Restore Hope Project reaffirms support

The Restore Hope Project, under the auspices of the Tarana Foundation, reaffirmed its commitment to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children with a significant donation of medical equipment valued at Rs. 7.5 million. The donation ceremony took place on 23 July 2024 at the Orthopaedic Unit Operating Theatre of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital. The donation included a valuable Rs. 2 million from Heuschen & Schrouff Oriental. Pix by Nimalsiri

Kataragama Golden Gate opens

The newly constructed ‘Golden Gate’ staircases entrance to enhance the convenience of pilgrims were declared open recently leading through the Menik Ganga to the sacred Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya.

Water cutting ceremony ends Kataragama Esala festival

The Esala festival in Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devala ended after the water cutting ceremony last morning at Jeewamali ferry in Menikganga. The Kapurala performing the rite was brought to the venue of the ceremony in a palanquin. The first pot of water collected from the site was taken to Valliamma Devala after performing traditional rites.

Stop brutal killing of students...

A protest was launched by several unions, including the Inter University Students’ Union Federation (IUSF), condemning the brutal killing of students in Bangladesh. The protest was held in front of the Bangladesh High Commission in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kataragama Perahera ends

The final day of the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya perahera was held with the participation of thousands of devotees from various faiths and ethnicities who united in worship as they paid reverence to God Kataragama. The perahera paraded the streets from 16 to 21 July. Pix by Nisal Baduge

‘Ekwa Jayagamu’ in Gampaha

During today’s ’Ekwa Jayagamu’ rally in Gampaha, Minister Prasanna Ranatunga proposed that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should contest the next Presidential Election. Over 250 local government representatives from Gampaha, along with 26 SLPP Ministers and MPs, have pledged their strong support for the President.

Silver Chariot festival held in Colombo

The Silver Chariot Festival at Sri New Kathireashan Temple in Colombo took place yesterday. The festival featured two cows pulling a silver chariot carrying a statue of a Hindu god. A significant number of Hindu devotees participated in the colorful event, which also included traditional Kavadi dancers, showcasing Hindu culture.

Charmed conflict...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen engaged in a light conversation with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe at the function to mark the opening of the new court complex in the Galle Beligala area, featuring modern technical facilities, built at a cost of Rs. 1.6 billion. It was inaugurated by the President yesterday. (Courtesy: President’s Media Unit)

Multi-sector show at BMICH

The Ultimate Multi-Sector Show was launched at BMICH today (19) and will go on until Sunday (21). Featuring the 3rd edition of the Lanka Water Expo, the Renewable Energy Expo, the EV & Battery Expo, and the Food & Beverage Expo, the event showcases cutting-edge innovations and solutions across various industries. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

All set for Women’s Asia Cup 2024

Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, will commence on July 19 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.

Ugandan children recreate attempted Trump assassination in detail

A group of Ugandan children have gone viral after sharing a recreation of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

Youth heroes recognised...

Defence State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon graced the first National Cadet Corps National Youth Heroes Award ceremony as the chief guest at the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Headquarters in Pamankada, Colombo recently.

Samurdhi officers in protest...

Samurdhi officers staged a protest outside the Sethsiripaya in Battaramulla today over several demands. Pix Nisal Baduge

UNESCO Director-General in SL

Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), participated in the celebration of the 75th anniversary of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO membership at the Nelum Pokuna Theatre today Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Sacred relics deposited at Nilagiri Maha Seya

The sacred relics and treasures were ceremoniously deposited at the historic Neelagiri Maha Seya under the auspices of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd.), yesterday.

Trump returns to politics with large bandage

Donald Trump was greeted with chants of ’fight, fight, fight,’ as he strode into the Republican convention on Saturday barely two days after surviving an assassination attempt.

Centenary anniversary of Vajiraramaya library

The upgraded and refurbished library of the Vajiraramaya Temple, Bambalapitiya was declared open to the public on Sunday, to coincide with its centenary celebrations. The event was held under the aegis of Chief Incumbent Venerable Thrikunamalaye Ananda Mahanayake Thera. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Ranil in Kandy

State Minister Dilum Amunugama, MPs Lohan Ratwatte and Mahindananda Aluthgamage confer with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at a rally in Kandy yesterday where the famous saying that there are no permanent enemies or friends in politics. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Kadawara Kankariya

An extremely rare and dying ritual in Sri Lanka, the ’Kadawara Kankariya’ was performed recently coinciding with the ongoing Esala festival in Kataragama. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Pada Yatra pilgrims at Kataragama

Pada Yatra pilgrims from the North and East, who made a long trek through the hard terrain of Kumana and Yala Wildlife Sanctuaries to attend the Ruhunu Kataragama Maha Devalaya Esala festival are seen at the Devalaya premises. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Trump injured in shooting at Pennsylvania rally

Former President Donald Trump was shot in the ear after a gunman opened fire towards the stage at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday -- a harrowing incident that left one spectator dead, two others critically injured and sparked chaos at the event. (ABC News)

New party office opened

Senior Adviser to the President on Climate Change and UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena participated in the opening ceremony of the new party office of N.H Priyantha, the UNP Uruwala Zonal Coordinator at Waliweriya, Gampaha on July 13. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Top Thai brands in Colombo

’Top Thai Brands Colombo 2024’ - a trade show will be held at Havelock City Mall, presented by the Chennai Thai Trade Center. Thai products will be available at special discounts and cultural elements including live cooking, Muay Thai fighting performances will continue till Sunday (14) night. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Kataragama Perahara 06th day....

The annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held for the 6th day last night with a large crowd witnessing the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

No escape from rain...

Due to the turbulent nature of the lower atmosphere around the island, the city of Colombo was covered in darkness this morning with continuous rain. Vehicles and people were seen moving in Colombo city even in the rain for essential services. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

'Wedding Show 2024'

’The Wedding Show’ which is the most prestigious bridal exhibition in Sri Lanka was launched today at the BMICH, Colombo.

Container backlog despite strike end...

Despite the end of the strike by Customs officials, queues of containers were seen in Colombo due to the absence of clearance. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Narcotics worth Rs 7B destroyed

The Sri Lankan Police, Special Task Force (STF), and Navy collaborated to seize a cache of cocaine valued at nearly Rs. 7.829 billion, which was subsequently destroyed using an incinerator in Wanathawilluwa, Puttalam District on July 11, 2024. The disposal took place in the presence of Colombo Magistrate Tilina Gamage, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, and IGP Deshabandu Tennakoon. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Athupandalama ritual at Kataragama Temple

The ritual known as ‘Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Temple in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place every year. Pix by Nisal Baduge

New Zealand MPs visit Gangaramaya