Before final procession...

An elephant bathing at the pond in front of the historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya before the beginning of the final procession. A procession known as “the Duruthu Perahera” is held on the pre-full moon poya day of the month of Duruthu (January) every year at the historic Kelaniya temple. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Alms giving ceremony for 70 bhikkhunis

An alms giving ceremony was held today at the Buddhist Ladies College, Colombo premises for 70 Bhikkhunis. The ceremony was held in line with the 70th commomoration of the school. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Army Commander joins paratrooper jump

Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage participated in paratrooper jump over the Uhana Air Force Base drop zone with a group of airborne soldiers.

Withdraw online safety bill...

Several civil organisations staged a protest today at the Polduwa junction against the online safety bill, which is paving the way for a presidential frenzy. The protestors demanded the government to withdraw the bill immediately. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Repeal Online Safety Bill…

A group of individuals staged a protest in Colombo today urging the authorities to repeal the Online Safety Bill, which is being debated in Parliament. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Against legalising prostitution under NPP government

A protest was held in front of the head office of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Pelawatta against the statement by National People’s Power (NPP) executive member Samanmalee Gunasinghe over legalising prostitution under their government. Protest was staged by New Peoples Front. Pix courtesy social media

Demanding permanent solution to human-elephant conflict

The environmentalist association collective organized a protest in Colombo, advocating for a lasting resolution to the enduring human-elephant conflict, which they assert has persisted for three decades. They highlighted the inability of successive governments in the country to address the issue. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana.

Ayurvedic practitioners also demand DAT...

The Government Ayurvedic Practitioners’ Trade Unions Collective staged a protest calling on the authorities to fill vacancies in the indigenous medicine sector and to provide them also with the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance like that given to the western medical practitioners. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Indoor Rowing Championships 2024

The National Indoor Rowing Championships 2024 organized by the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka was held in Battaramulla. Personnel from the tri-forces also participated in the event. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Prefects' investiture ceremony

The Prefects’ investiture ceremony of the Siri Shasanodayaramaya Viharaya was held recently with the patronage of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Dangahawala Upananda Thera. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Rein of fire

Horses have once again been made to leap and hurtle through fire by human beings as part of an annual religious festival in the name of Spain’s patron saint of animals. (Daily Mail)

SLOA launches College of Optometry

The Sri Lanka Optometric Association (SLOA) inaugurated a new division, the College of Optometry and Vision Science today. President of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka Dr Amila de Alvis graced the occasion as the chief guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Heartwarming visit to care home residents

Delighted care home residents were treated to an unforgettable meet-and-greet - when two penguins waddled through the door. Pensioners took turns to give Humboldt penguins, Widget and Pringle, a hug or even a pamper in the sink under the tap. The unexpected visitors at Brendoncare St Giles View, in Winchester, took it all in stride. They even used the lift to move between meeting members of the team, residents and their relatives.

Protest against Micro-Finance Bill...

A group staged a protest outside the Fort railway station against the proposed Sri Lanka Micro-Finance and Loan Regulation Authority Bill. They called on the government to withdraw the proposed Bill. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Buying expensive veggies...

People were seen purchasing vegetables at Bodhiraja Mawatha in Colombo Fort today despite exorbitant prices. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Jaffna Kite Festival...

A kite festival was organized yesterday on the occasion of Thaipongal day at the Vigneswara Grounds in Valvettithurai, Jaffna. This kite festival is held at the same time as Thaipongal day every year. Thousands of people had come to watch the kite festival. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Arrest Keheliya...

A protest organized by civil organizations calling for the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was held in Colombo today. The protesters marched in procession towards the Health Ministry where they held a protest demonstration. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Tri-forces in action amid health worker strike

Tri-forces personnel were seen on duty despite the countrywide health workers protests today. A protest was launched by the All Ceylon Nursers’ Union (ACNU) to defend the government’s actions taken to divide the health workers. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal...

Hindus turned up in their numbers to engage in religious observances at the Sivam Kovil Kotahena to celebrate Thai Pongal today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal with traditional rituals

The Hindu community in Colombo was observed jubilantly celebrating Thai Pongal, engaging in traditional Pongal-making rituals right in front of shops. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Getting into spirit of Thai Pongal

Hindus turned out in numbers this morning in Pettah to purchase goods in anticipation of tomorrow’s Thai Pongal festival celebration. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Indian High Commissioner visits Gangaramaya

The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha visited the Gangaramaya Temple this morning and enaged in religious observance and invoked blessings. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Invoking blessings war heroes...

Sanghika Dana was organized to invoke blessings for the war heroes and artists who have passed away. President Dr. Kushan Jayaminda Silva, Gampaha District Coordinating Officer Hasitha Kosala, and various members actively participated in this event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Army in action at hospitals...

The Sri Lanka Army have deployed their troops at the government hospitals affected by the islandwide strike of minor staff trade unions in the health sector, to ensure the smooth run of the essential health services in the country.

Princess Anne meets Ranil, Chandrika

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Princess Anne at the President’s House last evening. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was among the invitees at the meeting.

Peaceful protest for a free Palestine...

The Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka staged a peaceful protest at the Independece Square today against attacks on Palestine. A group of people including former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Mustapha also participated in the protest. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Princess Anne arrives in Sri Lanka

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, arrived in Sri Lanka aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight for a two-day official visit, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UK. Pix Waruna Wanniarchchi

Launch of CBSL Annual Policy statement…

The Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Nandalal Weerasinghe launched the Annual Policy statement in Colombo on January 10, 2024. The governor said ‘good faith negotiations’ are in progress with commercial creditors to reach an in-principle agreement as soon as possible. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sajith joins pro-Palestine protest…

A pro-Palestine protest was held at the Independence Square with the participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Ambassador of Palestine Zuhair M.H. Zaid and several opposition MPs. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

'Yukthiya' operation at Rajagiriya

Police checking vehicles at Bandaranayakepura and Obeysekarapura in Rajagiriya as part of operation ’Yukthiya’, an islandwide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi