New British envoy visits Gangaramaya Temple

Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick visited the Gangaramaya Temple today to invoke blessings on his new appointment. During the visit, Deputy Incumbent of the temple Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera presented the High Commissioner with the book “Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon’’ published by the Gangaramaya Temple. Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Resolve pending requests...

The Joint Health Workers’ Union (JHWU) today staged a protest in front of Colombo National Hospital (CNH) demanding government resolve their pending trade union requests including allowances. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Against steep salary hikes of Central Bank

A silent protest was held in front of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) over the steep salary hikes given to its employees. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Highlights from 2024 IORA Day...

The 2024 Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Day was held yesterday at the Galle Face, grounds with the participation of diplomatic missions of member countries, partner states and a large number of school students from all provinces of the island. The theme for 2024 IORA Day is ’A Sustainable Indian Ocean for the Future Generation’. The commemoration was held under the chairmanship of President Wickremesinghe. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

UNP holds first public rally in Kuliyapitiya

The first public rally of the United National Party (UNP) was held in Kuliyapitiya with the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Getting busy with Ramazan

As Ramazan, the month of fasting, will start this week, several Muslims were seen in Petta getting busy with their shopping. While buying of clothes is usually done towards the festival of Eid, people were seen getting a head-start, probably since economic conditions have improved from what it was over the last couple of years - Pix by Nisal Baduge

KC's overseas education fair - 2024

The KC’s Overseas Education Fair, held today from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm at The Galadari Hotel, Colombo, provided a platform for exploring international education options. Representatives from over 50 universities across 9 countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Dubai and Singapore, were present, offering a diverse array of opportunities. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

State Minister of Defence graces Air Tattoo in Jaffna

The fourth day of the ’Air Tattoo 2024’ educational and technological exhibition held at the Muttraweli Ground in Jaffna today. State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the Commander of the Air Force, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Celebrating Maha Shivaratri...

Hindu devotees are seen engaged in religious observances at a Hindu temple in Colombo, today to mark Maha Shivaratri. Maha Shivarathri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva and in particular signifies the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

47 Thais temporarily ordained

A total of 47 laymen from Thailand were temporarily ordained at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today (08). Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

UNP Women’s day celebration...

A ceremony organized by the UNP women’s wing ’Lak Wanitha Peramuna’ to mark International Women’s Day was held at a hotel in Kotte. Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and Lak Vanitha Peramuna President Shanthini Kongahage were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Femina Women’s Expo 2024 at BMICH

Femina Women’s Expo 2024, Sri Lanka’s largest women’s exhibition was launched today at the BMICH Colombo. It will be held till Sunday (10). This unique event is dedicated to honouring and celebrating Sri Lanka’s women and coincides with International Women’s Day 2024, which is marked worldwide on March 8. The Chief of Police in charge of the Child and Women Abuse Prevention Division, DIG Renuka Jayasundara participated in the event.

Women's Day programme at Nalanda College

A ceremony was held today at Nalanda College in view of International Women’s Day by the Community Police Unit in Colombo. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Deshabandu Tennakoon participated at the event. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

'Press vs Prez' book launched...

The ’’Press Vs. Prez’’ book was officially launched at the Nelum Pokuna Theater in Colombo today (07) under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Remembering Charles Henry de Soysa

The celebration honouring the enduring legacy of Charles Henry de Soysa, the esteemed founder of the De Soysa Hospital for Women, Lunawa Hospital and Prince and Princess of Wales’ Colleges, took place on Sunday in commemoration of his 188th birth anniversary. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Commander inspires schoolgirl’s aviation dream at ’’Air Tattoo’’

The ’’Air Tattoo - 2024’’ educational and technical exhibition, held in conjunction with the 73rd anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force, was inaugurated yesterday at the Muttraweli Ground in Jaffna. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force presenting a symbolic aircraft souvenir to a schoolgirl, inspiring her dream of becoming an aviator.

University Students' Union protest

The Inter University Students’ Union held a protest marching from Borella where police fired water cannons at them. The students then entered the premises of the National Hospital Colombo and continued their picketing. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Imthiaz's 'Mage Kathawa' launched...

The autobiography ’Mage Kathawa’ of SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar was launched at the Ananda College auditorium today (05). The event saw the participation of a plethora of dignitaries including Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, former President Chandrika Kumaratunge, Ministers, MPs, academics, and other distinguished guests. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

No-faith motion against Speaker handed over…

The no-confidence motion on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was handed over to Deputy Secretary General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne today.

President attends ‘Battle of the Maroons’ encounter

President Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the 94th ’Battle of the Maroons’ cricket clash between Ananda and Nalanda Colleges, iconic Buddhist boys’ schools in Sri Lanka, at the SSC ground in Colombo today (03).Ananda College Principal Lal Dissanayake is also in the picture. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President meets Dawoodi Bohra Leader

President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed His Holiness Dr. Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin Saheb, Spiritual Leader of the Dawoodi Bohra Community, at the official residence of President this afternoon (03).

President joins ’’Battle of the Maroons’’

President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended the 94th historic ’’Battle of the Maroons’’ cricket encounter between Ananda and Nalanda Colleges held today at the SSC ground in Colombo. Pererannual cricket encounter commemorates the esteemed ’’Late Dr. N.M. Perera Memorial Challenge Championship Trophy,’’ with today marking the culmination of this year’s two day encounter.

Sri Lanka Army clinches gold in Pakistan

The Sri Lanka Army team has secured the prestigious gold medal at the 7th Pakistan Army Team Spirit Competition - 2024.

Biggest healthcare exhibition at BMICH

Sri Lanka’s biggest healthcare exhibition, the National Healthcare Exhibition was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and will continue till Sunday (3). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Deshabandu seeks blessings at Gangarama

Newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon visited the Gangaramaya Temple this afternoon and met Deputy Incumbent Ven. (Dr) Kirinde Assaji Nayake Thero and received religious blessings on his new appointment. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Demanding salary increase for entire university system

The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry today over several demands which include a call on the authorities to solve the salary anomalies, to increase their Monthly Compensation Allowance (MCA) and to grant a salary increase to the entire university system. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumes duties as IGP

Deshabandu Tennakoon assumed duties as the new Inspector General of Police (IGP) this morning at the police headquarters. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protect universities...

The University Trade Union Joint Committee (UTUJC) staged a protest in front of the Visual and Performing Arts University today, demanding that the authorities solve their salary anomalies and take immediate action to enroll new lecturers to continue with the students’ academic activities. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Against Harin's statement, ETCA...

While condemning Minister Harin Fernando’s treasonous and unconstitutional statement, a public protest against the ETCA agreement was held in front of the Indian High Commission, Colombo today.  The protest was over the statement on selling national resources, economic and security assets for India’s geopolitical interests, which makes the national economy a victim of India. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Philatelic Exhibition at Public Library

An exhibition of vintage stamps and coins was held over the weekend at the Public Library in Colombo. Several stamps and other vintage articles were also exhibited and sold at this exhibition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja