OTDYKH leisure 2024 marks 30th anniversary

The 30th anniversary International Forum and Exhibition OTDYKH Leisure 2024 concluded on September 19 at the Expocentre Fairgrounds, attracting over 9,000 industry professionals, including representatives from Russian regions, foreign delegations, tour operators, hotels, and various tourism-related sectors. The event was a resounding success, fostering collaboration and innovation across the global travel industry.

Children spotted at Colombo International Book Fair

More children were seen buying books at the Colombo International Book Fair, which was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Pix by Nisal Baduge

Petition to reverse subsidy suspension

A group of farmers and several organizations filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider its decision to suspend fertilizer and fuel subsidies until the conclusion of the general election. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

World Children's Day celebrated

Several activities and celebtarions were held for children at the the Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) to mark World Children’s Day. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stamps exhibition...

An exhibition and fair featuring stamps, old coins, currency notes, and first day covers was organized by the Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association at the Colombo Public Library. Pix By Kithsiri De Mel

Mabole Malays celebrate Meelad-un-Nabi

MMA President T. Putra (Perry) Dane and Secretary Percy Assan handover the cash and fabric donations to the Maulawi of the Duwa Madrasa Mosque in Mahabage.

Water released in Polgolla

The water from the Polgolla diversion dam in Kandy was released this morning to facilitate essential maintenance work. Technicians were observed inspecting the spill gates. As a result of the water release, the water supply to several areas in Kandy was suspended for 65 hours starting at 1 a.m. today.

President visits ’’Colombo International Book Fair’’

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the ’’Colombo International Book Fair’’ today at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Reopened...

Motorists are seen using Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha near the President’s House, which were reopened to the public after years of closure.

Stop state violence against Bangladeshi minorities

The CHT Buddhist Monk Association Sri Lankan Branch staged a protest today in front of the United Nations (UN) head office in Colombo urging to stop state violence against minorities in the Chittagoon hill tracts in Bangladesh. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Colombo International Book Fair launched

The Colombo International Book Fair was launched today (September 27) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The exhibition will continue till October 6. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Tourists arrival increased

Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows a rise in tourist arrivals, with 70,678 visitors recorded in the first 17 days of September. This brings the total number of arrivals for the year to 1.43 million. Today marks the celebration of World Tourism Day (WTD), observed annually on 27 September. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Please let me win...

People in joy...

People gathered in celebration in front of the Presidential Secretariat at Galle Face as Anura Kumara Dissanayaka arrived to take oaths as the ninth Executive President of Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Sri Lankans celebrates Election victory...

People across Sri Lanka cheered, waved flags, and lit fireworks to celebrate the new president’s victory.

Ninth executive president sworn in

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago.

9th Executive President

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was named Sri Lanka’s ninth Executive President yesterday after defeating Sajith Premadasa by 1.2 million votes in the country’s first-ever Presidential run-off. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Anura Kumara to attend ceremony at EC

President-elect Anura Kumara leaves his party office to attend the ceremony at the Election Commission where he was declared winner at the Presidential Election 2024. Pix by Nisal Baduge

People return to roads

People were seen returning to the roads after the police curfew was lifted. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Colombo deserted...

Roads in Colombo and its suburbs were deserted due to the curfew imposed during the election period. Initially enforced from 6 p.m. yesterday, the curfew was later extended till noon today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Ballot boxes brought to counting centres

Lending hand to vote

A differently abled elderly lady arrives on a wheel chair to cast her vote at the Presidential election 2024 in Gampaha Sri Lanka today. More than 17 million people are electing a new President of Sri Lanka today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fate is sealed!

The presidential candidates cast their votes this morning in the 2024 presidential election.

Monitoring polling centres...

The Commonwealth Election Monitoring team visited polling centres in Colombo to observe the progress of the ongoing election. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Heading home for voting

Colombo Central Bus Stand seen crowded with people heading home in the outstations in view of the presidential poll. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Ballot boxes ready for tomorrow's poll

Ballot boxes on way to polling stations

Ballot boxes for tomorrow’s Presidential election being transported to polling stations from D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Procedure to vote

Floods wreak havoc in Italy

Torrential rains have triggered severe floods across northern Italy, particularly in the Emilia-Romagna region. Rivers have overflowed, forcing the evacuation of over 1,000 residents in provinces like Ravenna and Bologna.

Protest over the disappeared...

Families of 11 missing persons, including five youths, held a silent protest in front of the Aluthkade courts complex in Colombo to mark 16 years since their loved ones were allegedly abducted by a Sri Lanka Navy team on 17 September 2008. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel