KDU General Convocation 2019

General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, held its General Convocation 2019 on yesterday (08) and today (09) at the BMICH under the patronage of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The KDU witnessed the crowning moment of achievement of the students of the 31st Intake (04 and 05 year degree programmes) and 32nd Intake (04 year degree programmes) and 33rd Intake (03 year degree programmes).

India seal series

India defeated Sri Lanka by 78 runs in the third Twenty20 International in Pune on Friday to clinch the three-match series 2-0. Navdeep Saini picked up three wickets while Washington Sundar and Shardul Thakur picked up two wickets apiece to bowl out Sri Lanka for 123 in 15.5 overs.

Sajith assumes duties as Opposition Leader

Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, assumed duties today followed by religious observances held to commemorate Duruthu Poya at his office in Marcus Fernando Mawatha in Colombo 7. Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thera of Gangarama Temple held the Dharama Deshana while several UNP MPs and supporters participated in it. It was announced that Dharama Deshanas will be held at the Opposition Leader’s Office every Poya Day. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Observing Duruthu Poya

Devotees are seen engaged in religious activities at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to mark the Duruthu Poya Day, this morning. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

President places relics casket on tusker

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was seen placing the relic casket on the tusker before commencing the final Randoli Perahera of the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara’s Duruthu Perahera. Pix by Bisal Baduge

96th death anniversary of Sir Arunachalam

A ceremony organised by the Colombo North Hindu Paripalana Sangam and Sir P. Arunachalam Trust to commemorate the 96th death anniversary of Sir Ponnambalam Arunachalam was held at the Presidential Secretariat premises yesterday. Chief Guest Acting Solicitor General Sanjay Rajaratnam and Guest of Honour MP D. M. Swaminathan were seen garlanding the statue of Sir Arunachalam. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

IUSF students protest over six demands

The students of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) staged a protest outside the Presidential Secretariat urging the government to resolve six of their demands including issues pertaining to Mahapola scholarship. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Gothami Balika shines again

The Gothami Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo today won the first place of the School Annual Reports Competition, which was organized by the Ministry of Education and AAT Education Institute.

Sanga declares open sports hostel

A sport hostel was declared open today (09) at Colombo R. Premadasa international Cricket stadium under the patronage of legendary cricketer Kumar Sangakkara. Being equipped with modern facilities and air condition, this sport hostel can accommodate 44 persons.

All set for Kelani Perahera

Elephants that are to take part in the annual Duruthu Maha Perahara of the historical Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya in Kelaniya are seen being bathed ahead of the final day of the perahara today. The perahara pageant will also include traditional dancers and other participants

UNP conspired to kill me

State Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage today lodged a complaint at the Police Headquarters against former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake who had allegedly conspired to kill him. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President at National Hospital

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a sudden visit to the Colombo National Hospital this morning where he inspected the work at the hospital.

Public seminar on present government

A public seminar on the present government was held at the Public Library in Colombo with the participation of JVP Leader Anura Dissanayake.

Govt. MPs at Bribery Commission.

State Ministers Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Vasudeva Nanayakkara and several other government MPs visited the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) today to inquire about the ongoing investigations in relation to corruption under the previous government

11th Death Anniversary of Lasantha

The 11th Death Anniversary of the late Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunge was commemorated today with the participation of his family members, several politicians and civil activists.

Ballistic missile attack at bases in Iraq

Iran has fired more than a dozen ballistic missiles at two Iraqi bases housing American troops in a revenge attack for the U.S. drone strike that killed a top Iranian general. (Daily Mail)

True scale of bushfires across Australia

A graphic has revealed the true extent bushfire devastation across Australia, as experts warn the worst is yet to come. (Daily Mail)

Fatal accident

At least nine people were reportedly killed while many others injured when an SLTB bus fell down a precipice at the 6th Mile Post on the Passara-Madolsima Road this evening. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri

Released...

UNP MP Ranjan Ramanayake, who was arrested yesterday, has been granted bail by the Nugegoda Magistrate Court this evening. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Arrested in style...

UNP Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was arrested by the police over possession of a pistol without a valid license at his Madiwela residence. Pix by Gayan Amarasekera

Vivaha 550

Vivaha 550, the bridal show and exhibition organised by the Event Media was launched at the BMICH in Colombo yesterday. The exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday as well from 10 am to 9 pm.

Face to face

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who was also the main rival of Mr. Rajapaksa at the presidential election, were seen having a conversation in Parliament yesterday.

Crashed...

Four airmen were killed when an Air Force fixed-wing Y-12 aircraft crash-landed in Haputale this morning.

Dharmadasa as NFC chairman

Dr. Jayantha Dharmadasa, who was appointed as National Film Corporation (NFC) Chairman assumed duties at NPC office today.

President’s maiden visit to Parliament

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ceremoniously opened the fourth session of the Eighth Parliament this morning and was welcomed by Speaker Karu Jayasuriya

Shavendra as acting CDS

Army Commander Shavendra Silva assumed duties as Acting Chief of Defence Staff this morning at the Chief of Defense Staff office in BMICH.

Dawn of new year in Colombo

Many celebrations were held to mark the dawn of New Year 2020 in the Colombo city. Colourful firework displays dominated the sky. Pix by Nisal Baduge, Waruna Wanniarachchi, Kushan Pathiraja and Damith Wickramasinghe

Invoking blessings for 2020

People are seen engaged in religious observances at the Gangaramaya Temple with dawn of the New Year 2020.

Happy New Year!

We wish our readers a happy peaceful and prosperous New Year!

Rumy in courts…

Former State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) Chairman Dr.Rumy Mohamed, who was remanded over white van case, is seen at courts. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe