All geared up to rescue

A platoon of 69 fire-fighters, who have successfully completed their diploma at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Wellawatte, took part in a special passing out parade that marched along the Galle Road to Colombo Municipal Council premises yesterday. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

’The Kahata’ national exhibition

’The Kahata’ national exhibition portraying the livelihood of plantation workers and their hardships, was held at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery. The exhibition, which was launched yesterday (26) concluded today (27). This was organized in collaboration with several organizations including Centre for Policy Alternatives, Uva Shakthi Foundation and Strengthening Reconciliation Processes in Sri Lanka.

MR-Modi hold Virtual Bilateral Summit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa held the first-ever India-Sri Lanka Virtual Bilateral Summit on Saturday.

SWRD commemorated

The 61st death anniversary of late Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike was commemorated at the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Head Quarters at T. B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo today. Former President Maithripala Sirisena, and other members of the SLFP paid floral respect to the late premier.

Another leopard tragedy

Three persons who were transporting a head and different body parts of a leopard for sale were arrested by the Ududumbara Police today. The body parts were being transported in a three-wheeler and the persons were arrested in Kalalgamuwa.

Naval exercise by Japanese and SL Navies

A naval exercise was conducted by the two ships “JS Kaga” and “JS Ikazuchi” of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with SLNS “Gajabhahu”, Fast Attack Craft and Inshore Patrol Craft of the Sri Lanka Navy, in western seas. Pix by SL Navy

Stop killing Mother Nature

A protest was staged today in front of the Central Environmental Authority by the “Jeewaya Surakimu” Environmental Collective imploring the authorities to stop killing Mother Nature.

Handicrafts at Diyatha Uyana

‘Shilpa Thursday,’ a market for handicrafts organised by the National Crafts Council was held at Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla to provide a platform for handicraft artisans specialising in cane, brass, clay and other fields. The market will be held on each Thursday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sri Lanka’s first ever electric bicycle ‘Rhoda’ launched

Sri Lanka’s first ever homegrown electric bicycle made its debut last evening with local startup ‘Rhoda’ unveiling the first of the 50 ‘founder’s edition’ in Colombo.

Sri Lanka@100 to boost economic prosperity

Sri Lanka@100, a private sector-led initiative funded by the USAID and administered by Stax, was launched at the Galle Face Hotel on Thursday. US Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz and State Minister of Regional Cooperation Tharaka Balasuriya attended the event which focused on the growth of mid-market enterprises. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Blood donation camp in memory of late PMs

A blood donation campaign was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today under the patronage of the BMICH Director General Sunil Dissanayake. The event was held in memory of late Prime Ministers S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and Sirimavo Bandaranaike and former Speaker of the parliament late Anura Bandaranaike.

2020 Drone Photo Awards winners

The winning and commending images in the Siena Awards Festival’s 2020 Drone Photo Awards have been revealed – and one can only imagine the difficulties the judges had in sorting the shortlisted entries into podium places. The 45 top-ranked pictures will be showcased in the ’Above Us Only Sky’ exhibition, which runs from October 24 to November 29 at the Accademia dei Fisiocritici in Siena, one of the oldest Italian science museums. (Daily Mail)

State Minister visits Autogroup Int’l (Pvt) Ltd

Transport State Minister Dilum Amunugama visited the Autogroup International (Pvt) Ltd in Kaduwela on Wednesday on an inspection tour. Autogroup International (Pvt) Ltd is a global leader in the conversion and re-manufacturing of high-value American vehicles from left to right-hand drive. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Demanding provision of jobs

The Joint Unemployed Graduates’ Union marched from the Colombo Fort Railway Station to the Presidential Secretariat today to demand the immediate provision of 10,000 promised jobs. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

English HND holders demand appointments

The English Higher National Diploma (HND) Holders’ Association of the North Western Province staged a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo today urging the authorities to provide them with appointments. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Foreign Medical Graduates in protest

Foreign Medical Graduates Association staged a protest near the Presidential Secretariat today, claiming that the Medical Council of Sri Lanka has not given approval to practice medicine though they have qualifications. Pix Damith Wickramasinghe

Discussion against 20A

The Prabuddha Lanka Foundation organised a discussion against the 20th Amendment to the Constitution which was presented to Parliament by the Government. The event which was held at the Foundation Institute in Colombo yesterday was attended by a number of lawyers and social activists.

Maithripala at PCoI

Former President Maithripala Sirisena arrived at the PCoI probing Easter Sunday attacks to witness the proceedings of the commission today. Former IGP Pujith Jayasundara also gave evidence before the commission.

Against 20A

Several parliament members were seen protesting against the proposed 20th Amendment to the Constitution today at the parliamentary sessions.

Shani at PCoI on Political victimization

Former CID Director Shani Abeysekara and Former Prisons Department Commissioner Emil Ranjan Lamahewa arrived at the Commission of Inquiry into Political victimization.

Keeping railway stations clean

A shramadana campaign was held to clean the railway stations and the section of Kelani Valley Railway track from Maradana to Padukka with the participation of the Railway Trade Unions over the weekend.

NO to legalizing cannabis

Buddhist prelates, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and a slew of leading medical officers held a joint press conference today to protest against the supposed government move to legalize cannabis.

Rs.761mn worth of turmeric nabbed so far

The Customs Department yesterday unveiled a massive stock of turmeric valued over Rs.761 million and that had been smuggled into the country during the past few months in 62 containers despite the government’s ban on turmeric imports. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Waterfalls made attractive

Waterfalls in the central hills have swelled creating a lovely and attractive sight due to the heavy rain experienced in the area over the last several days. (News and Pix by Shantha Chandrasiri)

Research book ’’Tabloid Paththara’’ launched

A Research Book “Tabloid Paththara” compiled by journalist Ajantha Kumara Agalakada was launched at the Divisional Secretariat Auditorium in Matara on Sunday. The book is seen presented to his mother while ministers Bandula Gunawardane, Dullas Alahapperuma and Editor in Chief of Lankadeepa and Director- Wijeya Newspapers Siri Ranasinghe look on. Pix by Gayan Amarasekara

People in queue at Book Fair

Many people are seen arriving at the Colombo International Book Fair 2020 even on Sunday. The annual exhibition will be held till September 27. The Book Fair was organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association for the 22nd consecutive year. However, the organisers requested all visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines when they visit the book fair. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Kandy building collapse

A five-story building, which is said to be a recently renovated old building on a hill collapsed onto an adjacent hotel in Buwelikada, Kandy this morning killing three persons including an infant child.

Waiting for customers...

Fort public market vendors were seen waiting for the customers to buy their goods. According to them, they are finding difficult to sell vegetables and other goods due to rising prices.

Motorbikes for PHIs

President Rajapaksa symbolically presented motorbikes for the Public Health Inspectors in appreciation of their commitment and life-risking service during the COVID 19 at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday.

Too many choices

The Colombo International Book Fair 2020 organised by the Sri Lanka Book Publishers Association for the 22nd consecutive year was launched at the BMICH in Colombo today by State Minister of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Arts Promotion, Vidura Wickramanayaka. The annual exhibition will be held till September 27. The organisers requested all visitors to follow COVID-19 guidelines when they visit the book fair. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel