New Environment Secretary

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointed secretaries to 25 ministries today. He appointed Dr. Anil Jasinghe as the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and retired Admiral and Professor Jayanath Colombage was appointed as Foreign Secretary.

GL assumes duties

Newly appointed Education Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris assumed duties today morning at ministry premises

Keheliya assumes duties

Newly appointed Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella assumed duties today at the ministry premises.

Against Provincial Director of Health Services

The employees of office of the Provincial Director of Health Services- Western Province staged a protest outside the office in Maligawatta against the actions of the Provincial Director of Health Services.

Port City workers protest

Workers at the Colombo Port City today staged a protest in front of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority over several demands including a salary hike. The employees also demanded Rs. 5,000 allowance which was provided by the Government during the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

New Cabinet

The members of the new Cabinet which was appointed today posed for a group photograph in front of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. The swearing-in ceremony of the new Cabinet was held at the Magul Maduwa (Audience Hall) of the Temple of Tooth this morning. Pix by President’s Media

Vel Festival held in Colombo

Hindu devotees are seen taking part in the annual Vel Festival at Karungal Subramaniam Kovil in Colombo today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Give National List seat to Gnanasara Thera

Northeast Muslim Association staged a protest in front of the Election Commission demanding Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagodaaththe Gnanasara Thera be given a seat from the National List.

Is Port City a colony of China? protesters ask

A Port City worker holds a placard protesting what they believe is unfair treatment by their employers, during a protest held today. The protesters alleged special regulations had been imposed in the Port City though the country had returned to normalcy following the COVID-19 outbreak. One of the placards of the protesters said, “Is Port City a colony of China?” Pix by Nisal Baduge

Two ex-Presidents

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who assumed duties as the Prime Minister today, is seen together with former President Maithripala Sirisena-now elected MP-during the ceremony held to assume duties at Temple Trees.

PM pays last respects to Athula

UNP seniors meet at Sirikotha

UNP seniors met at the UNP Headquarters Sirikotha today where they announced that the current party leader has decided to resign. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana.

Jumbo panic!

The traffic on the Mattala-Lunugamwehera Road was obstructed yesterday after a wild elephant that was trying to cross the road panicked by moving vehicles. The road is widely used by motorists to access the Mattala International Airport. Pix by Dileep Jayasekara

Seeking blessings!

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today visited Gangaramaya Temple and engaged in religious observances after sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Celebrating victory

People are seen celebrating the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna’s (SLPP) victory at the general election today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

MR sworn in as Premier

Former President and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was sworn-in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka for the fourth time, before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara this morning. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Re-remanded…

Former Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director Shani Abeysekara and Sub Inspector (SI) Mendis further remanded till August 20 by Gampaha Magistrate’s Court today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Daily Mirror on New York Times

The New York Times has published a photo of a man reading the today’s Daily Mirror Newspaper.

‘Pohottuwa’ lights up

Colombo’s Lotus Tower was illuminated today as the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), also known as the ‘Pohottuwa’ Party, led by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is heading towards a landslide victory at the 2020 General Elections. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Counting votes in progress...

Counting of votes for Parliamentary election 2020 began today and counting centers all over Colombo were seen adhering to the health guidelines and safety measures issued by the Health Ministry over the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gale-force winds damage more than 100 houses in Moratuwa

Gale-force winds have damaged more than 100 houses in Moratuwa today, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said today. Colombo District DMC coordinating officer Anura Kalansuriya said 112 houses in 12 Grama Niladhari Divisions including Egoda Uyana, Koralawella North and Lakshapathiya North were damaged due to gale-force winds. However, he said no casualties were reported. Pix by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka

Rescued…

A herd of cows and goats brought to Dematagoda for slaughtering from various places in the country were taken into police custody and handed over to Embilipitiya Sri Bodiraja Foundation headed by Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera following a court order. The animals were handed over to Foundation by Western Province Senior DIG Deshabandu Thennakoon

Heavy rain wreak havoc

Areas around the island have been affected due to the heavy rainfall and strong winds. Roads have been blocked due to uprooted trees and broken tree trunks.

Ballot boxes to counting centers

Ballot boxes in the Colombo District are being brought to counting centers in Royal College and Isipathana College in Colombo. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe and Pradeep Dilrukshana

Exercising franchise

People across the country cast their votes today to elect the members of the next parliament. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

No violence, only violations: EC

Speaking at a news conference after the conclusion of the general election, Election Commission Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said no incident of violence was reported during the poll. ’’There was no violence, only violations,” he said.

Arriving at polling stations...

United National Party UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe, National Peoples’ Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa were seen arriving at polling stations to cast their votes this morning. People were also seen casting their votes at respective polling stations.

HOW TO VOTE

Ballot boxes taken under heavy security

Election officials and police personnel seen yesterday taking ballot boxes to a polling station in Colombo under heavy security.

Getting ready

Pictures show health officials seen disinfecting polling stations at Grand Pass, area in Colombo while Police officers were also seen preparing for tomorrow’s election duties. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinha