Launch of 'He is Ari'...

Media icon Ariya Rubasinghe’s biography, ‘He is Ari” was launched at the Government Information Department amidst a group of distinguished guests, including Minister of Transport and Media Bandula Gunawardene, SJB MPs S.M. Marikkar and Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila temple, Chief Sanga Nayaka Singapore, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera and Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Pictured here is the presentation of the first copy.

Work on flyover...

A group of construction workers on the flyover leading to the Colombo-Slave Island railway line. This flyover is scheduled to be opened next week. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Construction Expo 2024 opens in Colombo

The Construction Power and Energy Expo 2024 organized by the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) kicked off today at the BMICH, Colombo. The Construction Power & Energy Expo is Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition in the construction, interior products, power, and energy-related sectors. On this occasion, Sri Lanka Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong attended as a special guest. The exhibition will be held until July 7. Pix by Kithsiri

Against ilmenite mining, shrimp farming

Fishermen and the people in Vakarai, Batticaloa today held a protest march from Kaddumurivu Junction to Puchchakkerni Post Office protesting against the rapid removal of ilmenite from the coastal regions and the impacts of shrimp farming on their livelihood and the environment.

Remains of R. Sampanthan brought to Jaffna

Remains of former Opposition Leader and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan were brought to Jaffna today for public to pay their last respects.

Parliamentarians pay last respects to Sampanthan

The remains of former Opposition Leader and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan were brought to the parliamentary complex today for MPs to pay their last respects. MPs from all parties were present. The remains will be taken to Trincomalee, where the last rites will be performed on Sunday, July 7.

Lion cub named Haider

The six-month-old lion cub, which was rejected by its mother, was named today at an event organized to commemorate the 88th anniversary of the Dehiwala Zoological Department.

Dehiwala Zoo celebrates 88th anniversary

The Dehiwala Zoological Department celebrates its 88th anniversary today. Founded in 1936, the zoo held several prize-giving events for children who submitted drawings for the occasion. A ceremonial cake was cut and shared with a lion cub.

Navy undertakes dive to WW II shipwreck of HMS Hermes

The Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy explored the sunken remains of HMS Hermes, a fascinating and historic World War II shipwreck off Batticaloa.

UNP zonal organizers appointed

President Ranil Wickremesinghe distributed letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters, Sirikotha yesterday (July 2, 2024). UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Chairman Vajira Abeywardana, Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake, and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

MR pays respects to late R. Sampanthan

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his final respects to the late TNA Parliamentarian R. Sampanthan in Colombo today.

Last respects to Sampanthan

The remains of former Opposition Leader and TNA MP the late R. Sampanthan were placed at a private funeral parlour in Borella this morning from 9 am, allowing the public to pay their final respects. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Monastic education institution established

The International Institute of Theravada (IIT) a monastic institution for the education of Buddhist monks situated in Karuwalagaswewa has been established under a special parliamentary act that was presented to the House by former President Maithreepala Sirisena.

Protests in Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron and his allies this morning launched a fresh week of intense campaigning hours after their party was humiliated last night in the first round of parliamentary elections by the hard-right National Rally (RN).

Laundrywatte...

Laundrywatte, a locality in the heart of Colombo, is home to the dhobi community, who have been engaged in washing loads of dirty linen collected from various places for generations. This community, residing around the Beira Lake, has been in this profession since 1928, according to historical records. Pix by Nisal Baduge

1 million tourist arrival marked

Sri Lanka tourism reached a key milestone on Saturday, welcoming its one millionth tourist for 2024. The millionth tourist was Patricia Roe and her husband Paul from Ireland, who arrived on 29 June on UL 504 from London. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), this is their first visit to the island nation.

Explosion at Turkish restaurant

Five people were killed and at least 63 injured in a gas explosion at a restaurant in Turkey on Sunday, the country’s interior minister said.

Exhibition of stamps, coins...

An exhibition of vintage stamps organized by Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association was launched at the Public Library in Colombo. Several rare stamps including Sri Lanka’s first stamp and other vintage coins are also exhibited and sold at this exhibition, which will be held till Sunday (30).

What is the next operation?

MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka discusses a point with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the function to mark his book launch today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Hirunika jailed...

Former Colombo district Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra was observed being escorted outside the Colombo High Court today following her conviction for involvement in the abduction of a youth using a Defender. The court sentenced her to three years in prison. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

EV Motor Show 2024

Sri Lanka’s first-ever Electric Vehicle Expo 2024 was launched today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). Organized by Asia Exhibition & Conventions (PVT) LTD, the event will run until Sunday (30th). The launch was attended by Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana and Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.

Last rites for SL Navy sailor

The funeral of a sailor of the Sri Lanka Navy, who succumbed after suffering critical injuries due to the aggressive maneuvers of an Indian trawler, resisting its seizure in the seas off Kankesanthurai within Sri Lankan maritime waters, was held with the participation of a large crowed with full honours of the Navy, at Ibbagamuwa. Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda and Northern Rural Maritime Association members also attended the funeral.

Exploring Bali’s iconic Garuda Wisnu Kencana

Popular Sri Lankan singer Umaria Sinhawansa, along with a group of journalists on an official visit to Indonesia, visited Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park located in Ungasan, Badung on the island of Bali, Indonesia.

Dispersed...

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons at the teachers’ and principals’ union members who staged a protest near the Lotus roundabout, Colombo.

Stop military attacks on Palestine

An agitation organized by the Sri Lanka Movement for the Freedom of Palestine was held today in front of the Labour Department demanding to stop military attacks on Palestine and not to send workers to countries where there are war situations.

Assign us to teaching positions...

The Union of All Ceylon School Development Officers’ today marked the 15th days of their Sathyagrahaya outside the Fort Railways station, demanding government assignment of School Development Officers to teaching positions.

Ayurvedics protest in heavy rain

A police officer diligently maintains law and order despite the heavy rain lashing down during a protest staged by Ayurvedic practitioners in Colombo today.

Music meets history in Indonesia...

Popular Sri Lankan singer Umaria Sinhawansa and journalists visiting Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, during an official visit to Indonesia. Borobudur, built between AD 780 and 840, showcases Gupta architecture influenced by India with unique Indonesian elements.

Selfie time...

The Labour and Foreign Employment Ministry continued the ’Jayagamu Sri Lanka Amparata’ programme today with the ’Smart Youth Club’ event at H.M. Weerasinghe Grounds in Ampara. This initiative aims to cultivate a generation of digital savvy Sri Lankan workers.

Blood donation...

A blood donation campaign organized by the Ananda Sastralaya Kotte Past Pupils’ Association was held at the school premises in concurrence with Poson Poya day. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana