Tewatte Basilica conducts 81st healing service

The 81st healing service of the Thewatta Basilica held yesterday in Ragama with Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith as chief guest and with the participation of other bishops. The Cardinal said no government that had ruled this country since independence, done anything productive and towards the benefit of its people. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Isipathana rugby team felicitated after winning schools’ league title

The Principal and Old Boys Association of Isipathana College held a felicitation program on Friday (19) at the college to recognize the Dialog U19 League champion team of Isipathana year 2022. Isipathana Captain Dahan Wickrmarachchi led the side to secure the 16th overall league championship for the college. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Thomians beat Peterites for Archibald Perera trophy

St. Thomas’ College edged out St. Peter’s College for a 23-22 in their traditional rugby fixture for the Archibald Perera trophy, played at Bambalapitiya. The Thomians led 20-14 at half-time. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Stop child labour!

A protest organized by Centre for Private Sector Worker’s rights, Centre for Labour Struggle, Centre for Private Sector Worker Rights and Women for Freedom was held in front of Labour Office in Colombo. They urged for stoppage of child labour and to ensure Children’s right for education. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Handbook on Gender, Sexual violence launched...

The first handbook on ‘Gender, Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Disaster’ was launched by the Disaster Management Center (DMC) with the technical assistance of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), financial support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia (DFAT). The book was launched to mark the World Humanitarian Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

President visits Jackson Anthony

President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid a visit to veteran artiste Jackson Anthony, who is receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital after having sustained serious injuries in a tragic road mishap.

Protest at customs...

People engaged in several small-scale businesses gathered at a protest in front of the Sri Lanka Customs office today demanding the ban imposed on importing goods by foreign transit traders from August 9 lifted. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Tear-gassed...

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) protest march at Slave Island today. Pix by Samantha Perera

Protest by Ayurvedic TUs

The Collective of Ayurvedic Trade Unions today staged a protest in front of the Ayurvedic teaching hospital in Borella over several demands, such as not providing the recommended diet to the patients and a lack of medicine and equipment. Pix by Nimsalsiri Edirisinghe

Let’s defeat divisive conspiracy...

Members of the National Campaign to Preserve Bodu Heritage today staged a protest at the ’Agitation Site’ at the Galle Face Green over several demands, including to defeat the divisive conspiracy. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Waiting to buy wings to Korea....

People are seen waiting at the Korean Embassy in Colombo to get their visas. People lament that they have been waiting for days at the embassy. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Discussing changes?

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe at Organization of Professional Associations (OPA) Annual Conference. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

First converted electric Trishaw launched

The launching event of the electric three-wheelers converted by David Peris Motor Company was held this morning, and the MoU was signed with USAID in the presence of the US Envoy to Sri Lanka. Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera was present at the event and said, it was great to see much needed energy sector transformations taking place and hold the key for the future.

Health workers’ demo

The health workers’ union conducted a protest in front of the National Hospital, appealing to the government to stop the repression immediately, not to cut health staff allowances and to insider allowing concessions. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Colourful kites...

Kids are seen flying kites at the Pandura beach as August is the kite flying season. Pix by Samantha Perera

Yuan Wang 5 arrives

The Chinese scientific research vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrived at the Hambantota port this morning.

Prices down...

People were are busy buying goods at the economic centre in Narahenpita today. The prices of several essential consumer goods, including potatoes, onions and lentils have come down. It was seen that the retail price of a kilo of domestically imported potatoes has dropped to Rs.180, and the price of a kilo of large onions to Rs. 150. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Donation...

The Sri Lanka Association of Oregon in Portland, USA was magnanimous to donate a shipment of urgent medicines by air cargo, which the Health Ministry is badly in need of during emergencies. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Joes beat Wesley, finish league runners-up

The Dialog Schools Rugby League tournament came to an end today with the last Super Round match between St Joseph’s College and Wesley College played at Havelock Park. St. Joseph’s prevailed 26-11 to end up as the second in the league behind winners Isipathana College. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Expose corrupt deals...

The Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union today staged a protest in front of their head office calling for a forensic audit on the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) Chairman and to expose the corrupt deals. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Ceremonial welcome to dornier 228 Aircraft

A ceremonial welcome was given for India’s latest gift to the people of Sri Lanka in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and other dignitaries. The Dornier 228 aircraft was delivered to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) and will increase security. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Isipathana emerges champions

Isipathana College emerged the Dialog Schools Rugby 2022 league champions when they defeated defending and three time champions Royal College by 21 points to 15 in the deciding match played at the Havelock Park yesterday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Facelift after Kataragama Perahera....

Army personnel are seen cleaning the Wedihiti Kanda (Wedahiti Kanda) area after the Kataragama perahera where plastic bottles and bags are strewn everywhere after the season, though people have been advised not to bring plastic to the area. But after every Perahera season, the area gets littered with a large number of plastic discards. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Kirinda beach draws large group of holiday makers

People are seen enjoying the stunning beauty of the Kirinda beach during last weekend. Even though the economic crisis continue to trample down people, they want to keep their loved ones happy and to take a break from busy life. Pix by Nisal Baduge

World Wushu Kung Fu Day celebrated

Sri Lanka Celebrated 2022 World Wushu Kung Fu Day, (WWKD) held at the Independence Square in Colombo recently with the Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Zhang Yingbao as Chief Guest. Exhibition games also added colour to the occasion. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Easter Sunday victims receive donation

A group of people who were injured in the Easter Sunday bomb blasts, receive monetary donation and souvenir from Apostolic Nuncio (Vatican Ambassador in Colombo) Archbishop Brian Udaigwe and Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith. ​Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Pakistan commemorate 75th Independence Day

The 75th Independence Day of Pakistan was celebrated at the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Taekwondo Championship Awards

Korean Embassy, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation, organized the awards ceremony for the 2022 Korean Ambassador’s Cup Taekwondo championship at the National Youth Services Council Indoor Stadium.

Protesters vacate ‘GotaGoGama’

‘GotaGoGama’ protesters vacated the Galle Face Green after the police informed them to vacate the protest ground. The protesters removed their tents and structures and left the protest site completely today. Pix Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Kataragama Perehara Water cutting

The Esala festival in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala ended with the Main procession last night (11) and water cutting ceremony was held this morning. Pix by Nisal Baduge