President arrives in India for Modi’s swearing-in

President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in India today to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will begin his third term this evening. Mr. Wickremesinghe was welcomed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, by Secretary of the Indian Foreign Ministry P. Kumaran, Indian Ocean Affairs Secretary Puneet Agrawal, Indian High Commissioner in Colombo Santhosh Jha, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner in India

Sri Lanka Girl Guides Centenary launch

girlguidesThe Differently Abled Branch, in collaboration with the Committee members of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association, marked a significant milestone with the Centenary Launch on Saturday. The event took place at the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association National Headquarters, Colombo 07. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

'Culinary Arts Food Expo'

The Culinary Arts Food Expo, Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive food and beverage exhibition, returns for its 18th consecutive year. Culinary Arts Food Expo 2023 will showcase a wide range of food products and services, from preparation to consumption, encompassing both the culinary and hospitality sectors. The exhibition runs from today (07) until Sunday (09) night.

In the aftermath of floods...

People were seen cleaning their houses after the floodwaters receded. A small boy appeared distressed as his textbooks were washed away by the floodwaters. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

New electric maternity bed for De Soyza Hospital

A fully automatic electric maternity bed and other equipment were donated to the De Soyza Maternity Hospital in Colombo by the California Hospital Services Support and Hospital Services Council. The event was attended by Director of the Hospital Services Council, Venerable Rajawelle Subhuthi Thera, along with Director of De Soyza Hospital, Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Repeal electricity act

A protest in front of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) head office today demanding the authorities to repeal the Electricity Act, which is harmful to consumers. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirsinghe

Ravindra Randeniya celebrates 50 years in cinema

Renowned artist Ravindra Randeniya, celebrating 50 years in cinema and his 79th birthday, was honored at a ceremony held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) this evening, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in attendance. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Fine tea tasting...

Seven tropical tea varieties from various regions in the country were launched today in Colombo to celebrate International Tea Day 2024, under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera. Attendees at the event had the chance to savour the tea presented in an impressive manner. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Opportunities for women...

A special session of the Ceylon Women’s Organization was held at the Radisson Hotel, Colombo recently. The digitalization of the organization took place, opening opportunities for all women scattered all over Sri Lanka to join this organization.

Relief for the flood affected..

Those affected by floods in Gampaha were moved to the Wijayarama temple in Ihalagama, a designated safe location. Gampaha town and several low-lying areas were flooded yesterday. The Navy used boats to supply food and other necessities to the affected. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Hope in every package...

As floodwaters engulf the streets in Gampha, a dedicated man wades through the dirty water, ensuring essential supplies reach his house. Balancing a box and a bag of provisions on his head, he exemplifies the resilience and caring towards his loved ones. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

People affected by floods

People in the Biyagama and Gampaha areas were affected due to the ongoing adverse weather conditions. Those in the Gampaha area were affected due to the overflow of the Attanagalu Oya. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja and Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Appointment letters to UNP zonal organizers

President Ranil Wickremesinghe handed over the letters of appointment to United National Party (UNP) zonal organizers at the party headquarters Sirikotha today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Several areas in Colombo inundated...

Several areas around Colombo went under water due to heavy rains experienced in the city. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Top Island ranks in GCE A/L

The Examinations Department has announced the top island rankings for various streams.

Protest condemns alleged Gaza genocide by Israel

A protest took place in front of Dewatagaha Jumna Mosque in Colombo, denouncing the alleged genocide in Gaza by Israel. The protest was organized by the Sri Lankan Committee for Solidarity with Palestine and the Socialist Youth Union. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Lankadeepa wins 'best Newspaper of the Year'

Our sister paper Daily Lankadeepa won seven awards including ’best Newspaper of the Year’ at Miracle award ceremony held at Waters Edge Hotel last night.

Colombo's 'The Wedding' trade show

The mid-year wedding trade show, ’The Wedding,’ commenced at BMICH in Colombo. Running from 10 am to 9 pm until the 2nd Sunday, the event promises to fulfill all wedding needs under one roof. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

In remembrance of French Ambassador...

A memorial service in remembrance of the late Ambassador Jean-François Pactet of France to Sri Lanka was held at St. Mary’s Church, Lauries Road, Colombo 04 this morning.Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest against Israeli actions in Gaza

A demonstration aimed at halting the Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip took place outside the United Nations office in Bambalapitiya, joined by the Democratic Youth, Students for Social Equality, and the Socialist Equality Party. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Waterfalls swell again

The waterfalls in the central hills have swelled creating a lovely and attractive sight due to the heavy rain experienced at present.

’’Name the powerful Western country’’

Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan slammed a ’’powerful western country’’ for its comments, published in an article on today’s edition of the Daily Mirror, regarding Sri Lankans who were part of his country’s war against Ukraine. The Ambassador questioned why Sri Lankans fighting for Russia was being made an issue, but no similar comments were being made about Sri Lankans fighting for Ukraine. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

University employees in peaceful protest

The Joint Committee of University Trade Unions held a peaceful protest today in front of the University Grants Commission (UGC), demanding an immediate and satisfactory wage increase for university employees.

Martin Wickramasinghe’s folklore collection to public

A folklore collection of Sri Lankan journalist and author Martin Wickramasinghe was vested with the public by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardana. The ceremony was held at the National Library & Documentation Services Board. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Protest by United Trade Union Alliance...

The United Trade Union Alliance staged a peaceful protest today in front of the Fort Railway Station against several issues such as the selling of state property and the proposed education policy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

NSTCS awarded to 100 SMEs in tourism sector

Sri Lanka awarded over 100 tourism SMEs with the National Sustainable Tourism Certification Scheme (NSTCS), in partnership with the UNDP. Established in 2018, NSTCS promotes environmental, social and economic sustainability in the tourism sector. Minister Harin Fernando and other dignitaries attended the ceremony, emphasizing the scheme’s role in fostering a sustainable future for Sri Lanka’s vital tourism industry,...

Roads inundated

Torrential rains caused minor flooding in the Kirindivita area of Gampaha yesterday. Several roads were inundated, leading to traffic disruptions. Pixs by Kushan Pathiraja

Darshana secures Gold Medal in 400m

Sri Lankan sprinter Aruna Darshana further boosted his chances of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games by securing the Gold Medal in the Men’s 400m event at the second Belt and Road Athletics Invitation Meet in Chongqing, China.

SLGGA differently abled branch turns 100

The Differently Abled Branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA) will celebrate its centenary on June 8, 2024. A media conference to highlight future activities was held on May 28, 2024 at the National Library Auditorium, Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Actor Somi Ratnayake felicitated

Popular actor Somi Ratnayake was felicitated today at the Sudarshi - Institute of Sinhala Culture (Cinama Anu Mandalaya), Colombo. Several movies produced by Somi Ratnayake were screened during the ceremony. He is a versatile Sri Lankan cinema, stage drama and television actor, with a career spanning more than four decades. Rathnayake is a multi-talented person who is also a script writer and film producer. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe