Workers union collective protests for salary increase

Members of the Provincial and State Workers Union Collective staged a protest in front of Sethsiripaya, demanding a salary increase. Similar protests took place throughout the country, with the collective aim of addressing this issue. Pix by Pradeep Dilrushkshana.

Demanding Rs. 20,000 pay hike

A group of state workers staged a protest in Colombo urging the authorities to allocate funds for a Rs. 20,000 pay hike in the upcoming budget. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Direct flights between Colombo-Turkey commence

Turkish Airlines today commenced direct flights between Sri Lanka and Istanbul after ten years. Accordingly, four weekly flights will operate between the two countries.

More children are being abused or neglected

The National Child Protection Authority (NCPA) has received 7523 complaints in the first eight months of 2023. More than 4,000 complaints related to crimes against children related to children in need of care, compulsory education, and cruelty.

Stay Focused' - Optometric Trade Exhibition

The Sri Lanka Optometric Association’s (SLOA) Annual Scientific Sessions and Trade Exhibition was held today at the Monarch Imperial in Sri Jayawardenepura, with the theme ’’STAY FOCUSED.

Engaging in training session...

The Sri Lanka team conducted a training session last afternoon at the Pune cricket stadium ahead of their World Cup group game against Afghanistan on Monday. Pix by Champika Fernando

Vap Poya Day...

Devotees at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo are seen taking part in religious observances on Vap Full Moon Poya day which falls today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Medical students in protest...

A group of medical students was fired tear gas and water cannons near the Nelum Pokuna in Colombo by the police yesterday. They were protesting against the government’s alleged move to destroy free education with the support of several private universities and schools.  Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Sri Lanka Print Exhibition & Trade Fair

The three-day Sri Lanka Print Exhibition and Trade Fair 2023 organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Printers (SLAP) jointly with the Sri Lanka Institute of Packaging kicked off at the BMICH.

Temporary access way erected to Bambalapitiya railway station

Transport and Highways Minister Bandula Gunawardana claimed that there are 30 dilapidated bridges available around the country, and the Road Development Authority has estimated that more than Rs. 2,000 million is needed to complete the repairs. Accordingly, a temporary access way to the Bambalapitiya railway station was erected within 10 days on the directives of the President. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Calling for end to Israeli–Palestinian war

‘Youth for Change’ staged a demonstration in Colombo today (26) calling for an end to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Stop Gaza genocide!

A protest organised by the ’Colombo Action Committee’ was held today opposite the Fort Railway Station calling for an end to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Korean ship ’Kwanggaeto the Great’ arrives

The Korean ship ’Kwanggaeto the Great’ arrived at the Colombo Port today. Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, State Minister Tharaka Balasuriya, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, dignitaries of foreign missions and other invitees of the Sri Lankan government were in attendance.

Briefing on Customs progress

A media conference was held at the Sri Lanka Customs headquarters today to brief on the progress achieved by the Sri Lanka Customs. It was chaired by Customs spokesman Sivali Arukgoda. Customs Directors Ranjith Kumarasinghe and Nimal Samarathunga were also present. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Port workers demand salary increment ...

The Port Trade Union’s Collective (PTUC) staged a protest in front of the Khan Clock Tower in Colombo during their lunch break, demanding the government to increase their salaries due to high living costs. They requested a 36-percent salary increment and a Rs. 20,000 allowance. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Ayurveda Health officers in protest…

The All Ceylon Ayurveda Health Services Union (ACAWU) staged a protest in Colombo today over several demands. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

First charter flight welcome

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) welcomed the first charter flight of a series of charter flight operations of Lot Polish Airlines today operating from the Czech Republic, with 252 international tourists arriving in Sri Lanka. Pictures courtesy - Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.

SLAF pays tribute to fallen heroes and serving members

The Sri Lanka Air Force conducted its Annual Religious Ceremony and Almsgiving at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, with Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, the Commander of the Air Force, in attendance. This event was organized to seek blessings for the committed personnel of the Sri Lanka Air Force, both past and present, and to honor the supreme sacrifices made by those who served in the defence of our nation.

SUV flips…

An SUV flipped on its side at Horton Place this afternoon. Several traffic police personnel gathered beside the road.

All set for Jaffna International Trade Fair...

An event was held to brief the media on the ’Jaffna International Trade Fair 2024’, a transformative annual event that will take place from January 19th to 21st, 2024, under the theme ’’Your Gateway to the North, on Tuesday in Colombo. The event is organized by Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd. (LECS) together with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Yarlpanam (CCIY). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Teachers, principals teargassed

Police fired tear gas and used water cannons at the teachers’ and principals’ union members who staged a protest near Palam Thuna Junction in Pelawatta today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

In view of Children's Day

An exhibition of paintings was held and new library opened at 181/B, Grama Niladari Piyasa, Thalwatte, Ragama to mark World’s Children’s Day. Several performances were held with the participation of children from the ’Susirith Lama Samajaya’. Pix by Niamalsiri Edirisinghe

Fit for a King!

A charming six-bedroom manor believed to have been a refuge for King Charles II during his escape from the Civil War has hit the market for £3.25million.

In tears over the Gaza catastrophe...

Palestine Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Zuhair M.H. Zaid is seen in tears while discussing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the civilian deaths by Israeli forces. The Ambassador met religious leaders at the Embassy today who had called on him to offer their condolences over the mounting deaths in Gaza. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Provide sufficient salaries for living...

The Joint Committee of Government Executive Officers’ today staged a protest march from Independence Square to the Public Administration Ministry, demanding the government grant promotions to all parallel executive services and provide sufficient salaries for living. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

How will the Online Safety Bill affect you

Demand for Rs. 20,000 minimum allowance...

Due to increased electricity bills, fuel prices and the difficulties of bearing the burden of living, the Alliance of Railway Trade Unions today held a protest in front of the railway headquarters, demanding a minimum allowance of Rs. 20,000. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Celebrating Navaratri festival

The Navaratri festival was celebrated at the Mayurapathi Sri Badrakali Temple Wellawatte yesterday with a colourful ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

UNP Convention...

The United National Party (UNP) held its convention at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The convention also saw the participation of UNP leaders, members and supporters. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Annual Wildlife Photography

The annual wildlife photography and the wildlife art exhibition organised by the Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka was launched at the National Museum and will be open for public from 9am to 6pm on Saturday (21) and Sunday (22). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel