Adhering to safety rules...

An elephant brought for the Nawam Perahera at Hunupitiya Gangaramaya temple safely crosses the road at the Viharamahadevi Park pedestrian crossing and enjoys a snack at the library junction food truck. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Hot weather no obstacle for them...

People in urban areas of Colombo engaged in construction work during the daytime despite the hot weather. Some labourers were also transporting goods in Pettah to earn their living, persevering the the heat. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

King Coconut to quench thirst...

King coconut water has become an attraction in Colombo these days with the hot weather, with people seeking to quench their thirst. The Department of Meteorology has warned the public not to stay in the sunlight for long periods. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

U.W. Sumathipala remembered

The 100th commemoration of U.W. Sumathipala, founder of the Sumathi Group of Companies, was held today at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Buying expensive veggies...

Despite the high prices, people were observed buying vegetables and other commodities at Bodhiraja Mawatha in Colombo Fort today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

'Architect 2024': 42nd annual session

The inauguration ceremony of the 42nd annual session of ‘Architect 2024’ of the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) was held today at the BMICH. The ceremony will include the formal induction of newly elected Chartered Architects for 2023, the presentation of SLIA Design Awards, Colour Awards, Research Awards and Product Awards for 2024. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Against privatising public institutions

The National Resources Protection Movement (NRPM) staged a protest in Colombo today against the government’s moves to privatize several public institutions. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

B Pharma graduates protest for job appointments

A protest took place outside the Health Ministry in Colombo, led by B Pharma (Hons) graduates demanding job appointments and addressing various other grievances. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Remembering late pioneer of Ananda Sastralaya

A procession (perahera) was held last night to commemorate the 134th birth anniversary of the late pioneer of Ananda Sastralaya, Kotte. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

International Mother Language Day marked 

International Mother Language Day was marked in Colombo today with a ceremony organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh, the Education Ministry and Sri Lanka Scouts Association. Education Minister Susil Premajayantha, External Affairs Minister Ali Sabry, heads of foreign missions in Sri Lanka, the clergy and schoolchildren participated in the event. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Sumathi Awards Ceremony 2024...

The 29th edition of the Sumathi Awards ceremony was held at the Monarch Imperial yesterday, showcasing the pinnacle of Sri Lankan television excellence. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

More tourists throng Kataragama 

An unprecedented number of tourists visited Kataragama yesterday (20) and attended religious rituals at the Kiriwehera and Devalaya premises.

Iranian Foreign Minister calls on Ali Sabry

The joint media briefing by visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Amir Abdullahian and Sri Lankan Foreign Affairs Minister M.U.M. Ali Sabry took place in Colombo on February 20, 2024. Iranian Foreign Minister Dr. Hossein arrived in Sri Lanka last night for a three-day official visit. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Mindfulness programme for schoolchildren

The Education Ministry today launched the first ’’Mindfulness’’ programme for this year for schoolchildren at the Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Pannipitiya with the participation of Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.

Indigenous medicine students protest...

Students’ union of the Indigenous Medicine Faculty staged a protest march today from Rajagiriya Ayurveda Hospital to Auyrveda rounabout, demanding the government to withdraw the policies that destroy the local indigenous medical practices and to take immediate action to overcome the current medical shortage. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Expel Harin...

A public protest was held in Colombo, demanding the government expel Minister Harin Fernando from his post and stop selling the country to India. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Gangaramaya Mal Perahera...

A floral procession (Mal Perahera) was held this evening at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. The annual Navam Perahera will be held in Colombo on February 22 and 23, 2024. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Working on restoring tracks...

Workmen attending to repairs to the railway lines of the Ragama railway station, which were damaged due to the derailment of the Badulla-bound Colombo Udarata Menike express train yesterday. The train operations on the main line were delayed due to the derailment of the Udarata Menike express train near the Ragama railway station yesterday. Three tracks were damaged due to the derailment. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirising

CMC gets first female medical officer after 122 years

Dr. Geethika Rathnawardana assumed duties today as the first female Chief Medical Officer of Health at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). She becomes the first Chief Medial Officer appointed to this post after a lapse of 122 years. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Pitipana fisherfolk stage protest...

Fisherfolk from Pitipana, Negombo staged a protest today outside the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, urging the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to permit them the use of the legally awarded Pitipana Fisheries Harbour. They also presented a petition to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Kala Pola in Colombo...

The Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s annual open-air art fair opened its doors for the 31st time for visitors in Colombo yesterday. Presented by The George Keyt Foundation in association with the John Keells Group. This art fair has become a major cultural and tourist attraction in Colombo’s annual cultural calendar. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.

Meeting tourists...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in the Tangalle and Galle areas today, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities. The President visited tourist hotspots such as Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa, as well as the Weligama Surf School along the south coast, where he assessed their activities firsthand.

'Pansale Dansala'

The Dansala program, initiated by Naga Vihara Kotte under the theme ’Pansale Dansala,’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic, perseveres to this day, taking place every Friday. Individuals are observed receiving sustenance at the Dansala, a testament to the ongoing dedication to serving the community during these challenging times. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Tension flares at National Hospital...

Tensions escalated outside the National Hospital in Colombo today as minor staff staged a demonstration targeting Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana. Authorities also deployed an anti-riot squad to bolster security in the hospital premises. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Wedding Show 2024 at BMICH

’Wedding Show 2024’, the most prestigious and exclusive wedding exhibition of the year, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today. The exhibition will continue till Sunday (18). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Against electricity tariff revision...

The National Front of Civil Organizations (NFCO) today staged a protest in front of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises to express opposition to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), which is set to finalize the collection of public opinions for the upcoming electricity tariff revision. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Long queues at Osu Sala...

People waiting in long queques outside the Osu Sala at Town Hall to purchase medicines due to the ongoing health strike. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Love is in full bloom....

Valentine’s Day shoppers rejoice as florists along Ven. Baddegama Wimalawansa Mawatha in Town Hall, Colombo, report a delightful drop in prices of roses compared to last year. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Do not award surveying contracts to private surveyors

The Government Surveyors’ Association held a protest near the premises of the Ministry calling the authorities to suspend the decision to award surveying contracts to private surveyors. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Health workers protest...

Trade unions attached to the Federation of Health Professionals of the health sector engaged in an island wide strike today, demanding a solution to a long-standing dispute over the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. Pix by Nisal Baduge