IMF to Ranil’s rescue...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivered a special statement in parliament this morning to explain to the nation the current state of the economy and progress on the IMF negotiations.

Medin Full Moon Poya Day

Devotees are engaged in religious observances at the Hunupitiya Gangarama Temple today to mark the ’’Medin Full Moon Poya Day. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Racing to the finish line...

’’ Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2023’’ was held for the 24th consecutive time, coinciding with the 72nd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Helping the disabled

Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Eric Walsh and President of the (CFINS), Krishan Jayawardena are seen presenting a prosthetic limb to a young beneficiary at the inauguration of the new CFINS modular limb workshop. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest by Postal TUs…

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

Medicare 2023 at BMICH

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

Book ‘Ajantha Avarjana’ launched…

The seventh death anniversary of poplar lyrics writer Ajantha Ranasinghe was marked with a launch of a book ‘Ajantha Avarjana’ which contains lyrics of the songs written by him to mark the occasion. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Europeans arrive at MRIA

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.

Movement of people in Colombo city sparse

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

Teachers, principals protest at Kottawa

The Teachers’ and Principals’ Association staged a protest today in front of the Kottawa bus stand, demanding that authorities look into their promotions and pay hikes. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Tourists enjoy their visit to the paradise Island

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

Another protest in Colombo

Another protest was held in front of the Sri Lanka Telecom head office in Colombo today against selling state-owned shares of the telecom companies. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Tax hike draws protest...

The members of the Port Trade Union Collective staged a protest today opposite the Fort Railway Station against the recent tax hikes introduced by the government. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Facebook page of United National Youth Corp launched

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

Challenges affecting South Asia due to Ukraine War discussed

A discussion forum organized by the South-South Research Initiative to mark one year since the start of the Russian-Ukraine War, was held at the Sri Lanka Press Institute Auditorium on Monday.

Malay Club Walk for the Nation

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

CEB employees protest...

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

Colombo Journalists’ Cricket League 2023

The ’Colombo Journalists Cricket League (CJCL) 2023’ annual cricket tournament was held last Saturday (25), at the Janaka Ranawaka Grounds Rajagiriya.

Pakistan Navy Chief meets General Silva

The Chief of Naval Staff of Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Amjad Khan Niazi who is currently on an official visit to Sri Lanka, met with Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS).

NPP protest tear-gassed...

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protest march organised by the National People’s Power this afternoon. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Architect 2023 exhibition at BMICH

The Architect 2023 exhibition will bring together the leading companies and entrepreneurs who are actively involved in various sectors in connection with construction and architecture locally and internationally. Come, witness the latest innovations, creating a new era in the industry. The Exhibition will be held at BMICH from February 24 to 26, 2023. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Scouts Foundation Day celebrated in Matale

The Sri Lanka Scout Association celebrated the 166th Birth Anniversary of the founder Lord Robert Stevenson Smyth Baden Powell at the birthplace of Scouting in Sri Lanka, Christ Church College, Matale. The scouts marched in a procession to Christ Church College where the commemoration ceremony was held under the patronage of the Chief Commissioner Janaprith Fernando Attorney-at-Law. A Rally was held and floral tributes were made by all Commission

Scout Movement celebrates its 166th birthday...

On the occasion of the 166th birthday of the founder of the Scout Movement, lunch and a donation of emergency medicine were provided for the patients receiving treatment at Karapitiya Cancer Ward. On February 22, the event was organized by Galle District Scout Commissioner, Mr. Upul Kalansuriya.

View of Sri Pada from Lotus Tower

Magnificent view of Sri Pada (Adams Peak) from the Lotus Tower ’observation deck’, and witnessing the Sunrise with awe.

'If I come to power...'

The Samagi Jana Bala Youth Organization held a discussion today to describe the activities that are needed to be done by the individuals, if they come to power. Several senior politicians were present at the event, which was organized by the ’’Let’s Lead Forum’’ and held at the 80 Club of Colombo. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

School uniform fabric distributed...

The distribution of school uniform fabric for Provincial and Zonal schools was launched by the Education Ministry today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

SL Army UN Peacekeeper’s remains flown home

The mortal remains of Mali-based UN Peacekeeper of the Sri Lanka Army who recently died of a cardiac arrest while serving the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were brought to the island on Wednesday (22 February) afternoon.

Tightened security near Election Commission office

Security was tightened at Election commission office today after Socialist Youth Union staged a protest calling for the holding of local government election without a delay. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana

Press briefing on 'Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2023'

The press briefing on the “ Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2023” was held today at the Air Force Headquarters. This year’s race will be conducted from March 2,3 and 4. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Int'l Day of Mother Tongue commemorated

International Day of Mother Tongue was observed at Independence Square last morning under the theme ’Mother Language|Unity in Diversity’. The event was organized by the High Commission of Bangladesh to Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Education. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana was present at the event as the chief guest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana