Free from drugs

The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking falls today. The picture shows balloons being released at the Sugathadasa Stadium at the end of the walk organized to commemorate today under the theme of “Think Health Not Drugs”. Pix by Warun Vanniarachi

Remembering MJ

A card with a photograph of late entertainer Michael Jackson is placed among flowers during an event to commemorate the first anniversary of his death, in Leipzig yesterday. REUTERS

He speaks the truth

A man holds a placard before the start of the 2010 World Cup Group G soccer match between Brazil and Portugal at Moses Mabhida stadium last night. REUTERS

Illuminating Thantirimale

The historic Thantirimale Viharaya is illuminated by Wijeya Newspapers Ltd every year, in view of Poson Poya. This picture shows the view of the historic Viharaya in the evening. Pic by Sanjeeva Niroshana

In tune

Its time to enjoy, at least for Deputy Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan who is seen here playing an electric guitar and dancing during the wedding of the son of the media secretary of Resettlement Minister Milroy Fernando in Chilaw last night. Pic by Hiran Jayasingha

Generosity

A large number of dansal serving food and drinks of various kinds could be seen around the city of Colombo due to the Poson Poya falling today. The picture shows people being treated at a rice dansal organized in Colombo this afternoon. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana 

With devotion

Buddhists around the country celebrate Poson Poya today. Poson Poya is of significant importance to Sri Lankans as it marks the official introduction of Buddhism to the country by Arahat Mahinda thero. The picture shows a Buddhist devotee offering flowers to the dagoba at the Belanwilla temple. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Stopping for a freebee

A baby elephant named Ganga, from the Gangarama Temple is seen here bugging a shop vendor in the area, who gave him a banana treat, on his way to being given a bath. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana 

Lanka speaks

Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris is seen here stressing the government's stance on requests made by the EU and the appointment of the expert panel by the UN. Pic Waruna Wanniarachchi

Long way to go

A student of Zahira College in Puttlam is seen here riding an elephant arpund the streets of the city, as a part of an event to raise money for the school. Pic by Hiran Jayasinghe

Riding the waves

The final day of the surfing competition spearheaded by SriLankan Airlines was held in Arugambay today. One of the participants is seen here showing his skills. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja  

Helping the needy

Monks of the Sambuddhaoke Viharaya are seen here seeking alms from companies to help people living in rural villages. Pic Pradeep Dilrukshana

Preparing for Poson

With Buddhists preparing to celebrate ‘Poson’ tomorrow, workers are seen here putting the final touches to a lantern to be put on display in Colombo. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachi

Surf’s up!

Arugumbay comes alive with the much awaited international surfing competition spearheaded by SriLankan Airlines. The competition features 128 competitors from all parts of the globe including USA, Australia, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand, UK and Germany.

Salman starts filming in Colombo

Bollywood actor Salman Khan is seen here with Indian actress Asin Thottumkal greeting crowds of fans on the first day of the shoot of their new movie Ready in Colombo today. Pics by Manoj Rathnayake  

Blessings for the unveiling

UNP MP Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa unveiled his book “Civil Appeal” at the Foundation Institute in Colombo today. Opposition leader Ranil Wickremasighe who attended the event and MP Rajapaksa can be seen here taking part in religious observances before the book launch. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

New leadership

Ven. Omalpe Sobitha thero who was appointed as the new party leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya, Chairman of the JHU Ven. Athureliye Rathana thero and General Secretary of the party Minister Champika Ranawaka are seen here addressing the press after today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Salman arrives

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan arrived in the country today to start shooting his new movie ‘Ready’. Pics By Waruna Wanniarachchi

Barred!

The police is seen here standing guard in front of the University Grants Commission where the Inter University Students Federation is expected to stage a protest this afternoon. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Lending a helping hand

Villagers and some police officers in Wanatu Villuwa help an elephant that got stuck in a river to escape earlier today. Pics by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

Think tank launched

The website of the  'Foreign Policy Think Tank' was launched this evening under the patronage of the Minister of External Affairs, Prof. G.L. Peiris. The minister is seen here sitting with two officials from the External Affairs ministry. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Bandara meets President

UNP Puttlam district MP Palitha Range Bandara met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa this evening. Bandara is seen here showing the injuries he sustained during an attack prior to the recent General elections. Pics by Sudath Silva

Clearing mines

An army deminer is seen here searching for land mines in Mullaitivu as the government looks to resettle more people displaced by the 30 year war which came to an end last year. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshan

Pondering his future

A young landmine victim is seen here seated outside his school in Iranamadu today seemingly pondering his future as the Air Force prepared to hand over a wheelchair to him and many other IDPs affected by mines. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Probing the crime

Police investigators are seen here probing a site in Puttalam where a robber had made his way into a store and adjoining house and burgled the premises late last night. Pic by Hiran Jayasingha

Gays in town

Sri Lanka’s gay community took to the stage last night in a fashion show titled ‘Rainbow runway’ where they urged equal rights on par with any other Sri Lankan. Picture shows some of the participants at the fashion show. Pic by Manoj Ratnayaka

Directing the army

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa opened the first Security Forces headquarters in Mullaitivu this morning. The Defence Secretary is seen here directing Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya while inspecting the area. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Cleaning the wreckage

Pakistani security personnel remove the wreckage of an exploded car in Quetta on June 20, 2010. A car bomb killed a Pakistani soldier and wounded 10 others in the southwestern city of Quetta. AFP  

Father’s day

Today is father’s day where fathers around the world are remembered by their children for their contribution to the family and society. But not all fathers can celebrate. Picture shows a destitute father looking at another father seemingly taking some goods home. Pic by Nisal Baduge

In religious observances

UNP Leader Ranil Wickramasingha and UNP MP Ruwan Wijewardena are seen here participating in a religious ceremony after the opening of an image house at the Kelaniya Temple today. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja