The All Ceylon Economic Centers Association (ACECA) and Nuwara Eliya Economic Centre said the transportation of vegetables to Colombo Fort by train from this afternoon. It is the first time in the past 23 years. Transporting of vegetables from Nanu Oya Railway Station to Colombo Fort started at 5.00 pm as a pilot project, and the train was scheduled to reach Colombo Fort at midnight today. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa
Inter University Bhikku Federation (IUBF) today staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry at Isurupaya over several demands, including the release of their convenors, stop taking revange from students, and open all universities that are being closed. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
People were seen walking to Maradana Railway Station due to the technical failure of the light signal. The technical failure occurred between Maradana and Dematagoda train stations this morning. The failure was eventually resolved, and train operations resumed normally. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
A large group of tourists from the Mediterranean island of Malta arrived in Sri Lanka for the first time this morning through Katunayake International Airport. This group consists of 50 Maltese nationals and they will spend 12 days in the country and are scheduled to visit Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kaudulla National Park, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, Yala and Ella by train. Pix by T.K.G. Kapila
Group of decorators are making final arrangements to a one of a kind Christmas tree made out of about 2,000 living vegetable plants ranging from cabbage, spinach, ladies fingers, green chilies and lettuce setup close to Presidential Secretariat yesterday.
The Colombo Shopping Festival, which is held every year targeting the seasonal holidays, kicked off today at the BMICH. The premium trade fair displays an array of products at special discounted prices. It will continue till Friday (23). Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Gampaha Rathnavali Girls’ school, a commemorative stamp and first-day cover were issued at the school. It was held under the patronage of the Transport and Highways Minister, Bandula Gunawardana and Principal, Ms. Hema Jayawardena. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.
Two local fishing trawlers filled with ICE and Heroin which were intercepted by the Navy along with six suspects following a special operation in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotic Bureau, brought to Colombo. The haul of illegal drugs included over 128kg and 327g of crystal methamphetamine (ICE) and 106kg and 474g of heroin. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in the 97th Passing out Parade of the cadet officers of the Diyatalawa Military Academy today. Three hundred and fifty-one (351) cadet officers who completed their training at the Diyatalawa Military Academy were commissioned at the passing out ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
A three-day exhibition of vintage stamps, coins, currency notes and first-day covers was commenced on Friday at the Public Library in Colombo. the exhibition will be held till today (18). The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association. Several stamps and other vintage articles are also exhibited and sold at this exhibition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
A ceremony to award 500 scholarships to study Information Technology at a Philippine State University was held today with the participation of Sports and Youth Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and Rotary International President Jennifer Jones. The event was held at the Ministry of Sports this afternoon with the participation National Youth Services Council President Dr. Thiran De Silva and several other dignitaries.
Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple’s Chief Incumbent Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera, better known as ’Podi Hamuduruwo’, celebrated his 80th birthday today (14). A series of events, including religious observances, have been organized at the Gangaramaya Temple to coincide with the birthday of the senior prelate. Packs of dry food were distributed among low-income families in the area. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
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