The ritual known as ‘Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Temple in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place every year. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Suresh Wasantha Perera, alias ’Club Wasantha’, who was shot dead this week had revealed in an interview with Danu Innasithamby on the Lankadeepa YouTube channel on November 18, 2022 that more than 60 percent of those in Parliament are his friends. Here are some of the photos of ’Club Wasantha’ with politicians, being shared on social media.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Shavendra Silva, currently on an official visit to Rwanda, attended the ’KWIBOHORA 30’ (’Liberation Day 30’) National ceremony at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. During the event, he also had a cordial discussion with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The ceremony commemorated the 30th anniversary of Rwanda’s liberation, making it a notable occasion for both Rwanda and the international military delegations in attend
President Ranil Wickremesinghe, former Presidents Mahinda Rajapaksa and Gotabaya Rajapaksa, former Minister Basil Rajapaksa, MP Namal Rajapaksa, and Dhamika Perera attended a rally organized by SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena in Kalutara yesterday. President Wickremesinghe said that he joined the Rajapaksas and SLPP to save the nation. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Britain’s head of state King Charles III officially appointed Labour leader Keir Starmer as prime minister on Friday during an audience at Buckingham Palace. A photograph released by the palace showed the monarch shaking hands with Starmer, whose party won a landslide election victory. The king earlier accepted the resignation of Conservative leader Rishi Sunak.
Media icon Ariya Rubasinghe’s biography, ‘He is Ari” was launched at the Government Information Department amidst a group of distinguished guests, including Minister of Transport and Media Bandula Gunawardene, SJB MPs S.M. Marikkar and Chief Incumbent of Bellanwila temple, Chief Sanga Nayaka Singapore, Venerable Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thera and Presidential Secretary Saman Ekanayake. Pictured here is the presentation of the first copy.
The Construction Power and Energy Expo 2024 organized by the Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (LECS) kicked off today at the BMICH, Colombo. The Construction Power & Energy Expo is Sri Lanka’s premier exhibition in the construction, interior products, power, and energy-related sectors. On this occasion, Sri Lanka Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong attended as a special guest. The exhibition will be held until July 7. Pix by Kithsiri
Fishermen and the people in Vakarai, Batticaloa today held a protest march from Kaddumurivu Junction to Puchchakkerni Post Office protesting against the rapid removal of ilmenite from the coastal regions and the impacts of shrimp farming on their livelihood and the environment.
The remains of former Opposition Leader and Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader R. Sampanthan were brought to the parliamentary complex today for MPs to pay their last respects. MPs from all parties were present. The remains will be taken to Trincomalee, where the last rites will be performed on Sunday, July 7.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe distributed letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters, Sirikotha yesterday (July 2, 2024). UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, Chairman Vajira Abeywardana, Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake, and former Minister Ravi Karunanayake were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.
The International Institute of Theravada (IIT) a monastic institution for the education of Buddhist monks situated in Karuwalagaswewa has been established under a special parliamentary act that was presented to the House by former President Maithreepala Sirisena.
Laundrywatte, a locality in the heart of Colombo, is home to the dhobi community, who have been engaged in washing loads of dirty linen collected from various places for generations. This community, residing around the Beira Lake, has been in this profession since 1928, according to historical records. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Sri Lanka tourism reached a key milestone on Saturday, welcoming its one millionth tourist for 2024. The millionth tourist was Patricia Roe and her husband Paul from Ireland, who arrived on 29 June on UL 504 from London. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau (SLTPB), this is their first visit to the island nation.
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Catholic Church rebuffs Gammanpila’s allegations
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SL unveils new ’P’ series passport with enhanced security features