Blood donation camp for late Ven. Bellanwila Wimalarathana Thera

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.

Invoking blessings...

Devotees engaging in religious activities at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and the Thuparamaya Vihara in Anuradhapura. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Troops reap the harvest…

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’s first double centurion

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.

Osu Sala closed...

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

Protect standards of medical education...

The Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee staged a protest outside the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC) urging the authorities to ensure the standards of the medical education in Sri Lanka. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Job Fair at SLECC

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

Kalubowila Hospital recognized for patient care

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

Footwear and Leather Fair 2024

The 14th Footwear and Leather Fair 2024 started at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) today. The exhibition will be held until Sunday (11).

Sapporo Snow Festival 2024

The Sapporo Snow Festival - an annual celebration now in its 74th year - is in full swing.

Ceremonial opening of Parliament...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe arriving at the Parliament Complex for the ceremonial opening of the Fifth Session of the Ninth Parliament today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

The 25 images in the running for this year’s People’s Choice Award received a record number of votes, with over 75,000 wildlife photography and nature fans from around the world casting their ballots to name Nima this year’s winner. (Daily Mail)

Sony World Photography Awards 2024

These are some of the scenes captured by stunning winning and shortlisted National and Regional entries in the Sony World Photography Awards 2024.

Army contingent departs for South Sudan

The 10th contingent of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps (SLAMC) departed Sri Lanka early this morning (06 February), to assume duties at the Level-2 SRIMED Hospital in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Loving Sri Lanka....

A tourist couple carrying a Sri Lankan national flag at the Independence Square on Independence Day. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Demand over several health issues

Several members of the Health Trade Union Alliance (HTUA) staged a protest in front of the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) today, demanding the government to grant them the allowance that is reserved for other government staffers and provide immediate solutions to their salary anomalies. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Commemoration...

A Bodhi puja pinkama was held recently in view of the 67th anniversary of Dr. Ven. Bodagama Chandima Thera, the founder of the Nagananda International Buddhist College and the Vice Chancellor of the Thai Chief Sangha. In line with the Bodhi puja pinkama, a tree-planting ceremony was held and school accessories were handed over to low-income families while meditation programme too was held.

Save Kashmir...

A symbolic demonstration was held today in front of the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in Colombo to mark the Kashmir Solidarity Day, in which former city councillors of Colombo participated.

Muslim religious ceremony for Independence Day

A Muslim religious ceremony to mark the 76th Independence Day was held yesterday at the Al Jami Ul Alfar Masjid (Red Mosque) in Colombo under the patronage of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabri. Pix by Jayamal Chandrasiri

Protest against Online Safety Act...

Former Minister Mervyn Silva and a group entered the Borella cemetery and held a protest against the Online Safety Act.

Sri Lanka celebrates 76th Independence Day

The official ceremony to mark the 76th Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka got off the ground at the Galle Face Green this morning Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin as the guest of honour. The event saw the participation of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, visiting foreign dignitaries, diplomats, military personnel, religious leaders.

Open visit to prisons

On the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, an open visit to the inmates will be conducted in all prisons on the island today, following the prison rules and health and safety procedures. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Prisoners released

A total of 754 prisoners, including 25 female inmates, were released from prisons island-wide today under a Presidential amnesty to commemorate the 76th Independence Day. The release was executed in accordance with the powers vested in the President under Article 34 of the Constitution. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Floral tributes offered to late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake

Late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake was honored with floral tributes at his statue in Independence Square, Colombo today to mark the 76th Independence Day. Minister Susil Premjayantha, Former Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, Senior Advisor to President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Climate Change Ruwan Wijewardene, Colombo Municipal Commissioner Bhadrani Jayawardena, and Former Minister Hemakumara Nanayakkara paid their respects at the late Premier’s statue.

Keheliya remanded

Former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella who was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) yesterday over the importation of substandard Immunoglobulin injections, has been remanded until February 15. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Thai PM in Sri Lanka

Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin arrived in the island this afternoon, accompanied by a delegation. He is to participate in Sri Lanka’s 76th Independence Day ceremony tomorrow (04) as the guest of honour. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rivalries aside...

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, once political adversaries, share a moment at the inauguration of the Matara Festival of the Arts (MFA) today (02). This groundbreaking event showcases contemporary art and music from Sri Lanka and beyond, taking place at the historic Matara Fort till February 4.

Independence rehearsal Day 4

Sri Lankan military personnel take part in the fourth day of rehearsals for the Independence Day parade in Colombo. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Colombo hosts Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition

Pakistan Lifestyle Exhibition is being held at BMICH until February 5. The Exhibition features leading Pakistani companies and manufacturers of Textile and Clothing, Designer wear, Handicraft and Traditional Textiles, Cutlery, Furniture, Carpets, Marble and Services. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Afghanistan prepares in Colombo ahead of Test match tomorrow

The Afghanistan cricket team was spotted practicing at the SSC ground in Colombo ahead of the Test match scheduled to commence tomorrow. Both the Sri Lankan and Afghan captains participated in the pre-match press conference at the SSC. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi