Strike disrupts work at National Hospital

Healthcare services at the Colombo National Hospital came to a standstill today as a result of the general strike launched by the health sector trade unions over several demands. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A seat fit for the Executive

Civil society activists and political party activists staged a protest near Independence Square in Colombo on March 14, 2023, protesting the government’s continuous tear gas attacks on protesters. A petition was also signed to hand over the protesters to the United Nations. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fish processing facility opened

A canned fish processing facility was declared open today by Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke. The facility based at the Walpita Agriculture Training Centre, which also manufactures a range of processed fruit products, is an initiative by the Governor to aid the stabilization of the domestic economy. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Postal Union protest...

The Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance staged a protest outside the Central Mail Exchange against the escalating cost of living, new tax policy. Pix Nisal Baduge

Polgolla Reservoir-front open to public

Polgolla Reservoir-front open to public More people are seen visiting to experience the view and to take a dip in the Polgolla Reservoir as the downstream of the reservoir completely dried. The catchment areas in the hill country did not receive enough rain and water was stocked upstream of the reservoir. Therefore, many people are keen to visit to get a glimpse of the this reservoir-front. Pix by Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Strike disrupts work at Govt. hospitals

Healthcare services at all government hospitals came to a standstill today as a result of the strike launched by medical doctors. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe and Pradeep Dilrukshana

NZ beat SL off final ball

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson makes a successful run to win the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch today, Pix by AFP

Against new taxes…

The port trade unions staged a protest in front of the Colombo Port calling for the government to revise the new tax policy. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Getting youth out of drug menace....

Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Desabandu Tennakoon recently introduced the ’Win Life Anew’ program in the Welipillawa area in Ragama. The program will help cure young people who are addicted to drugs. Several equipment were donated during the program.

Facelift to beaches...

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) today launched a program to clean up the coastlines. The project is expected to be carried out using modern beach cleaning machinery received through foreign aid. The initial program was held on the beach of Crow Island, Mattakkuliya.

Shopping gathers momentum

People are seen busy buying essentials in the city market. After the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against US dollar, the prices of several goods in the market were brought down. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Protest against police suppression...

Students of the Open University today staged a protest in front of the university premises against the suppression by the police on protesters. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Against tear gas attacks….

A protest was held in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Thummulla this afternoon against the deaths caused due to recent tear gas attacks, police entering the universities and firing tear-gas at school children and military using cinnamon sticks to beat protesters. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Fowl play suspected...

The moment a tiny falcon bravely attacks a pelican which flew too close to its nest has been captured in stunning images.

SL monks conferred with honorary religious titles by Myanmar govt.

Six Sri Lankan Theros were conferred with Honorary Religious Titles “Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru” and “Aggamahapanditha” by the Government of Myanmar.

Another protest in front of Colombo uni...

The Sri Lanka Inter-University Professionals’ General Union today staged a protest in front of the Colombo University over the price increase of essential commodities, including the recent electricity tariff hike by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Reduce electricity bill...

The frontline Socialist Party held a demonstration in front of the Fort railway station today, demanding a reduction in the electricity bill, which was increased by the government recently. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fighting for women’s rights

A demonstration was organized by the women’s movement for the freedom to mark International Women’s Day at Lipton Circus today. Pix by Samantha Perera

Trade union action affects hospitals...

The Colombo National Hospital was deserted due to the one-day trade union action initiated by many health service unions this morning, demanding immediate solutions to the crises in the health sector and the oppressive conditions faced by health professionals.

Students’ union tear gassed

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) attached to the Colombo university near the Colombo Museum this afternoon, Pix by Nisal Baduge

'Women for Rights’ protest...

The ’Women for Rights’ and members of the National People’s Power held a protest at Polduwa junction in Battaramulla against the increase in taxes, CoL, and electricity tariff hike and the postponement of local government elections. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Uni. teachers against violence

The Art Faculty Teachers’ Association (AFTA) today staged a protest in front of the university against the police brutality on university students. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Celebrating women

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in International Women’s Day, where he presented awards to women for their achievements. The President said it was women who had played a vital role in securing assistance, as some institutions such as the IMF are headed by women today. Rashmi Nimesha Gunawardena was given a presidential award after getting three ’A’ passes in the 2021 A-level examination. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Women flying high...

SriLankan Airlines today celebrated the power of women in the airline with a flight operated by an all-female crew on Women’s Day 2023.

IUSF protesters tear gassed

Police have fired tear gas and water cannons on Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) protestors who were protesting between Colombo Campus and the Thummulla Junction. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

IMF to Ranil’s rescue...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a special statement in parliament this morning to explain to the nation the current state of the economy and progress on the IMF negotiations.

Medin Full Moon Poya Day

Devotees are engaged in religious observances at the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple today to mark the ’’Medin Full Moon Poya Day. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Racing to the finish line...

’’ Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2023’’ was held for the 24th consecutive time, coinciding with the 72nd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Helping the disabled

Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Eric Walsh and President of the (CFINS), Krishan Jayawardena are seen presenting a prosthetic limb to a young beneficiary at the inauguration of the new CFINS modular limb workshop. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest by Postal TUs…

The Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance staged a protest outside the Central Mail Exchange against the escalating cost of living, new tax policy. They urged the authorities to provide them with cost of living allowance of Rs. 20,000. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe