Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister remembered

A ceremony was held at Independence Square to mark the 72nd death anniversary of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, the late D. S. Senanayake, today. UNP Deputy Leader and Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Venerable Dr. Bandarawela Wimaladharma Thera, university dons, and school children participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kedella Construction Expo launched...

Kedella Construction Expo, the premier build and architecture tradeshow 2024, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) while making a dream home a reality. During the exhibition, people can buy tiles, solar systems, construction equipment, electrical products and furniture at great discounts. The exhibition will be held till Sunday 24, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Working despite hot weather...

People in urban areas of Colombo engage in their work during daytime despite the hot weather. Some labourers at their workplace in Colombo today during the hot weather conditions. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Increase public, private sector salaries...

Five persons from the People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest in front of the Central Bank today demanding an increase in public and private sector salaries compared to the Central Bank salary increase. A large number of security personnel were deployed in the area, though only five persons participated in the protest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Protest demanding justice for women...

A group of women staged a silent protest outside the Health Ministry today advocating swift justice and protection for children and women. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Former Minister Gamini Dissanayake commemorated

President Ranil Wickremesinghe payed floral tribute to late Minister Gamini Dissanayake on his 82nd birth anniversary today. The sons of late Minister MP Mayantha Dissanayake and former Minister Navin Dissanayake were also present. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Call to protect Homagama Hospital...

The Medical Faculty Students’ Union (MFSU) staged a protest in front of the Health Ministry today demanding that responsible authorities withdraw the decision to sell the Homagama Hospital, which is attached to the Medical Faculty of the Sri Jayewardenepura University, to the NSBM Green University. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Dayasiri launches new party...

A new alliance titled Humane Peoples’ Alliance under the leadership of former Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara was launched today at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute (LKI). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi.

Containers queued at Colombo Port

Containers were queued at the Colombo Port due to the trade union action by the Customs Officers’ Union which hampered the clearing of containers. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Refrain from collecting Rs. 6780 million taxes

A street drama titled ’’Sura Baba Komasaris’’ took place in front of the Excise Department. It depicted public sentiments and called on the authorities to refrain from collecting Rs. 6780 million in taxes. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Lankadeepa clinches Most Popular Newspaper award again

Our sister papers Daily Lankadeepa and the Sunday Lankadeepa won the ’Most Popular Newspaper’ award for the 18th consecutive year at the ‘SLIM- KANTAR Peoples Award 2024’ being held at the Monarch Imperial, Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Special police teams deployed to crackdown criminals

A special operation under the ’Yukthiya’ initiative was launched today and Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon, STF Commandant Senior DIG Warun Jayasundara and several other senior police officers attended the official team send-off held at the Bambalapitiya Police Field Force Headquarters. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

'Satharawa Deepani' at BMICH

’’Satharawa Deepani’’ an event hosted by Minister of Transport and Media, Bandula Gunawardena, aimed to award scholarships to school children and honour actors of movies he has produced, was held at the BMICH on March 16, 2024, with the participation of notable artistes, namely Ravindra Randeniya, Swarna Mallawarachchi, Malini Fonseka and Anoja Weerasinghe. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena graced the occasion as the chief guest. Pix by Waruna

A possible alliance?

Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in conversation with SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa at a Bleedgood project launch on Thursday. However, other possible allies seem to be absent.

Despite hot weather...

People in urban areas of Colombo engaged in work during the daytime despite the hot weather. Some labourers were also transporting goods in Pettah to earn their living, persevering the the heat.

'Construction Expo 2024'

“Construction Expo 2024” organized by the Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB) will be held from March 15 to 17 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Hall at the BMICH. This is an excellent opportunity for new product sourcing, networking with new contacts and business opportunities, the latest technology added to the building and construction industry, etc. to promote the construction industry in Sri Lanka. Pix by Kithisiri De Mel

Converting vehicles to EV

A programme was held by Vega Innovations to convert fuel-burning vehicles, including three-wheelers, to electric at the eShift Charging Station in Colombo 7. Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardana participated in the event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Vision beyond borders...

LankaPay announced the sixth edition of LankaPay Technnovation Awards - Sri Lanka’s pioneering and the only payment technology innovation awards to recognize the Payment Technology innovators.

Finest Dentistry on Wheels...

A noteworthy achievement in dental care in Sri Lanka was revealed with the latest endeavor from Dantaja Premium Dental Chambers – the introduction of ’Dantaja on Wheels’, our mobile medical clinic. This significant event took place at the esteemed Bandaranaike International Conference Hall premises in Colombo and was honored by the presence of the respected Tourism, Lands, Sports, and Youth Affairs Minister Harin Fernando.

Business Center at Port City...

The Port City Colombo today marked a significant milestone with the ground-breaking ceremony for its premier business park, the Business Centre. CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd., said the event transcends a simple building construction – it signifies the dawn of a new era for Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

New British envoy visits Gangaramaya Temple

Newly appointed British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick visited the Gangaramaya Temple today to invoke blessings on his new appointment. During the visit, Deputy Incumbent of the temple Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera presented the High Commissioner with the book “Twentieth Century Impressions of Ceylon’’ published by the Gangaramaya Temple. Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Resolve pending requests...

The Joint Health Workers’ Union (JHWU) today staged a protest in front of Colombo National Hospital (CNH) demanding government resolve their pending trade union requests including allowances. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Against steep salary hikes of Central Bank

A silent protest was held in front of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) over the steep salary hikes given to its employees. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Highlights from 2024 IORA Day...

The 2024 Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Day was held yesterday at the Galle Face, grounds with the participation of diplomatic missions of member countries, partner states and a large number of school students from all provinces of the island. The theme for 2024 IORA Day is ’A Sustainable Indian Ocean for the Future Generation’. The commemoration was held under the chairmanship of President Wickremesinghe. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

UNP holds first public rally in Kuliyapitiya

The first public rally of the United National Party (UNP) was held in Kuliyapitiya with the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Getting busy with Ramazan

As Ramazan, the month of fasting, will start this week, several Muslims were seen in Petta getting busy with their shopping. While buying of clothes is usually done towards the festival of Eid, people were seen getting a head-start, probably since economic conditions have improved from what it was over the last couple of years - Pix by Nisal Baduge

KC's overseas education fair - 2024

The KC’s Overseas Education Fair, held today from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm at The Galadari Hotel, Colombo, provided a platform for exploring international education options. Representatives from over 50 universities across 9 countries, including New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Dubai and Singapore, were present, offering a diverse array of opportunities. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

State Minister of Defence graces Air Tattoo in Jaffna

The fourth day of the ’Air Tattoo 2024’ educational and technological exhibition held at the Muttraweli Ground in Jaffna today. State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Thennakoon, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the Commander of the Air Force, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Celebrating Maha Shivaratri...

Hindu devotees are seen engaged in religious observances at a Hindu temple in Colombo, 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 Waruna Wanniarachchi

47 Thais temporarily ordained

A total of 47 laymen from Thailand were temporarily ordained at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today (08). Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe