Chinese Scholarship Awards

The Chinese Government Scholarship Certificate Award Ceremony held at the Chinese Cultural Centre today in Colombo under the auspices of the Qi Zhenhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

General Shavendra Silva bestowed with honorary title

In recognition of services to the country, religion, and national security, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva was bestowed with the honorary title of “Mahamanya Prathapadi-Keshwara” by the Asgiri Maha Viharaya at the Asgiri Maha Viharaya in Kandy yesterday.

Joes qualify for semis of President’s Trophy

St. Joseph’s College qualified for the semi-finals of the President’s Trophy Schools Rugby Knockout Tournament beating St. Anthony’s College Kandy 34-14 at the Royal Sports Complex today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Nestomalt Cycling Challenge held in Colombo

The Nestomalt Cycling Challenge 2022, organized by the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the second consecutive year with the Nestle Lanka was held under seven categories on Sunday at Vihara Maha Devi Park with more than 500 aspiring cyclists. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Queues for fuel again...

Lengthening queues are seen again in front of petrol sheds in Colombo, after an initial easing of queues following the implementation of the National Fuel Pass. Pix by Samantha Perera and Pradeep Dilrukshana

Ranjan receives blessings...

Former film idol-turned parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake is seen taking part in religious activities at the Gangaramaya Temple yesterday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Freed...

Former MP Ranjan Ramanayake is seen with crowds who gathered at welikada Prison after he was released today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Felicitating Commonwealth Game winners

A felicitation ceremony held today at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium, Colombo for the medal winners at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest demanding to reduce cost of living...

Ceylon Mercantile Industrial and General Works Union (CMU) today staged a protest demanding the government to reduce fuel, electricity, bus fares and cost of living. Pix Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Fogging by CMC to dispel mosquitoes

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has taken steps to start fogging to prevent the spread of dengue virus in the Colombo municipality areas, including Vidyala Mawatha in District 2, MOH office in Colombo 13, as a precautionary measure to control the mosquitoes. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Community Kitchen by Central Colombo launched

The first community kitchen concept was launched today at the Samagipura housing scheme at Grandpass with a view to help provide a meal for the people with low income families. The concept was introduced by Colombo Mayoress Rosy Senanayake to prepare and share healthy, affordable meals among low-income city dwellers who have been severely affected by the crisis. Pix by Samantha Perera

New office for National Struggle Centre

The new office for the National Struggle Centre (NSC) was opened today at Vauxhall Street, Colombo 2, and held the first media briefing. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

MoU signed to promote Tamil Drama

Tower Hall Theatre Foundation and Open University of Sri Lanka signed an MoU to promote Tamil Drama and Performing Arts School today at the Office of the Vice-Chancellor of Sri Lanka Open University. A Tamil drama diploma course will be introduced as per the MoU. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Fuel queues at filling far from over....

Even though the QR code system was introduced under the National Fuel Pass (NFP) scheme, vehicles are still seen queuing at several filling stations in Colombo. Pix by Warun Wanniarachchi

First organic supermarket, restaurant chain opened

Embarking on a concept of the Western Province Agricultural Services Authority Chairman, the first project of the opening of organic supermarkets and restaurants chain took place yesterday (22) under the distinguished patronage of the Western Province Governor and former Air Force Commander, Marshal of the Air Force Roshan Gunathilaka.

Vendors stick to selling eggs at retail price

Picture shows eggs are being sold at a lower price than the maximum retail price of Rs.43 at the Pettah market. Several egg centres are complying with the government’s rule to sell brown and white eggs at Rs.45 and Rs.43 respectively. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Silent protest near Slave Island Police station

A silent protest was staged yesterday by a group of protesters near the Slave Island Police station after a social activist Nuwan Neelamuni representing the Independent Youth Front, came to give a statement to the police on the allegation that he had forcibly entered the President’s House recently. Pix by Nimalsir Edirisinghe.

Hyde Park People’s Bank shifted to new location

The opening ceremony of the People’s Bank’s Hyde Park Corner Branch was held at a new location today. People’s Bank Chief Executive Officer/General Manager Ranjith Kodituwakku graced the event. The new location is at No 33, Parkland Building, Park Street, Colombo 2. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stop restructuring project involving CPC

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) trade union activists today staged a protest in front of the Energy Ministry in Colombo against the proposed restructuring project of the corporation. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Protection better than cure...

School children are seen wearing face masks as basic health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 which has been found spreading quite alarmingly among people in the recent past. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Seeking blessings...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe who visited Mihintale sacred site today (21) engaged in religious observances and received blessings. Thereafter, the President paid a courtesy call on the Chief Incumbent Venerable Dr. Walavahangunaweve Dhammaratana Thera and inquired about his well-being.

Documenting the struggle to release their own

A demonstration was held at Colombo Fort against the unlawful arrest and detention of IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige and two other activists under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Tewatte Basilica conducts 81st healing service

The 81st healing service of the Thewatta Basilica held yesterday in Ragama with Archbishop of Colombo, His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith as chief guest and with the participation of other bishops. The Cardinal said no government that had ruled this country since independence, done anything productive and towards the benefit of its people. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Isipathana rugby team felicitated after winning schools’ league title

The Principal and Old Boys Association of Isipathana College held a felicitation program on Friday (19) at the college to recognize the Dialog U19 League champion team of Isipathana year 2022. Isipathana Captain Dahan Wickrmarachchi led the side to secure the 16th overall league championship for the college. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Thomians beat Peterites for Archibald Perera trophy

St. Thomas’ College edged out St. Peter’s College for a 23-22 in their traditional rugby fixture for the Archibald Perera trophy, played at Bambalapitiya. The Thomians led 20-14 at half-time. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Stop child labour!

A protest organized by Centre for Private Sector Worker’s rights, Centre for Labour Struggle, Centre for Private Sector Worker Rights and Women for Freedom was held in front of Labour Office in Colombo. They urged for stoppage of child labour and to ensure Children’s right for education. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Handbook on Gender, Sexual violence launched...

The first handbook on ‘Gender, Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Disaster’ was launched by the Disaster Management Center (DMC) with the technical assistance of the United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), financial support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia (DFAT). The book was launched to mark the World Humanitarian Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

President visits Jackson Anthony

President Ranil Wickremesinghe paid a visit to veteran artiste Jackson Anthony, who is receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital after having sustained serious injuries in a tragic road mishap.

Protest at customs...

People engaged in several small-scale businesses gathered at a protest in front of the Sri Lanka Customs office today demanding the ban imposed on importing goods by foreign transit traders from August 9 lifted. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Tear-gassed...

Police fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) protest march at Slave Island today. Pix by Samantha Perera