Vesak bhakthi geetha

The All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) organised a recital of Buddhist devotional songs to mark Vesak bringing the Vesak Zone at Independent Squire to life last evening. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana

Situation under control

Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal addressing a press conference in Colombo today forecasting a higher inflation rate and lower growth for this year stimulated by negative local and global economic factors adding that the situation was under control. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Strong winds

Strong winds with heavy rains experienced in several areas in the Polonnaruwa district yesterday evening damaged houses and buildings in the area. In the picture is a damaged telecommunication tower. Pix by Nawaratne Samaratunga

‘Migadaya Wesak Zone’

The ‘Migadaya Wesak Zone’ which was organized with the contribution of the Sambuddha Jayanthi Mandira, Bodhi Buddhist Centre, Kirulapone and Isipathana College is being held in Thimbirigasaya. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

France newly-elected President

France's newly-elected President Francois Hollande celebrates with his companion Valerie Trierweiler (3rdR) and Socialist party members on stage during a victory rally at Place de la Bastille in Paris early May 7, 2012. France voted in elections on Sunday and Francois Hollande becomes the nation's first Socialist president in 17 years. REUTERS

Back to the Buddha tradition

Preparation for the Vesak

Monks drape a robe on a Buddha statue at the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo in preparation for the Vesak Poya Day. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Japanese Dy PM takes Mihin Air

Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada arrived here on a Mihin Lanka flight for a two-day visit to mark the 60th anniversary of Japan-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. He was welcomed by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the airport. Pix by Deepa Adhikari-Airport

Vesak celebrations in Colombo

 Pictures show the ‘Wesak Pandals’ erected around the Colombo city limits to describe the Jathaka stories of the Buddha for the upcoming Vesak Poya Day celebrations. - Pix by Nisal Baduge

Fire in Puttalam

A fire that broke out in Puttalam town reportedly damaged nearly 20 million rupees worth of property in four shops yesterday, police said. Pictures show people trying to control the fire. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

64th Israeli Independence Day

A celebration was held at the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of the State of Israel. Israel Ambassador in Colombo Mr. Alon Ushpiz and Mrs. Inbar Ushpiz together with the honorary consul of Israel Mr. Wicky Wickramathunga participated in this event. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Books on Buddhism launched

A book, written by the Ven. Gonadeniye Seevali Thera was launched today at the Gangaramaya temple. In addition books such as ‘Senasena Jeewitha’, ‘Pohoya Viththi’ and ‘Though-Stream’ were also launched. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Protest to protect arts

Inter University Students’ Federation today organized a protest campaign opposite the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo 07 against alleged step-motherly treatment meted out to visual arts. Pix by Samantha Perera

Video: Book to mark Press Freedom Day

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI) and the Press Complaints Commission of Sri Lanka (PCCSL) today released two books on journalism to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2012. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Graduate Employees Union protest

Sri Lanka Graduate Employees Union (GUE) today staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs urging the ministry to obtain a discussion on employment problems of the graduates. Pix by Samantha Perera

Seeking treasure hunters

A tense atmosphere prevailed when a group of STF personnel who were allegedly digging up a treasure in Hiwalapitiya tank in Wilachchiya clashed with the villagers. However, the police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Pix by Athula Bandara

Making lanterns to light Vesak

A street vendor makes lanterns from bamboo sticks in Colombo today (May 02). The lanterns will be used during festivities celebrating Vesak. Pix by Nisal Baduge

May Day highlights

Sri Lanka’s working class is celebrating May Day in different parts of the country today under the guidance of their respective political parties. Here are some of the highlights of such rallies in the country.

Seeking divine help

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and other UNP parliamentarian members visited Jaffna to attend the May Day rally this morning. Pictures show the UNP leader and MPs visiting the main priest in Nallur Kovi to obtain blessings. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

May Day

Int'l Workers' Day

Foreigners, including Sri Lankans residing in Lebanon take part in a cultural parade and festival to celebrate International Workers' Day and to call for an end to Lebanon's sponsorship system for migrant domestic workers in the Lebanese capital Beirut on April 29, 2012. AFP

Triplets twice

A 29 year old mother of Wilgamuwa, Ramya Damayanthi delivered male triplets, for the second time. She had delivered male quadruplets a few years ago as well, but one of them died. Her first child is a daughter who is ten years old now.

Preparing to celebrate Vesak

Sri Lankan artisan P. Edirisinghe works on Buddhist statues in Dompe, on the outskirts of Colombo, on April, 2012. Sri Lankan Buddhists are preparing to celebrate Vesak, which commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining enlightenment and his passing away on the full moon day of May which falls on May 5 this year. AFP

Narthanabimani Awards Presentation Ceremony

Narthanabimani Awards Presentation  Ceremony organized by Govt. Dancing and Ballet Sub Committee, Sri Lanka Arts Council, Cultural Affairs Dept., and Culture and Aesthete Affairs Ministry was held on 29th at the National Arts Gallery with the participation of  Culture and Aesthetic Affairs Minister T.B. Ekanayake on behalf of “World’s Dancing Day, 2012”. Pix by Kithsiri de Mell

May Day keeps them busy

JVP supporters were busy today preparing for the May Day procession. This party supporter is  busy preparing placards at the party’s office at Pasyala in the Gampaha District. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Campaigning reformists…

A group of UNP reformists were engaged in a campaign at Hulftsdorp, today calling the party members to take part in the commemoration of the late President Ranasinghe Premadasa that is to be held in Colombo on the same day. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ranil visits Kilinochchi

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Kilinochchi over the weekend during his current tour to the North.  Here Mr. Wickremesinghe talks to the villagers in the area. UNP MP for Jaffna District Wijekala Maheswaran was also present.

SF at Nawaloka

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka waves at the crowds who were waiting for him at the Nawaloka Hospital. Pix by Pradep Dilrukshana

Protest over mosque issue

A protest organized by a group of Muslims was held in front of the Davatagaha mosque, Town Hall against the relocation of a Mosque in Dambulla. Pix Pradeep K. Pathirana

Cartoon of the day