Final solar eclipse for 2019

Colombo deserted

Several roads in Colombo were seen deserted as people have returned to their homes outside of Colombo for Christmas celebrations. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Midnight Mass at St. Sebastian’s Church

Midnight Mass was held at the St. Sebastian’s Church, Katuwapitiya to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Pictures show the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith conducting the services. Some of those who were wounded at the Easter Sunday attack on April 21 participated in Christmas Midnight Mass. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Christmas decorations

Several places in the Colombo city were seen adorned with lights and decorations ahead of the Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Bailed out...

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka is seen leaving the court premises along with his supporters after he was granted bail. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Christmas season…

People are seen buying Christmas decorations from shops in the Colombo area in line with the Christmas season.

Satyagraha against Champika’s arrest

A satyagraha organised by the opposition MPs and others was held near the Buddha statue at the Vihara Maha Devi Park in Colombo his evening against the arrest of MP Patali Champika Ranwaka. MP Sajith Premadasa was named as the Leader of the Opposition together with other MPs took part in the Satyagraha. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

For Christmas...

With Christmas trees in demand during this festive season, vendors in Havelock town outside the BRC grounds can be seen selling Christmas trees. Vendors say the trees were sourced from Nuwara Eliya.

Rains mar no reverence

The prevailing torrential rains that caused severe floods countrywide have not seemed to have marred the reverence of devotees fulfilling the daily rites of the inundated historic Somawathiya Chaitya in Polonnaruwa yesterday.

In line with Christmas

A Christmas celebration was held at the Veyangoda Railway Station with the participation of the clergy, General Manager of Railways, M.J.D Fernando, Sri Lanka Army personnel and residents.

Adverse weather

Some of the areas of the island are affected by flood due to the prevailing adverse weather condition in the country these days. Pictures show a number of emergency naval response teams, who have been deployed in affected areas Nawagaththegama, Saliyawewa and Eluwankulama, Polonnaruwa, Kiran and Punani, Katharagama areas continue to assist affected people.

321 Cadets passed out…

Passing out parade of 321 Cadet Officers including 18 female and 4 foreign officers was held at the Diyatalawa Military Academy this morning. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest of the event. Defence Secretary Major General (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne, Army Commander Shavendra Silva and the SLMA Commandant, Brigadier S.K Eshwaran were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Mini floods...

Mini floods have been reported from several areas as water levels of several reservoirs and rivers including Mahaweli are increasing rapidly while some started overflowing because of torrential rains.

Ranil visits Patali

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen leaving the Magazine Prison after visiting MP Patali Champika Ranwaka today.

Back on track

The engine of the train bound to Mount Lavinia from Maradana, which derailed last afternoon between Maradana and Dematagoda railway stations, was placed back on to the rail tracks today.

Thick fog...

A thick fog had enveloped the Hatton-Nuwara Eliya and Hatton-Colombo Roads this morning. Drivers have been warned by police to be cautious for possible dangers. Pix by Ranjith Rajapaksa

Robots at Heathrow

A pair of robots named ’Bill’ that can help passengers navigate their way around Heathrow Airport are being deployed by British Airways. (Daily Mail)

Train derailment…

The engine of the train bound to Mount Lavinia from Maradana derailed this afternoon between Maradana and Dematagoda railway stations. No casualties were reported due to the incident. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Re-remanded…

Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who was re-remanded in connection with the road accident in 2016, is seen leaving the court premises.

Remanded…

Former minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who was arrested by the CCD in connection with the road accident in 2016, has been remanded until Saturday (19) by the Colombo Magistrate Court. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Prior to arrest...

Former Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, who was arrested by the CCD officers, was seen at his residence prior to his arrest.

Caroline Jurie meets Rosy

Caroline Jurie, who was crowned as Mrs. World 2020 at the World Pageant held in Las Vegas, United States, called on Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake, who was once crowned Mrs. World today at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) where she was warmly welcomed with traditional customs.

Ahead of Christmas…

Several places in the Colombo city were seen adorned with lights and decorations ahead of upcoming Christmas.

Ranil meets Uni students

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today met with representatives of university students at party headquarters Sirikotha and pointed out that all members of the UNP should come under one umbrella to decide on party reforms. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

Swiss Ambassador calls on President

Ambassador of Switzerland in Sri Lanka, Hanspeter Mock, called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat this morning. Pix by President’s Media

First Test ends in a draw

Pakistan’s Test against Sri Lanka, their first at home since the attack against the same visitors in 2009, ended in a draw yesterday after being badly affected by the weather.

SL wins Asia Rugby U-19 Division 1 Championship

Sri Lanka has won the Asia Rugby U-19 Division 1 Championship and promotion to the Asia Rugby U-19 Championship in 2020.

Miss World 2019

Jamaica’s Toni-Ann Singh was crowned Miss World on Saturday.

Religious observances to mark Podi Hamuduruvo’s birthday

A series of religious observances held today at the Gangarama Temple in Hunupitiya to mark the 76th birthday of the Gangarama Temple’s Chief Incumbent and Chief Sanghanayake of the Colombo Nava Korale the Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera (Podi Hamuduruvo). Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Talented

An art and craft exhibition organised by the disabled soldiers was launched at the Aesthetic University’s J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery on Thursday. The exhibition showcases the talents of the injured war heroes. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe