Independence Day parade rehearsals

The Security Forces and the Police staged rehearsals for the 75th Independence Day Parade at the Galle Face Green today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Journos commemorate ‘Black January’

Journalists and media activists gathered at the Viharamahadevi Park this evening to commemorate the slain and disappeared media personalities, during a ‘Black January’ remembrance programme organised by the Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association (SLWJA). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

’’Kedella Construction Expo 2023’’

The exhibition ’’Kedella Construction Expo 2023’’ organized by Asia Exhibitions and Conventions (Pvt) Ltd was launched today and will be held until Sunday (29) from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) Colombo. The exhibition will consist of approximately 200 stalls. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Tailoring national flags for Independence Day

A female tailor makes national flags for the upcoming Sri Lanka 75th National Independence Day at a small shop in Colombo on January 27, 2023. Sri Lanka will celebrate on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Withdraw unfair tax policy…

The Petroleum Trade Unions protested in front of the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals LTD (CPSTL) in Kolonnawa demanding immediate withdrawal of the unfair tax policy. Pix by Nisal Baduge

CARAT 2023 concludes, strengthening maritime cooperation

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 bilateral exercise successfully concluded in Sri Lanka on 26th January 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, CARAT – 2023 Exercise was held in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikulam from 19th to 25th January.

CB Executives protest against tax hike, spiraling CoL

The Central Bank Executive Officers’ Association (CBEOA) today staged a protest in front of the Central Bank against increasing taxes unfairly and to bring down the high cost of living. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

India's 74th Republic Day celebrated

The 74th Republic Day of India was celebrated today at the residence of the Indian High Commissioner in Colombo. Several cultural events took place during the celebration. The flag-hoisting ceremony was held at 8.30 am today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Against high cost of living

The Joint Trade Union Alliance today staged a protest in front of the Sri Jayewardenepura General Hospital, demanding the government to take immediate action to bring down the high cost of living. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Central Bank employees protest...

A group of employees from the Central Bank temporarily quit work and engaged in a trade union action today, alleging that the pay-as-you-go tax has been increased unfairly. Employees attached to five trade unions of the Central Bank were off from their duties today from 9.00 am until afternoon, and gathered in a hall near the bank’s auditorium and engaged in trade union action. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Misty weather...

Misty weather is seen blanketing Padukka and Homagama this morning after 100mm of rain in the Western Province yesterday. Motorists on the Colombo- Avissawella road are inconvenienced by visibility issues caused by the prevailing misty conditions. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Mr. & Ms. Twins Sri Lanka 2023

Sri Lanka Twins Organization (SLTO), which is the first and only organization for twins, will stage a Global Twins Day festival from July 24 to 31 with the participation of 4,000 twin and non-twin participants and foreign delegates. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Fuel bowser drifts away in Baththuluoya

The driver of a fuel bowser was rescued from the waters of Baththuluoya on the Chilaw-Puttalam Road after the vehicle crashed through the railing of a bridge and plunged into the water. The bowser had drifted about 100m in the Baththuluoya after the accident. Pix by Hiran Priyankara

Religious program to mark Ekneligoda’s disappearance

A religious program was held yesterday at the Kali Amman Kovil in Mutwal to mark the 13th year since the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. His wife Sandya Ekneligoda and other family members were present at the event. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Relieve us from high CoL....

A massive protest was organized at the Colombo Port today by the members of the All Ceylon General Port Employee’s Union (ACGPEU) against the current high cost of living (CoL) and the government’s new high tax policy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Troops donate blood

More than 300 donors attended the blood donation camp representing various Regiments in the Panagoda Army Cantonment which was held at the Panagoda Bodhi Rajaramaya (Army Temple) today under the direction of the Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters (West) Major General Deepal Pussella. Pix by Nisal Baduge

’’Kathakaramu’’ App for non-speakers

E.A.S.E. Foundation, in collaboration with a dedicated group of software developers, from Yaala Labs has created a Sinhala language communication app called ’Kathakaramu’ with the potential to transform the lives of non-speaking individuals. The App was launched at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Stamps, coins exhibition at Public Library

A three-day exhibition of vintage stamps, coins, currency notes and first-day covers was commenced on Friday at the Public Library in Colombo. The exhibition will be held till today (22). The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Open our University…

Student monks of the Buddhist and Pali University, Homagama staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry urging the authorities to opening the university which has been closed until further notice. Pix by Nilmalsiri Edirisinghe

Stop imposing new taxes…

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Sri Lanka Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (SLFUTA) together with number of other organizations today staged a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding the government to reverse its decision to impose tax policies. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Aerial view of Colombo City, Port City

An aerial view of Colombo City and an aerial view of Colombo Port City in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

ACJU celebrates 100th anniversary

The 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) was held yesterday (19) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. President Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited as the chief guest at the event, and he invited the Muslim community to join hands with the Social Justice Commission to find solutions to the issues facing the Muslim community. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

UNP pays deposits for LG polls

The United National Party (UNP) has paid the deposits for the Matara district LG elections. Electorate organisers visited the Election Commission in Matara this morning, led by Gayan Sanjeewa, the District Leader and Dinouk Colombage, the Akuressa electorate organiser

Missing journos remembered

Journalist for Rights forum yesterday remembered the slain, abducted and missing journalists during the past. The event was organised by the National Library and Documentation Services Board. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Buying expensive veggies...

Less People were seen purchasing vegetables at New Manning Market, Peliyagoda in Colombo today despite exorbitant prices. Pix by Nisal Baduge

It's selfie time...

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake paid deposits for all local bodies in the Colombo District at the Colombo Divisional Secretariat today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vannila Attho at Human Rights Commission

Regional leaders, including indigenous community leader Uruwarigaye Vannila Attho, filed a complaint with the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission yesterday regarding violations of indigenous rights in Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Promoting country’s culture

A program was initiated and launched by Transcend Drive (Pvt) Ltd. to promote the country’s rich culture among visiting foreigners. Therefore, with the anticipated resurgence in tourist arrivals, an initiative has been taken to conduct a carefully curated cultural show on weekly basis for the benefit of the foreigners and expat community alike.

Lawyers protest

A group of lawyers today staged a protest in Hulftsdorp condemning the Attorney General’s alleged interference with the judiciary. Pix Nisal Baduge

Seeking public sympathy...

Former President Maithripala Sirisena accepted the money collected from people on the streets by Sudaththa Thilakasiri, a YouTube social activist and actor, to pay as compensation for the Easter Sunday terror attack victims.