January 20

This is 20th of January. It is day 20 of the year. As of today, there are 345 days left until the end of the year. If you are curious about the 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

• 1816 – Gastroenteritis, also known as infectious diarrhea, was first identified in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• 1881 – The Giriulla Bridge, an iron lattice bridge with a 300-foot span, was opened over the Maha Oya River, costing Rs 86,000, connecting the Western and North-Western provinces.
• 2009 – The Visuvamadu shelling, which began on January 17 in Mullaitivu, killed 17 people.
• 2009 – Shelling in Suthanthirapuram, Thevipuram, Udayarkattu, and Vallipuram in Mullaitivu district killed over 18 people.