A pirith chanting was held for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka at a depth of 416 metres at the Bogala Graphite Mine to invoke blessings.

Rohingya refugees held a peaceful protest outside the UNHCR, seeking solutions and a permanent settlement. They claimed that due to the closure of the UNHCR office, the Rohingya refugees living in Sri Lanka are unable to get permanent residence in ot

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his family visited the Gangaramaya Temple and obtained blessings for the New Year from Venerable Dr. Kirinide Assaji Thera. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

People filling their vehicles with fuel at filling stations in Colombo today, despite the price increase. Fuel prices in Sri Lanka were increased in line with the government’s decision to increase the value-added tax (VAT). Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Devotees are seen at the Gangarama Maha Vihara in Colombo invoking blessings for the New Year. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

People engaged in last moment shopping for their needs to welcome the New Year 2024 tomorrow and to celebrate the first day of the new year despite the economic hardships they are faced with. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

The last major trade fair of the year, the ’’Colombo Shopping Carnival 2023’’ commenced at the BMICH today and will continue till December 31. New Year essentials including textiles, gifts, electrical appliances, furniture, footwear and beaut

The 19th Tsunami Commemoration was held at the Tsunami Memorial at Pereliya in Hikkaduwa, Galle, this morning, with many members of the families of tsunami victims taking part. The commemoration commenced with religious observances. Pix by Pradeep Pa

Devotees are seen engaged in religious activities at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo to mark the Unduvap Poya Day, this morning. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Sri Lanka military personnel lower the national flag at the Galle Face Promenade at sunset. The Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force take turns on the daily hoisting and lowering of the national flag, which has become a special attraction at the Galle

People enjoying leisure time with their family members and friends at the Galle Face Green and Wellawatta beaches during Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Midnight Mass was held at the St. Francis Xavier’s Church, Halpe last night to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Pictures show the Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Ranjith conducting the services. Pix by Lahiru Harshana

The Colombo cityscape transforms into a tapestry of festive colors as people eagerly prepare for the Christmas Mass. Families adorned in traditional attire and festive clothing emerge from their homes, carrying the warmth of the season with them. Pix

An unusual Christmas tree made of using live vegetable plants grown and sent by people from all across Sri Lanka will go down in history as the country’s first ever crowd-sourced vegetable plant Christmas Tree.

Santastic 2023, a Christmas festival for little hearts and women entrepreneurs, organized by Lions International Multiple District 306, held at Vihara Maha Devi Park with many attendance including Chairman LCIF Brian Sheehan and Lady Lorrie Sheehan.

Operation ’Yukthiya’, an island-wide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings, is ongoing in various parts of the country. Authorities have been successful in apprehending suspects, and there have been significant seizures of

The Police and the Special Task Force personnel, deployed to dismantle organized criminal networks and combat major drug trafficking as part of the island-wide operation ’Yukthiya,’ are seen conducting searches on individuals and motor vehicles i

Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, conducted an inspection visit to oversee the construction progress of the new four-story children’s ward complex at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital. The construction is financially supp

People are busy purchasing cribs in Wattala before Christmas celebrations. Making and erecting nativity scenes using handmade cribs is a usual practice in Sri Lanka during Christmas. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Operation ’Yukthiya’, an islandwide crackdown on organized crime and major drug trafficking rings continues in many parts of the country with suspects being arrested and properties being seized.

The ’Sri Rahul Prathibha 2023’ art and photography exhibition the Sri Rahul Maha Vidyalaya, Kotugoda, Gampaha was held at the college yesterday where paintings by the students were showcased. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Members of the Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped staged a protest march to the New Town Hall today in view of International White Cane Day. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Streets of Colombo were lit up for the festive season last night. Sri Lanka is gearing up for the festive season as the government has claimed the country is out of the economic downturn. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

A felicitation ceremony named ‘Siri Asiri’ to honour veteran journalist Siri Ranasinghe, who has held the editorship of Lankadeepa for 33 consecutive years was held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute (SLFI) this evening. Pix by Nimalsiri Ediri

An NVQ certificate award ceremony hosted by the Public Assistance Department of the Colombo Municipal Council got underway at the New Town Hall today (20) under the patronage of Colombo Municipal Council Commissioner Badrani Jayawardana. A total of 1

A carnival ’Sathutu Lanthaya’ commenced at the BMICH today featuring fun activities and games for kids during this festive season. The event will be held till December 24 from 3.00 pm to 12 midnight. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

A special sale of items associated with pets, such as cats and dogs, got off the ground at Tayo Bear, Gregory’s Road Colombo today. The sale is organized by Catthew and Co in partnership with ANIM8.lk and Tayo Bear. Animal foods, clothes, mugs and

Bringing the holiday spirit to Colombo, the Presidential Secretariat and its vicinity was adorned with illuminations and decorations. An event was held to mark the lighting up of the city which was graced by officials including Chief of Defence Staff

A group organized a protest at Lipton Circus in Colombo demanding a ceasefire, humanitarian access and an end to occupation, in support of Palestine. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel