Vesak Poya Day...

Devotees are seen taking part in religious observances at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo to mark the Vesak Poya Day which falls today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

In tears...

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh in tears during a condolence programme held at the Kollupitiya Jumu’ah Mosque today on the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dansals in Colombo

Several dansals were conducted around the Colombo city to mark the Vesak full moon Poya Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Preparing for Vesak...

People are buying lanterns in Colombo to celebrate the Vesak festival which commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and demise. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sil programme at Lindsay Girls’ School

A sil programme was held at Lindsay Girls’ School, Colombo 03 to mark the occasion of Vesak tomorrow, . Teachers and students together observed sil by engaging in Dana, Seela and Bhavana. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Donate to save lives...

A blood donation camp was launched today at the Head quarters of the Sri Lanka Saukyadana Movement in observance of Vesak Poya Day. This marks the fourteenth time the organization has held this event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

Adverse weather affects daily chores

People engaged in their daily chores have been affected by the adverse weather. Depicted here are individuals working in Pettah suffering due to the adverse conditions as several roads in the Fort area experienced minor flooding. Pix by Nisal Baduge and Waruna Wanniarachchi

Bad weather uproots trees in Colombo

Due to the inclement weather, several trees in the Colombo city areas were uprooted last night. However, no injuries were reported. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Francisco receiving UNP membership

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Mulkirigala Organizer Nimal Francisco who joined United National Party (UNP) receives his membership from party Chairman Vajira Abeywardene at Sirikotha today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

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