Air China resumed services between the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) Colombo and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport with three flights a week from Chengdu-Colombo-Chengdu yesterday (3), Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private)

The annual perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held for the 14th day last night with a large crowd witnessing the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Today is Esala full moon Poya day, which is celebrated by Buddhists island wide. Esala Poya is significant to Buddhists as the day Buddha preached his first dhamma sermon, the ’Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta’. The picture shows devotees at the Kir

Devotees were seen coming in numbers to Kelaniya Temple and were seen engaged in religious observances to mark Esala Full Moon Poya Day. By Pradeep Dilruskshana

A rice donation programme was conducted at Pepiliyana Raja Maha Viharaya to coincide with Adhi Esala Poya day. A patron of the temple Mr. Sugeeshwara Bandara organized the programme with the participation with his mother. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

The National Service and Relationship Month organized by Sri Lanka Scout Association was launched recently at the Pedro Scout Camp in Nuwara Eliya under the patronage of President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake and Chief Scout.

One more contingent of Sri Lanka Army personnel in the 5th Combat Convoy Company (CCC), designated to serve in the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) left for Mali yesterday (July 01) evening as th

The annual perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya was held for the 13th day last night with a large crowd witnessing the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

An extremely rare and dying ritual in Sri Lanka, the ’Kadawara Yak Kankariya’ was performed on Friday (30) night coinciding with the ongoing Esala festival in Kataragama. Chief Incumbent of the Kirivehera Most Ven. Kobawaka Dhamminda Nayaka Thera

The main fire walking ceremony of the Kataragama Esala festival took place this morning in front of the Maha Devalaya. The devotees took part in the fire walking. Pix by Nisal Baduge

An exhibition of paintings and drawings by renowned artist, Kalasoori S.H. Sarath which kicked off at Siam Nivasa, the premises of the Roayl Thai Embassy on May 23 will be held till July 4. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Dry rations were distributed among 200 low-income people at the Gangaramaya Temple yesterday with the patronage of the IOC Chairman Sujoy Choudhury and other officials and the Temple Deputy incumbent Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera. Pix by Pradeep Dilruksha

Air marshal Udeni Rajapaksa was welcomed as the 19th commander of the Sri Lanka air force today. The ceremony was held at the Sri Lanka Air Force Head Quarters. The Air marshal will assume duties tomorrow. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Senior Presidential Advisor and UNP National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake presents letters of appointment to members of the party’s Ratmalana Bala Mandalaya during the meeting held with the participation of Mr. Ratnayake, the Party General Secretary

Suwa Arana, Sri Lanka’s first Peadiatric Palliative Care Centre opened its doors yesterday for peadiatric cancer patients. Former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, his daughter Dr. Lanka Jayasuriya Dissanayake and UNP MP Navin Dissanayake were

Sri Lanka cricket team enjoyed an amazing safari adventure at the Matobo National Park in southwest Zimbabwe during their break of the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong visited Keppetipola and paid tribute to the statue of Keppitipola Disawe, a Sri Lankan hero who led the great rebellion against colonization and invasion. He sacrificed his life for Sri Lanka’s freedom and independenc

Muslim devotees gathered around the country today to celebrate the Hajj festival. Seen here are devotees gathered at the Galle Face Green this morning to engage in Eid – Ul- Azha prayers in celebration of Hajj. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Members of the Association of Graduates staged a protest today in front of the Fort Railway station, demanding the government to appoint them as teachers after conducting the teachers’ examination according to the teachers’ constitution. Later, a

In accordance with the respected military traditions, the outgoing Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana paid a farewell call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva this morning at the Office of t

Elephants were seen bathing in the Menik Ganga in Kataragama ahead of the annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya. Pix by Nisal Baduge

The ’Laksiyane Mandiraya’ Administrative complex of the District Secretariat in Gampaha was declared open today by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

The French explorer who perished on the Titan submersible’s journey to the Titanic spent decades working with a controversial company which recovered thousands of relics from the shipwreck.

The 5th Combat Convoy Company (CCC) is now ready to undertake UN Peacekeeping Mission responsibilities in the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Prior to their departure from the country, presented a

Members of the National Dengue Control Unit gathered at the Health Ministry today for a discussion with Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella on granting permanency to its members who are employed on temporary basis to prevent the spread of dengue. Pi

A dansela to feed Hindu devotees performing Paada Yaatra from the North and East to Kataragama for the Esala festival has been held for the past ten days in the midst of the Yaala jungle (Block 2 section of the National Park). According to the organi

Police officers check a vehicle during a special search operation conducted by the Colombo South Division police to apprehend drug traffickers. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

The annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya staged for the sixth day last night. Many people were seen participated at the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge

The ritual known as ’Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Devalaya in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place eve

A silent protest was staged today in front of the Canadian embassy in response to a statement made by the Canadian Premier Justin Trudeau. The protest was organized in opposition to comments made by the Prime Minister about the loss of life among the