CDS calls on outgoing Air Chief

In accordance with the respected military traditions, the outgoing Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana paid a farewell call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva this morning at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS).

Elephants enjoy natural river bathing

Elephants were seen bathing in the Menik Ganga in Kataragama ahead of the annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya. Pix by Nisal Baduge

’Laksiyane Mandiraya’ opens

The ’Laksiyane Mandiraya’ Administrative complex of the District Secretariat in Gampaha was declared open today by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Titanic mysteries

The French explorer who perished on the Titan submersible’s journey to the Titanic spent decades working with a controversial company which recovered thousands of relics from the shipwreck.

5th SL Army contingent ready to serve UN

The 5th Combat Convoy Company (CCC) is now ready to undertake UN Peacekeeping Mission responsibilities in the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Prior to their departure from the country, presented a ceremonial salute to Lt. General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP NDU, Commander of the Army at the Regimental Headquarters parade ground of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (SLSR) at Ambepussa on Friday (23).

Dengue controllers against temporary employment

Members of the National Dengue Control Unit gathered at the Health Ministry today for a discussion with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on granting permanency to its members who are employed on temporary basis to prevent the spread of dengue. Pix By Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dansala to feed Hindu devotees

A dansela to feed Hindu devotees performing Paada Yaatra from the North and East to Kataragama for the Esala festival has been held for the past ten days in the midst of the Yaala jungle (Block 2 section of the National Park). According to the organizers they have already fed more than 30,000 devotees and will function until the end of the festival on July 03.

Tightening the net on drug traffickers

Police officers check a vehicle during a special search operation conducted by the Colombo South Division police to apprehend drug traffickers. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Festival of Kataragama Maha Devalaya

The annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya staged for the sixth day last night. Many people were seen participated at the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Athupandalama ritual at Kataragama Devalaya

The ritual known as ’Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Devalaya in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place every year. The main tusker of the Temple performs the ritual in the presence of the Basnayaka Nilame. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Protest against Canadian PM’s statement

A silent protest was staged today in front of the Canadian embassy in response to a statement made by the Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau. The protest was organized in opposition to comments made by the Prime Minister about the loss of life among the Tamil community, including in the Mullivaikal massacre, where tens of thousands were killed, with many more missing, injured, or displaced. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

Industry 2023

The ’’Industry 2023’’ National Industry Exhibition was commenced today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Hall, Colombo, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

A parade of locally assembled vehicles

A ’National Vehicle Parade’ was held today with more than 150 locally assembled vehicles inline with the Industry 2023 - National Industry Exhibition. The parade was jointly organized by the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Fumigating to curb dengue outbreak

In a bid to eradicate dengue-spreading mosquitos, health personnel in protective suits fumigating the areas surrounding the Gothatuwa Police area. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Coral reef conservation...

Port City Colombo, which extends from the central business district of Colombo, showcases a profound commitment to environmental conservation through the development of extensive coastal and marine habitats.

Free women....

Several members of the Women’s Movement for Freedom staged a protest today in front of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) over the risks that Sri Lankan women have to face when being employed in Middle Eastern and other foreign countries. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

74th birthday of former President

A religious ceremony was held at the Gouthama Viharaya, Narahenpita to mark the 74th birthday of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa under the patronage of Venerable Dr. Itthepane Dhammalankara Thero. Anunayake Reverend Vedaruve Upali Thero of the Asgiri Chapter conducted religious observances with the participation of members of the Maha Sanga and others. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Gothami Balika celebrated 77th anniversary

The Gothami Balika Vidyalaya today celebrated its 77th anniversary. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Navy helps devotees engaged in ‘Paada Yaathra’

The Sri Lanka Navy began providing assistance to devotees who are marching the annual foot pilgrimage, known as ‘Paada Yaathra’ from Jaffna to Sella Kathragama. The Navy looked into the requirements of the pilgrims marching the segment from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya.

Late PM Dudley Senanayake remembered

The statue of former Prime Minister the late D.S. Senanayake is garlanded on the occasion of his 112th birth anniversary in Colombo. The function to mark the birth anniversary was held today with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane, UNP deputy leader Ruwan Wijewardene and former Minister Rukman Senanayake were also among the participants at the event. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Don’t Let It Go!

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away... a team of Disney Imagineers helped fans reconstruct the the most magical place on earth in their multi-million dollar properties.

Father’s day

Today is father’s day where fathers around the world are remembered by their children for their contribution to the family and society. But not all fathers can celebrate. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Don’t skip a beat

The Rotary Club of Colombo West and the Rotary Club of Colombo Metropolitan held a media brefing today at the Lanka Hospital auditorium, Colombo 5, on the children’s heart surgery project named ‘Don’t Skip A Beat’. High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay was also present at the event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

International Yoga Day observed

People celebrated Intentional Yoga Day with an event organized by the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka at Independent Squire today June 17, 2023. International Yoga Day is observed on June 21.Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Philatelic Exhibition…

A Philatelic Exhibition organized by the Media Ministry and the Department of Posts was launched on Friday (15) at the Sri Lanka Post Headquarters. The exhibition will be held until Sunday (18). In the exhibition, people have the opportunity to stamps. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

What a stink!

A huge quantity of garbage was seen dumped on the beach at Wellawatta raising concerns over haphazard dumping practices of people and some companies. It mostly consists of bottle caps, lids, plastic drinking cups, straws and shoes. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Customs destroy largest fag haul

Sri Lanka Customs along with the Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC) today destroyed the largest haul of illicit cigarettes detected in the country’s history, which is over 200 million sticks that came in 21 containers in 2021 with an estimated value of Rs. 9.7 billion. It took place in Muthurajawela in the presence of top Customs and CTC officials, including State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Secure jobs, wages

The Socialist Equality Party held a demonstration in Colombo today demanding the formation of workers’ action committees to fight against the privatization of state assets and to secure jobs and wages. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest against selling state institutions

The Joint Trade Union organized a protest in front of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) head office in Colombo today against the government’s decision to sell the state institutions including the insurance company. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Felicitation for Master Shi Fa Zhao

Another felicitation ceremony was held at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to honor Master Shi Fa Zhao, the Chief Abbot of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, and the Golden Pagoda Buddhist Temple in Singapore. Packs of dry rations were distributed among low-income families, and school bags and books were distributed among schoolchildren in view of the birthday of the Thera. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe