COVID-19 awareness for state employees

An awareness programme on COVID-19 is underway for the staff members of Ministries, Departments and Corporations and the first in the series was held at the Presidential Secretariat today. Pix by President’s Media Division

US World War II submarine discovered

Researchers have found the resting place of a World War II submarine wreck 11,000 feet below the surface. (Daily Mail)

141st Battle of the Blues

Students and old boys of St. Thomas’ College and Royal College took to the streets of Colombo for the annual pre-match cycle and vehicle parade. The Thomian parade began outside S. Thomas’Preparatory School Kollupitiya, while the Royal College parade began outside the school. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja and Waruna Wanniarachchi

MR signs nomination papers

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday signed nomination papers at the Wijerama Residence in the presence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former President Maithripala Sirisena to contest the upcoming Parliamentary Elections from the Kurunegala Electorate.

Promoting women’s representation

An advocacy event to promote representation of women in the upcoming parliamentary elections organized by the Gender and Elections Working Group (GEWG) was held at Taj Samudra hotel today with the participation of representatives of GEWG and other iconic women in the country. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Leaving just ONE in the world

Kenya’s only female white giraffe and her calf have been killed by poachers on Tuesday, in a major blow for the rare animals found nowhere else in the world, conservationists said.

What an expression!

The election campaign of ex-UNP MP Hirunika Premachadra was kicked off yesterday with Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa and former Ministers Patali Champika Ranawaka and Harsha de Silva gracing the occasion.

Quarantine Centres now ready

Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Shavendra Silva said the tri-services once again shouldering the national responsibility of containing any possible transmission of deadly ’Covid-19’ (Corona virus) in the country.

SJB headquarters opened

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) leader Sajith Premadasa today declared open the SJB headquarters in Ethul Kotte. SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, former MP Gayantha Karunatileke, JHU Leader Patali Champika Ranawaka and former MP Chandrani Bandara participated in the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Observing Medin Poya Day…

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

Commando Regiment celebrates 40 years of Service

The Sri Lanka Army Commando Regiment which celebrates 40 years of exemplary service to the nation held a military display to commemorate this significant milestone yesterday at the Galle Face Green. The display was held under the patronage of the Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and the Colonel of the Commando Regiment Major General Pradeep De Silva.

Devotees at Kataragama Kiri Vehera

Devotees are seen in their numbers at the historical Kiri Vehera Temple in Kataragama today to celebrate Medin full moon Poya day.

Sri Lanka Cricket XI vs England

English skipper Joe Root and Jos Buttler hit half centuries before England were bowled out for 316 at close on day one in their three day encounter against Sri Lanka Cricket XI at Katunayake on Saturday.

Katchatheevu Island’s feast

The St. Anthony’s Church Feast of Kachchathivu island was held yesterday with the participation of a large number of Catholics from Sri Lanka and South India. This year’s feast marked the fourth of its kind conducted upon the completion of new church by the Sri Lanka Navy. As usual, Sri Lanka Navy facilitated the Bishop of Jaffna and District Secretary - Jaffna for organizing this year’s feast. (Pix by Navy Media)

Royal Australian Navy ship in Colombo

The Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Parramatta arrived at the Colombo port yesterday on a goodwill visit, the Navy said.

Big match vehicle parade accident

At least four students were injured when a van participating in a Big Match vehicle parade skidded off the road in Matara this morning, police said. Students from Matara Rahula College were traveling in the vehicle at the time of the accident. One student is in critical condition, hospital sources said. Three other students were taken into police custody, they said.

West Indies sweep Sri Lanka 2-0

Sri Lanka limped their way to 155 for 6 on a good track in Pallekele, as West Indies put in a strong collective bowling effort.

Thai exhibition and fair

Thai exhibition and fair featuring several top Thai brands in Sri Lanka was launched at the BMICH yesterday and will be held until Sunday (08). Visitors can experience the exhibition free of charge.

Medicare 2020

The 11th edition of the Medicare 2020 was launched at the BMICH yesterday under the patronage of Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva. The healthcare exhibition was organised by the Medicare organizing committee in collaboration with specialist medical associations and the Ministry of Health. The exhibition featuring over 230 exhibitors, will be held till Sunday (08).

Norochcholai coal power plant

During a media tour at the Norochcholai coal power plant, power plant manager Indrasiri Gallage said a new 300 megawatt coal power plant will be built as an extension to the existing power plant.

Air Quality Monitoring launched

The Colombo Municipal Council in collaboration with the National Building Research Organization launched a joint programme to monitor ambient air quality within city of Colombo and its outskirts by installing a machine worth Rs.45 million in the CMC premises.

Australian support for COVID-19 data monitoring

The Australian Government in partnership with UNICEF Sri Lanka yesterday delivered four laptops to the Disaster Preparedness and Response Division (DPRD) of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services to support Sri Lanka’s ongoing monitoring of COVID-19.

Hendala residents protest against quarantine centre

Residents at Hekiththa, Hendala today staged a protest against the Government’s move to declare the Hendala Leprosy Hospital as a quarantine centre. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

China’s first lady thanks Devi Balika students

Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has written back to a group of students from Devi Balika Vidyalaya in Sri Lanka, expressing her appreciation for their support for China’s fight against the COVID-19 epidemic and encouraging them to make contributions to carrying forward China-Sri Lanka friendship.

Largest narcotics at deep sea

The Sri Lanka Navy seized the biggest haul of narcotics in an operation at deep sea, a haul of 400 kgs heroin and 100 kgs ice drug (Methamphetamine) worth approximately Rs. 6 billion following an intelligence report to Police Narcotics Bureau. The Navy deployed its Offshore Patrol Vessels and conducted a special operation in high seas to seize the contraband. Pix by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

New passenger boat service

A passenger boat service between Wellawatte and Battaramulla which will be launched on 11 March as a public service was announced yesterday. This allows passengers to travel between the two locations in 30 minutes.

Vega unveils at Geneva Motor Show

The new electric supercar Vega EVX unveiled at the Geneva International Motor Show 2020.

Sri Lanka to host Mrs. World 2021

Sri Lanka was announced as the host country for the prestigious 2021 Mrs. World Pageant during a press conference held at The Kingsbury Hotel earlier today. It was announced by current reigning Mrs. World, Mrs. Caroline Jurie, The Mrs. World Organization (USA), National Director of Mrs. World (Sri Lanka), Mr. Chandimal Jayasinghe and Event Co-Producers, The Colombo Lifestyle Company in partnership with Vogue Jewelers (PVT) Ltd., The Kingsbury Co

Scorching heat

Most of the Sri Lankans are greatly affected by the prevailing high temperatures caused by a heat wave. Seen here are people in Colombo, especially the vendors, trying to seek some solace from the scorching heat. Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

SJB launched…

The official launching of Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) was held at the Nelum Pokuna assembly hall in Colombo.