Power and Energy Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi is seen paying her respects to President Mahinda Rajapaksa who was the guest of honour at the SLFP’s May Day celebrations that was held at Nelum Pokuna in Colombo. Thousands of people took to the streets in Colombo from across the country to mark the International Workers Day today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.
The 21st death anniversary of the late president Ranasinghe Premadasa was commemorated today at his statue at Keselwatta. Hambantota District parliamentarian Sajith Premadasa and his family members participated at the event. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
A labourer pulls a cart laden with sacks of vegetable at the main market in Colombo today on the eve of International Labour Day. Trade unions are promising to turn the May Day rallies into protests against the country’s high cost of living. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.
The Palai bound Intercity Express train from Colombo collided with the Matara bound Rajarata Regina express train which had been halted on the main platform at the Potuhera railway station this morning. The injured were admitted to the Kurunegala and Polgahawela hospitals. Pix by Pushpakumara Jayaratne and Ishan Madusanka
A Police Special Investigation Unit was established today at the Ministry of Buddha Sasana & Religious Affairs to deal with complaints related to Religious issues on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana
A wide variety of vehicles ranging from the antique cars and busses to the modern electrical vehicles are on display at the Motor and Transport Exhibition 2014. The exhibition held at BMICH from April 25 to 27 has stalls from leading vehicle manufacturers such as BMW, Jaguar, and Benz. Pix by Nisal Baduge
In a bid to build bridges of friendship between the North and South, the Micro scholarship programme (Access) granted by the US Embassy of Sri Lanka has chosen 50 students from Mullaitivu and Beruwala areas to participate in a three-day interactive programme in Colombo. Picture shows students participating in an interactive motivational basketball event at the Thimbirigasyaya Henry Pedris Grounds this morning. Pix by Nisal Baduge
The Joint Trade Unions’ Committee held a protest outside the Colombo National Hospital over several of their concern one of which was the non payment of salary arrears to Health service employees belonging to 27 grades including the junior staff. Pix by Nisal Baduge
A massive protest over the setting up of casinos was held at D.R. Wijeyawardene Mawatha. The protest rally was organised by the United National Party (UNP), religious leaders and civil society groups this morning. The Casino Bill is being presented to the parliament today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja ???
Minister Rishad Badiutheen organised a media tour yesterday to brief the media about the charge that Muslim colonies were created in the Wilpattu Forest reserve. The Minister said that the Muslim families alleged to be resettled in the controversial region had been living there for long time. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
During the inaugural session of the newly elected Western Provincial Council on Tuesday, two opposition members voted with the Government to elect UPFA member Sunil Wijeratne as Council Chairman. WPC member Ananda Harishchandra is seen shooting paper rockets at the opposition while the Council was in session. Pix by Nisal Baduge ???
Members of the Railway Trade Union, affiliated to the SLFP initiated a fast unto death protest in front of the Fort Railway Station today against the alleged termination of railway employees by the department. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
3Globally acclaimed Greek pianist, keyboardist, composer and music producer Yiannis Chryssomallis – better known as YANNI, addressed the media at the Colombo Hilton, hours prior to his live concert in Sri Lanka this evening at the Colombo Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
Several Houses in Mahakachchikodi, Jaffna were damaged from the severe weather condition prevailed in the area last Thursday. About 21 houses were severely damaged and six houses were completely destroyed from the heavy rain and gale force winds. Pix by Prasanna Pradeep
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