Azur Air resumes seasonal flight

Azur Air today launched direct seasonal flights to Sri Lanka today with 332 passengers. The flight was welcomed by a celebratory water cannon salute upon arrival at BIA. The passengers were warmly welcomed with a traditional Kandyan dance performance organized by Sri Lanka Tourism.

Ranil in Kalutara...

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in an election meeting in Kalutara today. Former MPs Rajitha Senaratne, Thalatha Athukorala and Piyal Nishantha were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

It’s Election Day in America...

Voters line up outside of a polling station at Donegan Elementary School in the US as the polls open on Election Day in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Jaffna International Trade Fair 2024

The press briefing announcing the largest multi-trade exhibition in the North, Jaffna International Trade Fair (JITF), was held today at the Galle Face Hotel to mark its 15th edition.

University students protest

The University of Sri Jayawardenepura Students’ Union staged a protest this afternoon (05) in Colombo. The demonstrators later marched from Viharamahadevi Park to the University Grants Commission. The protest was held to demand the immediate withdrawal of what they described as a conspiratorial plan to suppress student unions, allegedly at the request of the Vice-Chancellor, Auditor, and Management Faculties.

Tourists arrive from Iceland

A group of tourists from Iceland arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) this morning. The group includes 24 tourists who plan to stay in the country for 14 days.

ASHR awards ceremony

The Kumon Dehiwala Learning Centre held its Annual Advanced Student Honour Roll (ASHR) Awards ceremony 2023/2024 at the Bishops College Auditorium recently. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Ranil attends election rally

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe attended an election rally of the New Democratic Front (NDF) in Matara today, alongside former Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and former Minister Kanchana Wijesekara. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Barcelona is put on flooding red alert

Remembering Galboda Gnanissara Thera

The three-month bana sermon and alms giving was held today at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to commemorate the former Chief Incumbent of the Temple, late Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Young eye on nature...

The annual Nature and Wildlife Photography Exhibition 2024 organised by the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka was launched at the JDA Perera Gallery, Colombo 07 today (01) and will continue till Sunday (03). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Bat-watching...

Thousands of fruit bats hang from trees around Tissamaharama Lake, creating a mesmerising sight as they prepare to take flight just as the sun sets. The 45-minute walk around the lake offers scenic views of Tissa Wewa and a relaxed bat-watching experience, perfect for an evening adventure. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Happy Deepavali!

Many Hindu devotees engaged in religious observances at Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil Kochchikade to celebrate Deepavali festival this morning. Hindus in Sri Lanka celebrated Deepavali also known as the festival of lights. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Defence Secretary on inspection visit to CDRD

Happy Diwali

Heavy influx of tourists to nine arch bridge

Aheavy influx of foreign and local tourists is being experienced at the historic Nine Arch bridge in Demodara on the upcountry railway line. The bridge built in 1921 during British rule in Sri Lanka is 300 ft long and 80 ft high. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Sightseeing Ella...

A large number of tourists visiting Ella expressed satisfaction with the services offered by the authorities. Most tourists used the train service to travel to Ella for sightseeing. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Police personnel cast postal votes

Police personnel at the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station in Colombo wait for their turn to cast postal votes ahead of the Parliamentary Elections scheduled to be held on November 14. Postal voting for the parliamentary elections starts today and will continue till November 4 at all District Secretariats and election offices. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

World’s most remote job

Enhance safety, security for tourists

In a proactive effort to enhance safety and security for tourists, police personnel have been stationed near the popular Rawana Ella waterfall, a major attraction in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Defence Secretary makes his maiden visit to Army HQ

Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) Headquarters yesterday, making his first official visit to the Army Headquarters since assuming office as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence.

Conversation during party meeting

Former President Ranil Wickremeisnghe, former MPs and candidates of the New Democratic Alliance (DNA), candidates Susil Prema Jayantha, Premanath Dollawatta and Ravi Karunanayake in conversation during a party meeting held in Athurugiriya today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Northern train services resume

Massive crowd at Vijay’s first political meeting

Indian actor Thalapathy Vijay has made his official entry into politics with the launch of his new party, Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam. The inaugural event was held on October 27 in Vikravandi, Tamil Nadu, drawing large crowds of enthusiastic supporters.

Expand cultivation with increased subsidy

Paddy farmers in the Gampaha district are gearing up to expand their cultivation during the Maha season. They said the government’s increase in the fertiliser subsidy has been a motivating factor, encouraging them to make the most of this support to enhance paddy production in the area. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

100 Years of Old Boys’ Day

In celebration of the ’100 Years of Old Boys’ Day,’ the Old Boys’ Association of Sri Sumangala College, Panadura, organized a series of events on Sunday (27).

At election meeting in Negombo

Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in conversation with UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene, and former MPs Nimal Lansa and Lasantha Alagiyawanna during an election meeting in Negombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Russell Arnold’s 51st birthday

International cricket commentator Russel Arnold celebrated his 51st birthday at the Elephant Shelter of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, surrounded by elephants and mahouts. The event earned warm praise from Indian cricket fans.

Heightened security for Chabad houses

STF, Air Force and police personnel have been deployed outside Jewish prayer centres known as ’Chabad Houses’ in Colombo, in light of the reported threat to Israeli nationals in Arugam Bay. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Lankapak at BMICH