Video: To be questioned for 24 hours

The Colombo Additional Magistrate today granted permission to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to question Ravindu Vaas Gunawardena for 24 hours. Ravindu was arrested in connection with the killing of businessman Shyam in Bambalapitiya. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel ???

Against Weliwerya killigs

The joint opposition held a protest today outside the Fort Railway Station over last week’s killings in Weliweriya. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Video: Final kiss to her beloved

The weeping mother of 19 year old Ravishan kisses her son one final time before she bids farewell to her beloved. Ravishan was killed during the unrest in Weliveriya after he sustained gunshot injuries on the head.(Pix by Deepa Adikari) ???

Video: Diploma for a fee?

The Government Nursing Officers Association staged a protest near the National Hospital Colombo today against the issuing nursing diploma certificates without proper training for a fee. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana.

Ranil at Weliweriya

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe this evening visited the funeral house of Ravishan Perera, who died due to the injuries sustained in the clash in Weliweriya. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: Protest over Weliweriya killings

The People’s Movement for Democracy today staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway station condemning the Weliweriya killings. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja ???

Video: Exams begin…

2013-Advanced Level Examination began today in 2,164 examination centres. 292,706 students are facing for the examination this year. Pictures show several students leaving examination centres after the conclusion of the first day of the examination.  Pix by Nisal Baduge.

The President seen on board the tugboat Suranimala

The first terminal under the Colombo South Port Expansion Project funded and constructed by the Colombo International Container Terminals PVT Limited was declared open today by President MahindaRajapaksa. It was funded by China and built at an estimated cost of some US$500 million. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

‘Give me my child’

The wailing mother of Akila, who was killed during the unrest in Weliweriya, weeps insisting that her only son be brought back to life. Akila was buried today at the Weliweriya cemetery amidst a large gathering of residents, friends and colleagues. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Tight security for funeral

Security has been tightened in Rathupaswela Weliweriya ahead of the funeral of 17-year-old Akila Dinesh, who was shot dead on Thursday night during a protest against contaminated water. Three persons were killed and several others including journalists, were injured during the clash with the army. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Thalawila St. Anne’s Church Festival

The annual Thalawila St. Anne's Church Festival was held this morning under the patronage of Bishop of Chilaw Rt. Rev. Dr. Valens Mendis. More than 150,000 devotees have reached the church in view of the festival which is one of the major church festivals in Sri Lanka. Pix by Jude Samantha

Weliveriya this morning

The town of Weliweriya resembled a war zone today as buffle vehicles and army personnel patrolled along the roads that were tattered following yesterday’s violence. The clash resulted in the death of a 17 year-old school boy and injured dozens of others. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: Ranil appoints District and Bala Mandala leaders

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today gave appointment letters to the new District and Bala Mandala leaders at the party headquarters Sirikotha. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Gen. Jayasuriya assumes duties as CDS

General Jagath Jayasuriya assumed duties as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) today. The former Army Commander succeeded Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonethileke. Senior members of the military were present at the event which was held at the CDS office in BMICH. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: Army breaks up protest

Army officers are pictured here, assault rifles in hand, attempting to chase away protesting villagers who demanded for pure drinking water. One person was killed with gunshot injuries and fifteen others are currently receiving treatment in hospital

Video: Vaas in Court today

Former DIG Vaas Gunawardena who is a suspect in the killing of millionaire businessman Mohamed Shyam was being brought to the Colombo Chief Magistrates Court today for the Magisterial inquiry before Additional Magistrate A.M.Shahabdeen. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Pilgrims Progress

Pilgrims from Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaithivu, and Trincomalee set off this morning from Ukandai on their journey on foot through the jungle to Katahragama to attend the Esala festival on August 07, 2013. Pix by U.Wijesinghe and Saman Ratnayaka

Video: New Commander assumes duties

Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake assumed duties as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army today. With a 33 year service with the Army and known as a battle hardened officer, he was commissioned as an officer attached to the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) Regiment. He was given a guard of honour today at a military parade held at the CH&FC grounds. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Vel Festival

The annual Vel (Chariot) festival of the Arulmigu Sri Sivasubramaniya Swamy Kovil in Slave Island, Colombo started on July 23. The festival will go on till August 4. The chariot carrying Lord Murugan parades the streets of Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Video: Handing over duties…

Outgoing army chief Jagath Jayasuriya handing over the ceremonial Sword to his successor, Major General Daya Ratnayake today at a ceremony in Colombo. Pix by Pradeep K. Pathirana

'Mirror shines'

Daily Mirror was among the winners at the Journalism Awards for Excellence 2012 held at the Mount Lavinia hotel this evening. Among the winners were Channaka de Silva, who won the Sports Journalist of the Year award and the Scoop of the Year award; Awantha Artigala, winner of the Best Cartoonist award; and Lakna Paranamanna, the Denzil Peiris Young Reporter of the Year. Sister paper, the Sunday Times won the Best Designed Newspaper. Pix by Waru

Army Commander bids farewell

The final parade inspected by the outgoing Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya was held at the CH & FC grounds today. Soldiers representing all divisions and brigades of the Sri Lanka Army participated. Pix by Samantha Perera

Video: Factory closed

The factory which was at the centre of a controversy over the pollution of ground water in several areas in the Gampaha district was closed yesterday after Minister of Public Relations Mervin Silva forcefully entered the premises together with a group of his supporters and ordered it to be closed. Pix by Deepa Adikari ???

Second highway adds novel safety features

The 25.8-kilometre Katunayake Expressway which links Colombo with the Bandaranaike International Airport is scheduled to be opened in September. The picture shows a new addition to Sri Lanka’s second highway. Emergency phone booths have been installed on the expressway so that road users could contact the control room in case of any emergency. Pix by Nisal Baduge

MR meets media heads

President Mahinda Rajapaksa met media heads at Temple Trees this morning. Some ministers were also present. Pix by Presidential media

Do you see what I see?

Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi is seen having a nap during the Ranaviru Real Star Musical programme on Saturday, while first Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and Anoma Rajapaksa are seated next to her. Courtesy ADA

3 identified; no parade for Atha Kota, 8 others

Three out of four suspects produced before the Avissawella Magistrate were today identified as being involved in the killing of Noori Tea Estate Superintendent Nihal Perera. Avissawella Chief Magistrate and District Judge D.H.A. Seneviratne ordered an identification parade when 21 suspects were produced at the magisterial inquiry in connection with the killing. Pix by Dasun Rajapaksa and Ranjani Somachandra

Against cattle slaughter

Avihinsa wadi youth association today staged a walking protest from Rajagiriya to Kotte Municipal council against cattle slaughtering in the Kotte area. A Sandeshaya was handed over to the Kotte Mayor. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Video: Mervyn at Nawaloka

Public Relations Minister Mervyn Silva is seen here addressing the media at the Nawaloka hospital over the assault of his son after a clash in the car park of Odel by an unidentified group, in Town Hall today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja ???

Video: A Green Day

The Miss Earth Green Walk organized by the Western provincial Environment Ministry was held today at the Independence Square in Colombo. To grace this occasion Environmental Minister Susil Premajayantha, Western Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammanpila and the world Miss Earth Tereza Fajksova participated at the occasion. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshina