Streamline university administrative structure: undergrads

The students of the Inter-University Science Faculty Students’ Action Committee (IUSFSC) staged a protest outside the Fort Railway Station in Colombo for the third day today urging the authorities to resolve their demands and to streamline the administrative structure of universities. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Independence Day rehearsals

The Sri Lankan security forces staged rehearsal today at the Independence Square in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. Pix by Nimalasiri Edirisinghe

Courageous crew of SriLankan

SriLankan Airlines expresses its profound gratitude to its patriotic and loyal staff members who volunteered to operate Flight UL1423, the airline’s mission of mercy that brought back our students from Wuhan, China, on Saturday 1st February 2020.

Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition 2020

The Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition 2020, which features textile, cosmetics, footwear and other products, was launched at the BMICH on Friday by Minister Wimal Weerawansa and High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Major General (Rtd.) Muhammad Saad Khattak . It will be held till February 2. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

71st Republic Day of India celebrations

To commemorate India’s 71st Republic Day a special cultural concert ‘Divine Quartet’ featuring legendary maestros from India, Grammy winner Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Grammy-nominated Pandit Subhen Chatterjee enthralled the music lovers of Colombo at BMICH on 25 January.

‘Mal Perahera’

A floral procession (Mal Perahera) organised by the differently-abled persons of the Suhada Home, a rehabilitation centre in Kotte, was held this evening at the Ganagarama Temple in Colombo. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Anita Dorai supports ‘Wheels for Wheels’

Anita Dorai, a Singaporean philanthropist, pledged her support for ‘Wheels for Wheels’ initiative launched by the annual cycling challenge, ‘Around the Pearl.’ Wheels for Wheels initiative focuses on the well-being of those living with Cerebral Palsy.

Independence Day traffic plan

A special traffic plan would be implemented with effect from today until February 03 surrounding the areas of Independence Square in Colombo due to the rehearsal of the 72nd National Independence Day celebrations.

Religious observances seeking protection from Coronavirus

A Sathi Piritha was held at Gangarama Temple in Colombo last night to seek protection from the new Coronavirus infection spreading across the world. Agga Maha Pandita Kotugoda Dhammawasa Thera, Gangaramaya resident monk Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera, Abhayarama Vihara Chief Incumbent Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera and other prelates invoked blessings and conducted the religious observances in which Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa also took par

Demanding extension of contract

A group of Employees attached to the Department of Archaeology carried out a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat demanding the extension of their contract.

Ahead of Independence Day

Tailors are seen making National Flags at a small shop in Colombo, ahead of the Independence Day. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 72st Independence Day on February 4. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Back to prison...

UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake is seen leaving the Nugegoda Magistrate’s court premises after he was further remanded.

Make us permanent: Dengue prevention assistants

The members of the All Ceylon Dengue Prevention Assistants’ Association staged a protest outside the Health Ministry in Colombo today demanding the authorities to make them permanent. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Pakistan Chief of Naval Staff concludes SL tour

Concluding his official tour to Sri Lanka, the Chief of the Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Zafar Mahood left the island this morning. During this tour, Admiral Zafar Mahood met with Prime Minister, Secretary Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Navy, Commander of the Army and Commander of the Air Force.

‘Black January’

Sri Lankan media activists of the Free Media Movement were seen engaged in a silent protest by holding photos of killed and missing Sri Lankan journalists at the ‘Black January’ held at the Lipton Circus in Colombo yesterday.

Art Exhibition

Art Exhibition of Chathuranga Biyagama and several Bangladeshi artists was held yesterday at the Gallery FourLife, Colombo with the participation several guests including the Dean of University of the Visual and Performing Arts.

When a virus scare goes viral…

Several people in Colombo are seen wearing face masks as a precautionary measure to prevent being infected from new Coronavirus. Pix by Nisal Baduge and Kushan Pathiraja

In or Out?

The country’s top political figures embroiled in political rivalry, cut across party lines yesterday to attend the farewell party hosted by outgoing Indian High Commissioner Taranjit Singh Sandhu at India House in Colombo.Picture shows PM Mahinda Rajapaksa with former President Chandrika Kumaratunga.(Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)

Pilgrimage to Sri Pada

The Sri Pada season traditionally commences from the full moon of December and ends on the full moon of April. During the season, a large number of pilgrims from different faiths climb the holy mountain and worship the Sri Pada at the top. Many devotees can be seen engaged in religious observances at the Sri Pada Temple on top of the mountain.

India’s Republic Day

Thousands gathered to watch India’s Republic Day parade yesterday, with daredevil motorbike stunts, camel cavalry and pomp-filled marching delighting crowds in New Delhi. (Daily Mail)

Coronavirus is getting stronger

Medical staff members walk next to patients waiting for medical attention at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital in Wuhan. AFP

My Wedding 2020

The ‘My Wedding 2020’ Exhibition organised by the CEC Events was launched at the BMICH on Friday. The exhibition which is a platform for many leading professionals in the wedding industry will be held on 25th & 26th Sunday as well. Live demonstrations and entertainment activities are also included in the exhibition.

In remembrance of Ekneligoda

An art exhibition by Harith and Sanjaya Ekneligoda, the sons of Prageeth Ekneligoda was held at the N.M Perera Centre today in remembrance of Prageeth Ekneligoda.

Against AG’s influence

A protest organised by several lawyers was held outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate Court today over several demands including to lessen the undue influence of the Attorney General into the independence of the High Court.

Sri Lanka win first Test against Zimbabwe

Sri Lanka’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne shakes hans with Zimbabwe’s captain Sean Williams after Sri Lanka’s victory over Zimbabwe during the fifth day of the first Test cricket match between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka at the Harare Sports Club in Harare today. AFP

Bhikku Federation protests against MCC & SOFA

The Inter-University Bhikku Federation (IUBF) today staged a protest march from Galle Face Green to the President Secretariat demanding that the government abolish the MCC and SOFA agreements which they said, would surrender the country to the USA. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Fire at Karadiyana garbage dump

A section of the Karadiyana garbage dump caught fire this morning. The Moratuwa Fire Department said that it deployed several fire trucks to douse the fire and bring the situation under control.

Gold worth Rs 50 mn seized

The Police Narcotic Bureau officers today nabbed three suspects with gold biscuits and gold jewellery worth more than Rs.50 million at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA).

Gramophone CD Stage Concert

An Old Gramophone CD Stage Concert was held by the Gramophone Friends Organization at the Fort Railway Station.

Resolve unemployment

A protest march organized by the Unemployed Union was launched from Colombo Fort to the Presidential Secretariat today urging authorities to resolve their unemployment issues