A line of fishing boats was spotted along the shore of Dikkowita Fisheries Harbor near Colombo, Sri Lanka, following authorities’ warnings to fishing communities against venturing out due to rough seas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Gusty winds sweep through Colombo, bringing both chaos and joy. Amidst the flurry of leaves and scattered debris, some find exhilaration in the tempest, their faces alight with delight as they embrace the wild dance of nature. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Most people were out of Colombo due to the long holiday for Vesak Poya, leaving many roads in the city deserted. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel.

ri Lankan Ambassador to Kenya, Veluppillai Kananathan, attended the investiture ceremony of Chad’s newly elected President, Mahamat Idriss Déby. The ceremony, held in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital.

The Gangaramaya ’Buddha Rashmi’ Vesak Zone was declared open by President Ranil Wickremesinghe this evening. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

On the occasion of the ’’International Tea Day’’ on May 21st, 2024, China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka held “Tea for Harmony”—Yaji Cultural Salon event opening ceremony in Colombo recently.

The annual rice Dansala organised by the Pettah Eksath Bodhiraja Society being held at the Pettah today with the participation of a large crowd. The Danasala will continue till tomorrow. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

Several prisoners were released from the Welikada Prison today to mark the Vesak Poya. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Inclement weather conditions uprooted a tree along Maitland Crescent today. The tree was cleared by the CMC officials later. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

People were seen savoring the flavor of Kadala at a Dansala in Homagama. Pix by Nisal Baduge.

Devotees are seen taking part in religious observances at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo to mark the Vesak Poya Day which falls today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh in tears during a condolence programme held at the Kollupitiya Jumu’ah Mosque today on the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Several dansals were conducted around the Colombo city to mark the Vesak full moon Poya Day. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

People are buying lanterns in Colombo to celebrate the Vesak festival which commemorates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and demise. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

A sil programme was held at Lindsay Girls’ School, Colombo 03 to mark the occasion of Vesak tomorrow, . Teachers and students together observed sil by engaging in Dana, Seela and Bhavana. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

A blood donation camp was launched today at the Head quarters of the Sri Lanka Saukyadana Movement in observance of Vesak Poya Day. This marks the fourteenth time the organization has held this event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

People engaged in their daily chores have been affected by the adverse weather. Depicted here are individuals working in Pettah suffering due to the adverse conditions as several roads in the Fort area experienced minor flooding. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Due to the inclement weather, several trees in the Colombo city areas were uprooted last night. However, no injuries were reported. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Mulkirigala Organizer Nimal Francisco who joined United National Party (UNP) receives his membership from party Chairman Vajira Abeywardene at Sirikotha today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Flags at half mast after Sri Lanka declared today as a day of mourning in view of the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Black flags were displayed at the Iranian Cultural Centre in Colombo mourning the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

The High Commission of Sri Lanka and the Thai Embassy in Kenya hosted the International Vesak Day 2024 celebration at the United Nations Office in Nairobi. This event commemorated the Birth, Enlightenment, and Passing Away of Lord Buddha and marked t

Scenes of the crash site where the Iranian president, foreign minister and other occupants of the helicopter, including East Azerbaijan Province Governor Malek Rahmati were killed.

The 15th National War Heroes’ Day was commemorated on Sunday (19) at the National War Heroes’ Memorial in Battaramulla under the aegis of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena. Among the participants were former military leaders such as Field Marshal

During his three-day visit to Sri Lanka, humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar met with journalists at an exclusive gathering at the Taj Samudra Hotel. He shared insights on how Art of Living cent

A Pindapatha Charika was held at the Sri Swarna Shaila Bimbarama Viharaya at Katubedda, Moratuwa in view of the Vesak Poya Day under the guidance of Venerable Pannala Sobitha thera, head of the Bimbarama Viharaya. About 15 monks participated in the

The picture shows employees of a self-owned business in Demetagoda stitching Buddhist flags to be sold to the public in light of the Vesak festival. Pix by Nisal Baduge

As Vesak is just around the corner, people erecting pandals in various locations in Colombo, including Kosgashandiya, Thotalanga, Maradana, Peliyagoda, Orugodawaththa and Dematagoda. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

The World Anti-War Alliance organized a march to the US Embassy today, demanding an end to US military aids. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

The highly anticipated 11th edition of ‘Sancharaka Udawa 2024,’ organized by the Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO), was launched today (17) and will be held until tomorrow (18) at the BMICH. This event promises to be a sign