Late Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera commemorated

The 20th commemorative ceremony of late Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera was held at the Siri Vajirarama Temple in Colombo. A book ’’Gotama the Budda’’ written abot the Thera was also launched at the ceremony. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Tourist arrival...

A foreign tourist to Sri Lanka visiting the Gangarama temple in Colombo today. Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows that the number of tourists who visited Sri Lanka exceeded 38,000 in the first week of December. The tourist arrival target for December is set at 242,135. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

8th South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable

Prominent Chinese Buddhist leader Venerable Master Yin Shun addressing the media briefing of the 8th South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable 2023. Deputy Incumbent of Gangarama Temple Venerable Kirinde Assaji Thera (L) and Cambodian Buddhist leader Venerable Bour Kry were also present. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

No entry for heavy vehicles…

The movement of heavy vehicles has been restricted on the main road between Hali Ela and Uduwara until further notice due to heightened risks of landslides along the Badulla-Colombo main road (route No. 99). Pix by Prasad Rukmal

Volkswagen Beetle Parade 2023

The Volkswagen Beetle Parade, marking 70 years of pride, took place today. The Mount Lavinia Hotel partnered with the Volkswagen Beetle Club to launch and host this motoring event. The inauguration included the flag hoisting ceremony by CEO Mr. Kumara Devapura and Head Chef Mr. Pabilis Silva of Mount Lavinia Hotel. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

Fourth graduation ceremony held

The fourth graduation ceremony of the Nagananda International Institute of Buddhist Studies (NIIBS) was held recently under the chairmanship Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, at the institution’s premises.

Creative thinkers…

An immersive exhibition organized by ‘creativethinkers’ was held in Colombo where kids showcased their talent of art through various painting. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

’Home and You Lifestyle Fair 2023’, Bohra Business Expo at BMICH

The ’Home and You Lifestyle Fair 2023’ exhibition and the ’Bohra Business Expo’ were launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka launched the 5th edition of the Bohra Business Expo. Both exhibitions will be held until Sunday (10), from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Prepare to be swept away

The Snow World will be open to the public from tomorrow (08) to December 31, from 5 p.m to 10 p.m. The Snow World introduces an all-new and mesmerising North Pole experience, featuring a starry galaxy backdrop adorned with a life-sized Santa sleigh surrounded by reindeer. The official launch was held today at the Excel World’s Snow World. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stand for free Palestine!

Several members of the ’Women’s Movement for Freedom’ staged a demonstration in front of the UN office in Colombo today calling for an end to the war in Palestine. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Request for Rs. 20000 salary raise

The Port Trade Union’s Collective (PTUC) staged a protest in Colombo today demanding 20,000 salary hike or allowance to government employees. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Take Sri Lanka to democratic administration

According to the decision of the Supreme Court, the ’Citizens of People’s Struggle’ organization staged a signature campaign this morning in front of the Fort Railway Station to collect ten thousand signatures on a public petition, demanding that the politicians who bankrupted the economy of Sri Lanka be brought before the democratic administration. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

58th Colombo Camporee begins at Viharamahadevi Park

The 58th Colombo Camporee commenced at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, featuring the active participation of schools from the Colombo District. The event is scheduled to conclude on December 11. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Nalanda pays tribute to Epasinghe

The Past Cricketers’ Association of Nalanda College conducted a tribute ceremony for veteran cricket commentator Premasara Epasinghe at the Malalasekara Hall of Nalanda College, Colombo today. This event was organised in recognition of the services rendered by Epasinghe, a renowned sports critic.

South Asia’s first revolving restaurant to open on Sunday

A press conference led by State Minister Dilum Amunugama, Minister Sehan Semasingha, Head of Management at Lotus, Retired Major General Prasad Samarasinghe, and Executive Director/CEO of Citrus Leisure PLC, Chandana Talwatthe conducted in Colombo to announce the South Asia’s first revolving restaurant which is scheduled to open on Sunday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

A lost heritage reclaimed...

The Dutch settled in Sri Lanka during a long period of war, first with the Portuguese (1638-1658) and later with Rajasimha II (1658-1688).

Christmas just around the corner...

As the Christmas is drawing nearer, people are seen busy purchasing Christmas trees and other decorative items in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Resolve salary anomalies…

The Teachers’ and Principals’ Unions staged a protest in Colombo today (05) demanding swift measures to resolve their salary anomalies. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

SLAF welcomes two Y-12-IV aircraft from China

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has received two state-of-the-art Harbin Y-12-IV aircraft from China, marking a significant advancement in the nation’s aviation capabilities. The official induction ceremony, symbolizing the formal takeover of the aircraft, took place at the SLAF Ratmalana Base No. 8 ’’Light Transport’’ Squadron. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

President meets Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in cordial discussions with the distinguished founder and head of the Isha Foundation, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, on the sidelines of COP 28 in Dubai yesterday, (03).

Water cannons to disperse NPP women's protest

Police used water cannons to disperse a group of protesting women affiliated with the National People’s Power (NPP) near the Parliamentary roundabout. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Ransalu 2023: BMICH hosts national handicrafts expo

The ’’Ransalu’’ National Handicrafts Industry Exhibition and Trade Fair 2023, a collaborative effort by the Department of Industries and the Department of Textile Industry, is set to take place at the open-air grounds of BMICH. Featuring approximately 40 stalls showcasing handloom-related clothing and the latest creative items, the event will be open from 10 am to 10 pm until December 4th. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

President meets Indian PM in Dubai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe during the United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Expo City, Dubai.

National AIDS day walk

The World AIDS Day walk, organized by the National STD and AIDS Control Program, took place today. The event spanned from Hyde Park to the Gamini Hall junction, aiming to raise awareness and commemorate World AIDS Day. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Southern Book Fair announced

The Commonwealth Book Publishers Network announced the launch of the Southern Book Fair yesterday. The book fair will be held from January 19th to January 28th, 2024. The Southern Book is in partnership with the world-renowned Galle Literary Festival for literary enthusiasts, poets, musicians, artists and culinary experts from all over the world. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Health workers demand Rs. 20,000

A protest was held in front of the National Hospital in Colombo by the Union of Health Service over several demands including a minimum allowance of Rs. 20,000 and immediate solutions to the shortage of medical equipment, drugs and staff. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Earth’s Portrait

Breathtaking photos from the first ultra-high resolution camera in Earth’s orbit shows our bright blue planet against the black abyss of space.

Marking 75th anniversary of bilateral relations

With the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and France, the French Development Agency (AFD) recently marked the enduring partnership between the AFD Group and its Sri Lankan partners, which began in 2005 when supporting the post-tsunami reconstruction. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Deshabandu seeks blessings at Gangarama

Newly appointed Acting Inspector-General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon visited the Gangaramaya Temple this afternoon to invoke blessings on his new appointment. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Seeking justice to the missing…

A protest organized by the families of the disappeared was held in front of the court complex in Hulftsdorp this morning, seeking justice to their missing relatives in 2008 during the war. Pics by Kithsiri De Mel