Rail bus services disrupted

The rail bus service was disrupted this evening due to a derailment after a tree had fallen on the tracks between Polgawela and Potuhera railway stations. The railway services on the northern line between Colombo Fort and Pothuhera were also limited.

Mom, the sun that shines in my sky...

As the world celebrates Mother’s Day today, the Daily Mirror captured mothers sharing their immense and unconditional love with their children. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Bonsai plants exhibition

The ’’Reflection if Living Images’’, a bonsai plant exhibition organized by the Sri Lanka Bonsai Association will be held at the International Women’s International Club, Colombo 07. Pics by Kithsiri De Mel

International Firefighters’ Day in Colombo

An attractive parade including various activities organized by the Colombo Municipal Fire Service Department to celebrate International Firefighters’ Day with pride was held at the Independace Square in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Fumigating to curb dengue outbreak

In a bid to eradicate dengue-spreading mosquitos, health personnel in protective suits fumigating the areas surrounding the Fort Railway Station. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Security beefed up...

Police and army personnel were seen deployed near the Colombo University today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

’Yummy Fruits’

Vendors are seen selling Duriyan, Mangosteen and Rambutan in Colombo announcing the return of fruits season. People are also seen making a stop near the stalls to purchase the fruits. Pix By Kithsiri de Mel

Int'l Nurses’ day celebrated...

Sri Lankan Nurses joined their global counterparts to celebrate the International Nurses’ day in Colombo today. Chief of Staff to the President and National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayaka, Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapakshe, Labour and Foreign Employment Minister Manusha Nanayakkara and Director General of Trade Unions to the President Saman Ratnapriya are seen sharing lighter moments during the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Skills Expo 2023

The ’Sri Lanka Skills Expo 2023’ exhibition, which fulfills the dreams of job seekers, held on the May 12, 13 and 14 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in the BMICH premises in Colombo. The inauguration ceremony was held under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Education Minister Susil Premajayantha. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Whale making waves...

Stunning images captured the moment a whale in Monterey Bay, California, put on a display for boats full of whale watchers, greeting them with a spectacular tail wave. One of the whales did a massive head lunge not far away from the boat. The same whale continued to breach, tail lob, tail throw and pec slap for the next 90 minutes.’ (Daily Mail)

Tuk Tuks to go green

The pilot programme of converting 200 four-stroke petrol three-wheelers to electric (e-Tuk Tuk) was launched today at the Werahera branch of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Assault on social activist condemned

A demo held today in front of the Fort Railway Station against the assault of the Social activist Piyath Nikeshala yesterday by the former Kaduwela deputy mayor. Pix by Nimsalsiri Edirisinghe

X-Press Pearl disaster victims get compensation

The fishermen who were affected by the X-Press Pearl maritime disaster were recently granted compensation for the fourth time at the Ministry of Fisheries under the auspices of the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda and the State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha De Silva. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

BMICH marks Golden Jubilee...

An event was held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today to celebrate the golden jubilee commemoration and the 50th anniversary of the BMICH (1973–2023). Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Demanding court case be filed in Sri Lanka

The Socialist Youth Union (SYU) and several environmental organizations today staged a protest at the Diyatha Uyana Park demanding the government file the court case in Sri Lanka instead of Singapore, seeking compensation from the shipping company for the environmental damage caused to Sri Lanka by the X-Press Pearl ship tragedy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

During train strike...

Several long-distance train services were delayed and most of the ticket counters were not functional due to the 24-hour token strike by the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU). Security officials on duty at the Colombo Fort and Maradan railway stations to prevent any untoward incidents. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

World’s largest artificial REEF

Illegal immigrants produced to Negombo Magistrate court

The 41 illegal Sri Lankan immigrants who were arrested and deported by Australian authorities were brought to the Negombo Magistrate Court last night. Five immigrants were remanded and others were released on bail. They arrived at the Katunayake International Airport yesterday (9th). Photos by Pradeep Pathirana.

’Education World Forum 2023’

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha took part in the Education World Forum (2023), held annually in London, with the participation of education ministers and representatives from countries around the world.

Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Festival

The ’Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Festival was held at Temple Trees to mark the Vesak Poya day. This cultural event was held with the participation of several institutions under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Sama Maha Viharaya annual Perahara

The annual Perahara of the Sama Maha Viharaya in Gampaha was held yesterday (06) in line with the Vesak Poya Day. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Royals emerge for balcony wave following King Charles’ coronation

Britain’s King Charles III wearing the Imperial state Crown, and Britain’s Queen Camilla wearing a modified version of Queen Mary’s Crown, flanked by Britain’s Prince George of Wales (2nd L) and other pages of honour, wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony after viewing the Royal Air Force fly-past in central London yesterday, after their coronations.

Lotus tower illuminated for Vesak

The Lotus Tower was lit up this evening in view of Vesak celebrations. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Army-designed 'Apaaya' attracts people at Gangarama 'Vesak' Zone

The mock exhibit, ’Apaaya’ (hell), designed by the Sri Lanka Army’s Directorate of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers at the Gangarama ’Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ attracts large crowd. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

'Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone'

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened the Gangaramaya ’Buddha Rashmi Vesak Zone’ for the fourth day today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Illuminated Vesak pandals brighten Colombo

A number of beautifully decorated pandals to welcome Vesak Day illuminated the city of Colombo last night. In addition, Bakthi Geetha recitals were also held in several parts of the city. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Malaysian High Commission celebrates Eid

The Malaysian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated Eid festival with the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry in Colombo on May 6, 2023. Media and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam and Chinese envoy to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong are seen sharing lighter moments during the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Gangarama Vesak Zone

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena is viewing a stall after opening the third day of the Vesak Zone organized by Gangarama Temple. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

MR holds a Dansal!

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a Kadala Dansal outside his official Wijerama Residence in Colombo today in view of Vesak. A surprising visitor who volunteered to take part in the Dansal was Sashi Weerawansa, wife of Wimal Weerawansa who is at loggerheads with the SLPP camp.

Manioc dansala....

A Manioc dansala was organized by the Dam Street Police Station, Gunasinghepura during the Vesak poya day. The Community Police Division Committee, Advisory Committee and the Traders’ Unions supported this effort on the advice of Dam Street Police Station Chief Inspector Ajith Pedurarachchi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana