A protest was held in front of the United Nations Headquarters in Thummulla this afternoon against the deaths caused due to recent tear gas attacks, police entering the universities and firing tear-gas at school children and military using cinnamon sticks to beat protesters. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
The Colombo National Hospital was deserted due to the one-day trade union action initiated by many health service unions this morning, demanding immediate solutions to the crises in the health sector and the oppressive conditions faced by health professionals.
The ’Women for Rights’ and members of the National People’s Power held a protest at Polduwa junction in Battaramulla against the increase in taxes, CoL, and electricity tariff hike and the postponement of local government elections. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in International Women’s Day, where he presented awards to women for their achievements. The President said it was women who had played a vital role in securing assistance, as some institutions such as the IMF are headed by women today. Rashmi Nimesha Gunawardena was given a presidential award after getting three ’A’ passes in the 2021 A-level examination. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The Joint Postal Trade Union Alliance staged a protest outside the Central Mail Exchange against the escalating cost of living, new tax policy. They urged the authorities to provide them with cost of living allowance of Rs. 20,000. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
The 12th edition of Sri Lanka’s National Healthcare Expo, Medicare 2023, was inaugurated today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre at the BMICH amidst the participation of a host of high-profile invitees, healthcare professionals, industry stakeholders, and the general public. The exhibition will be held over three days until next Wednesday (5). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
The first European airline charter flight was received at the Mattala Mahinda Rajapaksa International Airport this morning with 175 Bulgarian passengers. The flight was received at MRIA from Sofia International Airport in Bulgaria via Sharjah International Airport after refueling. The flight will remain at the airport for 10 days and then leave with the passengers.
Despite the trade union actions, there were only fewer people visiting Colombo. The usual thronging of people in Colombo Fort was very low. Despite the trade union strikes, people are seen busy earning their living. Pix by Samantha Pathirana
A group of tourists from overseas are seen strolling around in Colombo city. According to the Tourism Development Authority, more than 100,000 tourists visited Sri Lanka last month (February). Most of the tourists came from Russia, and a large number of tourists have also come from India, Britain, Germany, France, Australia, Canada, America and Israel. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, National Organizer and Presidential Advisor Sagala Ratnayake and UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara launched the Facebook page of United National Youth Corp at UNP Headquarters Sirikotha today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The Malay Cricket Club, one of the oldest cricket playing clubs in Sri Lanka in conjunction with the 150 years celebration organized a ’Walk for the Nation’ held around the Colombo vicinity on February 26 which began at the club premises at the Padang Complex in Slave Island. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
The Ceylon Electricity Board Joint Trade Union Alliance (CEBJTUA) today staged a protest in front of the CEB headquarters against several demands, such as the actions taken to increase the electricity bill, against selling national assets and risking their employees’ jobs, and to provide electricity at a concessionary rate. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
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