Final rites for late Sanath Nishantha at Rajakadalu

The remains of State Minister of Water Supply, Sanath Nishantha, who died in a car accident on the Colombo-Katunayake expressway, was cremated today (28) at the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Rajakadalu. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

Galle Face gearing up for 76th Independence Day

Preparations for the 76th Independence Day celebration on February 4 are underway with the construction of structures at Galle Face. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ahead of Independence Day…

Vendors in Colombo selling national flags ahead of the Independence Day celebrations. Sri Lanka will celebrate its 76th Independence Day on February 4. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Paying last respects

Several Ministers and MPs including former President Mahinda Rajapaksa paying their last respects to State Minister Sanath Nishantha while his remains lie in state at a private funeral parlour in Borella. The remains will be taken to Arachchikattuwa today for the last rites to be held on Sunday. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Kedella Expo opens at BMICH

Once again this year, the Kedella exhibition and trade fair kicked off at Colombo BMICH, providing an excellent opportunity to shop for thousands of essential items for homes. The event, taking place from the 26th to the 28th of December, was officially inaugurated by Sanjaya Perera, Senior Vice President- Personal Banking and Customer Experience. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

75th Republic Day of India celebrated in Colombo

The Indian High Commission of Sri Lanka celebrated the 75th Republic Day at the India House today (26). The Indian High Commissioner Mr. Santosh Jha unfurled the Indian flag to mark the event. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Ministers, MPs visit Ragama Hospital

Several Ministers and MPs visit the Ragama Hospital, where State Minister Sanath Nishantha was admitted after the fatal accident this morning (25). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Devotees seek blessings at Gangarama

Devotees visiting the Gangaramaya Temple in view of the Duruthu Poya day today to engage in religious rituals and receive blessings. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sanath Nishantha killed in car accident

State Minister Sanath Nishantha and the police constable, who was his security officer, died in an accident on the Katunayake Expressway near Kandana early this morning.

Annual Duruthu Perahara...

Traditional dancers were seen performing during the Duruthu Perahera festival in Kelaniya, which was held last night. The event named ’’Duruthu Perahara’’ is celebrated annually in January with the participation of elephants, dancers, drummers, and musicians. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Before final procession...

An elephant bathing at the pond in front of the historic Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya before the beginning of the final procession. A procession known as “the Duruthu Perahera” is held on the pre-full moon poya day of the month of Duruthu (January) every year at the historic Kelaniya temple. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Alms giving ceremony for 70 bhikkhunis

An alms giving ceremony was held today at the Buddhist Ladies College, Colombo premises for 70 Bhikkhunis. The ceremony was held in line with the 70th commomoration of the school. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Army Commander joins paratrooper jump

Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage participated in paratrooper jump over the Uhana Air Force Base drop zone with a group of airborne soldiers.

Withdraw online safety bill...

Several civil organisations staged a protest today at the Polduwa junction against the online safety bill, which is paving the way for a presidential frenzy. The protestors demanded the government to withdraw the bill immediately. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Repeal Online Safety Bill…

A group of individuals staged a protest in Colombo today urging the authorities to repeal the Online Safety Bill, which is being debated in Parliament. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Against legalising prostitution under NPP government

A protest was held in front of the head office of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) in Pelawatta against the statement by National People’s Power (NPP) executive member Samanmalee Gunasinghe over legalising prostitution under their government. Protest was staged by New Peoples Front. Pix courtesy social media

Demanding permanent solution to human-elephant conflict

The environmentalist association collective organized a protest in Colombo, advocating for a lasting resolution to the enduring human-elephant conflict, which they assert has persisted for three decades. They highlighted the inability of successive governments in the country to address the issue. Pix by Pradeep Dilruskshana.

Ayurvedic practitioners also demand DAT...

The Government Ayurvedic Practitioners’ Trade Unions Collective staged a protest calling on the authorities to fill vacancies in the indigenous medicine sector and to provide them also with the Disturbance, Availability & Transport (DAT) allowance like that given to the western medical practitioners. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Indoor Rowing Championships 2024

The National Indoor Rowing Championships 2024 organized by the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka was held in Battaramulla. Personnel from the tri-forces also participated in the event. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Prefects' investiture ceremony

The Prefects’ investiture ceremony of the Siri Shasanodayaramaya Viharaya was held recently with the patronage of the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Venerable Dangahawala Upananda Thera. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Rein of fire

Horses have once again been made to leap and hurtle through fire by human beings as part of an annual religious festival in the name of Spain’s patron saint of animals. (Daily Mail)

SLOA launches College of Optometry

The Sri Lanka Optometric Association (SLOA) inaugurated a new division, the College of Optometry and Vision Science today. President of the College of Ophthalmologists of Sri Lanka Dr Amila de Alvis graced the occasion as the chief guest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Heartwarming visit to care home residents

Delighted care home residents were treated to an unforgettable meet-and-greet - when two penguins waddled through the door. Pensioners took turns to give Humboldt penguins, Widget and Pringle, a hug or even a pamper in the sink under the tap. The unexpected visitors at Brendoncare St Giles View, in Winchester, took it all in stride. They even used the lift to move between meeting members of the team, residents and their relatives.

Protest against Micro-Finance Bill...

A group staged a protest outside the Fort railway station against the proposed Sri Lanka Micro-Finance and Loan Regulation Authority Bill. They called on the government to withdraw the proposed Bill. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Buying expensive veggies...

People were seen purchasing vegetables at Bodhiraja Mawatha in Colombo Fort today despite exorbitant prices. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Jaffna Kite Festival...

A kite festival was organized yesterday on the occasion of Thaipongal day at the Vigneswara Grounds in Valvettithurai, 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. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Arrest Keheliya...

A protest organized by civil organizations calling for the arrest of former Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella was held in Colombo today. The protesters marched in procession towards the Health Ministry where they held a protest demonstration. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Tri-forces in action amid health worker strike

Tri-forces personnel were seen on duty despite the countrywide health workers protests today. A protest was launched by the All Ceylon Nursers’ Union (ACNU) to defend the government’s actions taken to divide the health workers. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal...

Hindus turned up in their numbers to engage in religious observances at the Sivam Kovil Kotahena to celebrate Thai Pongal today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebrating Thai Pongal with traditional rituals

The Hindu community in Colombo was observed jubilantly celebrating Thai Pongal, engaging in traditional Pongal-making rituals right in front of shops. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana