Air Force receives Beechcraft from US

The US government has officially handed over a Beechcraft King Air 360ER, valued at $19 million, to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) for maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations. The SLAF inducted the aircraft during a ceremony attended by Defence Secretary Sampath Thuyacontha, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, Admiral Stephen Koehler, Commander of the US Pacific Fleet and Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Udeni R

West Indies cricket team arrives

The West Indies cricket team arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning for a match tour in Sri Lanka.

Action ...

Actors and acressess in action between Ella and Demodara stations as filming takes place on the Nine Arches Bridge. Train services between Colombo Fort and Badulla were limited to the Ella station from today till October 15 due to an Indo-Lanka joint film project. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri

New party launched...

Democratic National Front launched...

The Democratic National Front, a new political party formed by several groups and led by former MP Praba Ganesan, was officially launched in Colombo today (October 8). The party aims to contest the upcoming elections for the Colombo District. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Free Japanese language training course at Gangaramaya

The Sri Jinarathana Vocational Training Center, managed by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Viharaya in Colombo, in collaboration with the General Foundation Yoshioka Cultural Education Association, a Japanese social service organization, has organized a free Japanese language training course for local children.

Tragedy at Lotus Tower

A female student from Colombo International School fell to her death from the observation deck of the Lotus Tower this afternoon.

Against Israel’s Occupation of Gaza

A protest was held in front of the United Nations (UN) office in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 7, 2024, by several organizations opposing Israel’s occupation of Gaza and Lebanon. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Over to you...

Several sewage holes of the waste water disposal project on Aponsu Mawatha, Lakshapathiya in Moratuwa were seen overflowing with the heavy rains today.

President meets families of Easter attack victims...

President receives blessings….

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the headquarters of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya in Narahenpita this morning, where he met with the Chief Prelate, Most Venerable Makulewe Wimala Nayaka Thera, Aggamaha Panditha of the Sri Lanka Ramanna Maha Nikaya, and received his blessings.

K+ Colombo International Shoe Fair...

The K+ Colombo International Shoe Fair 2024 was inaugurated today at SLECC. The event features a wide range of shoes, bags, umbrellas, and purses available at significant discounts. Visitors can explore new models suited for various occasions in daily life. Photos by Kithsiri De Mel

‘Sihinaya – Nonimiya’

A book titled ‘Sihinaya – Nonimiya’ written by Ganga Rajinee Dissanayaka about former President Maithripala Sirisena was launched today at the Galle Face Hotel with the participation of distinguished guests. Pix by Nimalsiri Ediringhe

Prez in talks with Jaishankar...

Indian External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, who arrived in Sri Lanka this morning (04) on a one-day official visit, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat this afternoon.

Jaishankar arrives...

India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit, was received by Foreign Secretary Aruni Wijewardane at the airport this morning.

Prez in talks with IMF officials...

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake met today with an IMF delegation, including Krishna Srinivasan, Director of the Asia Pacific Department, and Dr. Peter Breuer, Senior Mission Chief, to discuss the progress of Sri Lanka’s ongoing IMF program.

South Korean National Day celebrated...

A vibrant reception was held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, recently in celebration of South Korea’s National Day. Organized by the Korean Embassy, the event showcased traditional Korean culture, symbolising the deep diplomatic ties between South Korea and Sri Lanka. The Governor of the Western Province, Hanif Yusuf, was the Chief Guest.

President assumes Ministerial duties

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake officially assumed the duties as the Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock, Irrigation, Fisheries, and Aquatic Resources today (03).

Filtered water project launched

Residents of Sirimapura in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province began purchasing filtered water through a project launched by the Sri Lanka-China joint experimentation initiative. The project provides over 5,000 liters of filtered water daily, with unfiltered water also being supplied free of charge. The filtered water initiative was introduced in response to the widespread prevalence of kidney disease in the area.

Enthusiastic shoppers...

A bustling scene at the Pettah Market in Colombo as the market turns lively, with many enjoying the atmosphere as inflation drops, encouraging more shoppers to venture out. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fuel under new price...

People were seen queuing at fuel stations with some relief following the government’s announcement of a fuel price reduction. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

OTDYKH leisure 2024 marks 30th anniversary

The 30th anniversary International Forum and Exhibition OTDYKH Leisure 2024 concluded on September 19 at the Expocentre Fairgrounds, attracting over 9,000 industry professionals, including representatives from Russian regions, foreign delegations, tour operators, hotels, and various tourism-related sectors. The event was a resounding success, fostering collaboration and innovation across the global travel industry.

Children spotted at Colombo International Book Fair

More children were seen buying books at the Colombo International Book Fair, which was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Pix by Nisal Baduge

Petition to reverse subsidy suspension

A group of farmers and several organizations filed a petition with the Election Commission (EC) to reconsider its decision to suspend fertilizer and fuel subsidies until the conclusion of the general election. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

World Children's Day celebrated

Several activities and celebtarions were held for children at the the Viharamahadevi Park (formerly Victoria Park) to mark World Children’s Day. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stamps exhibition...

An exhibition and fair featuring stamps, old coins, currency notes, and first day covers was organized by the Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association at the Colombo Public Library. Pix By Kithsiri De Mel

Mabole Malays celebrate Meelad-un-Nabi

MMA President T. Putra (Perry) Dane and Secretary Percy Assan handover the cash and fabric donations to the Maulawi of the Duwa Madrasa Mosque in Mahabage.

Water released in Polgolla

The water from the Polgolla diversion dam in Kandy was released this morning to facilitate essential maintenance work. Technicians were observed inspecting the spill gates. As a result of the water release, the water supply to several areas in Kandy was suspended for 65 hours starting at 1 a.m. today.

President visits ’’Colombo International Book Fair’’

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake attended the ’’Colombo International Book Fair’’ today at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall (BMICH).

Reopened...

Motorists are seen using Sir Baron Jayathilake Mawatha and Janadhipathi Mawatha near the President’s House, which were reopened to the public after years of closure.