A counter-protest was held in Negombo today in response to allegations that the fisheries harbour in Pitipana has been taken over by the Archdiocese of Colombo. Demonstrators accused the opposing group of spreading falsehoods and claimed that the decision by the Archdiocese of Colombo is correct. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa graced the first day of the Gangarama Navam Perahara in Colombo along with several other dignitaries last night. Traditional drummers, dancers and whip-crackers added colour to the Perahera. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Architect 2024, the biggest construction and architecture exhibition of the year, was launched at the BMICH. The exhibition is organized by the Sri Lankan Architects’ Association with the masters in the field. It will be held till Sunday (25) from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
King coconut water has become an attraction in Colombo these days with the hot weather, with people seeking to quench their thirst. The Department of Meteorology has warned the public not to stay in the sunlight for long periods. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The inauguration ceremony of the 42nd annual session of ‘Architect 2024’ of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was held today at the BMICH. The ceremony will include the formal induction of newly elected Chartered Architects for 2023, the presentation of SLIA Design Awards, Colour Awards, Research Awards and Product Awards for 2024. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
International Mother Language Day was marked in Colombo today with a ceremony organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh, the Education Ministry and Sri Lanka Scouts Association. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, External Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, heads of foreign missions in Sri Lanka, the clergy and schoolchildren participated in the event. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
The joint media briefing by visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdullahian and Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry took place in Colombo on February 20, 2024. Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein arrived in Sri Lanka last night for a three-day official visit. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Students’ union of the Indigenous Medicine Faculty staged a protest march today from Rajagiriya Ayurveda Hospital to Auyrveda rounabout, demanding the government to withdraw the policies that destroy the local indigenous medical practices and to take immediate action to overcome the current medical shortage. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Workmen attending to repairs to the railway lines of the Ragama railway station, which were damaged due to the derailment of the Badulla-bound Colombo Udarata Menike express train yesterday. The train operations on the main line were delayed due to the derailment of the Udarata Menike express train near the Ragama railway station yesterday. Three tracks were damaged due to the derailment. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirising
Dr. Geethika Rathnawardana assumed duties today as the first female Chief Medical Officer of Health at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). She becomes the first Chief Medial Officer appointed to this post after a lapse of 122 years. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
Fisherfolk from Pitipana, Negombo staged a protest today outside the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, urging the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to permit them the use of the legally awarded Pitipana Fisheries Harbour. They also presented a petition to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
The Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s annual open-air art fair opened its doors for the 31st time for visitors in Colombo yesterday. Presented by The George Keyt Foundation in association with the John Keells Group. This art fair has become a major cultural and tourist attraction in Colombo’s annual cultural calendar. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in the Tangalle and Galle areas today, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities. The President visited tourist hotspots such as Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa, as well as the Weligama Surf School along the south coast, where he assessed their activities firsthand.
The Dansala program, initiated by Naga Vihara Kotte under the theme ’Pansale Dansala,’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic, perseveres to this day, taking place every Friday. Individuals are observed receiving sustenance at the Dansala, a testament to the ongoing dedication to serving the community during these challenging times. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
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