In his father's footsteps

UPFA candidate and son of President Mahinda Rajapakse Namal Rajapakse is seen here touring the Suriyawewa Polla earlier today. Pix by Presidents Media

Susil in cyberspace

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha launched his personal web site today at the Galle Face hotel. Minister Premajayantha can be seen here sharing a moment with Chief Guest senior presidential advisor and Gampaha District UPFA leader Basil Rajapaksa at the web site launch. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Fighting the flames

A massive fire broke out inside a coir factory in Nattandiya today morning destroying property and equipment worth Rs. 470 million. Due to the scarcity of water in the area, the fire spread destroying a further nine houses closeby. The Airforce and the Negombo Fire Brigade rushed to the scene to control the flames. Pics. by Jude Samantha

A Tamil medium unit

A Tamil Medium Complaining Unit was opened at the Welikada Prison today morning. High ranking police officers attended the religious ceremonies which were conducted just before the opening. Seen here is a police officer explaining how the new unit is going to function. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Self defense

Thai soldiers practice using their shields at a military base in Bangkok March 15, 2010. More than 100,000 protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum to call elections within 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital. REUTERS

Non - violence

A Buddhist monk holds a banner as he joins other supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in central Bangkok.

Stressing a point

The National Freedom Front (NFF) called on the government to bring in laws to restrict the pro separatist statements that are made by some elements today. Colombo District Candidate Wimal Weerawansa can be seen here stressing this point to journalist at a press briefing. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

On his way

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen here on his way to the construction site of a Buddha statue at the heart of the city in Mahiyanganaya. The statue is located near the newly constructed Bus stand and bazaars. Pix by Chandana Perera

Offering prayers

Hindu devotees can bee seen offering prayers at a Hindu Temple in Colombo yesterday, on the occasion of Maha Siva Rathri.

Casting shadows...

Supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra cast shadows as they arrive for a rally in Bangkok March 13, 2010. Anti-government protesters headed for Bangkok from the countryside on Saturday for what they are calling a “million-man march,” aiming to paralyse the capital and topple a government they say is a front for unelected elites.  REUTERS

UN, hands off!

A large number of Sri Lankan expatriates in New York shout slogans urging the UN to keep their ‘hands off Sri Lanka’ outside the UN Headquarters yesterday. The Sri Lankan’s carried out the protest, despite a steady downpour and freezing temperatures, against the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s decision to establish a panel of experts to look into alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

Riding for a good cause

Former England rugby union player Lawrence Dallaglio raises a glass of champagne as he cycles into Murrayfield stadium to complete his “Dallagio Cycle Slam” in Edinburgh, Scotland. The cycle ride from Rome to Edinburgh aimed to raise a million GBP for charity.  REUTERS

Ranil at the Big Match

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasighe can be seen here leaving the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds today, after watching the action on day two of the 131st Battle of the Blues between Royal College and S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.  Mr. Wickramasighe is a past pupil of Royal College. Pic By Pradeep Dilrukshana

Waves galore

President Mahinda Rajapaksa donated cash prices and awards to the wives of late Trade Union leaders at a ceremony organized at the Sugathadasa stadium today. The ceremony was organized to educate the country's workforce on the Mahinda Chinthana’s future vision. Pix by Sudath Silva

Safer resettlement

The de-mining of the North and Eastern Provinces have been expedited to make the areas safer for the resettlement of the IDPs. Troops can be seen here hard at work clearing the mines and other explosive devices. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Spring comes to Germany

A swan swims at Lake Toepper (Toeppersee) in the western German city of Duisburg. Small signs of the approaching spring can be seen in many parts of Germany, despite continuing cold weather. AFP

Seeking blessings from the gods

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Kelaniya electorate Sri Vishnu Kovila, Helena Wijewardena Balika Vidyalaya and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya this morning. Minister Mervin Silva, W/P council members and the Kelaniya Pradeshiya saba members were present. 

Revealing dates

The dates in which General Sarath Fonseka will be produced before a Court martial were revealed today. Military spokesman Major General Prasad Samarasinghe can bee seen here addressing journalist at a press briefing informing the dates. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Battle of the foe's

Several vehicles can be seen here damaged due to the clash which erupted between supporters of CWC Leader Arumugam Thondaman and Former Deputy Health Minister Wadiwel Suresh in Badulla this morning. The police had to rush to the scene to break up the two groups.Pics. by Palitha Ariyawansa

Sri Lanka’s pride

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and US First lady Michelle Obama are seen here presenting the Women of Courage award to Sri Lanka’s Jansila Majeed at a ceremony held at the US State Department in Washington, Wednesday. Majeed was among 10 recipients of the 2010 award.

Remembering the Tibetan uprising

Members of 'Students for Free Tibet' (SFT) gesture as they hold a candlelight demonstration in Kolkata today to mark the 51st anniversary of the Tibetan uprising. The protest marked the anniversary of Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama fleeing the country after the failed uprising in 1959.   AFP

Burning mockery

Colombo Municipal Council workers can be seen here burning election posters of candidates which they tore down this morning following a directive by the Elections Commissioner. The police last week launched an islandwide clean up campaign to take down all election banners and cut outs. Pix by Varuna Vanniarachi

UK pays courtesy call

British Permanent Under Secretary for Foreign affairs Sir Peter Ricketts paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minster Rohitha Bogollagama this morning. Sir Ricketts arrived in the country early this morning on routine visit and is expected to return home tomorrow.  Pix by Nisal Baduge

“My Land and My People”

A worker sorts out books showing the Chinese version of “My Land and My People” written by the Dalai Lama, during a press conference in Taipei. In this book, the exiled Tibetant spiritual leader describes his childhood, his quest for enlightenment, the Chinese invasion of his homeland and his exile in India. AFP PHOTO

Maiko crowned Miss Universe Japan

Newly crowned 2010 Miss Universe Japan Maiko Itai is congratulated by other contestants after the 2010 Miss Universe Japan final competition in Tokyo. AFP

In the spotlight

Visitors and media get a look at the American-born Giant Panda Tai Shan at the Ya'an Bifeng Gorge Breeding Base in Ya'an, southwest China's Sichuan province on March 9, 2010.  Two US-born pandas returned to China in February are adapting to their new homes at their own paces, but their handlers say they have both developed a healthy appetite for Chinese bamboo. AFP

Relief once again

The wholesale price of rice has been reduced with the introduction of the new rice harvest to the market. A rice vendor can be seen here marking the new price list in Fort today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana   

Cornered..

Toyota Motor Corp President Akio Toyoda is surrounded by reporters after a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the premier's official residence in Tokyo March 8, 2010. Toyota Motor Corp's President briefed Hatoyama on Monday of the carmaker's plans to improve quality control after a string of safety issues led to a massive vehicle recall. Toyoda will also meet Transport Minister Seiji Maehara and Trade Mini

Capsized…

 Strong currents caused a Navy patrol boat to take a small topple in Bambalapitiya this afternoon with 6 navy personnel on board. No one was injured. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

In the fields

United National Party leader Ranil Wickremasighe who was on a visit to Digamadulla today can be seen here reaping paddy,  while UNP’s Digamadulla district organizer Daya Gamage looks on with a sickle in his hand. Pic by Navaratne Samaratunga