Rally to win demands of health workers

A rally organised by the United Health Workers Union was held today near the Colombo National Hospital to win 11 demands of health workers. Similar rallies are expected to be held in all hospitals in future.

Wreckage!

The wreckage of the bus which was collided with a train at a railway crossing in Thaleimannar this afternoon. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

New mask manufacturing factory in Sri Lanka

The opening ceremony of the new mask manufacturing factory in Gampaha by Sensetronics (Pvt) Ltd was held today under the patronage of State Minister of Pharmaceutical Production, Supply and Regulation Professor Channa Jayasumana. The Sensetronics (Pvt) Ltd is the first accredited and fully automated 3 Ply and KN95 masks manufacturing facility.

ISS releases 2.9-TON pallet of batteries into orbit

The International Space Station (ISS) has discarded its largest piece of space junk to-date – a 2.9-ton pallet of 48 nickel-hydrogen batteries. (Daily Mail)

SJB’s first anniversary rally at Hyde Park

SJB Leader and Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa greets the crowds during the rally held at Hyde Park to mark his party’s first anniversary today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

‘Diyawanna Tharanaya’

The launch of the outcome document, ‘Diyawanna Tharanaya’ by the Yeheliya Foundation was held at the Jasmine Hall, BMICH.

Save the lives of motorcyclists

Awareness campaign to save the lives of motorcyclists from road accidents on the occasion of World Consumer Safety Day on March 15 was held at the Galle Face Green, Colombo with the participation of Transport Minister Gamini Lokuge, Deputy Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Special Nursing Officer Pushpa Ramyani and National Security Council members. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Houses damaged due to fire in Grandpass

At least 45 houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass were damaged following a fire that erupted in the early morning.

Prime Minister uncle, listen to us

School Protection Organization staged a protest in front of the Prime Minister’s Office today demanding the lowering of the cut off marks of the Scholarship Examination. Schoolchildren requested the Prime Minister uncle to listen to them and take necessary action. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

Random PCR tests in Kollupitiya

Random PCR tests were carried out in Kollupitiya by health officials. People are seen cooperating with health officials. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Re-open universities under health rules

A group of students of the Open University of Sri Lanka in Nawala staged a protest in front of the university yesterday urging authorities to set up a mechanism to re-open universities under the health guidelines.

Softer side of Africa’s wild dog

A series of remarkable photographs set to be published in a new book show the softer side of Africa’s wild dog, often known as the continent’s most successful hunter. (Daily Mail)

Reveal all disappearances...

The Equal Rights Movement staged a protest outside the Fort Railway Station urging the authorities to reveal all disappearances and to stop militarisation. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

First phase of Altair opens

The first phase of the Altair mixed development project at Slave Island, Colombo, opened today. State Ministers Nalaka Godahewa and Ajith Nivard Cabraal and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay will grace the occasion. The iconic high rise, a residential and commercial shopping complex, is 230 meters high and has 68 floors. Pradeep Dilrukshana

Complaint lodged against Wimal’s remarks

MP Kavinda Jayawardena today lodged a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) seeking an inquiry into a public statement made by Minister Wimal Weerawansa that extremists involved in the Easter attack were in his government.

After all sluice gates open...

Pictures show the present nature of the Polgolla reservoir after all its sluices gates were opened. The picture also shows the Mahaweli river and the connected canals running dry and mud is washed ashore on both sides of the river bank. Pix by Chaturanga Samarawickrama

JVP files FR petition...

JVP Politburo member Sunil Hadunnetti and former Provincial Councillor attorney-at-law Sunil Watagala are seen at the Supreme Court premises where they filed a FR petition against alleged tax fraud on sugar. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

Stop making illegal appointments

A group of principals staged a protest at the agitation site near the Presidential Secretariat today urging authorities not to make school principal appointments by fraud. They also insisted the authorities to stop recruiting 4,600 principals illegally.

Seminar against increasing cost of living...

A seminar organised by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) on the sky-rocketing cost of living and economic crisis was held at the New Town Hall, Colombo yesterday. JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated the event. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Celebrating Maha Shivaratri

Hindu devotees are seen engaged in religious observances at the Sivan Kovil in Kochchikade today to mark Maha Shivaratri. Maha Shivarathri is a Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva and in particular signifies the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

’Sathya’ Special Supplement launched

The Women for Rights organization launched the ’Sathya’ Special Supplement today at the Colombo Public Library under the patronage of senior journalist and writer Kirthi Welisarage.

Protest urging to ’End military rule in Myanmar’

Myanmar People’s Cooperation Committee today held a protest in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Colombo demanding the end to military rule in that country and restore democracy. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Prof Ranasinghe takes over Central Cultural Fund

Professor Gamini Ranasinghe who assumed duties as the director general of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) today is seen participating at religious rites at his new office. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

3D return for Bamiyan Buddha

The ancient sandstone carvings in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan valley were once the world’s tallest Buddhas - but they were lost forever when the Taliban blew them up 20 years ago. (BBC)

Vaccination drive in Grandpass

At least 1,000 residents of the Grandpass area were vaccinated at the Grandpass Al Nazar Maha Vidyalay by the officers of the MOH Office in Ginthupitiya.

In line with International Women’s Day

A number of events was held at the Bairaha Farms-Hiripitiya, Kurunegala to mark the International Women’s Day, which was celebrated yesterday.

Nawaloka hospital celebrates Women's Day

Leading private healthcare institution, the Nawaloka Hospitals PLC today celebrated the International Women’s Day at the hospital premises. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Progressive Women's Collective marks Women's Day

The Progressive Women’s Collective forum staged a march in Colombo yesterday to mark the International Women’s Day. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Wedding bells ring for disabled War Hero

Disabled War Hero of the Commando Regiment (CR) Corporal W.P.T Sampath, who lost his right leg while fearlessly fighting against LTTE terrorism during humanitarian operations before May 2009, tied the nuptial knots with his dream princess on Monday (8). Amy Commander General Shavendra Silva as the Chief Guest witnessed the wedding on behalf of the disabled War Hero.

Underemployed graduates in protest

A group of underemployed graduates launched a protest march from Fort Railway Station to the Presidential Secretariat yesterday urging authorities to mete out justice for them.