Final Randoli Perahera

The final Randoli Perahera of the historic Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa paraded the streets last night. The picture shows the Tusker Wasana, of the Kataragama Devalaya carrying the sacred relics casket. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe and L.B. Senarathne.

New accident ward for Vavuniya Hospital

The inauguration of the accident ward and laying of the foundation stone for the renal treatment unit of the Vavuniya General Hospital was held with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Health Minister Rajitha Senaratne today. Deputy Ambassador of Netherland Mrs. Eva van Woersem also attended the event.

Last day of Randoli Perahara

Tonight is the last night of the Kandy Randoli Perahera and pictures show the preparation of elephants for the final night. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe and L.B Senarathna

Dananjaya grabs five as NZ slip to 179-5

Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya claimed five wickets to put New Zealand (NZ) on the back foot despite Ross Taylor’s unbeaten half-century in the first Test in Galle today.

Nikini Full Moon Poya Day

Devotees are seen engaging in religious observances at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya on Nikini full moon Poya day which falls today.

Pakistan’s 73rd Independence Day

The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka celebrated Pakistan’s 73rd Independence Day.

SLC unveils new Test jerseys

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has unveiled new Test jerseys complete with squad numbers ahead of their two-match Test series against New Zealand.

Presidential hopefuls & employment hopefuls

The Combined Association of Unemployed Graduates (CAUG) today organised a protest march from Colombo Fort to the premises of the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs at Bristol Street urging the government to provide them with employment opportunities. One of the placards of the protesters said, “You are presidential hopefuls, we are employment hopefuls.” Pix by Nisal Baduge

Third Randoli Perahera paraded the streets

The third Randoli Perahera of the historic Esala Maha Perehera of the Sri Dalada Maligawa paraded the streets tonight. The procession set off from the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious time of 7.10 pm. Pix by Chamil Rupasinghe

UNP holds rally demanding Sajith’s candidacy

A rally organised by several UNP MPs was held this evening at the Wills Park in Badulla demanding the nomination of Minister Sajith Premadasa as the UNP candidate for the upcoming presidential election. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri Bandara and Prasad Rukmal

A Happy Eid Al Adha

Muslims gather this morning at Galle Face green for Eid-Ul-Azha prayers to celebrate the end of the Hajj. Pic by Samantha Perera

MR, SLPP Leader & Gota, presidential candidate

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed as the SLPP Leader today, revealed that his brother and former defence secretary Gotabaya was the SLPP presidential candidate. Pix by Nisal Baduge

PM distributes compensation to farmers

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a ceremony held to distribute compensation to farmers in Kurunegala District whose crops were destroyed in the recent droughts. Some 6,000 farmers received compensation. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Irrigation, P. Harrison, Minister of Education and UNP General Secretary Akila Viraj Kariawasam and Stater Minister Ashok Abeysinshe also participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Pathir

Dogs on show

The 122nd All Breed Championship Dog Show organised by the Ceylon Kennel Club was held today at the BMICH. Pooches of various breeds including German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, Doberman, Rottweiler and Siberian Husky participated at this event. This year’s judge was Jim Richardson from Scotland. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Rubexpo 2019 at BMICH

An exhibition of rubber ‘Rubexpo 2019’ and manufacturing was launched at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday under the patronage of Plantation Industries Minister Navin Dissanayake and High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The exhibition will be held until August 11.

Stop suppression!

A group of students of the Kelaniya University staged a protest outside the University Grants Commission (UGC) yesterday over several demands including urging the authorities not to fix CCTV cameras at the university premises.

President visits Angkor Wat

President Maithripala Sirisena who is on a state visit to Cambodia paid a visit to the historic and highly venerated Angkor Wat Temple located at the Thailand – Cambodia Border today. The Buddhist temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage site spread on a 170 hectares. The President was accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Chaufea Veang Som Ol. He also toured Bayon Temple at Angkor Wat city. Pix courtesy: President’s Media

ASEAN day 2019

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day 2019, was celebrated at the Indonesian Embassy yesterday with the participation of representatives of the countries belonging to the ASEAN and other distinguished guests. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Yes, I was released...

Former President’s Chief of Staff Gamini Senarath and two others were acquitted and released by the Special Trial-at-Bar High Court over the Litro Gas case today.

Engrossed in conversation

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen in a conversation with former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunge during the event held at the BMICH to express gratitude to the Maha Sanga of the Tri-sects for awarding Speaker Karu Jayasuriya with an honorary title.

Tear gassed...

Police used water cannons and fired teargas to disperse the protesting Higher National Diploma in Accountancy (HNDA) students at the Lotus Road in Colombo

CPC celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) celebrated its 50th Anniversary today. In line with the anniversary, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe unveiled a statute of statesman Dudley Senanayake at the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Ranil at PSC

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe commenced giving evidence before the Parliamentary Select Committee probing on the Easter Sunday Attacks. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

First Kumbal Perahera parades streets

The first Kumbal Perahera of the historic Esala Maha Perehera paraded the streets this evening. The procession set off from the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious time of 7.10 pm. Pix by L.B. Senarathe

In search of water

This large herd of elephants that had come out of the jungle in search of food and water were spotted at the Udawalawa Tank on Sunday. They have come out of the forests during the day time as food and water had become scarce as a result of the drought. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

IUSF protests against privatising free education

The Inter-University Students Federation (IUSF) staged a protest in Colombo today against alleged moves to privatise free education. The protesting students were tear-gassed when they attempted to enter towards the Presidential Secretariat afterwards. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Second Shot...

State Minister of Highways and Road Development, Ranjan Ramanayake, sat for the Advanced Level Examination which began today. The State Minister was seen outside his examination centre at the Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Kotte this morning.

It’s over

Students of Asoka Vidyalaya Colombo 10 were seen rushing out of the examination hall to their parents with smiles, after completing their year-5 scholarship examination

Colourful kites

Kids are seen flying kites at several places in Colombo as August is the kite flying season.

PM’s passion for fruits

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe inspected the passion fruit plantations in Pelawatte and plucked some fruits during his visit. Ministers Vajira Abeywardene, Ranjith Maduuma Bandara and Deputy Speaker Ananda Kumarasiri were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.