Rein of fire

Horses have once again been made to leap and hurtle through fire by human beings as part of an annual religious festival in the name of Spain’s patron saint of animals. (Daily Mail)

SLOA launches College of Optometry

The Sri Lanka Optometric Association (SLOA) inaugurated a new division, the College of Optometry and Vision Science today. President of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka Dr Amila de Alvis graced the occasion as the chief guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Heartwarming visit to care home residents

Delighted care home residents were treated to an unforgettable meet-and-greet - when two penguins waddled through the door. Pensioners took turns to give Humboldt penguins, Widget and Pringle, a hug or even a pamper in the sink under the tap. The unexpected visitors at Brendoncare St Giles View, in Winchester, took it all in stride. They even used the lift to move between meeting members of the team, residents and their relatives.

Protest against Micro-Finance Bill...

A group staged a protest outside the Fort railway station against the proposed Sri Lanka Micro-Finance and Loan Regulation Authority Bill. They called on the government to withdraw the proposed Bill. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Buying expensive veggies...

People were seen purchasing vegetables at Bodhiraja Mawatha in Colombo Fort today despite exorbitant prices. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Jaffna Kite Festival...

A kite festival was organized yesterday on the occasion of Thaipongal day at the Vigneswara Grounds in Valvettithurai, Jaffna. This kite festival is held at the same time as Thaipongal day every year. Thousands of people had come to watch the kite festival. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Arrest Keheliya...

A protest organized by civil organizations calling for the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was held in Colombo today. The protesters marched in procession towards the Health Ministry where they held a protest demonstration. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Tri-forces in action amid health worker strike

Tri-forces personnel were seen on duty despite the countrywide health workers protests today. A protest was launched by the All Ceylon Nursers’ Union (ACNU) to defend the government’s actions taken to divide the health workers. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal...

Hindus turned up in their numbers to engage in religious observances at the Sivam Kovil Kotahena to celebrate Thai Pongal today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal with traditional rituals

The Hindu community in Colombo was observed jubilantly celebrating Thai Pongal, engaging in traditional Pongal-making rituals right in front of shops. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Getting into spirit of Thai Pongal

Hindus turned out in numbers this morning in Pettah to purchase goods in anticipation of tomorrow’s Thai Pongal festival celebration. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Indian High Commissioner visits Gangaramaya

The newly appointed Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha visited the Gangaramaya Temple this morning and enaged in religious observance and invoked blessings. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Invoking blessings war heroes...

Sanghika Dana was organized to invoke blessings for the war heroes and artists who have passed away. President Dr. Kushan Jayaminda Silva, Gampaha District Coordinating Officer Hasitha Kosala, and various members actively participated in this event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Army in action at hospitals...

The Sri Lanka Army have deployed their troops at the government hospitals affected by the islandwide strike of minor staff trade unions in the health sector, to ensure the smooth run of the essential health services in the country.

Princess Anne meets Ranil, Chandrika

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met Princess Anne at the President’s House last evening. Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga was among the invitees at the meeting.

Peaceful protest for a free Palestine...

The Free Palestine Movement of Sri Lanka staged a peaceful protest at the Independece Square today against attacks on Palestine. A group of people including former President Maithripala Sirisena, former Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Faizer Mustapha also participated in the protest. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Princess Anne arrives in Sri Lanka

Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal of the United Kingdom, arrived in Sri Lanka aboard a SriLankan Airlines flight for a two-day official visit, commemorating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the UK. Pix Waruna Wanniarchchi

Launch of CBSL Annual Policy statement…

The Governor of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Nandalal Weerasinghe launched the Annual Policy statement in Colombo on January 10, 2024. The governor said ‘good faith negotiations’ are in progress with commercial creditors to reach an in-principle agreement as soon as possible. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sajith joins pro-Palestine protest…

A pro-Palestine protest was held at the Independence Square with the participation of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Ambassador of Palestine Zuhair M.H. Zaid and several opposition MPs. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

'Yukthiya' operation at Rajagiriya

Police checking vehicles at Bandaranayakepura and Obeysekarapura in Rajagiriya as part of operation ’Yukthiya’, an islandwide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Arrest Keheliya...

A group staged a peaceful protest in front of the Ministry of Health demanding the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest against TIN

The ’New Wings’ organization held a protest in front of the Fort railway stations in Colombo today against the recent increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) to 18 percent with the intention of increasing state revenue to more than Rs. 4 trillion by the end 2024 and the Tax Identification Numbers (TIN) system introduced by the Government. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protest against massacres in Palestine

The ’Free Palestinian Movement of Sri Lanka’ held a silent protest today in front of the South Africa High Commission in Colombo and said the movement will offer its fullest support to the case filed by South Africa against the massacres of Palestinians. A memorandum was handed over to the High Commission, thanking them. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

125th birthday commemoration of SLFP founder

The 125th birthday commemoration of the founder of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and former Prime Minister, late S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike was held at Galle Face. The Bandaranaike family members and senior SLFP officials participated in the event. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Sajith goes before SC...

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa today filed a Fundamental Rights petition before the Supreme Court seeking an order directing the authorities to reduce the electricity costs and tariffs. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Tribute to Lasantha

Family members, media personnel, and politicians paid floral tributes to the late Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickramatunga at his grave at thr Borella Kanaththa on his 15th death anniversary today. Lasantha was killed on January 9, 2010. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Gathering information...

The Department of Census and Statistics has launched its latest Population and Housing Census, an important activity that takes place every 10 years. Colombo District Secretary K.G. Wijesiri and Kolonnawa Divisional Secretary Priyanath Perera visiting houses in Kolonnawa and collecting the relevant information. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Rolling out Measles vaccination drive

The Health Ministry today kicked off the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) Supplementary Immunization Activity across all immunization clinic centres in nine high-risk health districts. Pictures show the vaccination drive held in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Gem and Jewellery show launched

FACETS Sri Lanka International Gem and Jewellery Show 2024 was launched at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo, today. It showcases products from several countries, including Sri Lanka. The show comes to a close on Sunday, January 6, 2024. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Selfie time …

Kilmisha Uthayaseelan, winner of the Zee Tamil’s ’’Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’’ Little Champs Season 3 - 2023 reality competition in Tamil Nadu, India, had the opportunity to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe alongside her family members. Hailing from Jaffna, the 14-year-old Kilmisha made history as the first Sri Lankan girl to triumph in an Indian reality competition.