Kariyawasam released on bail

Former National Savings Bank (NSB) Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam was released on two personal bails of Rs.10 million each by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

It’s true, I promise

Minister Maithiripala Sirisena at a press conference today said that certain individuals are trying to tarnish his image by portraying a “false aspiration to” the Premiership. In a moving statement to the media, the Minister said the law should take its course and his hope is justice to be served to all parties concerned. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Cartoon of the day

Halal issue...

Chairman of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama, Rizwie Mufthi speaking at the press conference, where the ACJU suggested that the government take over the entire Halal certification process and appealed to the government to develop a mechanism acceptable to all stakeholders.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Gangarama Grandeur

The annual Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Navam Perahera concluded last night after parading the streets. Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen placing the Karanduwa (Relics casket) on the brightly festooned tusker. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Prior to the procession

The annual GangaramayaNavamPerahara will be held this evening starting at the Gangaramaya in Colombo. Pictured here are the majestic animals being dressed up for the processon( Pix BY Nisal Baduge)

Observing Sil at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Pictures show devotees observing Sil and participating in religious activities at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya for the Navam Full Moon Poya Day. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Navam Maha Perahera begins

President Mahinda Rajapaksa placing the casket containing the relics on the tusker at the commencement of annual Navam Maha Perahera of Gangarama last night. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

All set for the colourful pageant

Mahouts busy readying the elephants for this evening’s much-looked forward to Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Navam Perahera. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana, Nisal Badhuge

Olaboduwa Viharaya holds Navam Perahera

The Annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Horana Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardanarama Viharaya was held last night. More than 25 elephants and low country and up country dancers were featured in the Perahera. The Buddha Relics were carried by the Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple Tusker Indi Raja. Pix by Darshana Sanjeewa

Annual Katchatheevu festival

The Annual Katchatheevu feast was held during the past two days with the participation of a large number of fishermen from India and Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

A prelude

The annual flower procession of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, in the run up to the Navam Perehara was held for the sixth consecutive day today. The entire procession, was organized by the Sri Lanka Police and the Civil Defense Force. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Australia donates Rs.15 mn

The Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie today donated Rs.15 million to eight community-based organisations for small scale development projects across Sri Lanka. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Explosions in Hyderabad

Police examine the site of an explosion at Dilsukh Nagar in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad February 21, 2013. Two bombs placed on bicycles exploded in a crowded market-place in Hyderabad on Thursday, and the federal home minister said at least 11 people were killed and 50 wounded. REUTERS

‘Please find my husband’

Senior journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda’s wife Sandya handed over a petition to the UN High Commission in Colombo pleading that her husband, who disappeared in 2010, be found.  Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Army to build house for poor family

The Army has offered to build a house for a poorwar displaced family in the Lavidanlali Divisional Secretariat area in Ampara. An army officer is seen laying the foundation stone for the house at an auspicious time. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

Waiting in vain

A patient who had come to collect his medicine is seen waiting near the Colombo National Hospital pharmacy which was closed because of the strike by pharmacists, radiologists and technicians. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Video: A tussle at the 'Bar'

Upul Jayasuriya, one of the candidates vying to head the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the policy making body of the country’s over 11,000 legal fraternity trying to win a vote from a young lawyer as ...  Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Battle at the smoke front

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena comes out of the Court of Appeal after appearing before the Court as a respondent to the Petition filed by cigarette companies challenging the Health Ministry notification to cover 80% of the face of cigarette packets with a picture of oral cancer to discourage people from smoking. Pix by Nisal Baduge ???

Protest over ban on Buddha statues in Iran

Sinhala Ravaya National Organisation today held a protest march from Nelum Pokuna to the Iranian Embassy and handed over a petition condemning the ban on Buddha statues in Iran. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Heavy rains disrupt demining

Demining operations in Muhamalai, Elephant Pass and the A-9 Road area have been disrupted because of the torrential rains. Many organisations engaged in demining have been compelled to slow-down their operations. Pix by Romesh Madhusanka   

Won a battle but the war looms

Daughter of slain parliamentarian Baratha Lakshman Premachandra points to an object while walking out of court in a joyous mood today. The AG directed the CID to file cases against the accused in the murder of her father and two others. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Inquest into five-year-old’s death

A pediatrician of the Nawaloka Hospital giving evidence at the inquest into the death of five-year-old Buddhini Kaushalya Ratnayake denied claims made by the parents that their daughter had died inside the MRI machine. The child’s mother is seen outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court before the case was taken up for hearing. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Supporting the Health Minister

A walking protest was held today in support of the Health Minister’s decision to order tobacco companies to carry warning stickers on cigarette packets. Tobacco companies are said to be opposing this move by the Minister.  Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Video: Another elephant killed

An elephant was killed yesterday in Ampara when it came in contact with an high voltage electric fence. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala ???

Ban Halal certification

The Members of the Bodu Bala Sena, more than 1,300 Buddhist monks and about 15,000 people held a meeting at the Maharagama town today to urge the government to ban Halal certification by March 31. Pix by Nisal Baduge

CISM Day Run

Sri Lanka’s second joint tri-service Marathon Run, organized under the auspices of Brussels-based International Military Sports Council (Conseil International du Sport Militaire), more widely known as ‘CISM Day Run,’ commenced early this morning (17) at Colombo Light House Galley, with the participation of about 275 tri-service personnel, headed by respective service Commanders. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Rescued...

Thirty-two (32) Myanmar nationals, who were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy from a damaged wooden vessel in the deep seas, east of Sangamankanda Point, were brought to the Galle Harbour. Pix by DG Sugathapala and Nimal Alagewatta

Lankans arrested with foreign currency

The Airport customs arrested two Sri Lankans who attempted to smuggle out foreign currency worth around Rs.6.5 million to Dubai at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning. Pix by Deepa Adhikari-Air Port

Former LTTE cadres contribute to Economic Development

Former LTTE cadres recruited to the Civil Security Force recently are contributing to the Economic Development of the country by engaging in agricultural activities in Kilinochchi. Pictured here harvest of corn cultivated by them. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana