Champika at CID

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka is seen leaving the CID after giving a statement on the ’Yakada Miniha(Iron man) project launched when he was the Minister of Western Region Development and Megapolis. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshsana

Post Offices ease delivery of medicine

All Post offices and Sub Post offices across the country remain open to handle delivery of medicines. The government facilitates to send the required medicines through main and sub post offices for patients who have registered with every main hospital. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

No 7 Helicopter Squadron marks 27 years

The No 7 Helicopter Squadron, also known as the “Cradle of Helicopter Pilots”, located at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Hingurakgoda asserts a glamorous history from 1994 to date, by rendering 27 years of dedicated service to the nation.

Construction work continues...

Construction work on roads in Colombo is seen continuing during the current curfew period. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Eliyantha White’s funeral held in Colombo

The funeral of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s personal physician, Eliyantha White was held at the Borella crematorium today. White died from the COVID-19 infection on Wednesday evening after being hospitalized for weeks at a private hospital in Colombo. He was a self-proclaimed spiritual healer, very popular among the VIPs and often used herbs in his treatments.

Floral tribute to Father of Free Education

Education Minister Dinesh Gunawardane today paid floral tribute to the statue of Dr. C. W. W. Kannangara, the Father of Free Education situated opposite to the Ministry. The Minister commemorated the 52nd death anniversary of Dr.Kannangara.

Demanding Rs. 7,500 allowance...

The State Nurses’ Union today staged a protest in front of the Colombo General Hospital demanding a Rs. 7,500 allowance to be given to them. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

More sugar to market...

Among the sugar stores that have been raided and sealed in the recent past, another consignment of sugar at Mabima warehouse, Kelaniya was released to the CWE Co-operative Societies and to private vendors by the Sri Lanka Consumer Association. 2500 metric tons have been distributed in five days. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Work at ’Amaradeva Asapuwa’ come to a stop

The construction of the ’Amaradeva Asapuwa,’ a music ashram in memory of late veteran musician Pandit Dr. W. D. Amaradeva, commenced in 2019 with former President Maithripala Sirisena laying the foundation stone at ‘Ape Gama’ complex, Battaramulla. However, it’s sad to note that the authorities have failed to continue with the construction work resulting in what it looks like a building in a jungle. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Petition handed to UN to protect prisoners right

The Committee for Protecting Rights of Prisoners today handed over a petition to the United Nations (UN) office in Colombo to be handed over to UN Secretary-General António Guterres urging the support of the UN to protect and promote the rights of prisoners in Sri Lanka. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Declined by UGC officials…

The Inter-University Students Union members who came to the University Grants Commission to discuss issues including militarization of Kotelawela University and suppression of university students had to leave empty-handed as UGC officials declined to have a dialogue with them. Venerable Kobeithuduwa Samitha Thero and the members of the Inter-University Students Union were seen leaving the UGC premises. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Vaccination drive

People who are living in Colombo today received the COVID-19 vaccine at the Army Vaccination Centre at Viharamahadevi park. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

More oxygen supplied...

Oxygen cylinders were supplied to the Colombo Cardiology Unit from a bowser today. The Government has decided to import liquid medicinal Oxygen to address a possible shortage of oxygen in the country. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Death-row inmates continue their protest…

The death-row inmates who launched a protest yesterday on the roof of the chapel ward of Welikada Prison demanding that their long prison terms be reduced, continued the protest for the second day as they refused to negotiate.

More green to earth

A tree planting program organised by the Asian Grammar International School, Colombo was held at the Lake Crest Apartment Complex in Mandawilla in line with the United Nations International Day of Peace. The YouTube sensation Yohani De Silva graced the occasion. Along with the program, more than 500 students and teachers planted trees in their home gardens. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Disinfecting public places...

A disinfection programme organised and sponsored by the 2PC Foundation was held today (20) targeting the public places in the Ragama area. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Ragama Police and 181 Grama Niladharai Office as a precautionary measure to contain the COVID-19. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Religious observances at Bellanwila

Buddhist devotees are seen engaged in religious activities on the Binara full moon Poya day at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya today.Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Binara Poya day observation at Kelaniya

Buddhist devotees are engaged in devotion on the Binara full moon Poya day at the Kelaniya Temple in Kelaniya today. The establishment of the Bhikkhuni Sasanaya (Bhikkhuni Sangha), or Order of the Female Buddhist Monastic, takes place on Binara Poya when the stepmother of Gautama Buddha, Mahapajapati Gotami, was first ordained. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President meets UN Chief

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres at the UN Headquarters yesterday.Pix by Presidential Media Division

Gangaramaya seems deserted

The Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo seemed deserted this morning following the strict travel restrictions imposed by the government due to the COVID pandemic. All religious activities in temples were suspended, and no devotees were allowed to visit temples. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Complaint against deletion of NMRA data

Venerable Matara Ananda Sagara Thera yesterday arrived at the CID to lodge a complaint against the Health Minister and the others over the deletion of the computer data of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest in Fort...

A group of people staged a protest in Fort today urging the authorities to allow them to resume their businesses claiming that the permission has been granted to open wine stores as well.At least two protectors were arrested by the police for violating quarantine laws. Pix Pradeep Dilruckshana

Fish from boats...

Fishermen were seen selling fish from their boats itself due to the prevailing quarantine curfew. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Harvesting...

Picture shows people yield their harvest from their small home-garden during the pandemic period where the entire country was placed under travel restrictions. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Stolen items recovered…

Two suspects involved in a heist at a house in Welipillewa, Ragama where the duo had robbed items worth over Rs. 3 million were arrested by the Ragama Police officers. The team led by Crime OIC, Chief Inspector Asela Perera was able to recover the stolen items in their possession which include 47 gemstones, a wristwatch worth Rs. 65,000, three gold chains, two gold bracelets, two mobile phones, a TV and a motorcycle. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Vaccine to the door...

The Medical teams of the Gothatuwa MOH and the area police officers were engaged in mobile vaccination where immobile and bedridden elderly people are administered with a COVID-19 vaccine. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Waiting for Rs 5,000 allowance…

An allowance of Rs. 5000 is distributed among the senior citizens at every district post and sub-post offices. Pictures show senior citizens are waiting in the queue at the Gampaha Main Post Office. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

60 plus get Sinopharm second dose

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has begun the vaccination drive to provide the second dose of the Sinopharm vaccine for immobile and bedridden elderly people in Bambalapitiya, Wellawatte, Kollupitiya. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Checking curfew passes...

The Navy and Police personnel were seen checking curfew passes of people travelling during the quarantine curfew period. The Government today extended the lockdown until October 01. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Long queues for Moderna, Pfizer vaccines

People are seen queued up to get Moderna and Pfizer vaccines at the Army Hospital in Narahenpita today. Pix Pradeep Dilruckshana