Alms to doorstep

The Gangarama Temple in collaboration with the tri-forces personnel and the police distributed alms to those who observed sill at their homes as the people refrained from visiting temples due to COVID-19 pandemic. Venerable Dr Assaji Thera coordinated the distribution with Minster Bandula Gunawardana.

Dry rations for COVID victims

Around 1800 families in Maradana affected by the COVID-19 were provided with dry rations today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President attends all night pirith sermon at Olaboduwa Raja Maha Viharaya

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa attended the all night pirith sermon held at Olaboduwa Raja Maha Viharaya at Gonapola, Horana in line with the National Vesak Ceremony on May 7. Ven Dr. Diviyagaha Yasasi Thera, Ven. Olaboduwe Dhammika Thera and many other Buddhist monks conduct the pirith sermon. Pix by President’s Media

Moon ring

In a rare occurrence, a halo was seen around the moon last night. The halo is known as a moon ring and it is said a ring around the moon means rains can be expected soon.

Lotus tower lights up for Vesak

The lotus tower was lit up this evening in view of Vesak Poya Day when all other Vesak celebrations across the country have been halted due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Deserted temples on Vesak Poya Day

The Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara and the Gangarama Temple, Hunupitiya are seen deserted on the Vesak Poya Day today due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vesak in the time of Coronavirus

Buddhists, this year, have been restricted to celebrate Vesak staying at homes giving priority to Prathipaththi Pooja due to COVID-19 pandemic. People are not allowed to go out to celebrate Vesak due to social distancing and other health guidelines. Therefore, people are seen decorating their houses with lanterns and other decorations as usual and limit the celebration to homes.

Work amidst curfew

Looking hopeful ahead of Vesak

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures imposed by the health authorities, Vesak celebrations have been limited to homes. However, some vendors were seen selling Vesak lanterns and decorations in and around Colombo.

Dousing the fire at Rajagiriya

The firefighters were seen dousing the fire that erupted at a disinfectant storage facility located in Kalapaluwawa, Rajagiriya today.

The burden of life

Colombo is still under curfew like many other parts of the country due to COVID-19 threats and other restrictions. Here, a man is seen carrying a heavy parcel on his head while carrying another in his hand.

PM at former MPs meeting

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen at the Former MPs meeting at Temple Trees today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Vesak amidst COVID-19

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the preventive measures imposed by the health authorities, the government and the Buddhist monks requested the people to limit Vesak celebrations to their homes. Against this backdrop, some vendors were seen selling Vesak lanterns and decorations in and around Colombo despite the curfew. They said the prices of decorative items have increased due to unavailability of ample supply.

Dayasiri in action

Sri Lanka Freedom Party General Secretary Dayasiri Jayasekera and his supporters sprayed disinfectant in the Hettipola town today as the town prepared to open for business

Imamul Aroos Mawatha re-opens

The Imamul Aroos Mawatha in Maradana, which was declared as isolation area from April 2 after Covid-19 patients was reported, has been re-opened from today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Mattala in operation

The special aircraft, Boeing 767-300ER, carrying around 230 passengers from Nederland, arrived at the Mattala International Airport today. Pix by Dhilip Jayasekara

Still deserted…

Most of the streets in Colombo look deserted due to the police curfew imposed in Colombo and other parts of the country.

May Day, like any other day

Several labourers of local government bodies in and around Colombo are seen performing their tasks even though today has been reserved for them and their rights.

27th death anniversary

The 27th death anniversary of late president Ranasinghe Premadasa was held today at his statue at Keselwatta. Former Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and his wife Jalani participated at the event.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

And they toil...

Some labourers in Sri Lanka were at work today in Colombo on the eve of May Day. There will only be toned down May Day celebrations this year due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Sirikotha disinfected

Sirikotha, the head office of the United National Party (UNP) was disinfected by the health officials of the Kotte Municipal Council yesterday in an attempt to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A team of Municipality, Health officials including PHI Lahiru Karunaratne disinfected the premises under the supervision of Chief PHI Malinda Jayawardena and instructions of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manoj Rodrigo.

Peliyagoda Fish Market back in operation

The Peliyagoda fish market where operations were suspended operations has resumed activities.

Manning market abuzz

Porters and people were busy at the Manning Market in Pettah yesterday.

PCR tests on CMC employees

PCR tests were carried out on CMC employees after a CMC employee was tested positive for COVID-19 in 60 Watte in Narahenpita. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Disinfecting…

Public places of the Ragama area were fumigated by the Ja-Ela Pradeshiya Sabha as a preventive measure to contain the spread of prevailing Covid-19.

Stranded Sri Lankans arrive

A group of Sri Lankans, who were stranded in India due to the Covid-19 situation, arrived in the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake

Utilising abandoned lands…

Farmers are seen cultivating barren paddy lands in the Gampaha area. They were compelled to abandon any cultivation due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. The farmers have slowly begun the cultivation of the lands in the recent past.

CAA officials carry out raids

Officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) carried out raids in Ragama and Kadawatha areas to find out whether vegetables and other goods on mobile sales service are sold at exorbitant prices.

Mt. Lavinia artificial beach in the making

The beach stretch between the Kalutara and Mount Lavinia is being filled in order to expand it and create an artificial beach. The construction works are being expedited during the curfew since the area has been deserted. Pix by Rekha Tharangani Fonseka

At work despite health risks

Road Development Authority (RDA) employees were seen attending work at Rajagiriya amidst Covid-19 risks in the country.