Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana claimed that there are 30 dilapidated bridges available around the country, and the Road Development Authority has estimated that more than Rs. 2,000 million is needed to complete the repairs. Accordingly, a temporary access way to the Bambalapitiya railway station was erected within 10 days on the directives of the President. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
The Korean ship ’Kwanggaeto the Great’ arrived at the Colombo Port today. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, dignitaries of foreign missions and other invitees of the Sri Lankan government were in attendance.
A media conference was held at the Sri Lanka Customs headquarters today to brief on the progress achieved by the Sri Lanka Customs. It was chaired by Customs spokesman Sivali Arukgoda. Customs Directors Ranjith Kumarasinghe and Nimal Samarathunga were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The Port Trade Union’s Collective (PTUC) staged a protest in front of the Khan Clock Tower in Colombo during their lunch break, demanding the government to increase their salaries due to high living costs. They requested a 36-percent salary increment and a Rs. 20,000 allowance. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) welcomed the first charter flight of a series of charter flight operations of Lot Polish Airlines today operating from the Czech Republic, with 252 international tourists arriving in Sri Lanka. Pictures courtesy - Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.
The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted its Annual Religious Ceremony and Almsgiving at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, with Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the Commander of the Air Force, in attendance. This event was organized to seek blessings for the committed personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force, both past and present, and to honor the supreme sacrifices made by those who served in the defence of our nation.
An event was held to brief the media on the ’Jaffna International Trade Fair 2024’, a transformative annual event that will take place from January 19th to 21st, 2024, under the theme ’’Your Gateway to the North, on Tuesday in Colombo. The event is organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd. (LECS) together with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Yarlpanam (CCIY). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
An exhibition of paintings was held and new library opened at 181/B, Grama Niladari Piyasa, Thalwatte, Ragama to mark World’s Children’s Day. Several performances were held with the participation of children from the ’Susirith Lama Samajaya’. Pix by Niamalsiri Edirisinghe
Palestine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Zuhair M.H. Zaid is seen in tears while discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the civilian deaths by Israeli forces. The Ambassador met religious leaders at the Embassy today who had called on him to offer their condolences over the mounting deaths in Gaza. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers’ today staged a protest march from Independence Square to the Public Administration Ministry, demanding the government grant promotions to all parallel executive services and provide sufficient salaries for living. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Due to increased electricity bills, fuel prices and the difficulties of bearing the burden of living, the Alliance of Railway Trade Unions today held a protest in front of the railway headquarters, demanding a minimum allowance of Rs. 20,000. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
The annual wildlife photography and the wildlife art exhibition organised by the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka was launched at the National Museum and will be open for public from 9am to 6pm on Saturday (21) and Sunday (22). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
UNP seniors including General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Chairman Vajira Abeywardena and Chief Executive Officer Shamal Senarath discuss something while preparations are underway in the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium for the party’s convention which is to be held tomorrow. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Sri Lanka Youth Captain and member of the Sri Lanka Emerging Squad Shevon Daniel of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo won the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year for 2023 at the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association Under-19 Schools Cricket Awards held at the BMICH in Colombo.
In the wake of SLC confirming that Angelo Mathews will join the Sri Lanka squad in India, Dasun Shanaka who was ruled out from the team over an injury was seen in a practice session at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow ahead of the game against the Netherlands on Saturday.
The Havelock City Mall was opened today by Chairman of the Havelock City Pvt. Limited, Ajith Jayaratne. The Board of Directors of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, Pravir Samarasinghe, Mildred Tao Ong, Rohini Nanayakkara and Ben Tao also participated. This international standard shopping mall promises to deliver an unparalleled shopping and entertainment experience, creating an ideal destination for the local community right in the heart of Colombo.
Sri Lanka Journalists for Global Justice held a protest and handed over a petition to the UN office in Colombo calling for a ceasefire in Palestine, protection of human rights and ending the Israeli occupation in Palestine through a political settlement. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana
An environmental organization staged a protest in front of the Colombo Fort railway station today, urging the authorities to take sustainable remedies to save the lives of elephants in Sri Lanka. The demonstrators held banners of elephants that had died recently. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
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