Preparing for New Year…

People in Colombo are seen today purchasing pots and fireworks in preparation for the New Year celebrations. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Gothami presents ‘Sanni ’19’

The dancing circle of Gothami Balika Vidyalaya presented ‘SANNI’19’ at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) this evening with the patronage of the chief guest veteran choreographer Rajini Selvanayagam and school principal D.A. Subashini Dematagoda. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Garnier Banister released on bail

Swiss Embassy local staffer Garnier Banister Francis was released on bail by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today. She was released on two sureties of Rs.500,000 each. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Mega island-wide beach cleaning project

An island-wide beach clean-up project organised by the Sri Lanka Army in close coordination with the Marine Environmental Protection Authority (MEPA) was launched yesterday under the aegis of Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva with more than 2300 troops joining hands together with volunteers and state employees round the country.

To carpet by-roads in Ragama

The initiative to carpet several by-roads in the Ragama area was launched under the patronage of State Minister of Rural Roads and other Infrastructure. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Car bomb kills dozens in Somali capital

At least 76 people have been killed by a vehicle bomb detonated during morning rush hour in Somalia’s capital.

Adhitya Ayurveda Centre declared open

The Adhitya Ayurveda Centre in Anuradhapura was declared open yesterday under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Additional Magistrate visits Rajitha at hospital

Colombo Additional Magistrate Shalini Perera visited the Lanka Hospital in Narahenpita last evening to inspect the health condition of MP Rajitha Senaratne. The Additional Magistrate ordered to remand the MP after visiting the hospital.

'Critical' crash

The head-on collision between a motor car and a bus on the Colombo-Kataragama Road in the Welyaya area in Tangalle left six people critically injured.

Sri Lanka Twins’ in January 2020

Solar eclipse observation camp

Solar eclipse observation camp was held at Iranamadu welfare shop in Killinochchchi, people and armed forces are seen watching the solar eclipse. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Annular solar eclipse

A rare annular solar eclipse was visible for Sri Lankans today after nine years. The eclipse was properly visible from the northern region. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

15th Tsunami Commemoration

The 15th Tsunami Commemoration was held at the Tsunami Memorial at Pereliya in Hikkaduwa, Galle, today with many members of the families of tsunami victims taking part in it. The commemoration commenced with the religious observances. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Final solar eclipse for 2019

Colombo deserted

Several roads in Colombo were seen deserted as people have returned to their homes outside of Colombo for Christmas celebrations. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Midnight Mass at St. Sebastian’s Church

Midnight Mass was held at the St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Pictures show the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith conducting the services. Some of those who were wounded at the Easter Sunday attack on April 21 participated in Christmas Midnight Mass. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Christmas decorations

Several places in the Colombo city were seen adorned with lights and decorations ahead of the Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Bailed out...

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka is seen leaving the court premises along with his supporters after he was granted bail. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Christmas season…

People are seen buying Christmas decorations from shops in the Colombo area in line with the Christmas season.

Satyagraha against Champika’s arrest

A satyagraha organised by the opposition MPs and others was held near the Buddha statue at the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo his evening against the arrest of MP Patali Champika Ranwaka. MP Sajith Premadasa was named as the Leader of the Opposition together with other MPs took part in the Satyagraha. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

For Christmas...

With Christmas trees in demand during this festive season, vendors in Havelock town outside the BRC grounds can be seen selling Christmas trees. Vendors say the trees were sourced from Nuwara Eliya.

Rains mar no reverence

The prevailing torrential rains that caused severe floods countrywide have not seemed to have marred the reverence of devotees fulfilling the daily rites of the inundated historic Somawathiya Chaitya in Polonnaruwa yesterday.

In line with Christmas

A Christmas celebration was held at the Veyangoda Railway Station with the participation of the clergy, General Manager of Railways, M.J.D Fernando, Sri Lanka Army personnel and residents.

Adverse weather

Some of the areas of the island are affected by flood due to the prevailing adverse weather condition in the country these days. Pictures show a number of emergency naval response teams, who have been deployed in affected areas Nawagaththegama, Saliyawewa and Eluwankulama, Polonnaruwa, Kiran and Punani, Katharagama areas continue to assist affected people.

321 Cadets passed out…

Passing out parade of 321 Cadet Officers including 18 female and 4 foreign officers was held at the Diyatalawa Military Academy this morning. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the event. Defence Secretary Major General (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne, Army Commander Shavendra Silva and the SLMA Commandant, Brigadier S.K Eshwaran were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Mini floods...

Mini floods have been reported from several areas as water levels of several reservoirs and rivers including Mahaweli are increasing rapidly while some started overflowing because of torrential rains.

Ranil visits Patali

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen leaving the Magazine Prison after visiting MP Patali Champika Ranwaka today.

Back on track

The engine of the train bound to Mount Lavinia from Maradana, which derailed last afternoon between Maradana and Dematagoda railway stations, was placed back on to the rail tracks today.

Thick fog...

A thick fog had enveloped the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya and Hatton-Colombo Roads this morning. Drivers have been warned by police to be cautious for possible dangers. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa

Robots at Heathrow

A pair of robots named ’Bill’ that can help passengers navigate their way around Heathrow Airport are being deployed by British Airways. (Daily Mail)