Mobile vaccination drive in progress

Health workers engaged in a mobile vaccination drive, administers jab to a resident at Bloemendhal, Colombo yesterday July 30 2021.Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ruwan at Badulla

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and other party members participated in a meeting in Passara, Badulla and discussed on reorganizing the party. He also met with UNP local government members..Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Calling for redress...

’Leasing and loan payers joint association’ staged a protest at the Demonstration Site near the Presidential Secretariat in Fort calling for redress as they have been affected by the COVID 19 pandemic. Pix by Pradeep Dilrusksana

Heroin worth million

A media breifing held today at the Police Narcotics Bureau over the detection of 45kg of heroin worth Rs.450 million during a raid in Bandaragama. The picture shows the seized heroin stock in police custody.

Meeting between Head of Economic Sector, Minister

A meeting between Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge and the US Embassy’s Economic Affairs Head, Susan F. Walke held at the Ministry today. Issues relating to passenger and freight sectors were discussed at this meeting.

Against KNDU Bill...

The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) staged a protest in Kiribathgoda today against the proposed Kotelawala National Defense University (KNDU) Bill. Some protesters are pictured here with placards. Pix by Pradeep Dilrusksana

Kelaniya University students in protest…

The Students’ Union of the Kelaniya University today staged a protest opposite the administration office of the university against the hunting and suppression of university students. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

A rare capture by a little boy

These images of a full ’solar halo’ were captured by young T.K Yanula Buddika Sathnidu, a Grade 3 student from St. Thomas’ College Matara today morning. A full solar halo is a rare sight. Sun halos are generally considered rare and are formed by hexagonal ice crystals refracting light in the sky — 22 degrees from the sun. This is also commonly called a 22 degree halo.

Before crossing provincial border…

Security officers were seen checking passes of those who are crossing the interprovincial border at the Bentota River Bridge.

PCR tests continue...

People in Slave Island area are seen subjected to PCR tests today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Stop militarization of education…

The Federation of University Teachers Association staged a protest in Colombo today against the proposed Kotelawala Act. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

MS at SLFP Trade Union Bureau launch

Former President and SLFP leader Maithripala Sirisena, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, Environment Minister Mahinda Mraweera, State Ministers Duminda Dissanayaka, Lasantha Alagiyawanna and SLFP trade union leader Anton Marcus are seen at the first inaugural meeting of the newly set up ‘SLFP Trade Union Bureau’. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana.

Protest against KDU Bill

The Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA) staged a protest in Colombo today against the Kotalawala Defence University (KDU) Bill. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Teachers protest...

Teachers-Principals’ trade unions today staged a protest at Hanwella over numerous demands, including salary revision and the abolition of existing ’’salary anomalies’’. Pix by Nisal Baduge

SJB MPs accompany Harin at CID

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several MPs of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) are seen outside the CID along with MP Harin Fernando, who arrived at the CID to record a statement over the Easter Sunday terror attacks. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Diplomats from Middle East & Asia meet Basil

High Commissioners of Pakistan and Bangladesh and Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait met with Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday at the Finance Ministry.

Army continues vaccination drive...

A Soldier of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps is seen administering the first dose of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination drive in Colombo yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest dishonouring health guidelines

Several member groups attached to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) today staged a protest opposite the Fort Railway Station without adhering to health guidelines and not maintaining social distances. They urged the government to meet several demands, including bringing the fuel prices down. The protesters reacted angrily to journalists when asked to wear their masks properly and it was reported that several protesters were intoxicated.

'Ranjan & Api'

A news briefing organised by a group of artists was held in Colombo where a campaign called ’Ranjan & Api’ was launched requesting President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to grant a presidential pardon for imprisoned Ranjan Ramanayake. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Stock of 1.6 mn Sinopharm vaccines stored…

A stock of 1.6 million doses of Sinopharm, which arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning was stored at the Central Vaccine Store.

Hotel workers in protest...

Hotel Workers’ Centre staged a protest in Colombo yesterday insisting the authorities to provide them with a compensation payment of Rs. 15,000 and to vaccinate all hotel workers. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Colombo roads underwater

Several roads in Colombo were flooded because of the heavy rains that lashed several parts of the country this morning. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel and Pradeep Dilrukshana

Giving priority to health practices....

The operations at the Public Library in Colombo resumed in compliance with health guidelines and practices. The Library had remained closed due to the COVID-19 situation in the country. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Maiden media briefing of ’True Patriots’

The first press briefing of initiative called ’True Patriots’ launched by Former Minister Mangala Samaraweera, who has stepped down from parliamentary politics, was held today (25) at the ’Freedom Hub’ in Colombo. The project will seek to empower the youth of this country with the aim of creating a radical centrist movement towards nation building. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Vaccination drive in full swing

The vaccination drive against COVID-19 is underway in the Western Province and several other districts. Pictures show the vaccination center operated by the Army at Vihara Maha Devi Park. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

First-ever ’’National Sandalwood Garden’’ inaugurated

The country’s first-ever ’’National Sandalwood Garden’’, grown and designed in Sri Jayewardenepura, Battaramulla, was vested with the public recently under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. Sandalwood trees have high medicinal value and provide the perfect place for people to relax with their families and friends. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Vaccination drive continues

People were seen getting vaccinated with Chinese Sinopharm against COVID-19 in Colombo today.Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Esala Poya day...

Devotees are seen engaging in religious activities at the Bellanwila temple to mark the Esala Poya day today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Seeking blessings on Esala Poya day

Devotees are seen engaging in religious activities this morning at the Kelaniya Temple to mark the Esala Poya day, which falls today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stand against child labour!

Socialist Youth Union and Women for Rights staged a protest outside the National Child Protection Authority yesterday demanding justice for the minor girl who died with burn injuries while working as a domestic helper at Rishard Bathiudeen’s house. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel