Images

A religious programme was held at the UNP Head Quarters Sirikotha today guided by Ven. Udahamulle Siriwimala Thera to mark the dawn of Vesak Full Moon Poya Day.  UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and other party members participated at the event. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Three Bikkhunis preparing lanterns to celebrate this year’s Vesak in a temple at Kirindiwela. Vesak is observed traditionally by Buddhists all around the world to commemorate the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna) and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Novice Buddhist monks at the Ampara Vidyananda Pirivena are getting ready for the Vesak festival. A number of religious activities have been scheduled at the Pirivena in view of Vesak. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

Vesak Pandals in Gangarama, Nawaloka, Kosgas Junction and Dematagoda are nearing completion with only a few days left to mark Vesak. Pix by Samantha Perera

The Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) seized a 40-foot container with perfume, shoes and cheese estimated to cost more than Rs.40 million. The officials said that the container had been declared as textile material. Six suspects had been arrested over the incident. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

A fire broke out in a vehicle spare parts shop in New Pradeepa Mawatha, Maligawatta this evening. Police suspect that an electrical leak caused the fire. Maradana police are conducting further investigations. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Most of the private and government institutions participated in the countrywide protest campaign urging the government to immediately withdraw the electricity tariff hike and reduce the soaring cost of living.

The ‘Ravana Balaya’ organisation today handed over a letter to the Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs Ministry condemning its silence over the recent attack on a Buddhist monk. (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)   

Several groups, including artistes have decided to give their support to tomorrow’s strike campaign demanding that the authorities to rescind the electricity tariff formula. Here an artiste distributes leaflets seeking the public’s support for the strike campaign (Pix by Pradeep Pathirana)

Ahead of the World Crocodile Conference to be held in Sri Lanka from May 20 to 23, crocodile experts held a training campaign for veterinary surgeons at the Dehiwala Zoo last Sunday.  The experts taught them how to handle crocodiles when they were brought for treatment. Pix by H.M. Dharmapala