Appearing in court

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka appeared at the Supreme Court in the latest hearing in the white flag case held today. Seen here is Fonseka being escorted by Prisons officials to court.  Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Ex LTTEers celebrate Women’s Day

Former LTTE women cadres, now being rehabilitated under the supervision of the security forces, celebrated International Women’s Day at the Vavuniya UC Park in the grand way. A stage play they performed portraying the discrimination of women was the main highlight of the ceremony.  Pix by Romesh Madusanka

Campaigning on women’s day

A child holding flowers walks near her mother during a demonstration to mark International Women's Day in Lima, March 2011. REUTERS

Vovinam

Indian Muslim schoolgirls perform “Vovinam”, the Vietnamese martial art at Saint Maaz High School in Hyderabad on March 8, 2011, on the occasion of the International Women's Day. Some 40 students encouraged by their parents and school officials are learning the art of self defence by using swords and sticks during school hours. This year is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day since its creation. AFP

Ketagoda meets SF in Prison

Newly sworn-in DNA MP Jayantha Ketagoda visited former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka at the Welikada prison after taking oaths as a Member of Parliament today. The Parliamentary seat was made vacant due to the imprisonment of Fonseka. Here MP Ketagoda is seen speaking to the media in front of the Prisons Headquarters. Pics by Pradeep Parthirana

Demanding price reductions

The “Women’s Movement for Freedom” held a protest in front of the Fort Railway station today to mark the International Women’s Day.  The protestors demanded the reduction of prices of commodities and the high cost of living. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya

Hermit crabs

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Exercising their franchise

Postal voting is currently underway for the upcoming Local Government elections.  The picture shows security personnel and other government officials in Vavuniya, Matara, Colombo and Galle exercising their franchise. Pix by Romesh Madushanka, Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk, Pradeep Dilrukshana & Samantha Perera

King Kong in Rio

Revelers of the Salgueiro samba school participate in the second night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome March 7, 2011.    REUTERS

Celebrating International Women's Day

The National Ceremony to celebrate the International Women's Day was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium this afternoon. The picture shows President Mahinda Rajapaksa being given a memento at the event. Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya

Good governance

The National Bikkhu Front today called on the government to change over to good governance to mark the 2600 Sambuddha Jayantiya and ease the burden borne by the people with the high cost of living. The picture shows Chief Patron of the National Bikkhu Front, Ven Atthanagne Raranapala Thera addressing the media. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Signing agreements

The Sri Lankan and Brazilian governments today signed several agreements pertaining to the extension of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of the two countries. The picture shows Sri Lankan External Affaires Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and Brazilian External Relations Minister Antonio Patriota during their meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rio Carnival

Revellers of the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome March 6, 2011. REUTERS

Winter Carnival

Hungarian people wear masks during the traditional Buso Carnival in Mohacs, southern Hungary March 6, 2011. At the Buso Carnival, which lasts for six days, locals bury the winter and party before the start of lent. According to legend, the masks helped locals scare away the Turks in the 16th century. REUTERS

Inter-schools rugby 7’s

Defending league championships St. Peter’s began the 2011 all-island inter-school rugby campaign under 20 inter-schools rugby 7’s for the second successive year defeating Kingswood by 24 points to 15 in the final played at the  Royal Sports Complex grounds in Reid Avenue yesterday. The picture shows Peterite play maker Sandun Herath in action in the final against Kingswood yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

“Walk for Cancer”

“Walk for Cancer” a cancer awareness and fundraising event organized by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society was held at the Green Path this afternoon. The picture shows a youngster who took part in the walk imprinting her palm print to show support to Sri Lanka Cancer Society and raise awareness regarding Cancer in Sri Lanka. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Showing off dog skills

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Wet weather in the evening

The Meteorology Department predicted thunder showers in the evening today in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces coupled with heavy winds. Light showers are also expected in other parts of the country. The Department also warned of lightning

Air Force 60th Anniversary

Large number of visitors are arriving to the Air Force exhibition and carnival organized in Ratmalana to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It started on March 2 and it will be held till the 8th of March. The main attractions are the exhibits, air displays, air demonstrations and fly pasts. Pics By Pradeep Dilruckshana

Rain stops play

Groundsmen cover the field as it rains during the ICC Cricket World Cup group A match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo March 5, 2011.  REUTERS

President welcomed by Mervyn

President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the first election rally at the Nawaloka Grounds in Welisara yesterday. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and other public representatives in the Gampaha district were also present at the rally. Pics By Gayan Amarasekara

Preparing for battle

Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara (L), Lasith Malinga (C), and Muttiah Muralitharan take a break during a practice session yesterday, ahead of today’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia in Colombo. REUTERS

Showing school spirit

The 77th big-match between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College began today at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium. Seen in the picture are students buying souvenirs to support their school for the game. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Best comfort for the sick

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa inspecting the condition of a bed while Minister Maithreepala Sirisena looking on at the National Healthcare Exhibition started today at the BMICH. Pix by Pradeep Dilrikshana

Jumbo survives Hakka Patas explosion

A wild elephant lying with serious injuries caused by an illegal hunting device called Hakka Patas laid by a poacher in Nanattan area in Mannar, was handed over to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home for treatment

Awarding journalism diplomas

The Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ) held its 7th annual diploma award ceromony yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. The chief guest at the occasion was the Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad. 72 were awarded diplomas yesterday for the year 2010. Pics by Nisal Baduge.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

US soldiers wear chemical warfare gear during a joint military exercise with South Korea at a US Army base in Dongducheon, 40kms north of Seoul, on March 3, 2011 aimed to simulate the detection and disposal of North Korea's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.  US and South Korean soldiers displayed their techniques for handling weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the face of North Korea's nuclear sabre-rattling

Minister displeased with dirty kitchen

Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera yesterday visited the Welikada prison to attend a book distribution ceremony. The Minster who visited the prison kitchen after the ceremony expressed his displeasure on the uncleanliness of the kitchen. He instructed the Prison Commissioner to look into the matter and to improve its standard.  Pics by Janaka Galappaththi

Final rites for a fallen hero

The remains of Flight Lt. Monath Perera who died in the mid-air collision of two Kafir jets on Tuesday morning are lying at present at a relative’s house at Kitulampitiya in Galle where he attended school. The remains would be taken to his Alma Mater, Mahinda College Galle on Saturday morning for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will take place at the Samanala Grounds in Galle on Saturday evening. Pix by Sajeewa Wijeweer

Protecting their jobs

The All Island Provincial Revenue Services Unity held a protest in Pettah today calling on the authorities to address their employment issues. The picture shows members of the Revenue Services Unity shouting slogans during the protest. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja