'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

Arrest Keheliya...

A group staged a peaceful protest in front of the Ministry of Health demanding the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest against TIN

The ’New Wings’ organization held a protest in front of the Fort railway stations in Colombo today against the recent increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 18 percent with the intention of increasing state revenue to more than Rs. 4 trillion by the end 2024 and the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) system introduced by the Government. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest against massacres in Palestine

The ’Free Palestinian Movement of Sri Lanka’ held a silent protest today in front of the South Africa High Commission in Colombo and said the movement will offer its fullest support to the case filed by South Africa against the massacres of Palestinians. A memorandum was handed over to the High Commission, thanking them. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

125th birthday commemoration of SLFP founder

The 125th birthday commemoration of the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and former Prime Minister, late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was held at Galle Face. The Bandaranaike family members and senior SLFP officials participated in the event. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sajith goes before SC...

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the authorities to reduce the electricity costs and tariffs. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Tribute to Lasantha

Family members, media personnel, and politicians paid floral tributes to the late Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga at his grave at thr Borella Kanaththa on his 15th death anniversary today. Lasantha was killed on January 9, 2010. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Gathering information...

The Department of Census and Statistics has launched its latest Population and Housing Census, an important activity that takes place every 10 years. Colombo District Secretary K.G. Wijesiri and Kolonnawa Divisional Secretary Priyanath Perera visiting houses in Kolonnawa and collecting the relevant information. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Rolling out Measles vaccination drive

The Health Ministry today kicked off the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Supplementary Immunization Activity across all immunization clinic centres in nine high-risk health districts. Pictures show the vaccination drive held in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Gem and Jewellery show launched

FACETS Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show 2024 was launched at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, today. It showcases products from several countries, including Sri Lanka. The show comes to a close on Sunday, January 6, 2024. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Selfie time …

Kilmisha Uthayaseelan, winner of the Zee Tamil’s ’’Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’’ Little Champs Season 3 - 2023 reality competition in Tamil Nadu, India, had the opportunity to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe alongside her family members. Hailing from Jaffna, the 14-year-old Kilmisha made history as the first Sri Lankan girl to triumph in an Indian reality competition.

Yukthiya’ operation turns to checking long-distance buses

Under the ’Yukthiya’ operation, police launched an emergency search operation in front of the Nittambuwa police station by stopping all long-distance public transport buses. The search operation is being conducted using police sniffer dogs. All long-distance buses operating on the Kandy-Colombo main road will be checked by the Nittambuwa police. Pix by Pushpakumara Mallawaarachchi

Road named as Banagala Upatissa Mawatha

A road was named today by the name of ’Banagala Upatissa Mawatha’ in view of the commemoration of Ven. Banagala Upatissa Thero. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Mosquito fogging in Colombo

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has taken steps to start fogging vulnerable areas in the Colombo municipality as a precautionary measure to control mosquitoes. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sightseeing Ella...

A large number of tourists visiting Ella expressed satisfaction with the services offered by the authorities. Most tourists used the train service to travel to Ella for sightseeing.

World’s biggest cruise ship prepares for service

The world’s largest cruise ship has made its way to Puerto Rico as it prepares to accept its first paying passengers.

CEB workers’ protest...

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Workers’ Union today staged a protest in front of the CEB headquarters, demanding the government to reduce the electricity tariff and solve the issues faced by CEB employees. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Dry rations distributed…

Dry rations were distributed among low-income earners residing in the Maradana area under the patronage of former UNP Colombo Municipal Councillor Kithsiri Rajapaksa at the Sri Dharmaloka Daya Temple. The initiative was implemented under the instructions of Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of President’s Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Pirith chanting deep in Bogala graphite mine

A pirith chanting was held for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka at a depth of 416 metres at the Bogala Graphite Mine to invoke blessings.

Protest by Rohingya refugees...

Rohingya refugees held a peaceful protest outside the UNHCR, seeking solutions and a permanent settlement. They claimed that due to the closure of the UNHCR office, the Rohingya refugees living in Sri Lanka are unable to get permanent residence in other countries, and they are afraid of losing their basic needs and mental relaxation. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Former President visits Gangaramaya

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family visited the Gangaramaya Temple and obtained blessings for the New Year from Venerable Dr. Kirinide Assaji Thera. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Despite fuel price increase...

People filling their vehicles with fuel at filling stations in Colombo today, despite the price increase. Fuel prices in Sri Lanka were increased in line with the government’s decision to increase the value-added tax (VAT). Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Blessings for the New Year

Devotees are seen at the Gangarama Maha Vihara in Colombo invoking blessings for the New Year. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Shopping for New Year...

People engaged in last moment shopping for their needs to welcome the New Year 2024 tomorrow and to celebrate the first day of the new year despite the economic hardships they are faced with. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

’’Colombo Shopping Carnival 2023’’ at BMICH

The last major trade fair of the year, the ’’Colombo Shopping Carnival 2023’’ commenced at the BMICH today and will continue till December 31. New Year essentials including textiles, gifts, electrical appliances, furniture, footwear and beauty products are available at huge discounts. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

19th Tsunami Commemoration held

The 19th Tsunami Commemoration was held at the Tsunami Memorial at Pereliya in Hikkaduwa, Galle, this morning, with many members of the families of tsunami victims taking part. The commemoration commenced with religious observances. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Seeking blessings on Unduvap Poya Day

Devotees are seen engaged in religious activities at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to mark the Unduvap Poya Day, this morning. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Lowering the national flag

Sri Lanka military personnel lower the national flag at the Galle Face Promenade at sunset. The Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force take turns on the daily hoisting and lowering of the national flag, which has become a special attraction at the Galle Face Promenade. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Enjoying leisure time...

People enjoying leisure time with their family members and friends at the Galle Face Green and Wellawatta beaches during Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Midnight Mass at St. Francis Xavier’s Church

Midnight Mass was held at the St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Halpe last night to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Pictures show the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith conducting the services. Pix by Lahiru Harshana