Percy Uncle bids final goodbye...!

The final rites of renowned cricket cheerleader Percy Abeysekera were held at the Borella Cemetery today.

Population & Housing Census gets off the ground

The Department of Census and Statistics commenced its latest population and housing census, an important undertaking that occurs once every 10 years. Census officers are visiting households in Colombo to gather vital information under the leadership of Deputy Census Commissioner and Sri Jayawardena Pura Kotte Regional Secretary Kasun Epa Seneviratne. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Re-arrange university enrollment procedure...

The University Trade Union Joint Committee today staged a protest in front of the University Grants Commission (UGC) demanding the authorities to re-arrange the university enrollment procedure and to stop robbing the Universities Provident Fund (UPF), Employees’ Trust Fund (ETF) and pension. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest against financial burden on parents...

The People’s Movement to Save Schools today organized an agitation in front of the Education Ministry to protest the government’s move to transfer the financial burden of school education to the parents and to allocate 6% of the budget. The cost of school equipment, nutritional problems and shortage of teachers were also raised during the protest. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

UK’s biggest dog

A Turkish Malakli who stands at 7ft 2in and weighs the same as a baby elephant has been described as the UK’s biggest dog.

SLPA's 68th annual convention

A lighter moment at the 68th annual convention of the Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA) was held at the BMICH with the participation of Transport and Media Minister Bandula Gunawardene as the chief guest. Minister Gunawardene having a lighter moment with SLPA Senior Patron Muditha Kariyakarawana and President Sisira Wijesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Demanding withdrawal of tax amendments

The Ceylon Bank Employees’ Union, Government Medical Officers’ Union and other professional unions held a protest today near the Finance Ministry at Lotus Road, Colombo, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the arbitrary tax amendments. They dispersed on the promise of a discussion with the Finance Ministry Secretary at a later date. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Manusha launches 'Garu Saru' initiative

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment, Manusha Nanayakkara, officially launched ’Garu Saru,’ the latest initiative designed to enhance standards and recognition for individuals in the informal sector.

Stop selling CEB...

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) Employees’ Union staged a protest outside the Ceylon Electricity Board against selling of the CEB to 14 companies, increasing electricity tariffs and several other demands. Pix by Nisal Baduge

BIA welcoms first direct Russian airline

The Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Private Limited (AASL) today welcomed AzurAir as the first direct charter flight between Russia and Sri Lanka.

For protection of human rights...

The World Fellowship of Buddhist Sri Lanka held a peaceful protest in front of the World Buddhist Federation of Sri Lanka in Colombo today calling for the protection of human rights and an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

After case against Diana.... 

Social activist Oshala Herath, who instituted legal action against State Minister Diana Gamage over her citizenship issue, leaves the Supreme Court premises along with his lawyers. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Road cleared...

Sri Lanka Air Force personnel engaged in clearing the road which was blocked after a branch of a tree fell on three vehicles on Duplication Road this evening. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Workers union collective protests for salary increase

Members of the Provincial and State Workers Union Collective staged a protest in front of Sethsiripaya, demanding a salary increase. Similar protests took place throughout the country, with the collective aim of addressing this issue. Pix by Pradeep Dilrushkshana.

Demanding Rs. 20,000 pay hike

A group of state workers staged a protest in Colombo urging the authorities to allocate funds for a Rs. 20,000 pay hike in the upcoming budget. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Direct flights between Colombo-Turkey commence

Turkish Airlines today commenced direct flights between Sri Lanka and Istanbul after ten years. Accordingly, four weekly flights will operate between the two countries.

More children are being abused or neglected

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has received 7523 complaints in the first eight months of 2023. More than 4,000 complaints related to crimes against children related to children in need of care, compulsory education, and cruelty.

Stay Focused' - Optometric Trade Exhibition

The Sri Lanka Optometric Association’s (SLOA) Annual Scientific Sessions and Trade Exhibition was held today at the Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenepura, with the theme ’’STAY FOCUSED.

Engaging in training session...

The Sri Lanka team conducted a training session last afternoon at the Pune cricket stadium ahead of their World Cup group game against Afghanistan on Monday. Pix by Champika Fernando

Vap Poya Day...

Devotees at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo are seen taking part in religious observances on Vap Full Moon Poya day which falls today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Medical students in protest...

A group of medical students was fired tear gas and water cannons near the Nelum Pokuna in Colombo by the police yesterday. They were protesting against the government’s alleged move to destroy free education with the support of several private universities and schools.  Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Sri Lanka Print Exhibition & Trade Fair

The three-day Sri Lanka Print Exhibition and Trade Fair 2023 organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) jointly with the Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging kicked off at the BMICH.

Temporary access way erected to Bambalapitiya railway station

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

Calling for end to Israeli–Palestinian war

‘Youth for Change’ staged a demonstration in Colombo today (26) calling for an end to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Stop Gaza genocide!

A protest organised by the ’Colombo Action Committee’ was held today opposite the Fort Railway Station calling for an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Korean ship ’Kwanggaeto the Great’ arrives

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.

Briefing on Customs progress

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

Port workers demand salary increment ...

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

Ayurveda Health officers in protest…

The All Ceylon Ayurveda Health Services Union (ACAWU) staged a protest in Colombo today over several demands. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

First charter flight welcome

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.