Flash flood in Balapitya

A flash flood had been reported in the Balapitiya town and suburbs due to the heavy rain since last morning. The Galle-Colombo main road was inundated and the all the by-roads were blocked. Pix by Yasas Mendis

For a greener Western Province

A discussion on the traditional agricultural industries was held today at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo under the guidance of Western Province Agricultural Affairs Ministers Udaya Gammanpila. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Getting fit

Presidential guard unit of the Sri Lanka army are seen doing their exercises at Galle Face Green today after a 16-kilometre jog.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Decorations for CHOGM

Roundabouts in the Colombo City are being decorated for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Celebrating Hajj

Muslims gathered around the country to celebrate the Hajj festival this morning. Seen here are Muslims gathered at Galle Face green since 6am this morning for Eid-ul Adha prayers to celebrate the Hajj. Eid Al Adha is one of the most religious festival of Muslims. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: CJ visits Fort Magistrate’s court

Chief Justice Mohan Peiris today made an observation visit to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s court complex in Slave Island to look into the shortcoming in it. He also attended a function held in the Magistrate’s Court. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Air Sea Rope Rescue

Air Sea Rope Rescue (ASR) practical training session is being conducted along the shoreline of Panadura this morning.Pix by Samantha Perera

Mangala at Matara police station

UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera this morning surrendered to the Matara police through his lawyers. The Matara Magistrate court yesterday ordered the arrest of MP Samaraweera and ten others involved in the clash between two groups of UNP supporters at Matara on October 5. Pix by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Ready to grind an axe

Science and Technology Minister Champika Ranawaka seems to have turned a blacksmith with hammer in hand and ready pound on the anvil during the opening of the Engineering Museum at the National Engineering Research and Development (NERD) Centre in Ekala today. Seen here the Minister is inspecting replica of a village blacksmiths workshop at the museum. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

The fulfilling of a dream that was shattered

The Army and students and academic staff of the Sri Jayawardenapura University completed and handed over a new home for the family of slain Rizana Nafeek who was beheaded in Saudi Arabia. Army Commander Lt. Gen Daya Rathnayake is seen here conversing with the father of Rizana.     

Four-wheel driving...

Local and foreign four-wheel racing car drivers were among the participants at the 4x4 motor race organised by the Sri Lanka army engineers regiment and the Four-Wheel Drivers Association at the Thungama army camp Embilipitiya today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Feat of the feet

Two athletes, fitted with artificial limbs, participate in an athletic event today at AIDEX 2013, the sports festival for the Jaipur limb users. The sports festival, organised by the Colombo Friend in Need Society, was meant for the Jaipur limb users. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dogs show talents

All Breed Championship Dog Show organised by the Kennel Association of Sri Lanka held today at the Sports Ministry Grounds, Colombo 7. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: CHOGM rehearsals

A rehearsal in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held today morning in Colombo. Several main roads in Colombo were closed partly or fully due to the rehearsals. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ranil in Matara

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and several other party officials today visited the Matara prison to see those who were remanded following the attack between two groups of UNP supporters in Matara last Saturday. Pix by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Firefighting drill at BOC

A firefighting drill by the Sri Lankan Air force and the Colombo Fire Brigade was held at the Bank of Ceylon Headquarters adjoining the World Trade Centre today.  More than 1,500 bank employeesparticipated. Pix by KushanPathiraja

MV Ocean Princess docks at Colombo Harbour

MV Ocean Princess made its maiden voyage to Colombo yesterday with 672 passengers aboard. The agency services for this cruise line is provided by Malship (Ceylon) Limited, a company representing many International Shipping Lines in the Conventional and Container shipping business. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana ???

Video:Dilshan retires from test cricket

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain T.M. Dilshan today officially announced his retirement from test cricket at a press conference held at the Cricket Board. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Video: Add nine more

Nine new parliamentarians were sworn in as Deputy Ministers before President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Presidential Secretariat today. Pix by President’s Media???

Uni students protest

Students of the University of Visual & Performing Arts today held a protest outside the University premises urging the authorities to resolve several issues, including administrative and students’ issues. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Get your Eyes Tested

An eye clinic was held in the Colombo Eye Hospital to mark the World Sight Day which falls today. The theme for this year is Get your Eyes Tested.

Video: Army celebrates 64th anniversary

The Army celebrated its 64th anniversary today at the CR and FC Grounds under the patronage of Army Commander Daya Ratnayake. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana ???

Video: Dematagoda shooting

The magisterial inquiry into the killing of a 27-year-old man in a shooting incident at Dematagoda last night was conducted today. Pix by Nisal Baduge ???

Students released

Forty nine of the fifty three students of the South Eastern University in Samanthurai who were remanded were released on bail. Four of the students were further remanded for allegedly giving false evidence. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

We are suffering

A pensioner is seen shouting slogans at today’s demonstration organised by the All Island Collective of Pension Organisations. The demonstration was held outside the Fort Railway Station urging the government to resolve the anomalies in the Pension Scheme. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Che Riders mark Che Day

A motorcycle parade called Che Riders, organised by the Socialist Youth Union (SYU) to mark the international Che Day began today at the Hyde Park grounds in Colombo. The parade will end in Vavuniya on Sunday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

One step backward!

. Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe seen here leaving party head quarters ‘Sirikotha’ after the working committee meeting this evening. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

DP members take oaths before SF

Five Democratic Party members who were successful at the recent Provincial Council Elections, took oaths today before party leader Sarath Fonseka at the DP head office in Kotte. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Wigneswaran sworn-in as NPC CM

Northern Province Chief Minister C. V. Wigneswaran is being greeted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa just after his swearing in at Temple Trees. Pic presidential media

Vintage autos

The Vintage Car Owners’ Club Sri Lanka (VCOC) today held its fifth annual Vintage Car Rally to celebrate the World Elders’ and Children’s Day that fell on October 1. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja