India- Lanka sign MOU's

Indian Minister of External Affairs S.M.Krishna signed a number of MOU's on Agriculture, Housing and Telecommunications.The pictures show the

Sled dog race

A dog jumps before the mass start of the eighth stage of the La Grande Odyssee sled dogs race in Bessans January 16, 2012. The race crosses the Alps in France covering over 1000 km (621 miles) over 11 days. REUTERS

Indian FM and MR participate in Thai Pongal festivities

India's Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna (3rd R) and Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa (C) take part in a Thaipongal festival in Colombo January 16, 2012. Krishna is on an official visit to Sri Lanka. REUTERS

Anticipating clash

Students of the Colombo University conducted a meeting against the establishment of private universities, inside the university premises today. Anticipating a clash, Policemen reinforced with water-canons and tear-gas were present at the location. However, no such clash occurred and instead, as the picture shows, students gave out hand-outs to those present, including the policeman. Pix by Waruna Wanniarchchi

Countrywide Grade 1 admissions today

The countrywide admission of children to Grade 1 took place today. Pictures show students being admitted to Grade 1 at Ananda Shastralaya in Kotte. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

SLN rescue Fin Whale

Naval personnel attached to SLNS Vijaya in the North-Western Naval Area took timely action to save the life of an injured whale, which had washed ashore on the Vella Beach in Kalpitiya on January 13, 2012. In a mammoth effort which took some seven hours, they managed to assist the 38 foot Fin Whale to swim back to deep waters off the Dutch Bay after freeing it from the entangled fishing net which had hindered its free movement (Source: navy.lk)

‘Puswedilla'

President Mahinda Rajapaksa bursting into spontaneous laughter while watching the political satire ‘Puswedilla – Part 3’ at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo on Saturday. Several Parliamentarians, Ministers and artistes were also among the audience. Pix by Sudath Silva

Mumbai Marathon 2012

International athletes participate in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2012, in Mumbai on January 15, 2012. Laban Moiben of Kenya won the race in a time of 2:10:48 hours. AFP

Qatar Emir in Sri Lanka

The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani who arrived today was greeted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Bandaranaike International Airport. He is on a two day official visit to Sri Lanka. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Plastics crates or the usual way

The use of plastic crates to transport vegetables and fruits became compulsory from today, January 15, after a 30 day period was given to them by the President following discussions. However in Pettah today dozens of vendors were seen using the old method to transport the items. Pic by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Thai Pongal Day

Thai Pongal Day was marked today by Hindu devotees in different parts of the country. Seen here are devotees marking the day by participating in religious rituals at the Shiwam Kovil in Kotahena. Pic by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Navy renovates school hostel

The main hostel of Ananda College was renovated by the Sri Lanka Navy under the direction of Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and was handed over to school authorities today, after a 30 day programme. Seen here is Mr. Rajapaksa, a distinguished old boy, talking to a school boy. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Jumps at the 'haundschopf'

Switzerland's Silvan Zurbriggen jumps at the “haundschopf” (dog head) during the second training session of the FIS World Cup Men's Downhill on January 12, 2012 in Wengen. AFP.

A shot on the opening day

England's Andrew Strauss plays a shot during the second day of their second practice match against the Pakistan Cricket Board XI at the ICC Global Cricket Academy ground in Dubai January 12, 2012. REUTERS

New grounds at Kotte

The ground at Kotte Ananda Shastralaya was opened today in the presence of former External Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, Amir Inapt, Cultural Attache of the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo and Captain M.G. Kularathna Chairman of Maga Construction Ltd. The ground was constructed with the support of the Pakistan Cricket Board. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Will not remove garbage till action is taken

The staff of the Kolonnawa Urban Council held a protest today (January 12), against the Vice Chairman of the council, Suresh Kodagoda, alleging that he had attacked two employees of the Urban Council yesterday (January 11). They will refrain from removing garbage until disciplinary action is taken against him over this incident.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Remembering Lasantha

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and his erstwhile deputy Karu Jayasuriya are in contemplative moods while General Secretary Tissa Attanayake covers up his face  at the function organized by the Platform for Freedom to commemorate the third death anniversary of Sunday Leader Editor Lasantha Wickrematunga today. Mr. Jayasuriya unsuccessfully contested for the leadership of the party with Mr. Wickremesinghe recently.  Pix by Pradeep K. P

Home for stray dogs by end of 2012

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena at a press conference today, said that the government will register and find a home for stray dogs in the country by the end of the year. Health Ministry Secretary Dr. Ravindra Ruberu is also seen in then picture. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ruhunu Uni students protest

Students of the University of Ruhuna, today started a protest comming to Matara town from Nadugala, Nupe and Wellamadama against the government’s decision to give legal recognition to the private medical institution in Malabe. Pictures show the University students who came out from Wellamadama to Matara have been stopped by the police. Pix by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Protesting against removal of principal

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Gota on National Security challenges

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa spoke about the national security challenges that will be faced by Sri Lanka in the future. He said that the threat posed by the LTTE still exists even though they were defeated militarily two years ago. The Defence Secretary also noted the importance of maintaining a strong military in the post conflict period. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

UNP launches website

UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe today launched the party’s website, www.srilankaxnews.com at the Jathika Sevaka Sangamaya headquarters. Pix by Samantha Perera

Smashed by a heavy swell

A heavy swell smashes the Panamanian-registered Tycoon into a cliff on Christmas Island, 2,800km (1,740 miles) west of Darwin, January 9, 2012. The cargo ship, which local media reports is leaking oil and fuel, was loading phosphate when heavy swells caused it to break from its moorings. Picture taken January 9, 2012.   REUTERS

"Release Lalith and Kugan"

A protest march was conducted by ‘Youth for Change' an organisation affiliated to the JVP dissident group today, calling for the release of their members Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Maruganathan who have allegedly been abducted. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Donations to re-build statue

Three Buddhist monks namely Ven. Marapana Hemananda Thera, Ven. Ambanwala Gnanaloka and Lawyer Nimal Wijenayake gave cash donations to re-build the Buddha statute which damaged by the commotion that took place during the election of office bearers. Pix by Nisal Badhuge

Closed

The police handed over an evacuation order issued by the Gangodawila Magistrate to authorities of the Sri Jayawardenapura University. It was issued to evacuate students from the premises of the university. The picture shows students outside the university which is now closed. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

PMPS against Piyasena Gamage

The Peoples Movement to Protect Schools (PMPS) handed over a complaint to the bribery commission against Senior Minister Piyasena Gamage. Gamage had told a weekend newspaper that he paid a bribe of Rs.150,000 to a principal in Galle in order to gain admission for a relative’s son. The PMPS allege that both accepting and giving a bribe are criminal offences and therefore need to be dealt with by law. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

The annual Perahera festival

An elephant sprays itself water from a fountain ahead of the annual Perahera festival of the historic Kelaniya Buddhist Temple in Kelaniya on January 8, 2012. AFP

Kelaniya PS members on Mervyn

Members of the Kelaniya Pradheshiya Sabha accused Minister Mervyn Silva of extortion and requested the President to appoint a commission to probe the actions of the controversial Minister. At a press conference held today at the PS premises the Chairman of the PS requested businessman not to pay any ransom to any individual.Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

JVP against proposed election system

The JVP today criticized the proposed bill for the introduction of new election system for local the bodies at a press briefing today which was held at the JVP party headquarters. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana