The Socialist Youth Union (SYU) and several environmental organizations today staged a protest at the Diyatha Uyana Park demanding the government file the court case in Sri Lanka instead of Singapore, seeking compensation from the shipping company for the environmental damage caused to Sri Lanka by the X-Press Pearl ship tragedy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Several long-distance train services were delayed and most of the ticket counters were not functional due to the 24-hour token strike by the Sri Lanka Railway Station Masters’ Union (SLRSMU). Security officials on duty at the Colombo Fort and Maradan railway stations to prevent any untoward incidents. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
The 41 illegal Sri Lankan immigrants who were arrested and deported by Australian authorities were brought to the Negombo Magistrate Court last night. Five immigrants were remanded and others were released on bail. They arrived at the Katunayake International Airport yesterday (9th). Photos by Pradeep Pathirana.
Britain’s King Charles III wearing the Imperial state Crown, and Britain’s Queen Camilla wearing a modified version of Queen Mary’s Crown, flanked by Britain’s Prince George of Wales (2nd L) and other pages of honour, wave from the Buckingham Palace balcony after viewing the Royal Air Force fly-past in central London yesterday, after their coronations.
The Malaysian High Commission in Sri Lanka celebrated Eid festival with the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry in Colombo on May 6, 2023. Media and Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena, Malaysian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Badli Hisham Adam and Chinese envoy to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong are seen sharing lighter moments during the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.
Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa held a Kadala Dansal outside his official Wijerama Residence in Colombo today in view of Vesak. A surprising visitor who volunteered to take part in the Dansal was Sashi Weerawansa, wife of Wimal Weerawansa who is at loggerheads with the SLPP camp.
A Manioc dansala was organized by the Dam Street Police Station, Gunasinghepura during the Vesak poya day. The Community Police Division Committee, Advisory Committee and the Traders’ Unions supported this effort on the advice of Dam Street Police Station Chief Inspector Ajith Pedurarachchi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva. The visiting head of the Indian Air Force and the delegation were warmly welcomed by the CDS at the arrival and recalled the strong bilateral defence ties the two nations share for years.
Independent protestors (Nirpakshika Aaragalakaruwo) staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station today, demanding the authorities refrain from enacting the proposed Counter Terrorism Bill. The protest was held in the form of a drama. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
A Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) bus plying to Hanwella from Negombo met with an accident on the Wathurugama bus route in Gampaha this morning. The bus skidded off the road due to its speed, police said. 70 passengers were on board during the accident and the injured were admitted to the Gampaha base hospital. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
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