Sri Lanka on August 2

This is 2nd of August. It is day 214 of the year. As of today, there are 151 days left until the end of the year. If you are curious about the most important and notable historical footprint of Sri Lanka, let us delve into more On This Day events to uncover fascinating tidbits from the nation's history that covers for 365 days.

Today’s Highlight

• 1871 – A new steamer named “Serendib” arrived at Colombo.
• 1879 – A banquet was held at the opening of the Grand Oriental Hotel in Colombo.
• 1952 – Indonesia and Sri Lanka officially established diplomatic relations.
• 1963 – The Sri Lanka national netball team, then known as Ceylon, made its debut at the World Netball Championships in Eastbourne, England, and played against Australia.
• 1989 – 63 civilians, including women and children, were killed by the Indian army in Valvettithurai, Jaffna.
• 1994 – A Sri Lanka Air Force Bell 212 helicopter was shot down by small arms fire during civil war.
• 2006 – Fighting broke out when the LTTE launched a heavy artillery attack on Muttur.
• 2008 – The LTTE lost control of the Mannar District after the fall of Vellankulam town.
• 2017 – SLNS Sayurala (P623), a Saryu Class Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel and flagship of the navy, was commissioned.