Long queues for on-arrival visa at BIA

Long queues were witnessed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today for on-arrival visas. Sri Lanka is yet to revert to the previous visa approval and issuing system after the Supreme Court ordered the suspension of the VFS-led system.

President's rally at Chilaw

Independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe at a rally in Chillaw on September 1, 2024 where he said that the Katunayake expressway will be extended upto Chilaw if he is elected President. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

For better safety of pedestrians

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) removes branches of trees which could be a threat to pedestrians on Main Street in Colombo. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President at Trincomalee

President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a rally in Trincomalee on August 31, 2024. Former municipal councilor of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress and several UNP stalwarts joined to express their support for the President. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President in Ja-Ela…

Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe attended an election rally in Ja-Ela on August 30, 2024. During the rally, President Wickremesinghe was seen in conversation with former MPs Harin Fernando and Ruwan Wijewardene. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

COMPLAST & RUBEXPO 2024

The COMPLAST & RUBEXPO 2024 organized by SMART Expos & Fairs and co-organized by PRISL, with support from IDB was launched yesterday (30) at the BMICH. The event which attracted over 300 industry experts and featured 200+ exhibitors from the plastics, rubber, and packaging sectors will be held until September 01. Pix Kithsiri de Mel

Mete out justice...

In line with the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearance, families of the disappeared staged a protest in Colombo today urging the authorities to expedite the truth seeking process. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

'Vishwabhinandana’ tribute

The Western Provincial Vishwabhinandana Artist Tribute Ceremony 2024 was held yesterday at the NADA Auditorium Colombo. Photographer Nilan Maligaspe of the The Sunday Times newspaper and founder of the Nilan Maligaspe Creative Dance and Drama Academy (NCDDA) won the award for ballet dance (Mudra Natya) representing the Homagama Divisional Secretariat Division. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Book ‘Agraganya Anandaya’ launched

The book ‘Agraganya Anandaya: Ananda Vidyalayeeya Wanshaya’ penned by senior journalist Dr. Nuwan Nayanajith Kumara, was launched at the Kularatne Hall, Ananda College, Colombo today (August 29). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

SJB manifesto launched...

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Presidential candidate and Opposition Leader, Sajith Premadasa, unveiled his Presidential election manifesto today. The first copy was presented at the Sri Dalada Maligawa, followed by additional copies being handed over to the Malwatu and Asgiri Maha Nayaka Theras in Kandy. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe from Kandy

Manifesto launched...

The manifesto of independent candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe was launched today with the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, a host of ministers and state ministers. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Ranil at Nugegoda rally...

Independent Presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a rally at Nugegoda where he revealed a plan to revise the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

150th anniversary of Panadura Wadaya commemorated...

The closing ceremony of the 150th anniversary of the Panadura Wadaya was held at the Kularatne Hall of the Ananda Vidyalaya, Colombo today. The ceremony was organised by the Bauddhaloka Foundation and attended by Buddhist monks. Chairman of the Foundation Jagath Sumathipala presented a book compiled on the Panadura Wadaya to Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithri Murthi Maha Nayaka Thera. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Ranil at Mawanella...

Independent presidential candidate Ranil Wickremesinghe, who addressed an election rally in Mawanella today (August 27), said his manifesto named ’Puluwan Sri Lanka’ will be launched on Thursday (August 29). A group of SLPP members, along with Sabaragamuwa Governor Navin Dissanayake and former Chief Minister Mahipala Herath, were present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

‘Asiri Sobasiri 2’ launched

The book ‘Asiri Sobasiri 2’ written by Tharanga Vipulaguna whose hobby is wildlife photography but a banker by profession, was launched at the Mahaweli Centre Auditorium in Colombo.

Final rites for Rukman Senanayake

The funeral of veteran Sri Lankan politician Rukman Senanayake was held at the Borella public cemetery. He was the grandson of the nation’s first Prime Minister, D.S. Senanayake. Rukman Senanayake passed away at the age of 76. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

NPP’s manifesto launched

The manifesto of the National People’s Power (NPP) was launched today by its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayaka. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Colombo Aqua Fest at Lotus Tower

One of Sri Lanka’s biggest water sports championship, the ’Colombo Aqua Fest 2024’ was held today at the Colombo Lotus Tower, East Beira Lake. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stamp fair...

A stamp fair organized by the All Ceylon Philately and Numismatics Association was launched today (23) at the Philatelic Bureau premises and will continue until Sunday (25). Visitors will have the unique opportunity to purchase valuable stamps, including the world’s longest stamp, at the exhibition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Profood Propack & Agbiz 2024

The food industry exhibition, organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association (SLFPA) and Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS), is taking place at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition and Convention Centre, Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

'AERO BASH 2024' kicks off in Trincomalee

The ’’AERO BASH 2024’’ educational, technical, and trade exhibition commenced on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Sri Lanka Air Force Academy China Bay.

SriLankan Airlines delights Samanera monks

SriLankan Airlines with the support of the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), marked a milestone event today (22) by delighting a large group of Buddhist child monks, or ’Samaneras,’ with a special guided tour of the airport and their first opportunity to board an aircraft. This event coincides with the airline’s 45th anniversary which falls on 1 September 2024. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Medical graduates in protest...

The medical graduates staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Health today (22), demanding that health graduates be immediately recruited into the public service. The protestors claim that the move to recruit individuals from private institutions while restricting health graduates from free education should be withdrawn immediately. Pix Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Roads in Gampaha flooded by the relentless rain

People and vehicles wade through floodwater on a waterlogged road in Gampaha Kiridivita. The Disaster Management Center announced that more than 2,354 people have been affected by the bad weather that has affected the island. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Supermoon arrives in London!

Stargazers in London were in for a treat on Tuesday night, as a rare blue supermoon slowly passed behind the iconic Shard. Images have captured the spectacular moment the earth’s satellite lit up the sky as it moved in the shadow of Europe’s tallest building. The moon was also captured illuminating the Thames as it rose over Tower Bridge in central London. (Daily Mail)

Kandy Esala Perahera concludes

The Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Tooth Relic Pradip Nilanga Dela, informed President Ranil Wickremesinghe that the annual Esala Maha Perahera at the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa and the Sathara Maha Devala in Kandy was conducted with great splendour, honouring the traditional rituals.

'Ceylona 2024' Camp at Ibbagamuwa

The International Girl Guide Camp, conducted by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) and powered by Sri Lanka’s leading energy drink manufacturer Yeti, is currently underway at the Ibbagamuwa Central College in Kurunegala.

From wonderful waterfalls to beautiful bays

Birthday Dansala

A dansala was held today to celebrate the birthday of the chairman of New Nawala Chemist, Ureka Healthcare Limited, R&R Pvt Ltd and S&S Healthcare Limited. The dansala was held in Nawala with the participation of the staff. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Emotional farewell...

A farewell ceremony was held in Colombo to announce the transfer of Dr. Zuhair Hamdaallah Dar Zaid, the Ambassador of Palestine to Sri Lanka. The ceremony was organized by the All Ceylon Union of Muslim League Youth Front. The event saw the Ambassador become emotional as he bid farewell to his Sri Lankan friends. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana