Ruwan at Navam Perahera

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene was seen at the annual Navam Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo yesterday.

President at Gangarama Navam Perahera

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa places the Sacred casket on the Migara tuskerat the Annual Navam Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo yesterday. A large number of traditional dancers, drummers and Buddhist monks gathered near the temple to participate in the colourful procession that also included elephants. Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also participated in the event. (PIC BY PRADEEP PATHIRANA)

Bath for Perahera elephants

Elephants are being bathed ahead of the annual Nawam Maha Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple. The Perahera paraded the streets yesterday and will be held today also with traditional performances. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Seeking blessings on Navam Poya

Devotees are seen taking part in religious observances at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya, Ruwanveli Seya Stupa in light of the Navam full moon Poya which falls today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel and Kushan Pathiraja

A spectacular view of Ruwanweliseya

Seen in the picture is the Ruwanweliseya, Maha Thupa or Great Stupa. It is a hemispherical structure containing relics, considered sacred to many Buddhists all over the world. Two quarts or one Drona of Gautama Buddha’s relics are enshrined here, which is the largest collection of his relics. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Navam Perahera parade on city streets

Elephants and performers parade the streets of Colombo to perform at the Navam Perahera this evening. The Perahera display the Sri Lankan culture spiced with religion and festivities making it an event that is enjoyed by all irrespective of nationalities and ethnicities. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest against UK's HR, Economic sanctions against SL

Members of the People’s Responsibility Centre (PRC) today staged a protest in front of the British High Commission, Colombo against the UK Government’ behaviour and attempts to impose Human Rights and Economic sanctions against Sri Lanka at any cost and undue influence on internal Affairs of Sri Lanka, violating UN Human Rights Charter. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Youngest diver in Sri Lanka

February 2021 Sri Lanka witnessed the creation of its youngest diver when 10-year-old Amber Matarage got her PADI license in Unawatuna, Galle.

CEB launches smart customer care service

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) today launched the CEBCare web portal at the CEB main office at Chittampalam A Gardiner MawThe Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) today launched the CEBCare web portal at the CEB main office at Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo, Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Health Service Trade Union Collective in protest

The Health Service Trade Union Collective today staged a protest outside the Castle Street Hospital for Women over several demands

Fishing cat found dead...

A body of a fishing cat with injuries was found in a tea estate in Kotagala, Hatton. Police suspect that the fishing cat must have been dead following a collision with a vehicle. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa

UNP seniors meet party activists...

UNP seniors including Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara met Matara District party activists in Matara and Deniyaya last Sunday (21) where they discussed matters concerning the party. Former MPs Saman Rathnapriya, Ananda Kularathna, Ashu Marasinghe, Sagala Rathnayaka and Lak Wanitha Chairman Shanthini Kongahage were also present at the meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Honour PM’s statement, allow burial of Muslim COVID victims

The members of the National Movement Against Forcible Cremation (NMAFC) today staged a protest at the ‘Agitation Site’ opposite the Galle Face Green while urging the responsible authorities to respect Prime Minister’s statement and allow the burial of Muslim COVID victims. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Pakistani PM arrived

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan today arrived in the country for a two-day official visit on the invitation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa. He was received at the Bandaranayake International Airport (BIA) by the Prime Minister. The Pakistani Premier was given an impressive red carpet welcome, guard of honour and a 21-gun salute. Pix by President media and T.K.G. Kapila

Health workers protest

The United Health Employees Union (UHEU) today staged a protest march from the National Hospital, Colombo to the Health Ministry citing numerous demands including making permanent of all substitute and casual workers who had completed 180 days of their service. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Vaccination drive at Narahenpita

People were seen in queues at the Elvitigala Flats, Narahenpita to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Pix by Nisal Baduge

‘Nelli Cola’ drink introduced...

Industry Minister Wimal Weerawansa participated in the launching of “Nelli Cola”drink manufactured by Maa product Pvt. Ltd. In Panadura.

Protest against proposed elevated expressway

Residents in Pothuarawa, Malabe staged a protest urging the authorities to implement the original plan when constructing the proposed elevated expressway connecting the new Kelaniya bridge, Rajagiriya and Athurugiriya. They claimed that the new plan is to construct it through the highly populated area. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

People queuing to get COVID-19 vaccine

People are seen in queues at the Public Library in Colombo to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination drive of the general public is currently underway in the Western Province. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Police officers vaccinated

Several police officers were vaccinated today at the Police Field Force Headquarters, Thimbirigasyaya.

Disabled soldiers in protest

Members of the Armed Forces who were disabled during the war, staged a protest at the agitation site today over several demands.

At Kumana

The Kumana National Park remains almost empty with people but birds and animals continue to enjoy their freedom at the National Park with much less disturbance from outsiders. Kumana National Park, which is a paradise for birds is also home to some of the mammals found in the neighbouring Yala National Park.

Protest against leasing out three islands

Sinhale National Joint Alliance today staged a protest outside the Fort Railway Station against the government’s move to lease out three islands off Jaffna including the Nagadeepaya to China for investment purposes. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Tourist Guide Lecturers demand solutions

A group of lecturers of the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers today handed over a letter to the President regarding the problems and difficulties they face and a peaceful protest was also held at the agitation site.

Vaccination program at IDH

A COVID- 19 vaccination program was held at the Infectious Diseases Hospital (IDH), Angoda today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Leaving for home

A group of 290 persons arrived in Sri Lanka from COVID-19 hit countries left for their homes after undergoing the quarantine period at the Quarantine Centre at Vasavilan.

Started vaccinating…

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa instructed health authorities to start vaccinating members of the general public in the country’s Western Province with the Oxford AstraZeneca against the COVID-19 virus. The Health service said the remaining 250,000 Oxford. AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine vials will be released for the purpose. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Kerawalapitiya fire doused...

The fire erupted at the Garbage dump in Kerawalapitiya was doused by the Colombo Fire Brigade and the SLAF firefighting units. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Drones to combat spread of dengue

Two drones were officially handed over to Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana by Western Province Governor Former Air Force Commander Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke during an event held at the Air Force Headquarters in Colombo yesterday. The drones will be utilized to conduct aerial operations to detect possible dengue breeding grounds and to monitor damage to the environment and deforestation.

Protest rally against ‘Kekille Commission’

A protest rally organised by the People’s Movement for Democracy against the report of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Kekille Commission was held today at the Hyde Park.