Dr. Geethika Rathnawardana assumed duties today as the first female Chief Medical Officer of Health at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). She becomes the first Chief Medial Officer appointed to this post after a lapse of 122 years. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
Fisherfolk from Pitipana, Negombo staged a protest today outside the Archbishop’s House in Colombo, urging the Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith to permit them the use of the legally awarded Pitipana Fisheries Harbour. They also presented a petition to the Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
The Kala Pola, Sri Lanka’s annual open-air art fair opened its doors for the 31st time for visitors in Colombo yesterday. Presented by The George Keyt Foundation in association with the John Keells Group. This art fair has become a major cultural and tourist attraction in Colombo’s annual cultural calendar. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an observation tour in the Tangalle and Galle areas today, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing tourist facilities. The President visited tourist hotspots such as Seenimodara, Dikwella, Nilwella, Hiriketiya, Weligama, and Habaraduwa, as well as the Weligama Surf School along the south coast, where he assessed their activities firsthand.
The Dansala program, initiated by Naga Vihara Kotte under the theme ’Pansale Dansala,’ amid the COVID-19 pandemic, perseveres to this day, taking place every Friday. Individuals are observed receiving sustenance at the Dansala, a testament to the ongoing dedication to serving the community during these challenging times. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Tensions escalated outside the National Hospital in Colombo today as minor staff staged a demonstration targeting Deputy Director Dr. Rukshan Bellana. Authorities also deployed an anti-riot squad to bolster security in the hospital premises. Pix by Nisal Baduge
The National Front of Civil Organizations (NFCO) today staged a protest in front of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) premises to express opposition to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), which is set to finalize the collection of public opinions for the upcoming electricity tariff revision. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
Trade unions attached to the Federation of Health Professionals of the health sector engaged in an island wide strike today, demanding a solution to a long-standing dispute over the Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Personnel from the Dam Street Police Station conducted their biannual inspection today. The inspection team was headed by SSP Central Colombo Lalith Leelaratne. Dam Street Police OIC CI Ajith Peduruarachchi accompanied the routine inspection team. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
The Principals’ Service Association staged a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla, Colombo today (Monday 12) over several demands. As the protest was on, a mother is passing the protestors alongside her two daughters, probably taking them home after school.
Some 100 relic caskets were distributed among 100 temples in the North Central Province by Atamasthanadhipathi Most Ven. Pallegama Hemarathana Maha Nayaka Thera at a function held at the Ruwanweliseya premises on Saturday (10). The event was organised by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweliseya Ven. Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Maha Thera with sponsorship from neurophysician Prof. Ranjanie Gamage. Pix by Nis
A blood donation camp, organized under the guidance of Ven. Bellanwila Dhammarathana Thero in commemoration of the 6th Remembrance Worship for the late Professor Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Anunayake Thero took place today at the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.
Troops from the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock harvesting the paddy cultivated near the fields of the Army headquarters in Colombo. They currently maintain 20 farms island-wide, covering a total of 7,500 acres, which include 450 acres dedicated to paddy cultivation. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka created history when he became the first batter from the country to reach the 200-run mark in ODIs. Nissanka scored the country’s first-ever double century in the format during the first ODI of the series against Afghanistan in Pallekele.
The Rajya Osu Sala (SPC) at Union Place, Colombo, was closed today, with the employees demanding the government to pay the cost of living allowance approved by the 2024 budget. A board was hung at the gate of the Osu Sala, appologising to the consumers for their inconvenience. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe
The EDEX Expo 2024, Sri Lanka’s most prestigious Educational Exhibition and Job Fair was ceremonially open at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Centre (SLECC), today. The Job Fair will be held till Sunday (11) from 9.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
An event was held to recognize the wards and units of the Colombo South Teaching Hospital for outstanding patient care under the Productivity, Quality, and Patient Safety Competition. Dr. Palitha Mahipala, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director-General of Health Services graced the event. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
India-Sri Lanka ferry service operates smoothly
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