World’s End attracts more tourists...

During the recent long weekend, a significant number of tourists and local residents were observed visiting World’s End. With the country’s economy on the mend, there has been an increase in tourist arrivals, leading them to explore various areas, including Nuwara Eliya, for leisure activities. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Health workers protest

Health workers today held a protest in front of the Health Ministry over several demands, including the provision of a Disturbance, Availability and Transport (DAT) allowance. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Beach cleaning in Crow Island

Senior Presidential Advisor on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene participated in a beach cleaning campaign at Crow Island in Colombo 15 yesterday. The programme was organized by Sustainability Climate Action Plan, Marine Environment Protection Authority, National Youth Services Council and few other civil organisations. Pix by Nisal Baduge

15-year strategic national development plan discussed

A 15-year strategic national development plan for the development of the country, which has been discussed in the country for a long time, has been presented to all political leaders and with their participation, a special programme has been launched to implement it in the country. The presentation of this strategic national plan to all political party members was held at the Shangri-La Hall in Colombo. Pix by Kirthsiri de Mel

Devram Vehera Medin maha perahera

Medin Maha Perahera of the Pannipitiya Devram Vehera was held last night for the seventeenth time. Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon also joined this procession as a guest, which was organized under the guidance of Most Ven. Kolonnawe Siri Sumangala thera.

Easter Sunday celebrated in a clam athomosphere

The Easter Sunday service was held at St Anthony’s Church Kochchikade in a clam athomosphere but under tight security. The church was reduced to a carnage five years ago when a suicide bomber blew up him self killing scores of people. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Easter security beefed up...

Security has been beefed up at all churches in view of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The IGP has instructed the OICs to meet with the priests and boards of trustees of churches to prepare security plans that will be tailored according to the needs of each church while the Holy Masses are in progress today and tomorrow. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

For Ramadan Festival...

During this Ramadan festival, along with experiencing the vibrant culture and traditional crafts of Pakistan, the trade fair ’’Ramadan Festival’’ will be held at the Excitation Ground at Baladaksha Mawatha, Colombo, where textiles, home appliances and food items will be available. It will be held from noon to midnight till March 31. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Future Harvest Expo 2024

Future Harvest - EXPO 2024 exhibition was hosted at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Good Friday!

The Wellapalliya parish of Elakanda Watthala Christians are seen carrying the cross in their traditional way to mark the Good Friday in which Christians commemorate the death of Jesus Christ who was crucified at Calvary 2024 years ago. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Ven. Gnanasara Thera sentenced to 4 years in prison

Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galaboda Atte Gnanasara Thera was today sentenced to four-year-rigorous imprisonment for making a hate speech against the Islamic religion on Kuragala Temple. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Ramadan Shopping Festival

The Ramadan and Sinhala New Year Festival was launched today at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC), Colombo. It will be held till April 11 from 11 a.m to 11 p.m. The event features a wide range of products, including textiles, footwear, gifts and sweets, at affordable prices. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

General Shavendra Silva joins Sri Lankan Iftar in Kenya

Demonstrating a gesture of solidarity and inclusiveness, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Kenya, Kana Kananathan, hosted an Iftar ceremony followed by a lavish dinner for the Sri Lankan Muslim community residing in Kenya. This auspicious event was held yesterday evening.

Special Boat Squadron holds passing out ceremony in Trincomalee

The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) held an insignia awarding and passing out ceremony today to mark the termination of SBS training which was successfully completed by 21 sailors. At the invitation of the Commanding Officer SBS, Commander Dharmasiri Herath, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva, graced the event which was held in a dignified sequence at the SBS Headquarters in the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee.

For Muslims engaged in Ramadan fast

The Azath Salley Foundation today donated 1,000 bags of dry rations to Muslims in Sri Lanka. These bags were given to Muslims who are engaged in the Ramadan fasting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

School athletics champions meet Education Minister

Tarushi Abhishekah and Himansi Dulanjana Pradipani, students who broke the previous records in the 800m and 1,500m events in the under-16 athletics category, met Education Minister Susil Premajayantha today.

SLAF partners with Arthur C Clarke Institute for tech advancement

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has initiated a collaborative effort with the Arthur C Clarke Institute for Modern Technologies (ACCIMT) to acquire technical consultancy and cooperation, training, data sharing, joint Research & Development (R&D) collaboration and resource sharing.

Mahinda conveys condolences after Moscow attack

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Russian Embassy in Colombo today to express his condolences following the recent terrorist attack in Moscow. In a solemn gesture of solidarity and sympathy, he signed the condolence book to convey his deepest condolences to the government and people of Russia.

School meal programme launched

The official event to mark the beginning of the 2024 school meal programme was held today (25) at the Sujatha Girls’ College in Narahenpita under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe and with the participation of Education Minister Susil Premajayantha.

Demand for release of arrested protesters

The Joint Trade Union Federation today staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway station calling the authorities to release everyone who were arrested during a previous protest on March 20. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Protest to approve promotions...

A protest was held by the Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers in front of the Finance Ministry, demanding the immediate approval of the Cabinet Paper related to the promotion of departmentalized Executive Officers. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Heartwarming sight...

Amidst the bustling tourist scene in Sri Lanka, a heartwarming sight unfolds at the Gangaramaya Temple as a tourist feeds an elephant. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

To mark President’s birthday

A religious ceremony was conducted at Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya to commemorate President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s birthday. Senior members of the UNP took part in the religious observances. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Women Plus Bazaar 2024

The ‘Women Plus Bazaar 2024’ exhibition organized with the aim of empowering Sri Lankan women at Beira Lake Atrium and L2 Atrium in ONE GALLEFACE has become a center of attraction these days. The event is jointly organized by the Embassy of Egypt in Colombo and One Galle Face. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Observing Medin Poya Day

Devotees are seen engaged in religious activities at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya to mark the Medin Poya Day, this morning. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Stamps, coins exhibition...

An exhibition of vintage stamps organized by Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association was launched today (22) at the Public Library in Colombo. Several rare stamps and other vintage coins are exhibited and sold at this exhibition, which will be held till Saturday (23). Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister remembered

A ceremony was held at Independence Square to mark the 72nd death anniversary of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, the late D. S. Senanayake, today. UNP Deputy Leader and Presidential Advisor Ruwan Wijewardene, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Venerable Dr. Bandarawela Wimaladharma Thera, university dons, and school children participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kedella Construction Expo launched...

Kedella Construction Expo, the premier build and architecture tradeshow 2024, was launched at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) while making a dream home a reality. During the exhibition, people can buy tiles, solar systems, construction equipment, electrical products and furniture at great discounts. The exhibition will be held till Sunday 24, between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Working despite hot weather...

People in urban areas of Colombo engage in their work during daytime despite the hot weather. Some labourers at their workplace in Colombo today during the hot weather conditions. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Increase public, private sector salaries...

Five persons from the People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest in front of the Central Bank today demanding an increase in public and private sector salaries compared to the Central Bank salary increase. A large number of security personnel were deployed in the area, though only five persons participated in the protest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.