Narahenpita Economic Centre reopens

The Narahenpita Dedicated Economic Centre, which had been closed for several days will reopen today. With this in view, Colombo Municipal Council Fire Brigade Unit and several employees of the Municipal Health Department yesterday sterilized the building as well as certain produces brought for sale. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

One metre distance marked

The health officials of the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte Municipality are seen marking the distance of one metre in public places as a measure to prevent COVID-19, under the instructions of Mayor Madhura Vithanage. Accordingly, the marks have been made outside ATM machines, banks, pharmacies and retail shops.

Beggars bring fears to area

A considerable number of beggars are seen roaming around the Ragama area, some of whom do not maintain proper health practices. Residents of the area raise concerns over this because these beggars are given food by the Navy officers of the Welisara Navy Camp from which several Covid-19 infected officers were found.

Patrol boats along Kelani River

Three boats have been put on patrol along the Kelani River by the Sri Lanka Navy. This step has been taken following the isolation of some areas along the river bank including Nagalagam Street.

Priority to protection

Workers attached to the Colombo Municipal Council are seen engaged in clearing garbage in the city wearing protective clothing. This is the usual case after the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

To collect Rs. 5,000 allowance

Long queues were seen outside Grama Niladhari offices to receive the Rs. 5,000 allowance, which is distributed by the Government to people whose livelihood has come to a standstill as a result of the COVID-19 situation.

Deserted…

Colombo city and suburbs were seen deserted due to the curfew restrictions

‘Bakmaha Akunu’

Stunning pictures of lightning were captured as a result of ‘Bakmaha Akunu’ that takes place in the month of April. Seen here are lightning strikes appeared in the sky above the Western Province yesterday.

Thank you!

Several children in the Buttala area are seen holding posters thanking the decision taken by the government last evening to close all liquor shops. Liquor shops were allowed to open yesterday and large number of people were seen queuing up to buy liquor. The decision to open liquor shops was met with heavy criticism by the people

Stranded students arrive

SriLankan plane carrying 113 Sri Lankan students from Lahore & Karachi, Pakistan landed at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), Katunayake today.

Remembering Easter Sunday attack victims

A prayer service was held today in memory of the victims of the Easter Sunday attacks of April 21, last year at St. Anthony’s Church, Kochchikade. It was one of the targets of the terrorists who attacked three churches and three hotels. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Mobile ATM units

The Bank of Ceylon deployed ‘Bank-on-Wheels’ Mobile ATM units in areas where curfews is in force, to provide urgently needed access to cash to members of the public. Seen here are mobile ATM units around the Ragama area.

Spreading Corona?

People in areas where curfew was relaxed were seen in long queues at wine stores even without following health instructions. Pix by Prasanna Padmasiri

No ice to preserve fish in Moratuwa

Fisherfolk of Moratu-Modara complained that they have no means of obtaining ice cubes to preserve fish though they have passes to sell fish during the curfew. They said the warehouses where ice cubes are being made, have been closed in Moratuwa and Panadura areas. Therefore, the fishermen said they are compelled to go to Peliyagoda to buy ice for exorbitant prices.

Veggies in abundance

People were seen buying vegetables and fruits at the Narahenpita Dedicated Economic Center

Rich in safety

Beggers are one of the most affected groups due to COVID-19 pandemic in the country as the sources of their daily earnings have been disrupted. Such a beggar was spotted in Colombo today. However, he was seen wearing a face mask in line with COVID-19 preventive measures.

Rescued...

A trapped leopard was rescued near the Samanala Forest Reserve in a private land owned by the Gartmore Estate in Maskeliya. The animal was tranquilized nearly nine hours later by a veterinarian of the Wildlife Department this afternoon, and taken to the Minipe Veterinary Hospital for further treatment.

Sharing humanity...

A policeman attached to the Meegahawaththa Police, Delgoga was spotted offering his meal to several dogs in the area.

Looking for fresh veggies…

A foreigner probably a Chinese national is seen showing a chit to a vendor at the Manning Market and he seemed to be looking for some fresh vegetables.

CME recommences operations

Operations of the Central Mail Exchange (CME) which were halted for nearly a month due to the coronavirus outbreak was re-commenced today. Pix by PradeepPathirana

Making disinfection chambers

Workers of the Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte Municipal Council are seen making a number of disinfection chambers to be installed at public institutions under the supervision of Kotte Mayor Madura Vithanage. Pix by Warunna Wanniaracchi.

Caring despite helplessness

A woman on the street was seen caring for dogs regardless of her being helpless.

Homeless persons to quarantine centre

Around 200 homeless persons including those who were engaged in small scale trade and depending on daily income were taken to the quarantine centre in Sampur by a joint operation carried out by Navy, police and the Public Health officers. The operation was carried out to prevent the spread of COVID-19

CETA donates face shields to Kalubowila Hospital

The Colombo Electrical Traders Association (CETA) recently donated 100 face shields to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital on the request of Hospital Director Dr. Asela Gunawardena. The donation was done in the presence of CETA President Dhammika Samarawickrama, Co- Secretary Asgar Alli Akber Alli and Dr. Crishan Kularathnam.

Deserted…

Most of the streets in Colombo and Kandy Road look deserted due to the police curfew imposed in Colombo and other parts of the country. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Kushan Pathiraja

Crocodiles on the loose

While there are hardly any humans to be seen in Ampara with the islandwide curfew strictly enforced, animals have come out in their numbers to enjoy the sun and rain.

Oil anointing at Gangaramaya Temple

The traditional anointing of oil ceremony in lieu of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year was held at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo with the participation of monks and few people at the temple. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Happy & Healthy New Year!

We wish our readers a healthy and a prosperous National New Year filled with happiness and peace.

Colombo blossoms

The month of April considered as the beginning of ’spring season’ in the country when trees flourish with fruits and blossoms. Seen here is Colombo deserted due to COVID-19 measures but alive with trees covered with vibrant colours of blossoms.

S14 power sets arrive from China

Four S14 power sets ordered by the Railways Department arrived in Sri Lanka from China yesterday. The order was placed before the COVID-19 pandemic spread across the world. The first shipment of five power sets out of the nine, arrived in Sri Lanka earlier this year.