More unauthorised structures removed

Unauthorised structures along the railway line opposite the Castle Lane have been removed by the Colombo Urban Development Authority (UDA) today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

World Science Day 2013

World Science Day 2013 Schools Programme on the theme “Lifestyle and Health” was held today at the BMICH with the participation of Technology, Research and Atomic Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka. Pix by Samantha Perera

Statue unveiled

The statue of former Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh was unveiled today by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the deputy prime minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh at the Colombo public library. Ho Chi Minh was a Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader who was the president of the Vietnam from 1945 to 1969. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

War heroes remembered

The Wanni Security Forces Headquarters held its 15th commemoration ceremony on Saturday with the participation of Wanni Commander Boniface Perera. Special parades, religious activities and alms-giving were held.

Powerboat and Jet Ski racing

The Powerboat and Jet Ski events oraganised by the Lanka Powerboat Association was were worked out on the Beira Lake on Saturday and Sunday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Almsgiving to mark President’s birthday

An almsgiving was held today at Ruwanwaliseya in Anuradhapura for 1000 kiri ammas to mark the birthday and assumption of duties by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Pix by Presidential Media Unit

Video: Sathwa Mithra concerned over detained dogs

Representatives of the Sri Lanka Sathwa Mithra Organization today visited the Dematagoda dog pound to ensure the safety of the dogs captured and detained before the CHOGM. It was earlier announced that the animals would be released today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana ???

No to international inquiry

Several Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim citizens gathered in Colombo near the Dewatagaha Mosque today after  prayers and staged a protest against British Prime Minister David Cameron’s call for an international inquiry into alleged war crimes committed by the Sri Lankan Army. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

‘Sathwa Mithuru’ visits Dematagoda dog pound

The Sri Lanka Sathwa Mithuru Organisation visited the Dematagoda dog pound today to check on dogs that captured in parallel to the CHOGM. It was earlier announced that animals would be freed today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: Protest against Cameron’s comments

A protest was held at the Lipton Circus against the actions and statements made by British Prime Minister David Cameron while he was in the island to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana ???

Container carrying red sandalwood

The 20-foot container containing four metric tonnes of red sandalwood was seized by Customs today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

UNP discuss budget

UNP MPs are seen discussing the budget over a cup of tea with Leader of Opposition Ranil Wickremesinghe at his office in the parliamentary complex. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Tea party after budget

Parliamentarians attended the traditional tea party, which is held after the budget speech. The president is seen talking to one of the guests. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rs.43mn worth illicit cigarettes seized

Illicit cigarettes valued at Rs. 43 million were seized by the Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) at the Orugodawatte warehouse today. This is the largest stock of illicit fags to be detected in the country. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President all set for Budget 2014

An upbeat President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen making his way to the parliament chamber to present the 2014 Budget. Pix by pradeep Pathirana

Sadaham Sewana senior citizens workshop

The Rajagiriya Sadaham Sewana International Buddhist Centre and the Human Rights Foundation today organised its annual senior citizens’ workshop, which includes several aesthetic activities. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Video: Budget demands

Members of the Trade Union Coordinating Centre (TUCC) today staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station in Colombo highlighting twenty one demands put forward by them in relation to the budget to be presented tomorrow. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana ???

Against privatisation of universities

The Inter University Student Federation (IUSF) held a protest outside the Fort Railway Station today over the privatisation of universities and the violation of students’ rights. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Undergrads demand rights

The Colombo University Students’ Union staged a protest today near the University over several issues, including hostel facilities. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja ???

TUCC protest at Borella

The Trade Union Coordinating Center (TUCC) staged a poster protest at the Borella Junction today urging action to 21 demands from the budget for the next year. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: BBS protest

A tense situation prevailed outside the United National Party (UNP) headquarters Sirikotha today when Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) monks and supporters staged a protest over the attack on BBS monks last week inside Sirikotha. Pix by Samantha Perera

Video: Villagers in a tussle with STF

Police riot squad fired tear gas to disperse villagers who were protesting along the Ampara - Kalmunai Road over a dispute with the STF. Pix by Kumara C. Liyanaarachchi, Wasantha Chandrapala

President visits Gangaramaya temple

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Gangaramaya temple this evening and engaged in religious observances to mark his 68th birthday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: Defence Secretary donates house

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa today donated a house to a low income family in Madiwela under a project of the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Elephants take them for a ride

Thirty three French beauties competing in the Miss France 2014 pageant are in Sri Lanka as part of a pre-pageant tour. They are seen riding on an elephant at the Cinnamon Lodge Hotel in Habarana. Pix by Manoj Ratnayake

A warm birthday at Nuwara Eliya

Prince Charles visited the 172-year-old Mackwoods Tea Factory at Labukale in Nuwara Eliya, yesterday and celebrated his 65th Birthday.  He was welcomed by the Sri Lankan High Commissioner in United Kingdom Dr. Chris Nonis. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Curtain Call

President Mahinda Rajapaksa looks on as Secretary General Kamalesh Sharma walks in to address the concluding news conference of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held at the BMICH today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Abbott, Gotabaya visit Sayura

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott visited Sri Lanka Navy vessel Sayura this morning at Colombo Port. Defence Secretary, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colambage participated at the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana 

Devotees observe IL Poya

Devotees gathered at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo today and engaged in religious activities to mark IL Poya Day. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Prince visits Kandy

Children were seen eagerly greeting Prince Charles when he visited the Temple of Tooth in Kandy yesterday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja