Lions International hosts 'Santastic 2023'

Santastic 2023, a Christmas festival for little hearts and women entrepreneurs, organized by Lions International Multiple District 306, held at Vihara Maha Devi Park with many attendance including Chairman LCIF Brian Sheehan and Lady Lorrie Sheehan. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

’Yukthiya’ in full swing

Operation ’Yukthiya’, an island-wide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings, is ongoing in various parts of the country. Authorities have been successful in apprehending suspects, and there have been significant seizures of properties associated with these illicit activities.

STF conduct raids in Colombo as part of 'Yukthiya' operation

The Police and the Special Task Force personnel, deployed to dismantle organized criminal networks and combat major drug trafficking as part of the island-wide operation ’Yukthiya,’ are seen conducting searches on individuals and motor vehicles in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Air Force chief inspects construction of new children's ward

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, conducted an inspection visit to oversee the construction progress of the new four-story children’s ward complex at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital. The construction is financially supported by the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Temple. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

Before Christmas

People are busy purchasing cribs in Wattala before Christmas celebrations. Making and erecting nativity scenes using handmade cribs is a usual practice in Sri Lanka during Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Operation ’Yukthiya’ continues…

Operation ’Yukthiya’, an islandwide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings continues in many parts of the country with suspects being arrested and properties being seized.

Sri Rahul Prathibha 2023

The ’Sri Rahul Prathibha 2023’ art and photography exhibition the Sri Rahul Maha Vidyalaya, Kotugoda, Gampaha was held at the college yesterday where paintings by the students were showcased. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

International White Cane Day...

Members of the Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped staged a protest march to the New Town Hall today in view of International White Cane Day. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Colombo sparkles and shines...

Streets of Colombo were lit up for the festive season last night. Sri Lanka is gearing up for the festive season as the government has claimed the country is out of the economic downturn. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Lankadeepa editor Siri Ranasinghe felicitated

A felicitation ceremony named ‘Siri Asiri’ to honour veteran journalist Siri Ranasinghe, who has held the editorship of Lankadeepa for 33 consecutive years was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) this evening. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

NVQ certificate award ceremony

An NVQ certificate award ceremony hosted by the Public Assistance Department of the Colombo Municipal Council got underway at the New Town Hall today (20) under the patronage of Colombo Municipal Council Commissioner Badrani Jayawardana. A total of 108 candidates who successfully completed their respective NVQ status were awarded with certificates. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

’Sathutu Lanthaya’ at BMICH

A carnival ’Sathutu Lanthaya’ commenced at the BMICH today featuring fun activities and games for kids during this festive season. The event will be held till December 24 from 3.00 pm to 12 midnight. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

'Kitmas pawp-ups'

A special sale of items associated with pets, such as cats and dogs, got off the ground at Tayo Bear, Gregory’s Road Colombo today. The sale is organized by Catthew and Co in partnership with ANIM8.lk and Tayo Bear. Animal foods, clothes, mugs and a host of other items are available. Sale will be on till December 20. All profits of the sale goes to Justice for Animals Sri Lanka. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Sports Minister meets newly appointed Selection Committee

Holiday spirit to Colombo

Bringing the holiday spirit to Colombo, the Presidential Secretariat and its vicinity was adorned with illuminations and decorations. An event was held to mark the lighting up of the city which was graced by officials including Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and diplomats. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Protest demands ceasefire and humanitarian support for Palestine

A group organized a protest at Lipton Circus in Colombo demanding a ceasefire, humanitarian access and an end to occupation, in support of Palestine. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

President honors cadet officers in Diyatalawa

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, serving as the Chief Guest at the invitation of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, attended a Passing out Parade (PoP) of the Sri Lanka Army yesterday at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa. A total of 279 Cadet Officers from Intakes 92, 92 B, and SC 20, including six foreign Cadet Officers from the Maldives, Rwanda, Senegal, and Sudan, were awarded the Swords during the Parade, symbolizing their Presidential Co

Give something to eat...

An elephant was seen on the Buttala - Kataragama road roaming in search of food. The Wildlife officials claimed that the elephant used to come to the road because people used to feed them. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Christmas just around the corner...

As the Christmas is drawing nearer, people are seen busy purchasing Christmas trees and other decorative items in Colombo. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Stalwarts still have hope...

The second National Convention of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium today (15) under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and with the participation of politicians and party stalwarts. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

All under one roof…

The 37th edition of the Colombo Shopping Festival (CSF) was launched today at the BMICH with an incredible shopping experience. This ultimate shoppers’ paradise will continue till December 24 from 10.00 am to 10.00. This is a unique platform where everything is available under one roof, offering the opportunity for people to shop for everything they need for the Christmas and New Year seasons in one place. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Gangaramaya 'Podi Hamuduruwo' celebrates 80th birth anniversary

A series of events were organised to mark the 80th birth anniversary of Dr. Galaboda Gnanissara Thera, also known as Podi Hamuduruwo, the Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple of Colombo yesterday. Alms were offered to 100 Buddhist monks and dry rations were provided to 1,200 needy families in line with the event. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

’Santastic Fair 2023’ at SLECC

The ’Santastic Fair 2023’ was launched at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) and will continue till December 31. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Skyrocketed vegetable prices...

The vegetable prices in the wholesale vegetable market in Narahenpita Economic Centre was seen skyrocketed despite the current economic crisis. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Daily Mirror excels at Journalism Awards

The Daily Mirror bagged one award and two merits at the 24th edition of the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2022 held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel today (12). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Silent Masterpieces

An art exhibition by the Ratmalana School for the Deaf is being held at the JDA Perera Gallery in Colombo 7. The event is scheduled for December 12th and 13th and on the final day, attendees have the opportunity to acquire the showcased drawings. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

100 cataract lenses donated...

A programme to donate 100 cataract lenses was held at Lanka Hospitals on Tuesday (12) with the participation of Venerable Master Shin Yun of China and Deputy Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple Ven. Kirinde Assaji Thera, on the sidelines of the eighth South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable 2023 hosted by Sri Lanka.

8th South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable

The 8th South China Sea Buddhism Roundtable discussion kicked off at the BMICH yesterday (12), under the auspices of Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple Venerable Galboda Gnanissara Thera and Venerable Master Yin Shun of China.

Late Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera commemorated

The 20th commemorative ceremony of late Ven. Gangodawila Soma Thera was held at the Siri Vajirarama Temple in Colombo. A book ’’Gotama the Budda’’ written abot the Thera was also launched at the ceremony. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Tourist arrival...

A foreign tourist to Sri Lanka visiting the Gangarama temple in Colombo today. Provisional data from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) shows that the number of tourists who visited Sri Lanka exceeded 38,000 in the first week of December. The tourist arrival target for December is set at 242,135. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana