A mother of two children of Srimath Sri Narendra Modi Gama in Thissamaharama coming with a can to get water after a private company volunteered to distribute it. Over 50,000 families in eight out of nine provinces in Sri Lanka have been affected by the prevailing dry spell. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Representatives from various organizations submitted a petition to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, urging authorities to revise the newly implemented procedure for registering Buddhist Temples with Divisional Secretaries. These groups expressed their concerns over the difficulties faced in registering temples due to lack of cooperation from the divisional secretaries in the process. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
The Sri Lanka Print Exhibition and Trade Fair organized by the Sri Lanka Printers Association is scheduled to be held from 26 to 28 October 2023 at the BMICH, Colombo. The Sri Lanka Print Show is an annual event that showcases the skills and experience of printmakers from across the country and around the world. Cheques were recently handed over by the sponsors during an event at the Water’s Edge Hotel in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Yala National Park yesterday, where water was released into artificial ponds intended for park animals. The tour was attended by US Ambassador Julie Chung and Tourism Minister Harin Fernando. Following the park visit, the president declared open the newly built Hilton Yala Resort.
The Western Orchestra of Ananda College, Colombo presented ‘DOLCE 2023’ -- An evening of classical and contemporary orchestral music at Colombo Lionel Wendt theatre under the patronage of distinguished old Anandian, Central Bank governor Dr . Nndalal Weerasinghe.
Dr. Ajith Mendis assumed office as the new Chairman of the State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) today. He was the former Director General of Health Services and is also an experienced administrator in the field of health. Director General of Health Dr. Asela Gunawardena and a group of officials from the Ministry’s medical services were also present at the occasion.
The Gothatuwa Police Station organized an awareness-raising campaign on drugs and narcotics, specifically targeting individuals from rural areas who come to work in Colombo. The campaign aimed at educating and informing these individuals about the dangers and consequences of drug abuse and the importance of staying away from narcotics. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachci
The CWE United Trade Union Alliance staged a protest outside the Sathosa head office over several demands including over not collecting Rs. 270 million from Lanka Sathosa and an appointment of a new chairman for Sathosa. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Hundreds of travellers have descended on the New Forest for the UK’s biggest horse drive event. Riders gathered in Totton, near Southampton, Hants, on Sunday before setting off for Balmer Lawn in Brockenhurst, some eight miles away. Along the route, spectators could enjoy the community’s distinctive carts as they were hauled along to the meeting point. Organisers have hailed it as ’the biggest and best drive’ to date. (Daily Mail)
Education Minister Susil Premajayantha presented certificates to individuals trained at the Roots Hair and Beauty Salon and Academy. This institution is endorsed by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission. The certificate ceremony took place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa shows his sporting spirit at the annual Mahinda Rajapaksa Challenge Trophy Championship cricket tournament held at the Nuwara Eliya Municipal Stadium under his chairmanship, with the participation of Members of Parliament. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa
Activists of the ’’People’s Revolution’’, led by the former army chief and parliamentarian Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, were seen holding placards during an anti-government protest in Colombo urging the government to put an end to the repression of anti-government protests, to safeguard democracy, and provide assistance to those battered by the economic crisis. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
Foreign tourists in Sri Lanka walk through Independence Square in Colombo. Sri Lanka welcomed 30,303 tourists in the first few days of August, and the cumulative arrivals for the period from January 01 to August 06 were 798,216, according to data released by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA). Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Despite the current hot weather in Sri Lanka, a group of school children who are in Colombo on an educational trip have fun today at Independence Square. Three-quarters of the children in South Asia are already facing dangerously high temperatures, the highest level worldwide, as the impact of climate change grows, the United Nations warned Monday. About 460 million children are exposed to extreme heat in South Asia. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The book “Sithamu ( Let’s think ) written by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Imtiaz Bakeer Markar was launched at Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) amidst a distinguished gathering today. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardene. The book comprises the columns which have been written by the MP. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara held a discussion with the Chairman of the Public Transport Commission in Poland where they discussed the potential Foreign Employment Opportunities for skilled workers from Sri Lanka within Poland’s public transport sector.
People enjoying King Coconuts and cool drinks along the streets of Colombo to quench their thirst and refresh themselves in the hot weather. Colombo is also experiencing a dry spell, just like the other parts of the country. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The annual Aadi Vel Festival was held at the Sri Murugan Temple at Slave Island in Colombo today. Devotees in bright clothes take to the streets to hold chariot parades, traditional singing, tinkling bells, and a Kavadi ceremonial offering dance. During the festival, they often perform rituals by piercing their cheeks and other body parts to fulfill vows. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The 56th ASEAN Day was celebrated by the Heads of Missions of the ASEAN Member States in Sri Lanka, (Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). The ASEAN flag raising ceremony and a reception were held at the Indonesian Embassy premises in Colombo yesterday, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the chief guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.
More countries issue travel advisories
Sri Lanka Tourism invites global travellers for upcoming season
Russian embassy urges citizens to stay vigilant in Arugam Bay
US Embassy issues travel warning for Arugam Bay
India-Sri Lanka ferry service operates smoothly