Tikiri Menike derails

The ’Tikiri Menike’ train, which travels to Nanu Oya via Kandy from Colombo, was derailed between Talawakelle and Watagoda last night, crippling upcountry train services.

Visakha Walk 2024

Visakha Vidyalaya Old Girls’ Association held their ’Visakha Walk 2024’ in Colombo to mark the school’s completion of 100 years.

'Ceylon Women' to empower women

The press conference to shed light on a project to be launched by the Ceylon Women Organization on empowering women was held in Colombo today under the patronage of Education Minister, Susil Premajayantha. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Future Minds at BMICH

The Future Minds exhibition was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), building on strong relationships with the Higher Education community. The exhibition aims to foster a highly productive exchange on all aspects of Higher Education in 2024. The education fair will run till June 16. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Postal union protests staff shortages

The United Postal Trade Union protested at the Central Post Exchange in Colombo on June 13, 2024, citing various grievances, notably the shortage of staff.

Wall fall halts trains...

A Maradana bound train from Panadura derailed near the Panadura railway station, disrupting services on the coastal line. One of the compartments struck a nearby signal post, completely disabling the signal system. An official stated that restoring the track will take considerable time, resulting in delays of trains operating on the coastal line.

Fumigation under way...

Due to the increase in mosquito breeding places following the recent inclement weather, the Kotikawatta-Mulleriyawa Pradeshiya Sabha carried out fumigation to control dengue mosquito breeding. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

'No manpower!'

The Ports Trade Unions Collective staged a protest outside the Ports Authority premises in Colombo against the use of employees from manpower agencies and also in protest of the Eastern Container Terminal. Their protest slogan was ’’No man power - Let’s save the Eastern Container Terminal.’’ Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Selfie time...

The Teachers’ and Principals’ Trade Union Alliance in the Colombo Educational Zone launched a token strike at Borella Junction today, demanding the government to rectify the remaining two-thirds of their salary anomaly and uphold the rights of children. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Creating life-like worker replacements

A factory in China is developing hyper-realistic humanoid robots that can chillingly mimic human facial expressions and emotions in scientists’ latest attempt to replace workers with machines. (Daily Mail)

Ananda Walk 2024...

Renowned past pupils of the Ananda College Colombo including Senior Professors J.B. Dissanayake and Sampath Amaratunga, Secretary Defence Gen. Kamal Gunaratne, Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Election Commissioner General Saman Sri Rathnayake and cricketer Dinesh Chandimal got together at the college premises today to launch the Ananda Walk 2024 under the theme ‘Educate and Empower to Save Mother Lanka’, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 7.

Absorb us into teaching profession…

The All Ceylon School Development Officers Union staged a protest march towards the Fort Railway Station today, demanding that the government promptly absorb their service into the teaching profession. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Selfie with Minister

The programme of appreciation of the students who obtained excellent results in the 2023 (2024) GCE Advanced Level Examination was held today at the Education Ministry under the chairmanship of Minister Susil Premajayantha and they appeared for a group photo and a selfie photo with the Minister.

Regional well wishes...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, who began his third consecutive term after being sworn-in at New Delhi. Both leaders agreed to maintain bilateral ties between the two nations. The Indian Prime Minister also met other heads of state who attended the swearing-in. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

How it happened...

The stretch of road at Pahala Kadugannawa on the Colombo-Kandy road was closed for traffic to remove unstable rocks and branches of trees along this section of the road. Captured here is how the unstable rocks and tree branches were removed. However, the stretch of road was reopened today after clearing the area.

President arrives in India for Modi’s swearing-in

President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in India today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will begin his third term this evening. Mr. Wickremesinghe was welcomed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by Secretary of the Indian Foreign Ministry P. Kumaran, Indian Ocean Affairs Secretary Puneet Agrawal, Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Santhosh Jha, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India

Sri Lanka Girl Guides Centenary launch

girlguidesThe Differently Abled Branch, in collaboration with the Committee members of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, marked a significant milestone with the Centenary Launch on Saturday. The event took place at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association National Headquarters, Colombo 07. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

'Culinary Arts Food Expo'

The Culinary Arts Food Expo, Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive food and beverage exhibition, returns for its 18th consecutive year. Culinary Arts Food Expo 2023 will showcase a wide range of food products and services, from preparation to consumption, encompassing both the culinary and hospitality sectors. The exhibition runs from today (07) until Sunday (09) night.

In the aftermath of floods...

People were seen cleaning their houses after the floodwaters receded. A small boy appeared distressed as his textbooks were washed away by the floodwaters. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

New electric maternity bed for De Soyza Hospital

A fully automatic electric maternity bed and other equipment were donated to the De Soyza Maternity Hospital in Colombo by the California Hospital Services Support and Hospital Services Council. The event was attended by Director of the Hospital Services Council, Venerable Rajawelle Subhuthi Thera, along with Director of De Soyza Hospital, Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Repeal electricity act

A protest in front of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) head office today demanding the authorities to repeal the Electricity Act, which is harmful to consumers. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirsinghe

Ravindra Randeniya celebrates 50 years in cinema

Renowned artist Ravindra Randeniya, celebrating 50 years in cinema and his 79th birthday, was honored at a ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) this evening, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in attendance. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Fine tea tasting...

Seven tropical tea varieties from various regions in the country were launched today in Colombo to celebrate International Tea Day 2024, under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Attendees at the event had the chance to savour the tea presented in an impressive manner. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Opportunities for women...

A special session of the Ceylon Women’s Organization was held at the Radisson Hotel, Colombo recently. The digitalization of the organization took place, opening opportunities for all women scattered all over Sri Lanka to join this organization.

Relief for the flood affected..

Those affected by floods in Gampaha were moved to the Wijayarama temple in Ihalagama, a designated safe location. Gampaha town and several low-lying areas were flooded yesterday. The Navy used boats to supply food and other necessities to the affected. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Hope in every package...

As floodwaters engulf the streets in Gampha, a dedicated man wades through the dirty water, ensuring essential supplies reach his house. Balancing a box and a bag of provisions on his head, he exemplifies the resilience and caring towards his loved ones. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

People affected by floods

People in the Biyagama and Gampaha areas were affected due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Those in the Gampaha area were affected due to the overflow of the Attanagalu Oya. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja and Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Appointment letters to UNP zonal organizers

President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters Sirikotha today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Several areas in Colombo inundated...

Several areas around Colombo went under water due to heavy rains experienced in the city. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Top Island ranks in GCE A/L

The Examinations Department has announced the top island rankings for various streams.