NZ force SL to follow on in second test

New Zealand are on course for a clean sweep of their test series against Sri Lanka, with the tourists 113-2 following on, at stumps on day three of the second test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, still 303 runs in arrears.

Royal rules!

Royal College emerged victorious over S. Thomas’ College by 181 runs to win the 144th Battle of the Blues and take home the Rt. Hon D.S. Senanayake Shield. Pix by Pradeed Dilrukshana

Engrossed in deep conversation

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and SJB MP Harsha De Silva were captured on film while in deep conversation at the Royal-Thomian big match yesterday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Battle of the Blues

After three years of behind played behind closed doors, spectators young and old returned for the 144th Royal-Thomian encounter at the SSC ground. Seen here are some who attended the match today, along with some action photos. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Future Minds Higher Educational Exhibition 2023

The Future Minds Higher Educational and Career Exhibition 2023 was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The exhibition will be held until Sunday (19) and organized by the Junior Old Boys Association of Nalanda College, Colombo in collaboration with the Government. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Commandos pass out in Kudaoya

The Commando Regiment (CR) of the Army during a glittering ceremony welcomed their new 265 ‘Maroon Berets’ and 85 ‘Long Range Patrol’ (LRP) men of the latest well-trained batches during a ceremonial Passing-out Parade (PoP) at Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS) yesterday. Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage graced the event as the chief guest.

FUTA against new tax policy

The Federation of University Teachers Associations (FUTA) today held a protest in front of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, demanding the government revise the new tax policy and stop brutality against university students by the police. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Waiting with some hope...

A large number of people who came to their workplaces in Colombo had to put in a lot of effort to get back home, as a number of trains were cancelled today due to the protest by the locomotive operators’ union. People are seen waiting for train at the Fort, Maradana, Dematagoda, Slave island Kollupitiya and other suburban railway stations with some hope. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Stop selling Insurance Corporation

The insurance workers’ union staged a protest in front of the insurance corporation, demanding government’s plan to sell the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation be withdrawn. Pix Nisal Baduge

Bring down the spiraling CoL

Several trade unions shouted slogans holding placards during a protest organized by the National Trade Union Collective Centre (TUCC) in Borella. The unions placed several demands, including lowering cost of living, lowering taxes, and power tariffs. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana

Train commuters stranded...

Train commuters stranded today due to the ongoing multi-sectoral trade union action as limited number of trains were operational this morning. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Strike disrupts work at National Hospital

Healthcare services at the Colombo National Hospital came to a standstill today as a result of the general strike launched by the health sector trade unions over several demands. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A seat fit for the Executive

Civil society activists and political party activists staged a protest near Independence Square in Colombo on March 14, 2023, protesting the government’s continuous tear gas attacks on protesters. A petition was also signed to hand over the protesters to the United Nations. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fish processing facility opened

A canned fish processing facility was declared open today by Western Province Governor Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Goonetileke. The facility based at the Walpita Agriculture Training Centre, which also manufactures a range of processed fruit products, is an initiative by the Governor to aid the stabilization of the domestic economy. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Postal Union protest...

The Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance staged a protest outside the Central Mail Exchange against the escalating cost of living, new tax policy. Pix Nisal Baduge

Polgolla Reservoir-front open to public

Polgolla Reservoir-front open to public More people are seen visiting to experience the view and to take a dip in the Polgolla Reservoir as the downstream of the reservoir completely dried. The catchment areas in the hill country did not receive enough rain and water was stocked upstream of the reservoir. Therefore, many people are keen to visit to get a glimpse of the this reservoir-front. Pix by Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama

Strike disrupts work at Govt. hospitals

Healthcare services at all government hospitals came to a standstill today as a result of the strike launched by medical doctors. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe and Pradeep Dilrukshana

NZ beat SL off final ball

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson makes a successful run to win the first Test match against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch today, Pix by AFP

Against new taxes…

The port trade unions staged a protest in front of the Colombo Port calling for the government to revise the new tax policy. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Getting youth out of drug menace....

Western Province Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Desabandu Tennakoon recently introduced the ’Win Life Anew’ program in the Welipillawa area in Ragama. The program will help cure young people who are addicted to drugs. Several equipment were donated during the program.

Facelift to beaches...

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) today launched a program to clean up the coastlines. The project is expected to be carried out using modern beach cleaning machinery received through foreign aid. The initial program was held on the beach of Crow Island, Mattakkuliya.

Shopping gathers momentum

People are seen busy buying essentials in the city market. After the appreciation of the Sri Lankan rupee against US dollar, the prices of several goods in the market were brought down. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Protest against police suppression...

Students of the Open University today staged a protest in front of the university premises against the suppression by the police on protesters. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Against tear gas attacks….

A protest was held in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Thummulla this afternoon against the deaths caused due to recent tear gas attacks, police entering the universities and firing tear-gas at school children and military using cinnamon sticks to beat protesters. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Fowl play suspected...

The moment a tiny falcon bravely attacks a pelican which flew too close to its nest has been captured in stunning images.

SL monks conferred with honorary religious titles by Myanmar govt.

Six Sri Lankan Theros were conferred with Honorary Religious Titles “Abhidhaja Maha Rattha Guru” and “Aggamahapanditha” by the Government of Myanmar.

Another protest in front of Colombo uni...

The Sri Lanka Inter-University Professionals’ General Union today staged a protest in front of the Colombo University over the price increase of essential commodities, including the recent electricity tariff hike by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Reduce electricity bill...

The frontline Socialist Party held a demonstration in front of the Fort railway station today, demanding a reduction in the electricity bill, which was increased by the government recently. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fighting for women’s rights

A demonstration was organized by the women’s movement for the freedom to mark International Women’s Day at Lipton Circus today. Pix by Samantha Perera

Trade union action affects hospitals...

The Colombo National Hospital was deserted due to the one-day trade union action initiated by many health service unions this morning, demanding immediate solutions to the crises in the health sector and the oppressive conditions faced by health professionals.