Returnees from Cyprus demand Social Benefit allowance

The Ethera Api Organisaion staged a protest at the Agitation Site near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo yesterday demanding the authorities to pay the Social Benefit Fund allowances due to the Sri Lankan workers returned from Cyprus. According to the protesters, a monthly fee is being charged by the Cyprus authorities from all expatriate workers to the Social Benefit Fund. They said the workers from other countries in Cyprus have been giv

Inspecting largest pharmaceutical facility in SL

Morison PLC declared open their new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and research & development facility under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa today. This is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing and research facility in Sri Lanka.

Justice for TFC depositors

An organisation by the name People’s Forum to Protect Financial Stability in Sri Lanka staged a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat today demanding justice for the depositors of The Finance Company (TFC) PLC.

Children’s Day at Ayurveda Teaching Hospital

World Children’s Day was celebrated at the Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella yesterday. Various programmes and events were organised by the staff for the children who are receiving treatments at the hospital. Ayurveda Teaching Hospital Commissioner K.D.C.S. Kumaratunga, Director Supipi Sangamitta and Chief Medical Officer Danapala Hettiarachchi attended the event. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Tennyson Cooray bids adieu

Veteran actor and comedian Tennyson Cooray’s funeral was held at Methodist Church’s cemetery in Moratuwa this evening with the participation of family members and a large crowd of movie fans as well as fellow artistes. Pix by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka

Joy!

A number of children visited the Viharamaha Devi Park on Poya Day today to celebrate the World Children’s Day. A child in a wheelchair is also seen enjoying a playground equipment, with some help, at the park. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Hope for Children!

Children receiving treatment at the Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama are seen taking part in various entertainment programmes organised at the hospital to coincide with World Children’s Day, today. The event was jointly organised by the Sri Lanka Navy and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Children’s Day at Zoo

A large number of children visited the Zoological Garden, Dehiwala today in celebration of the World’s Children’s Day. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Learning Studio celebrates Children’s Day

The Modern Learning Studio, Sri Lanka’s 1st student centered learning provider, celebrated the World’s Children’s Day today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Seeking blessings on Vap Poya Day…

Devotees at the Kelani Viharaya are seen taking part in religious observances today to mark the Adi Vap Full Moon Poya Day. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Leaving us in tears...

The last respect was paid to popular comedian Tennyson Cooray, who passed away on Monday (28). The body is lying at his residence in Willorawatta, Moratuwa. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa fellow actors including Bandu Samarasinghe also paid their respects to the body.

‘Dictatorship within Democracy’ launched

‘Prajathanthrawadaye Ekadhipathiya’ (Dictatorship within Democracy), a book authored by Pradeep Jayawardane, grandson of the first Executive President, was launched at the BMICH on Tuesday. Another book titled ‘Elina Jayewardene’ which was authored by Sagarika Dissanayake was also launched at the event. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former president Maithripala Sirisena were present at the book launch. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Cloudy...

With the bouts of rain this morning low flying clouds were seen shrouding the Colombo sky line including the Lotus Tower. Pix by Kithsiride Mel

Civil Movements and Trade Unions Collective pledges to defeat 20A

The Civil Movements and Trade Unions Collective made a pledge near the statue of Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera in Kotte yesterday to defeat the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution. Former MP Saman Ratnapriya, Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne and several others were also present. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

20th Anniversary of Sri Lanka Scout Association

The 20th Anniversary and the Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Queens & Presidents Scout Guild was held at the auditorium of Sri Lanka Scout Association headed by Defence Secretary Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Joint Development Officers protest

The Joint Development Officer’s Centre staged a protest outside the Ministry of Public Administration over several demands today. They urged the authorities not to reduce the number of maternity leave as well. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

New principal of Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya assumes duties

Sureka Siriwardane assumed duties as the new Principal to the Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda today. Teachers and the school development committee members participated in the event. Ms. Siriwardane was the former principal of the CMS Girls’ College, Sri Jayewardanepura Kotte. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Teacher Development Workshop

Teacher Development Workshop was held today at Sri Sangamiththa Balika Maha Vidyalaya. DIG Ajith Rohana addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Enforce ban on cattle slaughter

The Collective against the cattle slaughter launched a march from Galle Face to Lake House Roundabout yesterday urging the President to enforce the ban on cattle slaughter.

All geared up to rescue

A platoon of 69 fire-fighters, who have successfully completed their diploma at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Wellawatte, took part in a special passing out parade that marched along the Galle Road to Colombo Municipal Council premises yesterday. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

’The Kahata’ national exhibition

’The Kahata’ national exhibition portraying the livelihood of plantation workers and their hardships, was held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. The exhibition, which was launched yesterday (26) concluded today (27). This was organized in collaboration with several organizations including Centre for Policy Alternatives, Uva Shakthi Foundation and Strengthening Reconciliation Processes in Sri Lanka.

MR-Modi hold Virtual Bilateral Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa held the first-ever India-Sri Lanka Virtual Bilateral Summit on Saturday.

SWRD commemorated

The 61st death anniversary of late Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike was commemorated at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Head Quarters at T. B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo today. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, and other members of the SLFP paid floral respect to the late premier.

Another leopard tragedy

Three persons who were transporting a head and different body parts of a leopard for sale were arrested by the Ududumbara Police today. The body parts were being transported in a three-wheeler and the persons were arrested in Kalalgamuwa.

Naval exercise by Japanese and SL Navies

A naval exercise was conducted by the two ships “JS Kaga” and “JS Ikazuchi” of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with SLNS “Gajabhahu”, Fast Attack Craft and Inshore Patrol Craft of the Sri Lanka Navy, in western seas. Pix by SL Navy

Stop killing Mother Nature

A protest was staged today in front of the Central Environmental Authority by the “Jeewaya Surakimu” Environmental Collective imploring the authorities to stop killing Mother Nature.

Handicrafts at Diyatha Uyana

‘Shilpa Thursday,’ a market for handicrafts organised by the National Crafts Council was held at Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla to provide a platform for handicraft artisans specialising in cane, brass, clay and other fields. The market will be held on each Thursday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lanka’s first ever electric bicycle ‘Rhoda’ launched

Sri Lanka’s first ever homegrown electric bicycle made its debut last evening with local startup ‘Rhoda’ unveiling the first of the 50 ‘founder’s edition’ in Colombo.

Sri Lanka@100 to boost economic prosperity

Sri Lanka@100, a private sector-led initiative funded by the USAID and administered by Stax, was launched at the Galle Face Hotel on Thursday. US Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz and State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya attended the event which focused on the growth of mid-market enterprises. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Blood donation camp in memory of late PMs

A blood donation campaign was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today under the patronage of the BMICH Director General Sunil Dissanayake. The event was held in memory of late Prime Ministers S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike and former Speaker of the parliament late Anura Bandaranaike.