gardens along the Southern Coast mainly in Unawatuna area. Local people use different vernacular names, Thatin, Dothalu, Murusi, Ran pol, Bothal thembili, Juwan pol etc. to identify these forms.

According to a paper to be presented at International Forestry and Environment Symposium at the end of this month (November) by Mr. G K Ekanayake, Dr. S A C N Perera, Dr. P N Dasanayake and Mr. J M D T Everard this discovery will expand the genetic base of locally available coconut forms which will provide much needed new material for coconut breeding.

News Story: Aquatic plants to remove toxic chemicals from wetlands

Lead is considered a major toxic metal that runs off from urban areas to wetlands in Sri Lanka. Researchers at University of Kelaniya found that rooted aquatic plants such as Habarala species can be used to remove these toxic chemicals as these plants have ability to absorb and store those chemicals.

These findings, which were based on a study conducted at Iriyawetiya freshwater wetland situated in the vicinity of Kiribathgoda urban area, will be presented at International Forestry and Environment Symposium at 30th November by K.G.S. Nirbadha, Dr.M.D. Amarasinghe and Dr.J.A. Liyanage.

Abstract review in progress, started posting status of acceptance

Abstract review process is in progress. We have already started posting messages on the acceptance of some of your abstracts. We hope to send the status of other abstracts within next few days, as and when we get the comments from the referees.