Nawam Perahara on its final day

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa graced the last day of the Gangarama Navam Perahara along with several dignitaries. Traditional drummers, dancers and whip-crackers added colour to the Perahera. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

NPP Leader addresses professionals

In preparation for the upcoming Local Government elections, a seminar organised by the National People’s Power (NPP) targeting professionals, was held on Monday in Nugegoda under the patronage of NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Philatelic Bureau launches stamp exhibition

A stamp exhibition organized by the Philatelic Bureau at the Postal Headquarters, Colombo 10 is being held from February 6 to 12 to coincide with the 75th Independence Day. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Leave Palestine alone

Socialist Youth Union (SYU) today held a protest in front of the UN office calling Israel to leave Palestine alone. Protesters handed over a petition to the UN office in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Hospital staff protest against soaring cost of living

The Health Staff Union of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children today held a protest outside the hospital against the rising tax and cost of living. Pix Nisal Baduge

Gangarama Navam Perahara

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the first day of the Gangarama Navam Perahara today along with several dignitaries. Traditional drummers, dancers, and whip-crackers added colours to the Perahera. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Exhibition by Archaeology Dept....

An exhibition was held at the Archaeology Department premises in view of the 75th anniversary of independence with the participation of the National Museums Department, the Archaeology Department, and with the support of the Central Cultural Fund.

Pindapatha procession...

Hundred Buddhist monks of Amunukumbura Sri Bodhirukkarama Viharaya performed a ‘pindapatha charika’ (a walk to collect alms) from Batepola Junction to the temple this morning to mark the Navam Full Moon Poya Day. Siyane Shakthi Praja Sathkara Organisation organized the programme. Pix by Kushan Sangeeth Pathiraja

Bath for Perahera elephants

Elephants are being bathed ahead of the annual Nawam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. The Perahera will parade the streets today and tomorrow with traditional performances. Pix by Nisal Baduge

“Navam” full moon Poya Day

Devotees are seen taking part in religious observances at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Vihara in light of the Navam full moon Poya which falls today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

75 years of Independence

Sri Lanka celebrated its 75th anniversary of Independence at Galle face this morning with a military parade. President Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest while ministers, MPs, diplomats were also present. Pix by Pradeep Dilrusksana

Indian Minister visits Gangaramaya

India’s Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs State Minister Vellamvelli Muralidaran today visited the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo and met with the temple Viharadhkari Dr Kirinde Assaji Thero and received religious blessings. Minister Muralidaran arrived in Sri Lanka on February 3 to participate in the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Prisoners released

Prisoners were released from Welikada Prison in Colombo today on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day. President Ranil Wickremesinghe granted amnesty to 622 prisoners. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Silent protest against independence celebrations

The Socialist Youth Student Front today staged a silent protest in view of the independence day celebration at the Polduwa Junction carrying black flags. Pixi Nimalsiri Edirisinghe..

Floral tributes for D.S. Senanayake

Late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake, the Father of the Nation, was offered floral tributes at his statue at Independence Square today to mark the 75th Independence Day. Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksha, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake and Former Minister Rukmal Senanayake paid floral tributes to the late Premier’s statue. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Security beefed up in Colombo

Security has been tightened up in Colombo city ahead of the Independence Day Celebrations where Police and tri-forces were deployed to provide special security. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Mete out justice to Samantha…

A silent protest was organized by relative of Samantha Preethi Kumara, who died while in police custody, in front of the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court demanding justice for Samantha. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Patricia Scotland meets Leader of the House

The delegation led by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland KC met with Education Minister and Leader of the House of Parliament Susil Premajayantha, yesterday (02) in Parliament. The delegation led by the Commonwealth Secretary-General was welcomed and received by the Secretary General of Parliament Mr. Dhammika Dasanayake.

Bangladesh and Nepal foreign ministers arrive

State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon received the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen and the Foreign Minister of Nepal Dr. Bimala Rai Paudyal at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake yesterday evening. The two dignitaries have arrived in Sri Lanka to attend the 75th Independence Day celebration on Saturday (Feb 04).

Another protest against high CoL...

The Joint Trade Union Alliance yesterday engaged in a protest in front of the National Institute of Mental Health Hospital in Angoda, demanding the government take immediate action to bring down the skyrocketing cost of living. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

‘Mal Perahera’

A floral procession (Mal Perahera) was held this evening at the Ganagarama Temple in Colombo. Pix by Pix Nisal Baduge

Change unfair tax policies...

The People’s Movement for Fair Taxation held a protest in front of the Nelum Pokuna (Lotus Pond) Performance Theatre to urge the government to change its tax policies. They said people cannot bear the current tax rates. Pix by Nisal Baduge

57th Colombo Camporee...

The 57th Colombo Camporee got under way at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo, with the participation of Colombo District Schools. The event will come to an end on February 6. Pix By Nisal Baduge

Independence Talks!!!

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and Army Commander Lt. General Vikum Liyanage seen having a friendly chat at the Independence Day rehearsals held at the Galle Face Green today. Sri Lankan Military personnel took part in the rehearsal for the Independence Day parade which will be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Against deduction of salaries...

A demonstration was held in front of the Katunayake Airport arrivals terminal by various professionals of Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport and SriLankan Airlines over the deduction of their salaries due to taxes. Pix by T.K.G. Kapila

Wasantha Mudalige released over three more cases

Convener of Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige was today released on bail by Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilana Gamage in connection with three more cases. Pix by Jaymal Chandrasiri

Wasantha Mudalige freed

Convener of Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Wasantha Mudalige was today released by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court in connection with a case filed for allegedly committing offenses under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Petroleum, Lubricating oil, Pharmaceutical Testing Laboratory opened

The Science and Technology Business Center (S&T Business Centre), the Petroleum and Lubricating Oil Testing Laboratory, and the Pharmaceutical Testing Laboratory were declared open today by Industries and Plantation Minister Ramesh Pathirana. The S&T Business Centre and Lubricant Testing Laboratory were established under the ITI. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Withdraw new income tax...

Several port trade unions today staged a protest march in Colombo against the new income taxes imposed by the government. The protest was organised during the lunch hour. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Petition demanding Wasantha Mudalige’s release

A petition was handed over to Attorney General’s Department demanding the release of Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convener Wasantha Mudalige. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana