Video: Pillay meets relatives of the disappeared

UN Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay has today visited Mullaitivu to meet relatives of people who had disappeared during the end stage of the war. Pix by Romesh Madushanka ???

Meeting over Weliweriya issue

A meeting was held in Weliweriya today with the participation of UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe over the recent Weliweriya incidents. Many UNP parliamentarians, including Karu Jayasuriya, Tissa Attanayake and Ruwan Wijewardene were also present at the meeting. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: Raid on scales

The officers of the Department of Measurement Units, Standards and Services raided sales outlets in Pettah today. Five unlicensed weighing scales and ten scales indicating an incorrect weight were taken into Police custody.  Pix by Nisal Baduge

To soar like the kites

Children are seen flying kites at the Galle Face Green which is a popular destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. Schools in the country are currently on vacation. (Pix by Samantha Perera)

Video: Ravana Balaya against Pillay visit

Protesters carrying placards against the visit of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay marching to UN compound in Thummulla. The protest march was organised by Ravana Balaya organisation today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana ???

Doggy wedding!

The Police Kennels Headquarters organised a doggy wedding ceremony in Kandy to marry some of the canines in their care.Nearly twenty canine couples were ‘married’ at the ceremony.  Pix by Shane Senaviratne

Showcasing their talents

The annual ‘Sunshine Camp’ organised by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) for the differently abled commenced today at the Dehiwela YMCA premises. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: OMG! I’m scared

The scholarship exam for Grade five students commenced this morning at 2,836 examination centres.  Picture shows students were waiting to enter an examination centre. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: MR inspects Colombo-Katunayake Highway

President Mahinda Rajapaksa on his way to Belarus this morning inspected the Colombo-Katunayake Highway, the President’s office said. The President held talks with officers involved with the road construction as well.

Pillay in Colombo

United Nations Human Rights Chief Navaneethan Pillay who arrived in the country this morning, is seen here on her arrival at the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel, Colombo, where she will be staying. (Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)

New STF personnel

Nearly 403 personnel including 24 women constables recruited to the Special Task Force (STF) today passed out after a course of comprehensive training in Katukurunda. Pic by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Enjoining order against Fonterra vacated

Representatives of Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Limited were seen at the Gampaha District Court today where the enjoining order issued against Fonterra Brands Lanka (Pvt) Limited preventing the company from releasing, distributing or advertising its products was vacated. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: Colombo dockyard launches 400 passenger vessel ‘MV. Corals’

The Colombo Dockyard launched a 400 Passenger cum 250 Ton Cargo Vessel today that is being built for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration, Government of India. Shri J. Ashok Kumar Secretary PSA — UTLA took part in the launch. This is the first of two vessels being built. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: Demo against UDA court case

Nearly 700 Ampara Daya Apparel Exports (PVT) Ltd employees and their parents staged a demonstration near the Ampara Magistrate’s Court today against a case filled by the Urban Development Authority (UDA). Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala ???

Video: ‘I’m nobody’s child’

An infant looks on helplessly while vociferous protestors and his guardian demand the withdrawal of Fonterra. A group of around 200 of the National Freedom Front (NFF) including Politiburo member M. Muzammil screamed slogans outside the Fonterra Complex in Biyagama today using a coffin on top of which they placed the helpless child. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja ???

Video: Japanese princess on a Minneriya safari

The visiting Japanese princess Tsuguko Of Takamado went on a safari to the Minneriya National Park. Sri Lankan Ambassador Wasantha Karannagoda accompanied the Princes. Pix by Karunaratne Gamage

RTF seizes Whey Protein

The Customs Revenue Task Force (RTF) today seized several undeclared cans of Whey Protein brought by incoming passengers. It was in powder and liquid form. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: Final Randoli Perahera

The final Randoli Perahera of the Esala Festival of the Sri Dalanda Maligwa in Kandy paraded the streets last night. Here the Tusker is seen carrying the casket leaving the Maligawa. Pix by Waruna Wanniarchchi and Shane Seneviratne

Randoli Perahara tonight

The world renowned Randoli Perahara is currently being held in Kandy. Pictures show youth preparing for the festival that is hailed as one of the most colourful street processions the world over. Devotees also gather at the Temple of the sacred tooth relic during this time of the year. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

'Gotabayage Yuddaya' unveiled

The launch of a book by Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa entitled 'Gotabhayage Yuddaya' an introspective collection of events that led to the crushing of Tamil Tiger Terrorism in Sri Lanka in Sinhala (the English version of Gota's War), documented by veteran journalist C.A. Chandraprema, took place last evening at a glittering ceremony at the Grand Ballroom of the Waters Edge in Battaramulla. Picture shows, Defence Secretary Gota

Japanese princess arrives

Princess Tsuguko of Takamado, the eldest daughter of Japanese Prince Takamado arrived in Sri Lanka on Monday night on a four-day visit, following an invitation extended to her by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa during their visit to Japan in March this year. Picture shows the Princess being received at the Bandaranaike Airport. Pix. by Deepa Adhikari

A visit to the Museum

Thailand’s Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn who arrived the country for a four-day visit, is seen at the Colombo National Museum today. (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)

Nadeeka among the best in the world

Sri Lanka javelin throw champion Nadeeka Lakmali was placed 12th in the women’s javelin throw final at the 14th IAAF World Athletics Championship 2013 at Luzhniki in Russia yesterday. REUTERS

Thai Princess arrives

Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand arrived in the country on Sunday starting a four day visit. Pix by Deepa Adikari

CMC files burnt in cemetery

More than 6,000 files and other documents of the Secretary’s Department, Colombo Municipal Council have been disposed of and secretly burnt at the Borella Cemetery. However, a group of members of the council, both belonging to the ruling party and the opposition who rushed to the scene saved several files and handed them over to the Mayor Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Video: Midshipmen passing out parade

SL Army Commander Daya Rathnayake was the Chief Guest in the passing out of Navy officers as Midshipmen, which took place at the Trincomalee Navy Base last Friday (16) Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Inaugural Randoli Perahera

The first Randoli Perahera in this year’s Kandy Esala celebrations is scheduled to leave the precincts of Sri Dalada Maligawa today at 7.21 pm and parade through, Dalada Veediya, D S Senanayke Veediya, Temple Road Deva Veediya, Colombo Street, E L Senanayake Veediya, Cross Road and Raja Veediya, and re enter Sri Dalada Maligawa. Pix by Shane Seneviratne

Bollywood stars in Colombo

Bollywood stars Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma share a light moment during a news conference, at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel in Colombo. It was held to inform the media about the production of the upcoming Bollywood movie Bombay Velvet. Pix by Manoj Rathnayake

A first from Sri Lanka

Nadeeka L. Babaranda Liyanage of Sri Lanka competes in the women's javelin throw qualifying round during the IAAF World Athletics Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow today (August 16) 2013. REUTERS

Launch of the new Cayman

Sri Lanka’s official Porsche importers today launched new the Cayman at the Kingsbury hotel in Colombo. As the third generation Cayman was unveiled, its two predecessor models were also displayed. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana