Religious program to mark Ekneligoda’s disappearance

A religious program was held yesterday at the Kali Amman Kovil in Mutwal to mark the 13th year since the disappearance of journalist Prageeth Ekneligoda. His wife Sandya Ekneligoda and other family members were present at the event. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Relieve us from high CoL....

A massive protest was organized at the Colombo Port today by the members of the All Ceylon General Port Employee’s Union (ACGPEU) against the current high cost of living (CoL) and the government’s new high tax policy. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Troops donate blood

More than 300 donors attended the blood donation camp representing various Regiments in the Panagoda Army Cantonment which was held at the Panagoda Bodhi Rajaramaya (Army Temple) today under the direction of the Commander of the Security Forces Headquarters (West) Major General Deepal Pussella. Pix by Nisal Baduge

’’Kathakaramu’’ App for non-speakers

E.A.S.E. Foundation, in collaboration with a dedicated group of software developers, from Yaala Labs has created a Sinhala language communication app called ’Kathakaramu’ with the potential to transform the lives of non-speaking individuals. The App was launched at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Stamps, coins exhibition at Public Library

A three-day exhibition of vintage stamps, coins, currency notes and first-day covers was commenced on Friday at the Public Library in Colombo. The exhibition will be held till today (22). The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Independent Philatelic Association. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Open our University…

Student monks of the Buddhist and Pali University, Homagama staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry urging the authorities to opening the university which has been closed until further notice. Pix by Nilmalsiri Edirisinghe

Stop imposing new taxes…

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA), Sri Lanka Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (SLFUTA) together with number of other organizations today staged a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat, demanding the government to reverse its decision to impose tax policies. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Aerial view of Colombo City, Port City

An aerial view of Colombo City and an aerial view of Colombo Port City in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

ACJU celebrates 100th anniversary

The 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama (ACJU) was held yesterday (19) at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. President Ranil Wickremesinghe was invited as the chief guest at the event, and he invited the Muslim community to join hands with the Social Justice Commission to find solutions to the issues facing the Muslim community. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

UNP pays deposits for LG polls

The United National Party (UNP) has paid the deposits for the Matara district LG elections. Electorate organisers visited the Election Commission in Matara this morning, led by Gayan Sanjeewa, the District Leader and Dinouk Colombage, the Akuressa electorate organiser

Missing journos remembered

Journalist for Rights forum yesterday remembered the slain, abducted and missing journalists during the past. The event was organised by the National Library and Documentation Services Board. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Buying expensive veggies...

Less People were seen purchasing vegetables at New Manning Market, Peliyagoda in Colombo today despite exorbitant prices. Pix by Nisal Baduge

It's selfie time...

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara and National Organizer Sagala Ratnayake paid deposits for all local bodies in the Colombo District at the Colombo Divisional Secretariat today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vannila Attho at Human Rights Commission

Regional leaders, including indigenous community leader Uruwarigaye Vannila Attho, filed a complaint with the Sri Lankan Human Rights Commission yesterday regarding violations of indigenous rights in Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Promoting country’s culture

A program was initiated and launched by Transcend Drive (Pvt) Ltd. to promote the country’s rich culture among visiting foreigners. Therefore, with the anticipated resurgence in tourist arrivals, an initiative has been taken to conduct a carefully curated cultural show on weekly basis for the benefit of the foreigners and expat community alike.

Lawyers protest

A group of lawyers today staged a protest in Hulftsdorp condemning the Attorney General’s alleged interference with the judiciary. Pix Nisal Baduge

Seeking public sympathy...

Former President Maithripala Sirisena accepted the money collected from people on the streets by Sudaththa Thilakasiri, a YouTube social activist and actor, to pay as compensation for the Easter Sunday terror attack victims.

Train derailed near Kosgama station

A train heading to Colombo Fort from Avissawella on the Kelani Valley line derailed this morning near the Kosgama railway station

Survey report on issues faced by indigenous community unveiled

A survey report on the issues faced by the indigenous community in Sri Lanka compiled by the Institute for Policy Alternatives was unveiled yesterday and Vedda Chief Uruwarige Wannila Attho with other people from the indigenous community participated in the ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

First Miss USA to win in 10 years!

R’Bonney Gabriel of the United States was crowned Miss Universe on Saturday night, beating out contenders from 83 countries across the globe. She became the first Filipina-American to win the competition in its seven-decade history. (Daily Mail)

IUSF protesters tear-gassed

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) protestors at St. Anthony’s Road Kollupitiya this evening. Due to protests, the Duplication Road in Kollupitiya has been closed to motor traffic. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Routine Police inspection

Officers from the Dam street police station today conducted their biannual inspection. The inspection team headed by SSP Central Colombo Lalith Leelaratne. The dam street police OIC CI Ajith Peduruarachchi accompanied the routine inspection team. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Independence amidst economic crisis

Hype of activities are witnessed at Galle Face Colombo where preparations are ongoing for the 75th Independence Day Celebrations on February 4. Pix by Nisal Baduge

China announces donation of 1,000 solar generators

A delegation of the Community Party of China announced the donation of 1,000 solar generators to Sri Lanka to tide over the current electricity crisis. Yesterday, Vice Minister Chen Zhou of the International Department of the party made a symbolic donation of a few generators to the representatives of the key political parties in Colombo after a briefing session on the National Congress of China.

Kite festival in Jaffna

A kite festival was organized yesterday (15) on the occasion of Thaipongal day at Udayasuriyan beach in Velvettithurai, Jaffna. This kite festival is held at the same time as Thaipongal day every year. Thousands of people had come to watch the kite festival. The organizers of the festival gave gold gifts to the first, second and third winners of the kite flying competition. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Celebrating Thai Pongal

Devotees are celebrating the Thai Pongal festival today. A group of devotees gathered at the Sivan Kovil (Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil) in Kochchikade, Colombo to engage in religious rites in view of the Hindu festival. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Seethawaka Odyssey launched

The ‘Seethawaka Odyssey’, special train service from Colombo Fort to the Waga Railway Station, commenced operations today at Colombo Fort Railway Station.

136th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Girls’ School

The 136th Anniversary of St. Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya was held with an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony with the instructions of school’s Principal Dr.J. Sumedha Jayaweera. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Justice delivered?

Archbishop of Colombo Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith speaks to the media where the catholic church called for prosecution of Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and others including police officers attached to the intelligence unit who were found guilty by the Supreme Court for their failure to prevent the Easter Sunday attacks in 2019. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

INCO 2023 kicks off at BMICH

INCO 2023 Industrial Exhibition which is the largest engineering related most CUSTOMER FOCUSED Exhibition opened at the BMICH today with the participation of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardane and Industry Minister Ramesh Pathirana. It will be held until Sunday (15). Pix by Kithsiri De Mel