Dissidents commemorate JVP Founder

JVP Dissidents held a separate function to commemorate the founder leader Rohana Wijeweera and other dead comrades at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

22nd Annual El Maha Samaruwa

The JVP held the 22nd Annual El Maha Samaruwa to commemorate its late founder leader Rohana Wijeweera and other dead comrades at the Vihara Mahadevi Open Air Theatre today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Remembrance Day

Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association conducted the Commemoration and Remembrance Day Service Today (November 13) in memory of those who sacrificed their lives in the defence of the country. The event was conducted at the war memorial at Vihara Maha Devi Park. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President at SAARC closing ceremony

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa listens to a speech during the closing ceremony of the SAARC countries meeting in Addu Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa listens to a speech during the closing ceremony of the South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries meeting in Addu November 11, 2011. REUTERS

Rs.500 million donation to Thalassaemia patients

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena opened the ‘Hemal’s Thalassaemia Unit’ for the use of Thalassaemia patients in the Western province at the property worth Rs.500 million donated to the Health Ministry by Hemalatha Malini Ariyaratne of Mahara, Kadawatha. The Picture shows Minister Sirisena cutting the ribbon to open the Thalassaemia treatment unit surrounded by philanthropist Mrs. Ariyaratne, Public Relations Minister Mervyn

17th SAARC Summit

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaks during the 17th South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit in Addu November 10, 2011. The eight-nation SAARC includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and the host country Maldives, an archipelago of nearly 1,200 mostly uninhabited atolls in the Indian Ocean. REUTERS

Devotees at Gangarama Temple

Today is Ill Full Moon Poya Day. These photos depict scenes at the Gangarama Temple where Buddhist devotees engaged in religious activities this morning. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

The world champion of Poker!

Pius Heinz of Germany poses with stacks of cash after beating Martin Staszko of the Czech Republic to win the championship bracelet and $8.7 million in prize money during the World Series of Poker main event at the Rio hotel-casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, November 9, 2011. REUTERS

PSTUC protest

The Public Service Trade Union Confederation (PSTUC) staged a protest at Lipton Circle Colombo 2, today urging the government to increase their salaries as well as to give them other increments and benefits from the upcoming government budget. Pix by Samantha Perera

Sowing ceremony and harvesting by soldiers

At least 120 soldiers from the Sri Lanka Army Public Services Regiment participated in a sowing ceremony and harvesting of 100 acres of paddy fields in Ella- Kantale area under the directions of Major Lalith Balasinghe and Captain Champika Kumarasiri. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana

Dump truck assembly line

Employees work on a dump truck assembly line at the Belarusian Autoworks (BELAZ) plant in Zhodino, some 50 km (31 miles) east of Minsk, November 8, 2011. BELAZ is a specialised manufacturer of heavy-duty and super-size load capacity dump trucks. REUTERS

Inaugural sessions of the CMC

The inaugural sessions of the Colombo Muncipal Council was held today under the patronage of Colombo Mayor A.J.M. Muzammil. Picture shows Mayor Muzammil and CMC’s UPFA Leader Milinda Moragoda discussing a point prior to the meeting. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Allegations against Sarath N. Silva

Ex Judge C.D. Kulatilake refers to a document in making allegations against retired Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva while other judicial officers look on. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Dangers of new laws

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera held a press conference today spelling out the dangers of new laws under which private enterprises are to be taken over by the government, speaks to the media. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Reformists won't attack leadership

UNP member of the Southern Provincial Council Maithri Gunaratne addresses a press conference where he announced that the reformists have decided not to attack the leadership because of the situation arisen in the country with the introduction of the Revival of Underperforming Enterprises and Unutilised Assets Bill. Pix by Nisal Badhuge

Ploughing in Higher Education

Higher Education Minister S.B. Dissanayake is seen participating in ‘Wapmagula’ yesterday at the Uyanwatte paddy field in Davulagala in Kandy. The event was organised by the Agriculture Department of the Central Provincial Council.

EID-UL-AZHA Festival

The EID-UL-AZHA Festival prayers were held at the Galle Face Green today. It was organized by the Memon Association of Sri Lanka. Pix By Pradeep Dilruckshana

Haj festival preparations

Sri Lankan Muslims are preparing for the Haj Festival which will be held tomorrow in Sri Lanka. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Air Force performs

The newly formed Air Force Eastern Band along with the SLAF military band performed at the Independence Square today. A special drill was also performed by the airmen. Pic By Kithsiri De Mel

Dissanayake speaks

JVP parliamentary group leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, flanked by his colleague Wasantha Samarasinghe, addressing the media. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

UPFA CMC members Mayor fiasco continue

Chief Opposition Whip Colombo Municipal Council M. H. Manzil speaks at a media conference held by the UPFA members of the CMC at Nippon hotel today. Pix by Nisal Badhuge

Central Kings crowned Carlton champions

Central Kings were crowned champions of the Carlton Super Sevens 2011- doing one better than the first leg in Kandy after they won the tournament. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

War on hooliganism

The Mayor of Colombo who declared war on hooliganism that has infected the Colombo Municipal Council and the society at large speaks at a press conference today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

From courts to prisons

Former Army commander Sarath Fonseka was escorted to the Prisons from Colombo High Court after presenting in court for the HiCorp case. Pix by Pradeep K. Pathirana

Preparing to celebrate Eid-al-Adha

A woman prepares traditional sweets for sale on the rooftop of her house, ahead of Eid al-Adha, in the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon November 3, 2011. Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate Eid-al-Adha, marking the end of the haj, by slaughtering sheep, goats, cows and camels to commemorate Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail on God's command. REUTERS

Ferry fire on the Red Sea

Smoke rises from the burning passenger and car ferry Pella at the Red Sea November 3, 2011. Passengers escaped on lifeboats and nobody was killed when a fire broke out on a ferry carrying more than 1,200 people from the Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba to Egypt on Thursday, Egyptian officials said. REUTERS

Sudden oil leakage

A sudden oil leakage from an oil tunnel near the Bloemendhal Area, lying between the Colombo harbour and Kolonnawa this morning was immediately brought to the notice of Ceylon Petroleum Corporation by residents of the area. The oil distributing company said that the leaking pipe was repaired promptly. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Demining equipment from Russia

Four demining machines worth around Rs.302 million was handed by the Russia Federation to Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa this morning at the Ministry of Defence. Russian Ambassador in Sri Lanka Vladimir P. Mikhaylov and Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya were also present at the occasion.Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Duchess of Cambridge visits UNICEF’s Global Supply Centre

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, arrives for a visit of UNICEF's Global Supply Centre in Copenhagen, on November, 2011.  AFP

Remembering All Souls Day

In view of today’s All Souls Day people pay respects to their loved ones who have passed away at the Madampe church. Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith also participated in memorial services. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana