Sri Lanka mourns

Flags at half mast after Sri Lanka declared today as a day of mourning in view of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Black flags at Iranian Cultural Centre

Black flags were displayed at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Colombo mourning the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lankan, Thai Missions in Kenya celebrate UN Vesak

The High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Thai Embassy in Kenya hosted the International Vesak Day 2024 celebration at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. This event commemorated the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of Lord Buddha and marked the 25th anniversary of the UN General Assembly resolution 54/115, recognizing the Day of Vesak internationally.

Crash site of Iranian president’s helicopter

Scenes of the crash site where the Iranian president, foreign minister and other occupants of the helicopter, including East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati were killed.

Saluting the brave…

The 15th National War Heroes’ Day was commemorated on Sunday (19) at the National War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla under the aegis of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Among the participants were former military leaders such as Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, and Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke. Military leaders from various eras also came together to honour the fallen war heroes.

Indian guru and spiritual leader in Sri Lanka

During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar met with journalists at an exclusive gathering at the Taj Samudra Hotel. He shared insights on how Art of Living centres established in Sri Lanka have helped people to come out of trauma and symptoms such as PTSD. A first day cover was also launched in honour of his visit. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Pindapatha Charika

A Pindapatha Charika was held at the Sri Swarna Shaila Bimbarama Viharaya at Katubedda, Moratuwa in view of the Vesak Poya Day under the guidance of Venerable Pannala Sobitha thera, head of the Bimbarama Viharaya. About 15 monks participated in the Pindapatha Charika. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Stitching Buddhist flags...

The picture shows employees of a self-owned business in Demetagoda stitching Buddhist flags to be sold to the public in light of the Vesak festival. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Vesak pandals in the making….

As Vesak is just around the corner, people erecting pandals in various locations in Colombo, including Kosgashandiya, Thotalanga, Maradana, Peliyagoda, Orugodawaththa and Dematagoda. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest against military aids

The World Anti-War Alliance organized a march to the US Embassy today, demanding an end to US military aids. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sancharaka Udawa 2024

The highly anticipated 11th edition of ‘Sancharaka Udawa 2024,’ organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), was launched today (17) and will be held until tomorrow (18) at the BMICH. This event promises to be a significant milestone in the growth of the industry. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Irrigation officials in protest

Employees of the Irrigation Department held a protest outside their office today, opposing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ decision to take over their main building. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Against privatising Govt. institutions

A protest was held in front of the Fort Railway station against the government privatising government institutions, including Telecom, Insurance and Milco. The protesters also demanded that the government abolish the Electricity Act, which will become a huge burden to the public. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Cheers to new beginnings!

Students rushing out of the examination hall with smiles, as they eagerly share tales of triumph and relief after completing their GCE (O/L) examinations. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Lagoon fresh...

Large lagoon prawns and crabs being sold near the Bolgoda Lake adjoining the Kospelena Bridge in Piliyandala. Unlike sea prawns and crabs, these are very rich in meat. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Despite torrential rains...

People walking along the streets of Colombo on May 14, 2024 with umbrellas as heavy showers were experienced during the day.

Up in the sky...

The Base Jump event from the Colombo Lotus Tower took place for third day today. A total of 35 International Base Jumpers exhibited their adrenaline-fueled skills. The event was launched on Sunday (12). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Discussion on polls media guidelines

A discussion on media guidelines on the upcoming elections was held recently at The Courtyard by Marriott with the participation of over 70 attendees. The discussion, organised by Factum in partnership with IRES, the Media Law Forum, Hashtag Generation and the Sri Lanka Broadcasters’ Guild, was led by a distinguished panel, including the Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Preparing for Vesak

Homagama town is currently witnessing the construction of a Vesak Pandol in anticipation of the upcoming Vesak festival. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Touching scene

A girl tenderly shields a disabled elder from heavy rain at the Colombo Fort Railways Station, reflecting the heartwarming Sri Lankan hospitality and compassion. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Stop military offensive in Gaza

A protest organized by ‘Friends of Free Palestine’, calling on Israel to stop the military offensive in Gaza, was held in Colombo today with the participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several Samagi Jana Balawegaya MPs. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Complaint against Diana to Bribery Commission

The ‘Anti-Bribery and Anti-Waste Power Organization’ filed made a complaint with the Bribery Commission today against former State Minister Diana Gamage, alleging that she had acquired a BMW vehicle and utilized government resources while possessing a dual citizenship. Pix by Nisal Baduge

University staff protest dispersed...

Tensions escalated near the Diyatha Uyana Junction in Battaramulla as police resorted to using water cannons to scatter a gathering of university non-academic staff engaged in a protest. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Environmental leaders of tomorrow

A workshop organised by the National Youth Services Council (NYSC) was held in Gampaha today. Senior Presidential advisor Ruwan Wijewardene participated in the programme as the chief guest. NYSC Chairman Pasindu Gunaratne was also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Love of a mom

As the world commemorated Mother’s day yesterday there is a section of mothers in our society who have little to celebrate. Picture shows those mothers working hard on the streets of Colombo to earn a living for their families. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Labour companionship program launched for expectant mothers

In celebration of Mother’s Day today, the Professorial Obstetric Unit of Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Kalubowila, has announced the launch of its latest initiative, the ’’Maathru Saheli” Labour Companion’’ programme. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Vesak around the corner…

With Vesak drawing near, lanterns are prominently displayed for sale, and people show enthusiasm in purchasing them. Vesak, falling on May 23 this year, commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away of the Buddha. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Urging support for struggling artistes...

The United Youth Artistes’ Forum emphasized the importance of maintaining the stability that the country has achieved and called for assistance for artistes who they claim have become helpless in the wake of the economic crisis. Artists Senaka Wijesinghe, Rajitha Hiran and Kumar Jayakatha were among those who voiced these concerns at a media briefing. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Expo 2024 at BMICH

The Build Sri Lanka Housing & Construction International Expo 2024 was launched today at the BMICH with several novel features. The exhibition will be held till Sunday (12) and will also feature many stalls of companies from several countries as it is an international exhibition. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

STF officers honored for rescuing hostage children

A team of Special Task Force (STF) officers, lauded for their bravery in rescuing two children held hostage by their father in Jalthara, Hanwella, were honored with cash prizes in recognition of their exemplary service.