From darkness to light

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka told a news conference about his plans for the newly registered party under his leadership. The party’s symbol will be the flaming torch and Mr. Fonseka was confident of being  the torchbearer of a new era. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Amicable settlement

Pictures show the suspects of the recent attacks in Pepiliyana, including three monks, being escorted to the court today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Video: Alleged vandals arrested

Eleven suspects arrested for allegedly being involved in the Pepiliyana mob attack, which damaged the property of a heavy duty machinery company and the Fashion Bug clothing store, were remanded today and would be produced at an identification parade at the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court tomorrow. Pictures show the suspects being brought to the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: No comment !

Ousted Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake makes her way out of the Bribery Commission today accompanied by Nalin Ladduwahetty PC and Attorney-at- law Sugath Caldera. The ousted Chief Justice was requested to submit written submissions against the members of the commission today. (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)  

A proud dad

President Mahinda Rajapaksa was seen enjoying the sight of his two sons Namal (a ruling party MP) and Yoshitha, the captain of the Lankan side that took on Chinese Taipei in a Asian 5 nations rugby match that was played last evening at the Havelocks Sports Club grounds in Colombo. Sri Lanka won the match convincingly. Pix courtesy President's Media Division

Gastronomic delight

Head chef at the restaurant whose aim is to give its clientele a taste of crabs of all shapes and sizes, in a variety of delicious dishes, Ministry of Crab, Dharshan, holds a giant crab, weighing 3.2 kgs, in his hands. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

Bodu Bala pubuduwa

The National Conference organized by the National Bhuddist Convention and the Bodu Bala Puduwa was held at White Park, Colombo today. Seen here are those who participated in the event. Pix by Nisal baduge

Plaque unveiled in memory of Malay war heroes

A memorial plaque was unveiled in honour of Malay soldiers who died and went missing in action during the 30-year ethnic conflict which ended in 2009. Pictures by Samantha Perera

Stop hate campaign: Minister

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena arriving at the news conference held this morning at his official residence. Expressing his views about the Thursday night attack on a clothing store in Pepiliyana, he urged the people not to incite hatred against any religion. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Plenty of veges; prices down

Excessive stocks of vegetable at the Dambulla Economic Centre had brought down the prices drastically. A large amount of vegetables were discarded as a result of the increased supply. Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

Special Good Friday Service

A special Good Friday Service was held this morning at the Wattala Wella church. Pictured are the Catholics carrying Holy Cross at the Way of the Cross Service. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Story of a living legend

The biography of veteran actress Irangani Serasinghe was launched at the Lionel Wendt Art Gallery in Colombo yesterday amidst a distinguished gathering. The book titled ‘Irangani ….. as told to Kumar de Silva’ was penned by Kumar De Silva. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Petition against hike in electricity rates

The National Movement of Electricity Consumers handed over a petition to the Public Utilities Commission today over the impending hike in electricity tariffs.  The UNP also handed over a petition to the commission against the hike. The government is to increase electricity tariffs by more than 50% from April 1. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Customs seize another stock of refuse tea

Customs seized 60,000 kilos of refuse tea worth around Rs.12 million which was to be exported to Kuwait in three containers at the Colombo Port. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Hirunika in Court for father’s murder trial

Hirunika Premachandra is pictured here walking to the Colombo Magistrates court, when the case of the murder of her father was taken up today. Pix by Samantha Perera

Museum stairway collapses

A wooden stairway inside the Colombo National Museum collapsed today injuring some students, teachers and parents who were on a visit to the Museum. Pix by Nisal Baduge  

Protestors call for health warning

An organisation against the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs staged a protest opposite the Ceylon Tobacco Company head office urging the company to take measures to introduce the pictorial warnings on packets of cigarettes. The matter has been taken up for hearing at the Supreme Court. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dress code

Hirunika Premachandra was today warned by the Colombo Magistrate for attending courts in attire that wasn’t suitable in a courtroom. Pictured here is Ms. Premachandra surrounded by her lawyers walking out of court. Pix by Shantha Ratnayeka

Uncertain about IPL!

Sri Lankan cricketer Lasith Malinga looks on during a practice session at The Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele on today, ahead of their third and final one day international (ODI) match against Bangladesh on March 28 (Thursday). AFP

Relying on word power

Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe lending an ear to an elderly woman during the launch of UNP’s new publicity force ‘Sannivedana Balakaya’ in Biyagama today while Gampaha District UNP parliamentarian Ruwan Wijewardene looks on. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

21st Borella Athula Dakshinaramaya Perehara

The annual Perahara of the Borella Athula Dakshinaramaya was held for the 21st time today. Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen carrying the casket as the Chief incumbent Borella Athula Thero looks on. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Medin Poya programme at Sadaham Sevana

Ven. Mawarale Bhaddhiya thera conducting poya programme at Sadaham Sevana, the International Buddhist Research Centre run by Ven. Athureliye Ratana thera, in Rajagiriya. Pix By Samantha Perera

Cartoon of the day

Protest at Fort

Government, semi government and private sector employees committee today staged a signing campaign in front of the Fort railway station against the increased electricity bill. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Hands up!

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Deyata Kirula National Development Exhibition in Ampara yesterday. President Rajapaksa and Deyata Kirula Exhibition Committee Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya seen at the Sri Lanka Police Department stall. Pix courtesy President's Media

Memorial museum for Aranthalawa massacre

A memorial museum had been inaugurated by president Mahinda Rajapakse in Aranthalawa, Ampara in remembrance of the Aranthalawa massacre of 1987. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

113 Not Out...

Tillakaratne Dilshan scored his 15th ODI century to help Sri Lanka to an eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in Hambantota.(ESPN)

True humanity

A group of Ladakh Budhhist monks on a tour in Sri Lanka from Jammu Kashmir, India had offered to rescue a monkey entangled in a trap in Sigiriya yesterday. They had reportedly informed the authorities regarding the plight of the monkey and had even offered to reward Rs.100, 000 to anyone who rescues the creature. Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

Spotlight on D. S. Senanayake

A book titled ‘D. S. Senanayake: Maha Perakum Sevanella’ (The Reflection of Parakrama Bahu) authored by the former Primer Minister’s grandson Rukman Senanayake, was launched at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Presidential Colours for Vijayabha Regiment

Presidential colours were awarded to Sri Lanka Army’s Vijayabha Regiment today by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The event was held at the Regimental Headquarters in Kobeigane. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya were present at the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana