Sri Lanka celebrates 76th Independence Day

The official ceremony to mark the 76th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka got off the ground at the Galle Face Green this morning Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as the guest of honour. The event saw the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, visiting foreign dignitaries, diplomats, military personnel, religious leaders.

Open visit to prisons

On the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, an open visit to the inmates will be conducted in all prisons on the island today, following the prison rules and health and safety procedures. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Prisoners released

A total of 754 prisoners, including 25 female inmates, were released from prisons island-wide today under a Presidential amnesty to commemorate the 76th Independence Day. The release was executed in accordance with the powers vested in the President under Article 34 of the Constitution. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Floral tributes offered to late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake

Late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake was honored with floral tributes at his statue in Independence Square, Colombo today to mark the 76th Independence Day. Minister Susil Premjayantha, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Senior Advisor to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, Colombo Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardena, and Former Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara paid their respects at the late Premier’s statue.

Keheliya remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday over the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has been remanded until February 15. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Thai PM in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin arrived in the island this afternoon, accompanied by a delegation. He is to participate in Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day ceremony tomorrow (04) as the guest of honour. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rivalries aside...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, once political adversaries, share a moment at the inauguration of the Matara Festival of the Arts (MFA) today (02). This groundbreaking event showcases contemporary art and music from Sri Lanka and beyond, taking place at the historic Matara Fort till February 4.

Independence rehearsal Day 4

Sri Lankan military personnel take part in the fourth day of rehearsals for the Independence Day parade in Colombo. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Colombo hosts Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition

Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition is being held at BMICH until February 5. The Exhibition features leading Pakistani companies and manufacturers of Textile and Clothing, Designer wear, Handicraft and Traditional Textiles, Cutlery, Furniture, Carpets, Marble and Services. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Afghanistan prepares in Colombo ahead of Test match tomorrow

The Afghanistan cricket team was spotted practicing at the SSC ground in Colombo ahead of the Test match scheduled to commence tomorrow. Both the Sri Lankan and Afghan captains participated in the pre-match press conference at the SSC. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Attanayake conferred with honourary title...

SJB MP Tissa Attanayake, who was the founder of the concept ’’Sadaham Yathra’’, was conferred with the honourary title ’’Deshakeerthi Sri Shasanabhimani’’ by the Mahanayake Thera of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya Most Venerable Makulewe Wimalaabhidana Thera for his contribution to make religious harmony a reality by unifying the Hindu, Islam and Catholic religious institutions. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Health workers protest...

At least 72 trade unions within the health sector engaged in their planned island-wide strike today, demanding a solution to a long-standing dispute over the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. The trade union action commenced at 6:30 a.m. today. However, tri-forces personnel have been mobilized to support hospital operations amid the island-wide strike. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest against president's visit to Kelaniya University

President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Kelaniya University to declare open the new building on the premises of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the university this morning. The students of Kelaniya University staged a protest blocking the Colombo-Kandy Road against the president’s visit to the university. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Checking on injured paratroopers’ conditions...

Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva visited the National Hospital and the Army Hospital to assess the condition of the paratroopers who were injured when their parachutes failed to open properly during the Independence Day rehearsals held at Galle Face Green this morning.

SJB protest tear-gassed...

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse Samagi Jana Bala Wegaya (SJB) protestors near the public library in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana

Demanding allowances...

All health workers, including nurses and Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) attached to the government service, held a protest march from the National Hospital Colombo to the Health Ministry, demanding that the government fulfill economic justice and provide accommodation to all health workers. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Mid-air mishap

Sri Lankan Military personnel take part in a rehearsal for the Independence Day parade in Colombo today and during the rehearsal, four paratroopers were injured when their parachutes became entangled and failed to open in mid-air. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Resolve state workers' salary anomalies

The Government Alliance Executive Committee today held a protest in front of the Public Administration and Management Ministry, demanding the government to resolve the state workers’ salary anomalies and remove the administration mafia of the state service. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Local, foreign government representatives meet

The Second Diplomatic Buddhist Convention of the Sri Lankan Bhikkhu Association in Europe today held a meeting of local and foreign government representatives at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The event was sponsored and hosted by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Abolish 'Parate Law'

A small-scale entrepreneurs’ protest was held today in the Maharagama town, demanding the government to abolish the ’Parate Law’ that leads to the auction of public property and also to reduce the electricity bills. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Final rites for late Sanath Nishantha at Rajakadalu

The remains of State Minister of Water Supply, Sanath Nishantha, who died in a car accident on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, was cremated today (28) at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rajakadalu. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

Galle Face gearing up for 76th Independence Day

Preparations for the 76th Independence Day celebration on February 4 are underway with the construction of structures at Galle Face. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ahead of Independence Day…

Vendors in Colombo selling national flags ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Paying last respects

Several Ministers and MPs including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa paying their last respects to State Minister Sanath Nishantha while his remains lie in state at a private funeral parlour in Borella. The remains will be taken to Arachchikattuwa today for the last rites to be held on Sunday. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Kedella Expo opens at BMICH

Once again this year, the Kedella exhibition and trade fair kicked off at Colombo BMICH, providing an excellent opportunity to shop for thousands of essential items for homes. The event, taking place from the 26th to the 28th of December, was officially inaugurated by Sanjaya Perera, Senior Vice President- Personal Banking and Customer Experience. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

75th Republic Day of India celebrated in Colombo

The Indian High Commission of Sri Lanka celebrated the 75th Republic Day at the India House today (26). The Indian High Commissioner Mr. Santosh Jha unfurled the Indian flag to mark the event. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Ministers, MPs visit Ragama Hospital

Several Ministers and MPs visit the Ragama Hospital, where State Minister Sanath Nishantha was admitted after the fatal accident this morning (25). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Devotees seek blessings at Gangarama

Devotees visiting the Gangaramaya Temple in view of the Duruthu Poya day today to engage in religious rituals and receive blessings. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sanath Nishantha killed in car accident

State Minister Sanath Nishantha and the police constable, who was his security officer, died in an accident on the Katunayake Expressway near Kandana early this morning.

Annual Duruthu Perahara...

Traditional dancers were seen performing during the Duruthu Perahera festival in Kelaniya, which was held last night. The event named ’’Duruthu Perahara’’ is celebrated annually in January with the participation of elephants, dancers, drummers, and musicians. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana