’Shoptober’ Mega sale at SLECC

The ’Shoptober fest and brand sale exhibition’ is currently underway at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC) and scheduled to go on until Sunday (30) from 9.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Urea stock received for Maha season

The first shipment of 13,000 metric tons of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation for the Maha season has arrived in the country. The stock was brought from China and unloaded at the port of Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Mete out justice...

Families of the disappeared staged a protest in front of the Office of the Missing Persons yesterday urging the authorities to expedite the truth seeking process. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Christmas cake mixing ceremony...

The traditional Christmas cake mixing ceremonies were held yesterday at the Hotel Club Dolphin in Waikkal and the Galle Face Hotel, Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Waruna Wanniarachchi

Demanding release of Aragalaya activists...

The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) today staged a protest in front of the Terrorost investigation unit at Narahenpita, demanding the release of Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera and convenor Wasantha Mudalige, who were detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). They claimed that the Buddhist monk was infected with dengue and no proper treatment was given to him. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Protest Rally held...

The Trade Union Collective Centre (TUCC) and the Combined People’s Movement today staged a protest rally at the Philip Gunawardena Playground in Colombo, over the unjustice faced by the people who were involved in democratic Aragalaya at the Galle Face Green. They demanded to release those who were arrested during the protests. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Intl. Water Conference 2022 in Sri Lanka

The National Water Supply & Drainage Board (NWSDB) has organized the International Water Conference (IWC) from December 10-16, at the newly constructed world class residential training and conferencing centre with the state-of-the-art ’Cewas’ located at Ratmalana, aiming to attract around 600 local and international water professionals to the conference. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Dilum visits Port City

Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugma made a special site visit to the Port City today (27) and said the Gazette notification stipulating the laws and regulations pertaining to the Colombo Port City Development Project will be issued in a couple of days. He said Sri Lanka is benchmarking with global standards and in the process of promoting and ease of doing business, thereby making Port City another Dubai or Singapore.

PM visited crop plantations

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene today visited crop plantations maintained under the Food Security Committee at Kethumathi Viharaya in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. He distributed dry rations and stationaries among schoolchildren. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

’Akshara’ live-in concert launched...

The launching event of the ’Akshara’ live concert held today in Colombo with the participation of talented veterans such as Shirley Waijayantha, Kumarasiri Pathirana, Asanga Priyamantha Peiris and Chandrasena Hettiarachchi. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Quit foaling around!

Incredible pictures show two stallions fighting in a test of strength at a horse sanctuary, with their manes going wild as they duel. The series of images, taken at the Onaqui Wild Horse Sanctuary in Utah, capture a pair of stallions in the midst of battle.

Collective proposal to govt.

People’s Protest against State Repression today engaged in a signature campaign to hand over a collective proposal to the government to take immediate action against the violation of fundamental rights of the protesters and demand the release of those who were arrested during the Aragalaya. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

India illuminates for Diwali

Indians have celebrated Diwali as earthen oil lamps and dazzling lights lit up homes and streets across the country to mark the Hindu festival that symbolises the victory of light over darkness. Diwali, which is a national holiday across India, is typically celebrated by socialising and exchanging gifts with family and friends. Many light earthen oil lamps or candles and fireworks are set off as part of the celebrations. (Daily Mail)

Sajith participates in Deepavali celebration

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa is seen participating at a religious observances at the opposition leader’s office in view of the Deepavali festival today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Beach gets facelift

A beach cleaning program was launched today at the Dehiwala coast in line with the program’s objective of creating a healthy ocean. The program was organized by the UN Development Program (UNDP) and the Pearl Protection Program. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

Happy Deepavali!

Devotees gathered at the Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil in Kochchikade are engaged in religious observances to celebrate Deepavali festival today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

238 recruits of SL Navy pass out in Sampoor

Upon successful completion of their basic training, 238 recruits of the 248th intake of Sri Lanka Navy’s Regular and Volunteer Forces, passed out at the main parade ground of SLNS Vidura in Sampoor, Trincomalee yesterday.

’Young Eye on Nature’ exhibition

The ’Young Eye on Nature’ the Annual Wildlife Photography Exhibition and ‘Kin Wild’ the Annual Wildlife Art Exhibition, will be held for three days from today at the JDA Perera Art Gallery, Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Walk-vehicle parade to support SL Cricket Team

A walk and vehicle parade was organised in support of our Cricket Team for the World Cup 2022, commenced from the Abans Head Office, Colombo 3 this morning. The parade featured creative acts and vehicles graphically decorated under a universal cricket theme. The parade concluded at the Independence Square. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Commercial Building of Havelock City opened

The MIREKA Tower, the Commercial Building of Havelock City, was opened by President Ranil Wickremesinghe today. Havelock City Pvt Limited Chairman Ajit Jayaratne, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Pravir Samarasinghe, Director Mildred Tao Ong, Former Minister Sagala Rathnayaka and Colombo Mayoress Rosy Senanayaka are also participated. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

South Asia’s fastest man now brand ambassador of SMEDA

South Asia’s fastest man Yupun Abeykoon singed an agreement with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) as brand ambassador during a media briefing held in Colombo today to announce the 2022 edition of SLIM SME Development Awards (SMEDA).

12th Defense Services Games ceremonially commenced

The 12th Defense Services Games, where the three armed services engage in sportsmanship, ceremonially commenced at the Sri Lanka Army Indoor Stadium in Panagoda with the gracious presence of Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne.

Maiden apple harvest...

The maiden harvest of a green apple plantation in Sri Lanka was presented to President Ranil Wickremesinghe this morning (20) at the Presidential Secretariat. (PMD)

Miss Tourism World 2022 grand finale

Miss Tourism World 2022 will host its grand finale in Sri Lanka this December, from 8th to 21st, with 80 winners from 80 countries. Sri Lanka secured the opportunity to host the event after competing with 15 countries, said Miss Tourism World 2022 Pageant National Director Malith Ranasinghe and State Tourism Ministry Coordinating Secretary and Chief Advisor Dr. Arosha Fernando. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Thai Buddhist delegation arrives with aid

A group of Thai Buddhist delegation arrived at the Katunayake International Airport yesterday with aid for Sri Lanka on a five-day visit.

MR celebrates Milad Un Nabi

The Milad-Un-Nabi Celebration was held today with the participation of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Former President’s official residence in Colombo.

Stop suppression of workers’ rights, withdraw Bill

The Employees’ Union of Petroleum Corporation today staged a protest at the Polduwa junction near Parliament against a bill being taken up for debate in Parliament today which is expected to pave the way for the liberalization of the petroleum industry. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stop suppression and trampling people

The Diyatha Api Aragale organization recently held a protest at the Polduwa juntion in Battaramulla against the hike in water and electricity bill, looting of people’s money and against arrest of peaceful protesters, and the suppression. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Calling for intl probe on enforced disappearances…

The Association for Relatives of Enforced Disappearances today held a protest near UN compound Colombo calling for an international probe on enforced disappearances. They handed over petitions to a number of foreign missions in Colombo. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Several roads in Gampaha flooded

Several roads in Gampaha were under water today with the overflowing of Attanagalu oya. Adverse weather conditions in several districts caused havoc with several families being affected and leaving four people dead. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja Pix by Kushsan Pathiraja