Taxes - burden on people

An open joint protest was held in front of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL), with the participation of academic and non-academic employees against the imposition of taxes on people who are already suffocated by the current economic crisis. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Symposium on SL-China Friendship

The Lin Songtian, President of China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries attended a conference organized by Sri Lanka-China Friendship Associations today at Shangri-La Hotel. Lin Songtian who is on a four-day visit to the island, arrived on November 12. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Demanding release of Aragalaya activists

The members of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) today launched a silent protest in front of the UN Human Rights Council head office in Colombo, demanding the release of Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convenor Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Hirunika and others granted bail

Fifteen suspects including National Organiser of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya Women’s Wing former MP Hirunika Premachandra were today ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Convocation ceremony by IDM campus

A convocation and presentation of certificates for 2022, was held today at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) by the IDM Nations Campus International. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Milo All Island Schools Netball Championship

Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala emerged the Milo All Island Schools Netball champions for the 13th successive year when they bagged the champions’ title at the 29th Milo All Island Schools Netball Championship concluded at the Albert F. Peiris Stadium in Wennappuwa. The champion Familian girls had their own way as they came out on top in all the age groups of under 13, 15, 17 and 19. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Hirunika arrested

At least 15 protesters of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) including National Organiser of the SJB Women’s Wing former MP Hirunika Premachandra were arrested by the Cinnamon Garden police during a protest at Colombo 7 a short while ago. Pix by Nisal Baduge

England crowned T20 World Cup champions

England beat Pakistan to win the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 title

‘November Heroes’ commemorated

The 33rd Commemoration of the ‘November Heroes’ was held at Viharamahadevi Park in the outdoor theater today. The event was held by the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP) to commemorate their comrades, including the founder of the JVP, Rohana Wijeweera. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Troops assist to remove blockage in Kelani river

Troops of 24 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment and 2 (V) Battalion Sri Lanka Light Infantry under 144 Infantry Brigade assisted in clearing bamboo bushes stuck on a pillar of the ‘Podi Palama’ that is built across the Kelani River in Nawagamuwa and Mapitigama.

World Diabetes Day observed

Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day is observed. On account of that, a march and an awareness program organized by the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation and Sri Lanka College of Endocrinology were held today at the Viharamahadevi Park under the patronage of Health Services Director General Asela Sampath. Along with that, medical clinics too were inducted to check BMI, blood pressure, sugar level, eye sight etc free of charge. Pix by Kithsi

‘Poppy Day’ ceremony

The ‘Poppy Day’ ceremony, was held this morning at the Colombo Viharamahadevi Park cenotaph. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Sports Festival for Jaipur Limb users

The Board of Management of The Colombo Friend-in-need Society and the Organising Committee of Aidex 2022 today conducted a Sports Festival for the Jaipur Limb users at Rifle Green Grounds near Air Force Headquarters, at Sri Chittampalam A. Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 2. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Food festival attracts many at Marine Drive

The ’Western Breeze and Food Festival’ got underway last night at Marine Drive in Colpetty. This food festival is organized by the Tourist Board and some other organizations. Tourists from overseas and locals are seen eagerly taking part at the festival. Sea food was the highlight of it and enjoyed by many. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Wedding Show exhibition in Colombo

The ’Wedding Show’ exhibition and trade show started today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre, Colombo. The event was organized by the Asia Exhibition & Conventions for the 14th consecutive time. The exhibition will be held until Sunday (13). The exhibition will cover all areas of the bridal industry, providing a comprehensive variety of bridal suppliers from Sri Lanka. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Token strike launched to release Aragalaya activists

Aragalaya activists today launched a token strike outside the United Nations head office in Colombo, demanding the release of Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF) Convenor Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Galwewa Siridhamma Thera who have been detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

New Ambassadors and HC present Credentials to the President

Seven newly appointed Ambassadors and a High Commissioner to Sri Lanka presented their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).

Debt restructuring appeal

A letter was handed over to the Chinese Embassy, appealing the Chinese government to assist in debt restructuring. However, the letter was not accepted by the Embassy. The people who handed over the letter said they would ask the Foreign Ministry to intervene with the request. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Thambili Culture Boutique launched

The launch of Thambili Culture Boutique was held this morning at Ward Place in Colombo 7. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Korean Embassy launches ’Feel the real Korea’

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Santhush Woonjin Jfong organized an event on Thursday on the occasion of ’ Feel the real Korea - a Virtual Tour 2022’ at the Colombo City Centre to attract more tourism for Korea. State Minister of Foreign Affairs Tharaka Balasuriya, Attorney General and the IGP were also present at the event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Gas is back and consumers relieved

People are seen queuing up in front of gas dealer outlets to get their gas cylinders. It was the dealers who did not respond by placing their orders on time, there was a minor LITRO gas hiccup with the delivery and distribution of cooking gas. However, the gas cargo have been unloaded and distribution began in full swing to cater the consumers across the country. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Passing out parade of STF 81st intake

Passing out parade of the 81st intake of the Special Task Force (STF) consisted 191 police constables, held at the Katukurunda STF Training School yesterday in the presence of Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security S. Hetitiarachichi and STF Commandant DIG Waruna Jayasundara.

Men's and women's Rugby teams left for South Korea

The Sri Lankan men’s and women’s rugby teams left for South Korea today (9) in view of participating in the second leg of the Asian Rugby Sevens tournament, as the Sports Ministry arranged to release an amount of Rs. 15 million for the tour. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Release all political prisoners, withdraw PTA

Aragalaya campaign activists held a demonstration today to commemorate the Aragala campaign, which was held at the Galle Face Green six months ago. The activists demanded the government release all political prisoners and withdraw the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

For the welfare of children’s homes...

For the welfare of children’s homes, a musical concert was organized by the ’’Together We Help’’ organization. The concert will be held on November 20 at Colombo Bishop’s Hall at 7 p.m. The income collected from this concert will be given to SOS Children’s Village. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

President holds talks with IMF Managing Director

President Ranil Wickremesinghe had talks with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta and the Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives and former President Mohamed Nasheed in Egypt.

7-star facility hotel project in Udispattuwa

Aviyana Private Chalets is considered as the first five-star with seven-star facility hotel project with the ’pick & cook’ dining concept in South Asia to open its wings to the hospitality sector which provides luxurious, exquisite and individually designed chalets experience to its clientele. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Admiring the natural beauty....

Foreigners are seen enjoying their visit to Sri Lanka by engaging in excursions to the scenic areas of the country. The number of tourists visiting in the country is on the rise is evident through this. Many tourists from Slovakia, Sweden, and Norway are visiting Sri Lanka and undertake visits to Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Bandarawela.

Ill Poya religious observances

Religious observances were conducted in Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, Boralesgamuwa and Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo today in view of the Ill Poya which also marked the end of the “Vas” period. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel and Pradeep Dilrukshana

Katina Pinkama at Gangaramaya Temple

The annual Katina Perahera of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple was held early this morning under the aegis of Ven Dr Kirinde Assaji Thera. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel