Sama Maha Viharaya annual Perahara

The annual Perahara of the Sama Maha Viharaya in Gampaha was held yesterday (06) in line with the Vesak Poya Day. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Royals emerge for balcony wave following King Charles’ coronation

Britain’s King Charles III wearing the Imperial state Crown, and Britain’s Queen Camilla wearing a modified version of Queen Mary’s Crown, flanked by Britain’s Prince George of Wales (2nd L) and other pages of honour, wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony after viewing the Royal Air Force fly-past in central London yesterday, after their coronations.

Lotus tower illuminated for Vesak

The Lotus Tower was lit up this evening in view of Vesak celebrations. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Army-designed 'Apaaya' attracts people at Gangarama 'Vesak' Zone

The mock exhibit, ’Apaaya’ (hell), designed by the Sri Lanka Army’s Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the Gangarama ’Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ attracts large crowd. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

'Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone'

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the Gangaramaya ’Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ for the fourth day today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Illuminated Vesak pandals brighten Colombo

A number of beautifully decorated pandals to welcome Vesak Day illuminated the city of Colombo last night. In addition, Bakthi Geetha recitals were also held in several parts of the city. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Malaysian High Commission celebrates Eid

The Malaysian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated Eid festival with the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry in Colombo on May 6, 2023. Media and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam and Chinese envoy to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong are seen sharing lighter moments during the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Gangarama Vesak Zone

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena is viewing a stall after opening the third day of the Vesak Zone organized by Gangarama Temple. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

MR holds a Dansal!

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a Kadala Dansal outside his official Wijerama Residence in Colombo today in view of Vesak. A surprising visitor who volunteered to take part in the Dansal was Sashi Weerawansa, wife of Wimal Weerawansa who is at loggerheads with the SLPP camp.

Manioc dansala....

A Manioc dansala was organized by the Dam Street Police Station, Gunasinghepura during the Vesak poya day. The Community Police Division Committee, Advisory Committee and the Traders’ Unions supported this effort on the advice of Dam Street Police Station Chief Inspector Ajith Pedurarachchi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Ananda College Vesak Zone

Ananda College, the premier Buddhist school in the country organized a Vesak Zone at the school premises this year. Several school children are pictured here making Vesak lanterns at the zone. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sharing a meal on Vesak Day

Several Dansals have been organised on Vesak Day. People are seen organising and participating at Dansals in the Colombo City. Pix By Nisal Baduge

Vesak Poya Day

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

Kelani Viharaya comes alive for Vesak

Large crowds were seen at Kelani Viharaya despite adverse weather condition today. Many devotees were seen engaged in religious observances. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Pandals ready for Vesak...

The popular Thotalanga, Dematagoda and Gangaramaya Vesak pandals in Colombo are seen decorated for the Vesak festival tomorrow. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Preparing for Vesak

Vendors seen selling an array of lanterns in Colombo ahead of the Vesak festival which is one of the holiest festivals celebrated in Sri Lanka as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing away of the Buddha. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vietnamese decorations at Vesak Zone

Vietnamese Buddhist monks residing in Sri Lanka are showcasing a special stall at the Vesak zone 2023 organized by the Gangarama Temple Hunupitiya .The monks have brought down decorations from Vietnam for the stall. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Pindapatha Charika…

In line with the 2,667 years of Buddha’s Enlightenment and the State Vesak Festival, the Department of Buddhist Affairs organized a Pindapatha Charika programme this morning from the Gangaramaya Temple at 9.30 a.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Indian Air Chief calls on General Silva

The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva. The visiting head of the Indian Air Force and the delegation were warmly welcomed by the CDS at the arrival and recalled the strong bilateral defence ties the two nations share for years.

No to Counter Terrorism Bill

Independent protestors (Nirpakshika Aaragalakaruwo) staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station today, demanding the authorities refrain from enacting the proposed Counter Terrorism Bill. The protest was held in the form of a drama. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Indian AF Chief visits AF Headquarters

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force called on the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, this morning (02 May 2023) at Air Force Headquarters.

Making Vesak decorations...

Vietnam Buddhit monks are seen making vesak lanterns and decorations for the Gangaramaya Vesak Zone. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Bus skids off road: several injured

A Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus plying to Hanwella from Negombo met with an accident on the Wathurugama bus route in Gampaha this morning. The bus skidded off the road due to its speed, police said. 70 passengers were on board during the accident and the injured were admitted to the Gampaha base hospital. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

SJB May Day parade

The May Day parade of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) commenced near the P.D. Sirisena playground in Maligawatte this afternoon. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Uttara Lanka Sahabaga May Day rally

The May Day rally of the Uttara Lanka Sahabaga was held at Hyde Park grounds today with the leaders of the party including former MP Wimal Weerawansa. Pix by Santha Ratnayake

SLFP May Day rally in Kandy

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) held its May Day rally in Kandy with party leader Maithripala Sirisena saying his party will not form an alliance with any other party in the future. Pix by J.A.L. Jayasinghe.

JVP May Day rally

The May Day procession of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP)-led National Peoples’ Power moves along from BRC grounds Colombo 6 to the road near Vihara Mahadevi Park, where the rally was held. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

SLPP May Day rally at Cambell Park

Former President and SLPP Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa greets the crowd at the party’s May Day rally, which was held at Cambell Park today. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene and MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage are also present. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

May Day, May Day!

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene and the party seniors at the Party’s May Day rally held at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Commemoration of late President R. Premadasa

Former President R. Premadasa’s 30th death anniversary was commemorated in front of the Premadasa statue in Hulftsdorp this morning. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana