Heavy traffic returns

A large number of vehicles were seen entering into the Colombo city with the government’s decision to lift curfew in Colombo during the day.

Former UNP MPs at Mt.Lavinia beach

Former State Minister Ajith Mannapperuma and former MPs S.M. Marikkar and Hirunika Premachandra at the Mount Lavinia beach today . Pics by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

700 stranded Indians repatriated

Indian Navy ship INS Jalashwa arrived at the Colombo Port this morning to repatriate a group of 700 stranded Indians. The vessel departed at the Colombo Port with passengers to Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

More PCR tests

A total of 30 PCR tests were conducted at the Dematoagoda shopping complex today by the health officials to identify persons infected with COVID-19. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Mt. Lavinia beach...

The sand heaps of the Mount Lavinia Beach, which was filled up recently, had been washed away by the ocean. The photos show how the beach looked before it was filled up with sand, after being filled and it’s present form. Pix by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka

Keeping it clean…

A group of Police Environmental Protection Division personnel are seen cleaning the beach strip near the Colombo Port City. Many workers were seen cleaning and attending to other works to make the city more presentable. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Let them be free!

A group of animal rights activists staged a protest outside the Colombo Mayor’s Residence urging her to withdraw any action to remove stray dogs in Colombo. One of the placards of the protesters said, ’Let them be, let them be free.’’ Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Social distancing...

The explicit instructions issued by the health authorities to maintain social distancing to prevent the spread of the deadly virus never seems to have made any impact on the dozens of couples of ‘lovebirds’ who were seen occuping secluded corners of the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo yesterday enjoying their intimacy. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

After Working Committee meeting

The UNP Working Committee members are seen leaving Sirikotha premises after the meeting in which the WC decided to suspend the membership of 99 members who joined the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

More PCR tests

Thondaman’s remains brought to Parliament

The remains of the late Minister Arumugam Thondaman was brought to Parliament today and kept Lying-in-State at the Assembly Hall of the Parliament. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Parliamentarians including the Speaker paid their last respect. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Last respect…

The last respect was paid to Ceylon Workers’ Congress (CWC) leader and former Minister Arumugam Thondaman. His body is currently lying at his residence in Battaramulla.

May business flourish!

Business establishments across the country suffered due to curfew and other restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 pandemic. The business establishments in Colombo and Gampaha District suffered the most due to the curfew which lasted for over two months continuously in the two districts. With the government’s decision to relax curfew in these districts from Tuesday, businessmen resumed their operations with high expectations.

Black leopard trapped in snare rescued

A black leopard trapped in a snare at Walamale in Lakshapna Estate, Nallathanniya was rescued by the wildlife official and taken to Nallathanniya Wildlife Office for treatment. Wildlife officials said the leopard aged eight years was about eight feet in length and four feet in height. They said the animal would be released to the Sri Pada Sanctuary after treatment. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksha

Protecting Nattamies

Police personnel led by Colombo’s DIG Deshabandu Tennakoon are seen distributing face masks and safety jackets to Nattamies at Bo-tree Junction in Pettah today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Fire at container yard

A minor fire broke out at a container yard at Wennawatta in Wellampitiya today. The fire had started from a nearby garbage dump. Three containers sustained damaged in the fire. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Traffic returns to Colombo

With the government’s decision to lift curfew in Colombo during the day, a large number of vehicles were seen entering into the city. The road towards Kottawa was also seen blocked with vehicles this morning. Pix by Nisal Baduge

No guest hotels

Star hotels across the city of Colombo which are usually alive with buzzing guests are seen vacant and gloomy due to COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

A long break

A worker is seen lying on a cart in a street in Colombo which is deserted due to COVID-19 pandemic and other restrictions. These workers were occupied with work in busy streets of Colombo before the curfew was imposed.

Deserted...

The Colombo city was seen deserted due to the two-day curfew being imposed countrywide. However, the curfew is to be relaxed from tomorrow.

Busy Colombo…

People were seen busy with buying and selling goods and services in the Pettha area. The area was crowded with people following the relaxation of curfew.

Preparing for Ramazan

Muslims in Sri Lanka are seen enthusiastically preparing for Monday’s Ramazan Festival. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

House catches fire in Colombo

A fire has broken out at a house in Kumaran Ratnam Road at Vauxhall Street, Colombo this morning. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Aftermath of Maligawatte tragedy

Security forces were seen at the location where three women were killed and eight others were injured in a stampede at Jumma Masjid Road in Maligawatte today.

Flooded…

Several people were seen riding on boats as the road they usually use in Ratnapura District was flooded due to the torrential rains.

Temperature Screening at Train Stations

Commuters are being subjected to temperature screening at the Colombo Fort Railway Station to detect COVID-19 infected individuals.

Breath-taking splendour

All water falls in the central hills that had gone dry during the drought had swelled due to the heavy rains experienced during the last several days. However, no tourists were seen visiting location to get a glimpse of the breath-taking view.

Major Gen.(Rtd) Sumedha Perera assumes duties

Major General (Retired) Sumedha Perera who was appointed as Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli, Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development assumed duties today at the ministry amidst the religious ceremony.

Before getting into train

Health officials carry out thorough medical tests on commuters before they get into trains. There are only limited train journeys being operated due to the prevailing pandemic situation.

Rehearsals

The rehearsals for the 11th National War Heroes Commemoration was held at the Battaramulla Parliament ground.