Kashmir Solidarity Day

An organisation called Freedom of Kashmir today handed over a petition to Hanaa Singer-Hamdy, the UN Resident Coordinator on condemnation of inhuman and brutal treatment of Kashmir people.

New Headmaster for St. Thomas’ Preparatory School

Service of institution and installation of Rev Nihal Fernando as the sixth Headmaster of St. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Kollupitiya was held at the Chapel of Good Shepherd today. Bishop of Colombo Rev Dushantha Rodrigo officiated the service.

Enjoying the freedom

People were seen having a leisure time with their family members and friends at the Galle Face Green yesterday as Sri Lanka celebrated the 73rd Independence Day.

Naval exercise off Galle Face Green

The Sri Lanka Navy today held a naval exercise in the seas off Gale Face Green in Colombo in line with the 73rd Independence Day celebration. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Independence Day celebration in Jaffna

The Independence Day parade organised by the Jaffna-based Civil Society Centre for Jaffna was held surrounding the Jaffna Fort and the town parallel with the main ceremony, held at Independence Square in Colombo.

73rd Independence Day celebrations

The 73rd Independence Day celebration was held at the Independence Square in Colombo today showcasing a military parade and a cultural pageant. The celebrations were held under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and other official dignitaries.

Naval gun battery booms on Independence Day

In parallel with the 73rd National Independence Day celebrations held under the theme ‘A Wealthy Tomorrow - Prosperous Motherland’, Sri Lanka Navy honoured the nation by according a 25-Gun Salute onboard Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Samudura by 12.00 noon today.

SLAF makes Independence celebration more spectacular

Several aircraft of the Sri Lanka Air Force joined the aerial display at the 73rd Independence Day celebrations today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Floral tributes to the Father of the Nation

Late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake, the Father of the Nation, was offered floral tributes at his statue at the Independence Square today to mark the 73rd Independence Day. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Gamini Lokuge, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, UNP General Secretary Palitha Ranga Bandara and Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake paid floral tribute to the late Premier’s statue. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

73rd Independence Day

Keep your promises!

The Students Movement staged a protest in front of the University Grants Commission yesterday (03) urging the authorities to admit all students who were unfairly treated by the A/L cut off marks issue to universities immediately.

Palliative care services at UHKDU

The inauguration ceremony of the grand opening of palliative care services at the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Hospital (UHKDU) was held at the UHKDU main auditorium with the participation of some of the renowned Sri Lankan medical professionals and other distinguished guests.

Final Independence Day rehearsals

Sri Lankan security forces were engaged in the final rehearsals at the Independence Square today in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva and Defense Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

To defeat repressive measures

A public seminar organised by the People’s Movement for Democracy was held today (03) at the Colombo Public Library Auditorium to defeat the repressive measures taken by the current government.

Ready for Independence Day celebration

The Town Hall of Colombo, the headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council is seen decorated with a huge national flag ahead of the Independence Day. The vendors in Colombo were also seen selling national flags for the Independence Day celebration.

Stop the city bus mafia

Private Bus Owners’ Association (LPBOA) staged a protest in Colombo over several demands including to stop the city bus mafia. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Lion vs. Lioness

The National Zoological Gardens in Dehiwala, which had been closed due to the Covid-19 situation since October 2020, was opened for public from yesterday under the health guidelines. A lioness is seen roaring at the male lion and trying to fight him at the Zoo.

Protest petition signed

The All Ceylon Health Trade Union Federation (ACHTUF) yesterday (01) signed a protest petition in front of the National Hospital demanding not to sell the East Container Terminal. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

Against sale of national resources

The National Bhikkhu Front held a press conference yesterday where its General Secretary Ven. Wakamulle Uditha Thero said that the present government was taking measures one by one to sell national resources in the country.

Against sale of ECT

Members of the Socialist Alliance and several employees of the Inland Revenue Department staged protests in Colombo today insisting the Government not to sell or lease out the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port. Pix by Nisal Baduge and Damith Wickramasinghe

Stop cut off marks fraud

People’s Movement to Protect Schools staged a protest outside the Fort Railway Station today urging the authorities to reduce the recruiting cut off marks of the Scholarship examination.

National Bhikkhu Front in protest

National Bhikkhu Front staged a protest insisting the Government to stop selling the Port under the guise of investment. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A big salute to security forces!

A little child is seen waving the national flag when the Sri Lankan security forces were engaged in rehearsal at the Independence Square in preparation for Independence Day celebrations.

Engrossed in conversation

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene was seen in a conversation with General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara in their recent visit to Hambantota.

Vaccination drive for police personnel

The vaccination programme to inoculate police personnel who fight against COVID-19 virus commenced this morning at the Police Hospital, Narahenpita.

Independence Day rehearsals

The Sri Lankan security forces staged rehearsal yesterday at the Independence Square in preparation for Independence Day celebrations.

NHSL receives Optiflow Nasal Oxygen Therapy Machine

The Optiflow Nasal Oxygen Therapy machine was handed over by HE Allegra Baistrocchi, Deputy Italian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Deputy Head of Mission to Dr K. Wickremasinghe, Deputy DGHS- NHSL as Dr Anthony Mendis, Dr A.S. Pillai and Dr Marie Fernando look on.Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Work to rule campaign

Port Workers staged a protest in front of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority yesterday before they launched a work to rule campaign against the decision taken by the Government to release the East Container Terminal of the Colombo Port to India.

Cycling to work...

Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Tanja Gonggrijp is seen joining ‘RideForLife’ again on their ‘Last Friday of the Month Cycle to Work Initiative’ in Colombo. “Did you know cycling instead of taking the car is one of the most effective ways to reduce your climate footprint?,” she tweeted.

COVID vaccination drive kicks off in SL

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 vaccination drive was kicked off this morning at the Army Hospital in Narahenpita as soldiers in the frontline of fighting COVID-19 was vaccinated with COVISHIELD vaccine. Medical staff at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children was also vaccinated today.