Bidding farewell...

Former CJ Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake left the official residence at Wijerama road this morning after she was sacked from the post.  Her personal properties is being shifted to her Rajagiriya residence. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Thai Pongal...

The Youth Front of the UNP held a function to mark Thai Pongal, at the Shree Kailasipathi Kovil Maradana today. The chairman of the youth front UNP MP Ruwan Wijeywardena and a host of other members participated in the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

The ‘Festival of light’

Thai Pongal is an important thanksgiving and harvest festival celebrated by Hindus across the world. Pictured here is a priest conducting religious rituals at the Shivam temple in Kochchikade. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

On the eve of Thaipongal Day…

Thaipongal Day will celebrate tomorrow by Tamils all over the world. Seen here are people buying sugar cane from vendors at Gas Works Street in Pettah today to adorn their houses for the festival. Pix by Kushan Pathiryaja

Dismissed…

Nuwan Kulasekara celebrates as he dismisses Australia's batsman Phillip Hughes during their one-day international cricket match at the Adelaide Oval on January 13, 2013. AFP

An overflow of resources

All sluice gates of the Victoria Dam were opened today after heavy rainfall in the area. The island is witnessing an extended period of monsoon rain causing floods in many areas. Pix by Shane Seneviratne

Women for Justice protest Rizana’s execution

‘Women for Justice’ held a protest rally opposite the Colombo Dewatagaha Jumma Mosque today over the beheading of Rizana Nafeek in Riyadh on January 9 after lengthy legal process. Many local and international human rights activists have condemned the execution.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Lawyers declare “Black Friday”

Lawyers hoisted black flags in front of the Supreme Court and wore masks to protest the impending impeachment of the Chief Justice, stating that the entire process was unconstitutional. They urged the government to abide by the Supreme Court ruling which declared the PSC unconstitutional. Pix by  Pradeep Dilrukshana

Up-country train service standstill

Train service on up-country railway track has come to a standstill due to earth slips in Hali Ela, Badulla and Uduwa areas . The clearing of the track is delayed due to the heavy rains prevailing in the area. Pix by Prasad Rukmal

Condemning the execution

A protest campaign organized by the “free women” movement against the execution of Rizana Nafeek   was held opposite the Fort railway station yesterday. The movement alleged the government did not take necessary action to release the housemaid. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

In support of the government

Government supporters are pictured in a procession near the Parliament roundabout in Battaramulla urging the Chief Justice to resign. The protestors chanted slogans in support of the impeachment motion which is currently being debated in parliament despite opposition protest. The debate will continue tomorrow. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Against impeachment

Demonstrators led by lawyers, marched towards the Presidential Secretariat against the ongoing debate on the impeachment motion.  Heavy security prevailed in the area causing a major traffic jam. Thugs wielding batons initially prevented the protestors from leaving Hulftsdorp, compelling them to use alternate routes. The crowds dispersed following a rally near the Lakehouse roundabout. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Condoling Rizana’s family

The family of Rizana Nafeek are seen saddened by the fate that befell the young Sri Lankan. Villagers in Mutur visited and condoled with the family today following the news of her beheading. Pix by Murasil from Mutur

Cows arrive from Australia

Livestock and Rural Development Ministry imported around 1,500 cows from Australia. These cows reached Colombo harbour this evening. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

“Give her justice”

The lawyers of the Chief Justice Saliya Peries and Sugath Caldera speak at a media briefing today in which the refuted allgetations made against the Chief justice in detail. The lawyers said that “every dollar and rupee” was accounted for and declared by the CJ and asserted that she is willing to face an impartial inquiry at any given time. Pix by Samantha Perera

‘The candle burnt out long before, the legend ever will’

The 4th death anniversary of slain journalist Lasantha Wickremathunga was commemorated on Tuesday by members of his family, colleagues and the journalistic community at large. A simple candle lighting ceremony was held in front of the Viharamahadevi park in memoriam of Lasantha. Pix by pradeep k pathirana.

Opposite CJ's house

A group of Golden Key depositors decided to camp outside the official residence of Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake last morning. The depositors said they would not leave the precincts until justice is meted( Pix by Pradeep Pathirana)

In support of Divi Neguma Bill

A rally was held today opposite Parliament in support of the proposed Divineguma bill which was to be debated in Parliament.  The people at the rally, urged both the government and opposition members of Parliament to vote for the bill and give the government a 2/3 majority needed to pass the bill. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.

A glimpse of Colombo

Female soldiers from Kilinochchi who were recruited to the Army are currently on a tour of Colombo. The soldiers are seen enjoying the sights, sounds and flavours which adds colour to Colombo. Pix by Samantha Perera

Video : Law students kept waiting

Registrations for the new intake at Law College have been postponed by a week following a discussion between representatives of the Bodu Bala Sena and the Law College Principal today. Police personnel have been deployed at the Law College premises. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Maithripala writes to IGP

General Secretary of the SLFP, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena told the media at the Mahaweli centre yesterday that he has written to IGP N.K. Illangakone to expedite the investigations on the murder of Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha UPFA member Hasitha Madawla by two unknown assailants on Saturday near his residence. (Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi)

Law entrants protest

Members of the Law Entrance Students Union conducted a protest today outside the Fort Railway station, in protest of the recent registrations to the Law College, where, allegedly, preference was given to Muslim entrant over those from other religions. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Earth Hour 2013

The Earth Hour campaign for 2013, to be observed on March 23 this year, was launched today by its CEO and co-Founder Andy Ridley at the Kadiragarmar Centre. Also attending the event was Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Power and Energy Minister Champika Ranawaka and Minister of Agriculture Udaya Gamanpila. (Pix by Samantha Perera)

Till death did us apart

Chairman of the Kelaniya Pradeshiya Sabha Prasanna Ranaweera grieves the death of his colleague today. President Mahinda Rajapksa visited the funeral and was thronged by people who urged him to take action against those responsible. Pix by Gayan Madusanka Hettiarachchi

Lak Vanitha denounces Delhi rape

A petition was singed by the Lak Vanitha organization against gang rape of medical student in New Delhi. The organization also had a candle light vigilance in memory of all females who were victims of abuse and rape. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

An appeal ?

The masses gathered at the funeral of slain Kelaniya PS member Hasitha Madawala urged the President to take swift action against those responsible for the murder. Pix by Lal S. Kumara

UNP declare 2013 a year for regrouping

The UNP has inaugurated a membership drive today at its HQ Sirikotha. Organisers, representatives of various umbrella orgniastions and MPs were present at the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Dakar Rally

France's Stephane Peterhansel and his navigator Jean-Paul Cottret compete with their Mini during the second stage of the Dakar Rally 2013 from Pisco to Pisco, January 6, 2013. REUTERS

Unfit for consumption

Eateries which served potatoes that were deemed to be unfit for human consumption were raided in Dambulla this morning. The Mayor of Dambulla said that action would be taken against ten eateries which served food consisting of the potatoes. Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa

Silenced

Police teams are pictured carrying out initial investigations at the scene of the murder of Hasitha Madawala in Kelaniya. The murdered Pradeshiya Sabha member was a vociferous critic of Minister Mervyn Silva who is the organiser of the Kelaniya electorate of the UPFA. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja