Because I've signed up for all kinds of scientific lists, I get about 40
meeting announcements a day, but I thought because of the high interest in
science fiction on this list that I would pass this one along. There may be
some on this list who might actually give serious consideration to attending.

This particular invitation came through our local astronomical society, of
which I'm a member. Richard Jones, to whom the invitation was initially
addressed, is also a member. He forwarded the notice to the remaining
membership.


>                Sri Lankan Skies & Sir Arthur
>                    Conference Secretariat
>                  C/O, Sri Lanka Planetarium
>                  Stanley Wijesundera Mawatha
>                    Colombo 07 - Sri Lanka
>                  _____________________________
>
>
> Dear Mr. Richard Jones
>
> International Planetarium and Astronomy Conference -
> " Sri Lankan Skies & Sir Arthur - 2001 : A space
> Odyssey " to be held in Sri Lanka from 19th - 24th
> March 2001.
>
> We are pleased to inform you that the Sri Lanka
> Planetarium is hosting an International Planetarium
> and Astronomy Conference from March 19-24, 2001 on the
> theme of "Teaching the Universe in the 21st Century"
> with the assistance of the Ministry of Science and
> Technology and the International Planetarium Society.
>
> The Conference will feature a keynote address by Sir
> Arthur C. Clarke CBE, the acclaimed space prophet,
> writer, visionary and the author of the celebrated
> book 2001: A Space Odyssey.  Sir Arthur bestowed a
> singular honour on Sri Lanka by becoming one of its
> distinguished citizens.
>
> The Conference has multiple objectives aimed at the
> international and local participants. The most
> important objectives are the following:
>
> (a) Evaluate the accomplishments made thus far
>         and formulate and innovate modern methods
>         and approaches to astronomy education,
>         especially for the developing countries,
>         and identify ways to work together to
>         implement them.
>
> (b) Provide an opportunity for the members of
>         the International Planetarium Society and
>         other astronomy educators who will be
>         participants at the Conference to
>         understand the conditions and level of
>         astronomical education in developing
>         countries.
>
> (c) Create an environment for the astronomy
>         educators from the world over to work in
>         tandem with teachers and students of Sri
>         Lanka, which is classified as a developing
>         country, and to explore what practical ways
>         and means are available to promote the
>         objectives of furthering astronomical
>         education in developing countries.
>
> (d) Although astronomy is a subject widely
>         spoken of in the developed world, the
>         general population of Sri Lanka has very
>         limited knowledge of astronomy. The
>         conference and connected publicity will
>         help in creating an interest in astronomy
>         in Sri Lanka.
>
> (e) The Conference event will provide a grand
>         opportunity to learn and also reciprocate
>         knowledge amongst fellow astronomy educators
>         from different countries.
>
> The conference will open with two days in Colombo.
> These days will include the keynote address, paper
> sessions and panel discussions, and planetarium shows
> and lessons.  The conference will then move to the
> scenic interior of Sri Lanka.  We will go to local
> schools, visit historic and cultural sites, observe
> the night sky near the equator, enjoy breathtaking
> scenery, and have plenty of time to continue informal
> discussions of the conference theme as we travel
> together.
>
> The inclusive registration fee of US $540 for Package
> 1, and US $ 450 for package 2, covers all expenses in
> Sri Lanka, including accommodation, meals, travel, and
> conference costs.
>
> In addition, Sri Lankan Airlines has agreed to offer a
> 10% rebate on the individual Economy Class Market
> Practice Fare for overseas delegates traveling from
> all Sri Lankan Air Lines on-line points except South
> India.
>
> A large number of planetarians and other professionals
> interested in the field of astronomy are expected to
> attend the conference.
>
> I write this letter to invite you to participate at
> this unique conference to gain maximum exposure for
> your Astronomical Society and to share your experience
> amongst the fellow astronomers.
>
> We would appreciate very much if you could kindly pass
> this message amongst your members. For further
> information, you could visit our conference web site.
>
> www.slnews.net/slplanet  or  www.slplanet.lgo.lk
>
> Should you have any further clarifications, please do
> not hesitate to contact me on the following email
> addresses.
>
> [log in to unmask]
> [log in to unmask]
>
> Sir Arthur & I look forward to welcome you in
> Sri Lanka !
>
>
> Thanking you
> Yours faithfully
>
>
> T C Samaranayake
> Director, Sri Lanka Planetarium
>
>
> KD

Wirt Atmar