SJB protest in Divulapitiya

Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa is seen carrying a placard during a protest staged by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in Divulapitiya today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Eid Mubarak...

Muslim devotees are seen engaged in Eid prayers at the Dawatagaha Mosque, in Colombo as they celebrate the end of Hajj. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Remembering Black July...

Christian Solidarity Movement (CSM) staged a demonstration in Colombo yesterday in line with 38th anniversary of Black July. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Proposed elevated expressway draws protest

Residents of Thalangama, along with Ven. Pahiyangala Ananda Sagara Thera of the Protect Sri Lanka Organisation yesterday handed over a letter to the United Nations with details of how the proposed elevated expressway from New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya would affect the Thalangama wetland. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Protest aimed at several demands

Members of six trade unions, including the Workers’ Struggle Centre (WSC), Revolotionary Students’ Union (RSU) and Front Line Socialist Party (FLSP) today staged a protest opposite the Fort Railways Station over several demands, including increasing of salaries to meet the cost of living, protecting free education and defeating KDU Bill. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Another Sinopharm vaccine rollout...

People are seen getting their first dose of Chinese Sinopharm vaccine at the Army Vaccine centre in Colombo today. According to the research carried out by the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine produces antibodies in 95% of people who are vaccinated and is very effective against the Delta variety. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Arrest the culprits behind girl’s death...

Several members of the New Democratic People’s Front (NDPF) today staged a protest near former Minister Rishad Bathiudeen’s residence in Bauddaloka Mawatha, Colombo, following the death of a 16-year-old girl. They demanded arrest of the culprits behind the girl’s death. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Stop militarization of high education!

University Teachers’ Association at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura staged a demonstration outside the university today urging the authorities to stop the militarization of high education. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Health Employees in protest...

A protest organized by Health Employees Trade Union Collective was held yesterday in front of the Gampaha General Hospital over several demands.

Reduce prices of essential goods...

Members of the People’s Liberation Front staged a protest in Yakkala today urging the Government to reduce the prices of essential goods and fuel. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Three precious gems kept under tight security

Three precious gems in the possession of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority were brought under tight security by the STF to be kept in the safety locker of the Bank of Ceylon.

SJB MPs in protest...

The Samagi Jana Balawebaya (SJB) today staged a protest near Parliament prior to the debate on the No Faith Motion (NFM) against Minister Udaya Gammnpila. Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa is seen among the protestors. The protesters marched towards Jayanthipura junction from Polduwa junction. Pix by Pradeep Dilrusksana

Preparing for Hajj festival

Muslims were seen preparing themselves for the upcoming Hajj festival (Eid Al-Adha) by engaging in shopping in Colombo. The festival is to be celebrated on Wednesday (21). Pix by Samantha Perera

Resolve our salary anomalies...

The Teachers and Principals Trade Union Collective staged a protest outside the Education Ministry urging the authorities to resolve their salary anomalies. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Sinopharm first dose rollout at Diyatha Uyana

The first dose of Sinopharm vaccine was seen administered today at Diyatha Uyana in Battaramulla today. The medical teams of the the Army has established new ‘walk in’ Community Vaccination Centres and commenced administering the first dose of Sinopharm vaccine to citizens from July 5. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Blood Donation Campaign...

A Blood Donation Campaign organised by Sri Bodhirukkarama Maha Viharaya in Amunukumbura, Gampaha was held at the Temple premises yesterday. The blood samples obtained at the campaign were directed to the Blood Bank. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja 

Church services begin...

The Sunday services in churches commenced yesterday after a long period of time. The prayer services at places of worship were suspended due to the pandemic situation in the country. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Leisure for pleasure...

Parents with their kids were seen enjoying themselves at the Vihara Maha Devi Park yesterday. The park, which remained closed for a long period of time due to the COVID-19 situation was opened for public on Friday. Pix by Samantha Perera

Construction of new Kelani Bridge underway...

The construction of the new Kelani Bridge in Peliyagoda is currently underway. Despite the COVID-19 situation in the country, the project is nearing completion and is expected to be declared open by September. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vaccination drive at Vihara Maha Devi Park

Administering the first dose of the Chinese Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine was carried out by Army at the Vihara Maha Devi Park open theatre in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President waves & rolls past protestors

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa waves as his vehicle moves past protestors from multiple trade unions gathered opposite the Presidential Secretariat.

Elephants enjoy natural river bathing

Elephants were seen bathing in the Menik Ganga in Kataragama with the conclusion of the annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Moderna vaccines reach SL

A consignment of 1.5 million vaccines manufactured by Moderna Inc. in the United States were brought to the country this morning. The vaccines were freighted by a Qatar Airways aircraft landed at 9.00 am today. Pix by T.K.G Kapila

Flooding in Germany

Strong rains caused rivers to burst their banks and wash away buildings in Belgium and Germany, where at least 1,300 remained missing. Homes and streets in the Netherlands and Switzerland also flooded. (NY Times)

Stop hunting union leaders...

The Teachers’ and Principals’ Trade Unions staged a protest in Kiribathgoda yesterday urging the authorities to stop hunting union leaders.

Athupandalama ritual at Kataragama Temple

The ritual known as ‘Athupandalama’ took place at the Kataragama Temple in view of the Esala Perehara. The ceremony marks the thatching of the hut in front of the main Temple and its branches are called Athupandalama. The ritual takes place every year. The main tusker ’Wasana’ of the Temple performs the ritual in the presence of the Basnayaka Nilame. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Packing organic & chemical fertilizer

Workers were seen loading chemical and organic fertilizer at Ceylon Fertilizers and commercial Fertilizers Company warehouses in Hunupitiya, Wattala. Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who visited the Fertilizers companies in Hunupitiya instructed the officials to issue all the fertilizers required by the people within three days.

School children in protest...

A group of school children in Batuwatte, Ragama staged a protest today insisting the authorities to find solutions for the issues faced by them in accessing the online education. They also urged the Government to reopen schools and universities under health guidelines. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

People in WP receive Sinopharm 1st dose at Vihara Maha Devi Park

The general public above 30 years of age in the Western Province (WP) were given the first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine at the Vihara Maha Devi Park open theatre in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Festival of Kataragama Maha Devalaya

The annual Perahera of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya staged for the fifth day last night. However, people were not allowed to participate at the procession. Pix by Nisal Baduge