’’Name the powerful Western country’’

Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan slammed a ’’powerful western country’’ for its comments, published in an article on today’s edition of the Daily Mirror, regarding Sri Lankans who were part of his country’s war against Ukraine. The Ambassador questioned why Sri Lankans fighting for Russia was being made an issue, but no similar comments were being made about Sri Lankans fighting for Ukraine. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

University employees in peaceful protest

The Joint Committee of University Trade Unions held a peaceful protest today in front of the University Grants Commission (UGC), demanding an immediate and satisfactory wage increase for university employees.

Martin Wickramasinghe’s folklore collection to public

A folklore collection of Sri Lankan journalist and author Martin Wickramasinghe was vested with the public by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana. The ceremony was held at the National Library & Documentation Services Board. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest by United Trade Union Alliance...

The United Trade Union Alliance staged a peaceful protest today in front of the Fort Railway Station against several issues such as the selling of state property and the proposed education policy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

NSTCS awarded to 100 SMEs in tourism sector

Sri Lanka awarded over 100 tourism SMEs with the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme (NSTCS), in partnership with the UNDP. Established in 2018, NSTCS promotes environmental, social and economic sustainability in the tourism sector. Minister Harin Fernando and other dignitaries attended the ceremony, emphasizing the scheme’s role in fostering a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry,...

Roads inundated

Torrential rains caused minor flooding in the Kirindivita area of Gampaha yesterday. Several roads were inundated, leading to traffic disruptions. Pixs by Kushan Pathiraja

Darshana secures Gold Medal in 400m

Sri Lankan sprinter Aruna Darshana further boosted his chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games by securing the Gold Medal in the Men’s 400m event at the second Belt and Road Athletics Invitation Meet in Chongqing, China.

SLGGA differently abled branch turns 100

The Differently Abled Branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) will celebrate its centenary on June 8, 2024. A media conference to highlight future activities was held on May 28, 2024 at the National Library Auditorium, Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Actor Somi Ratnayake felicitated

Popular actor Somi Ratnayake was felicitated today at the Sudarshi - Institute of Sinhala Culture (Cinama Anu Mandalaya), Colombo. Several movies produced by Somi Ratnayake were screened during the ceremony. He is a versatile Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television actor, with a career spanning more than four decades. Rathnayake is a multi-talented person who is also a script writer and film producer. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Vesak Bodu Bathi Gee, dansala in Gothatuwa

A Vesak Bodu Bathi Gee and a dansala were held yesterday in Gothatuwa in celebration of the Vesak full moon Poya day. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Vesak Maha Perahera...

In line with the 2568 Vesak festival, a Vesak Maha Perahera was held last evening (26) at Narangodapaluwa, Batuwatta. The sacred relic casket being brought to the temple under the patronage of Ven. Sivuralumulle Sumanarathne Thera, the chief incumbent of the Galahitiyawa Sri Sugatha Subadrarama temple and Narangodapaluwa Rathna Sri Gnanarama Pothgul Temple. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

’Leopard Tales’ exhibition unveiled

In a celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich wildlife heritage, the Department of National Museums, in collaboration with Yala Leopard Diary, Yala Leopard Diary - Block 5, Leopards of Horton Plains, Wilpattu Leopard Diary, and Kumana Leopard Diary, organized an exquisite photographic exhibition titled ’’Leopard Tales - Exploring Sri Lanka’s Wilderness’’ at the at the Department of National Museums.

Inundated…

Roads in several areas were flooded due to incessant rains disrupting the vehicular movement. Over 35,000 people have been affected so far owing to the bad weather.Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak festival…

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Opposition Leader Sajith Preadasa inaugurated the second day of the ‘Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone, which is the National Vesak celebration organized by the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple in Colombo. The Vesak program includes various events organized at the Presidential Secretariat premises, Shangri-La Green Ground, and Gangarama Temple on May 23, 24, 25, and 26.

Rough seas keep fishermen ashore in Colombo

A line of fishing boats was spotted along the shore of Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor near Colombo, Sri Lanka, following authorities’ warnings to fishing communities against venturing out due to rough seas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Wild dance of nature...

Gusty winds sweep through Colombo, bringing both chaos and joy. Amidst the flurry of leaves and scattered debris, some find exhilaration in the tempest, their faces alight with delight as they embrace the wild dance of nature. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Vesak Poya holiday empties Colombo

Most people were out of Colombo due to the long holiday for Vesak Poya, leaving many roads in the city deserted. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

Sri Lankan envoy congratulates Chad’s new President

ri Lankan Ambassador to Kenya, Veluppillai Kananathan, attended the investiture ceremony of Chad’s newly elected President, Mahamat Idriss Déby. The ceremony, held in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital.

'Buddha Rashmi' Vesak Zone opens

The Gangaramaya ’Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone was declared open by President Ranil Wickremesinghe this evening. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

China , Sri Lanka celebrate tea for harmony

On the occasion of the ’’International Tea Day’’ on May 21st, 2024, China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka held “Tea for Harmony”—Yaji Cultural Salon event opening ceremony in Colombo recently.

Rice Dansala in Pettah...

The annual rice Dansala organised by the Pettah Eksath Bodhiraja Society being held at the Pettah today with the participation of a large crowd. The Danasala will continue till tomorrow. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Prisoners released

Several prisoners were released from the Welikada Prison today to mark the Vesak Poya. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Tree uprooted in Maitland Crescent...

Inclement weather conditions uprooted a tree along Maitland Crescent today. The tree was cleared by the CMC officials later. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kadala Dansala

People were seen savoring the flavor of Kadala at a Dansala in Homagama. Pix by Nisal Baduge.

Vesak Poya Day...

Devotees are seen taking part in religious observances at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo to mark the Vesak Poya Day which falls today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

In tears...

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh in tears during a condolence programme held at the Kollupitiya Jumu’ah Mosque today on the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dansals in Colombo

Several dansals were conducted around the Colombo city to mark the Vesak full moon Poya Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Preparing for Vesak...

People are buying lanterns in Colombo to celebrate the Vesak festival which commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and demise. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sil programme at Lindsay Girls’ School

A sil programme was held at Lindsay Girls’ School, Colombo 03 to mark the occasion of Vesak tomorrow, . Teachers and students together observed sil by engaging in Dana, Seela and Bhavana. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Donate to save lives...

A blood donation camp was launched today at the Head quarters of the Sri Lanka Saukyadana Movement in observance of Vesak Poya Day. This marks the fourteenth time the organization has held this event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.