Near miss...

A Kalutara-bound train (No. 741) had almost collided head-on with another train (No. 412) which had set off to reach Chilaw from Colombo Fort.

’For a country worth living in’

A robot is seen presenting the road map ‘For a country worth living In’, compiled based on the opinions of professionals, social activists, and scholars in the country to Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka at a ceremony held at the Nelum Pokuna theatre under the ‘Pannaraya’ promotions campaign.

Army Chief calls on President

The new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva called on President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, on Tuesday.

Mete out justice

University of Visual and Performing Arts students staged a protest outside the university over several demands.

Defeat imperialist interference in Venezuela

A public seminar organised by the JVP under the theme of ‘Defeat imperialist interference in Venezuela’ was held at the Centre for Society and Religion Centre auditorium hall (CSR) with the participation of JVP Parliamentarian Dr Nalinda Jayatissa and Deputy Minister for Foreign Relations in Venezuela Rubén Molina.

Colombo Defence Seminar on August 29

A media briefing was held at the Colombo Kingsbury Hotel with the participation of Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, to brief about the ’Colombo Defence Seminar’ which would be held at the BMICH on August 29th and 30th with the participation of 42 countries. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisingha

Series levelled

New Zealand shared the 2-match Test series 1-1, beating Sri Lanka by an innings and 65 runs in Colombo today.

Sizeable lead

Colin de Grandhomme and BJ Watling made contrasting half-centuries on another rain-affected day in Colombo yesterday to give New Zealand a fighting chance of drawing the Test series against Sri Lanka.

Bellanwila Perahera concluded

The Bellanwila Perahera, which paraded the streets of Boralesgamuwa, came to an end with the water cutting ceremony held on Sunday. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Work of Malwathu Oya Project launched

The work of the Malwathu Oya Project under which water will provided to people in Anuradhapura , Vavuniya, Vanni and Mannar got off the ground with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday. It was announced that this was one of the biggest irrigation projects implemented during the recent times. The total cost of the project is Rs.22.9 billion.

Road from Mutur to Batticaloa

The work on the Mutur to Batticaloa Road got off the ground ceremoniously with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday. Minister of Highways, Kabir Hashim, and government and TNA parliamentarians participated in the event.

People’s Agenda for Presidential Election

The People’s Agenda for Presidential Election 2019, was launched yesterday with the initiative of several civil society groups including National Movement for Social Justice, Purawesi Balaya and Aluth Parapura. Speaker Karu Jayasuriya, SLFP General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekara, several politicians and distinguished guests were present at the event.

Construction Expo 2019

Construction Expo 2019, the annual construction and building material exhibition, was launched by President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday. Minister Champika Ranawaka and MP Mahinda Amaraweera were also present at the launch. The exhibition will be held on Saturday and Sunday as well. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Under one umbrella

A bystander was seen holding an umbrella proving shelter to two cops during heavy rains in Colombo today.

Boult, Southee hurt Sri Lanka

Trent Boult and Tim Southee led New Zealand‘s charge against Sri Lanka on day two of the rain-hit second Test today, with the host skipper Dimuth Karunaratne offering resistance with a half-century. Boult took two early wickets in one over after Sri Lanka resumed the day on 85 for two at Colombo’s P. Sara Oval, where the start was delayed due to a wet outfield.

Gotcha!

A pelican is seen enjoying a meal at the Beira Lake in a gentle rainy atmosphere

SL reach 85-2 on rain-hit day

New Zealand’s cricketer Colin de Grandhomme celebrates with teammates after he dismissed Sri Lanka’s cricketer Kusal Mendis during the opening day of the final Test cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the P. Sara Oval cricket stadium in Colombo yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Ship from China commissioned as ’Parakramabahu’

The ship, P 625, gifted by the Chinese Government to the Sri Lanka Navy was commissioned as SLNS ’Parakramabahu’ by President Maithripala Sirisena today during a commissioning ceremony held at the Colombo Harbour. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Speaker's love

One of New Zealand’s top lawmakers is getting international acclaim after he was filmed cradling a fellow lawmaker’s new baby during a debate in parliament.

Enjoying ferry ride

Luxury passenger ferry service from Colombo Fort to Union Place through the Beira Lake was launched today under the patronage of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.

Rain delays second test match

Ground staff walk on the rain covers over the pitch as play is delayed due to rain during day one of the Second Test matches between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at P Sara Oval Stadium today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Healthcare services crippled

Healthcare services in hospitals countrywide came to a standstill today because of the 24-hour strike launched by the Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) this morning over several issues, mainly over the failure to legalise the minimum standards of medical education. Patients are seen inconvenienced due to the ongoing trade union action.

Who is the big winner?

Megapolis and Western Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka is pictured posing a victory sign at his fellow minister and UNP Deputy Leader Sajith Premadasa who is presently in the presidential election fray when the latter was taking a random snap outside Dutch Hospital in Colombo where the ’Mega Pride’ photo exhibition was held. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Practice session

New Zealand’s cricket team members were seen engaged in a practice session at P. Sara Oval cricket stadium in Colombo today, ahead of their second cricket Test match against Sri Lanka to be played today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Two books penned by Attaudahetti launched

Two books titled “Wandering with pleasure along the beautiful sea” and “Wandering with pleasure along the Red Fort’ penned by Saman Attaudahetti were launched at the BMICH in Colombo today. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was the chief guest of the event. Mr. Attaudahetti is seen presenting a copy of the book to Premier Wickremesinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Nimalsiri Edirisinghe.

Assumes duties

Newly appointed Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva assumed duties at the Army Headquarters this morning amidst military honours.

We want Sajith...

A rally was held at the Weligama town urging UNP leaders to field Minister Sajith Premadasa as their presidential candidate. Pix by Sunil D. Silva

Monkeying around for the camera

Hilarious close-up portraits of some of the world’s most unusual primates show their uncanny resemblance to humans.

Hearty laugh…

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is sharing a lighter moment with State Minister Buddhika Pathirana at the opening of the newly constructed Sri Lanka-Korea National Vocational Training Institute at Orugodawattha today.

Change of Baton