Ranil on Leadership and Fonseka

UNP Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses the media briefing today at the Opposition Leaders Office where he spoke about the party leadership and organizing a petition to release former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Astonishing accident, eight Ferraris

Police officers investigate wrecked luxury cars at the site of a traffic accident on the Chugoku Expressway in Shimonoseki, southwestern Japan in this December 4, 2011 photo taken by Kyodo. Ten people were slightly injured in the pile up involving eight Ferraris, a Lamborghini, two Mercedes-Benz and two Japanese cars, according to the police. A group of luxury sports car fans were believed to be driving together when the accident occurred, loca

JVP protest against the budget

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) held a protest today in Kiribathgoda against the budget.  They said that the budget does not provide concessions to the people. Seen here JVP leaders protesting in the Kiribathgoda town.  Pix By Pradeep Dilruckshana

Battle for leadership

UNP MP Ranijth Madduma Bandara flanked by Ven Meetiyagoda Wimalaratana Thera and MP Buddika Pathirana are seen at the media conference in which they announced the expected leadership battle in the UNP between current leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and his deputy Karu Jayasuriya. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Russian parliamentary elections 2011

Parliamentary elections are currently underway in the Russian Federation. Seen here Russian nationals in Sri Lanka casting their votes today at the Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo 7. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Wold Aids Day in Batticaloa

The pictures show prisoners of the Batticaloa Prison taking part in a procession to mark World Aids Day yesterday. Pix by Sivam Packiyanathan

International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Batticaloa

The Intentional Day of Persons with Disabilities procession took place along Customs Road towards the William Ault Memorial Hall in Batticaloa today. Pix by Sivam Packiyanathan Batticaloa

Self-Employed hold rally to support Govt.

The National Association for the Self-Employed held a rally at the Fort railway station today, supporting the government’s decision to employ Samurdhi Development officers in the state sector. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Let Palestine live freely

The Socialist Youth Union (SYU) organized a rally in Colombo today to support the Palestinian people. They urged that Palestine should be given the right to exist freely as they have undergone many sacrifices. The participants also signed a petition to support the theme ‘Let Palestine lives freely’. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Army civil work force awarded with medals

The Northern and East Humanitarian Operation Medals were given to the civil work force of the Sri Lanka Army for their contribution during the Northern and Eastern humanitarian operations to defeat the LTTE and to rescue civilians from the clutches of terrorists. The medals were handed over to them at a ceremony held today at the Army Headquarters under the patronage of Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. Pix by Kirthsiri De Mel

Protest again Grero crossing over

Residents in the Ratmalana area today staged a protest against Minister Mohan Lal Grero crossing over to the Government. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Marking the 120th anniversary

Marking the 120th anniversary of Musaeus College Colombo today, president Mahinda Rajapaksa declared open a newly constructed building in the school. Musaeus College is the oldest Buddhist private girls’ school in the country. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

J’pura Uni students protest

The Students’ Union of Sri Jayawardenapura University staged a protest in front of the University premises today urging the government to remove the Vice Chancellor (VC), Revoked their hostel suspension and letting the university students to learn in freely manner. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Sathyagraha by Engi.Corp employees

A group of employees of the State Engineering Corporation held a Sathyagraha today against number of decisions taken by the authorities which include retiring employees when they reach 55 years and without extending it up to 60 years. The protesters then held a peace march towards the Presidential Secretariat to hand over a petition. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana

Socialist youth demand jobs

The Socialist Youth Union held a protest today demanding new jobs and condemned the budget. A tense situation prevailed when they attempted to enter the premises of the Ministry of Finance. The police used tear gas to disperse the protesters.  Pix by Samantha Perera

Akashi in Sri Lanka

Japan's Special Peace and Reconciliation Envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi addressed the media a short while ago. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Oil pipeline leak

The pictures show the leak in the pipeline carrying crude oil from the Colombo Port to the Kollonnawa storage facility, which happened in the Grandpass-Mawatta area. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Rally to free Fonseka

UNP MPs, other opposition parties and supporters staged a rally in Colombo today in protest against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka’s arrest, the 2012 budget and what opposition parties referred to as a government dictatorship and suppression of the people. The picture shows a supporter wearing fake handcuffs and a military cap to depict Fonseka. (Pix by Kushan Pathiraja)

VPA students Protest

A protest was held today opposite the University of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) by the students accusing the authorities of discrimination as well as the withdrawal of facilities. A large number of students assembled were seen shouting slogans and exhibiting posters condemning the actions of the authorities. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Discussing the inquiry

President's Counsel Thirantha Walaliyadda is seen talking to the daughter of Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, Hirunika and her mother after the inquiry before the Colombo Chief Magistrates Court today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

100 new buses to CTB fleet

100 new buses were added to the CTB fleet today, when the second phase of an initiative under the Mahinda Chinthanaya programme which aims at increasing the number of CTB buses to 7,500, got underway at the Udahamulla bus depot. The cabinet has approved the import of 500 buses which costs Rs.3.7 million each. Seen here are Transport Minister Kumara Welgama and SLTB chairman M.D Bandusena at the handing over ceremony. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

First accident on Expressway

The pictures show the first accident which took place on the Southern Expressway this morning at Kahatuduwa. The expressway was declared open last morning, in a ceremony by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Pix by Buddika Kumarasiri

Take a ride on the Southern Expressway

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen steering his way ahead together with his family members along the southern expressway which was declared open at Karandeniya this morning to the momentous moment marking the opening of the country’s first expressway. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Opening of the country’s first expressway

President Mahinda Rajapakse and first lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa walks alongside former Japan's special peace envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi following the opening of the country’s first expressway in Galle on today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Monkey Buffet Festival

A long-tailed macaque licks an ice cube with fruits encased in it during the annual Monkey Buffet Festival at the Pra Prang Sam Yot temple in Lopburi, 150km (94 miles) north of Bangkok November 27, 2011. The festival provides food and drinks to the local monkey population, which numbers more than 2,000, to thank them for drawing tourists to the town. REUTERS

Pakistan naval ship SAIF on good will visit to Sri Lanka

Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF is on her Goodwill visit to Sri Lanka from November 26 – 29. Both countries enjoy warm diplomatic and strong military ties and as part of goodwill, Pakistan Navy ships frequently pay port visits to Sri Lanka. These visits further strengthen the existing strong relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Such interactions also demonstrate both navies resolve to contribute towards achieving a more secure and conduci

University crisis deepens-UNP

A media briefing was held under the patronage of Gampaha District UNP Parliamentarian and President of the National Youth Front Ruwan Wijeyawardena about the crisis taking place within universities and steps taken by authorities to pressurize students. Pix By Nisal Baduge

Protest by JVP

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) distributed hand bills to create awareness among the public about the proposals made by the budget for next year and vowed to defeat the budget. They urged the authorities to give more assistance and facilities to the public without wasting funds. The protest was held at the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

The Legal Aid Commission of Sri Lanka organised a Sticker Campaign at the Bastian Stand in Colombo today, to inaugurate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Tough luck for jaywalkers

The Colombo City Traffic Police have been taking strict action against people for jaywalking since October 1. Seen here is an individual being fined by a policeman this morning in Punchi Borella for jaywalking. Police also request the public to use pedestrian crossings to prevent road accidents and traffic congestion. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi