Sinopec inks agreement with BOI

Sinopec Energy Lanka (Pvt) Ltd China and the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) have signed an agreement on July 14, 2023 to operate and set up fuel stations for distribution in Sri Lanka. Sinopec has invested $100 million in the project, which includes the import, storage, and sales of fuel. The project will involve 150 privately-owned fuel outlets currently operated by the Petroleum Corporation. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protesters demand resignation of Health Minister

Citizens of the People’s Struggle today staged a protest outside the Ministry of Health demanding the resignation of all officials including the Health Minister. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Thank you for visiting me…

Tourism Minister Harin Fernando and former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, who are currently in Australia for a tourism promotion event, met Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunatilleke in Sydney.

Mrs. India Inc. 2023 Beauty Pagent

A media briefing was held today to introduce the Mrs. India Inc. 2023 Beauty Pageant. This pageant will be held in Sri Lanka for the first time on an international stage. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Second stage of Deegawapiya Stupa restoration inaugurated

The second stage of the Deegawapiya Stupa restoration project was launched by placing a symbolic Stupa brick by Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne at the Deegawapiya premises.

Wondering if we’re really alone...

To take a UFO case seriously, scientists want multi-sensory data: eyewitnesses, radar, heat data from thermal imaging, video, photos and more recorded from multiple angles on different kinds of hardware. (Daily Mail)

Island in Kalpitiya gets new Church

The newly constructed Velankanni Church in Uchchamuni, an island in Kalpitiya, is to be declared open on July 22, 2023. Some of the inhabitants in the island are preparing the premises for the opening by engaging in cleaning activities. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Against debt restructuring process...

A protest organised by the United Trade Union Alliance was held in front of the Labour Ministry at Narahenpita against the government’s decision to involve the EPF in the debt restructuring process. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana

To defeat 'Aswesuma'...

Members of the National Organization Against Destroying Samurdhi staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station, demanding the government to stop introducing the Aswesuma welfare programme. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Don’t touch EPF, ETF …

The port employees yesterday staged a protest near the Khan Clock Tower in Pettah against the alleged move by the authorities to meddle with the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) through the recently approved Domestic Debt Optimisation plan. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Stay away from EPF, ETF...

Port employees staged a protest today outside the Colombo Port against the moves, they claim, are to loot the EPF and ETF. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Till populist victory...

The Socialist Youth Association (SYU) held a protest today at the Polduwa junction, demanding the government abolish all repressive laws and not lay its hands on the people’s EPF and ETF. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Floral tribute to founder on 50th anniversary of Amarapura Mulawanshika Chapter

A religious ceremony was held to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Mulawanshika Chapter of the Amarapura Sect, with floral tributes to the founder Most Venerable Bodhisathwa Guna Vibushitha Maha Dhamma Rajadhi Ragaguru Sri Gnanawimala Tissadhidana Mahanayaka Thera at the Ambarukkarama Mula Mahavihar, Welitara Balapitiya. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Pakistan Team arrives

The Pakistan National Team led by Babar Azam arrived in Sri Lanka this morning to take part in the two-match test series which will begin on July 16th, 2023, at the GICS, Galle. The second test match will commence at the SSC, Colombo, on July 24th. The test series is a part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023–25 cycle.

Construction Power and Energy Expo in Colombo

The eighth edition of Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition in the construction, interior products, power and energy-related sectors, the Construction Power and Energy Expo, kicked off at the BMICH. The event that will come to a close on July 9 showcases over 200 exhibitors, representing a wide range of industries, including roofing systems, doors, windows, sanitary ware, electrical engineering, renewable energy, etc.

Excise felicitates long-serving Sergeants, Sergeant Majors

Long serving Sergeants and Sergeant Majors of the Department of Excise were felicitated at a special ceremony held at the departmental headquarters in Rajagiriya today, which was graced by the State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Joint Health Services Union in protest

The Joint Health Services Union staged a protest today outside Colombo National Hospital over several demands including an allowance of Rs. 20,000. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Trekking in search of water...

Wild animals in the Yala National Park were seen roaming in search of food and water due to the dry weather conditions. Pix by Nisal Baduge

America celebrates Independence Day

Americans turned out in full force to mark 247 years of the Declaration of Independence on Tuesday - with millions braving intense heat and rain to celebrate.

For sail!

One of Britain’s biggest windmills which boasts three bedrooms and two bathrooms is on the market for £650,000, a figure cheaper than the average house price in London.

Esala festival ends with water cutting ceremony

The Esala festival in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala ended after the water cutting ceremony last morning at Jeewamali ferry in Menikganga. The Kapurala performing the rite was brought to the venue of the ceremony in a palanquin. The first pot of water collected from the site was taken to Valliamma Devala after performing traditional rites. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Final procession of Kataragama Devalaya held

The final procession of the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya was paraded through the streets, last night, Esala Full Moon Poya Day. The annual Kataragama Esala Perahera festival started on June 19. The Perahera festival will end today (4) with the water-cutting ceremony. Here President Ranil Wickremesinghe placing the casket containing the sacred relic on the perahera’s chief elephant last night. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Air China resumed services

Air China resumed services between the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Colombo and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport with three flights a week from Chengdu-Colombo-Chengdu yesterday (3), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) said.

Kataragama Perahara - 14th day..

The annual perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held for the 14th day last night with a large crowd witnessing the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Seeking blessings on Esala Poya day

Today is Esala full moon Poya day, which is celebrated by Buddhists island wide. Esala Poya is significant to Buddhists as the day Buddha preached his first dhamma sermon, the ’Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta’. The picture shows devotees at the Kiri Vehera at Kataragama taking part in religious observances. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Kelaniya Temple on Esala Poya Day...

Devotees were seen coming in numbers to Kelaniya Temple and were seen engaged in religious observances to mark Esala Full Moon Poya Day. By Pradeep Dilruskshana

Rice donation programme

A rice donation programme was conducted at Pepiliyana Raja Maha Viharaya to coincide with Adhi Esala Poya day. A patron of the temple Mr. Sugeeshwara Bandara organized the programme with the participation with his mother. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Scout Association launches National Service, Relationship Month

The National Service and Relationship Month organized by Sri Lanka Scout Association was launched recently at the Pedro Scout Camp in Nuwara Eliya under the patronage of President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake and Chief Scout.

Leaving for UN Peacekeeping in Mali

One more contingent of Sri Lanka Army personnel in the 5th Combat Convoy Company (CCC), designated to serve in the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) left for Mali yesterday (July 01) evening as the first segment of 170 troops out of the full contingent of 243, set to leave in stages.

Kataragama Perahara - 13th day..

The annual perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held for the 13th day last night with a large crowd witnessing the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge