Go Sri Lanka go

A fan holds up a Sri Lankan flag prior to the ICC Cricket World Cup Group A match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe in Kandy March 10, 2011. REUTERS

Growing friendships through sports

The Under-14 girls festival of football organized by the Asian Football Federation started at the Police Park Grounds today. Pix by Pradeep K. Pathirana

Semi-retired

The Dalai Lama announced on March 10, 2011 that he was stepping down as political leader of the Tibetan govermment in exile. The Dalai Lama has long seen himself as “semi-retired” from political leadership with an elected prime minister already in place in the northern Indian town of Dharamsala. He remains Tibet's spiritual leader. REUTERS

Battle of the Blues underway

The 132nd Battle of the Blues encounter between Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia kicked off today morning at the SSC grounds. S. Thomas’ won the toss and elected to field. The picture shows Royal and Thomian supporters purchasing flags outside the venue. Pix by Pradeep K. Pathirana

'Top secret'

Chihuahua dog Elmo, the dog of an employee, stands beside the slogan 'Top secret' at the Google building in Zurich March,2011. REUTERS

Simulation exercise

Emergency service volunteers are winched on to an RAF search and rescue Sea King helicopter from Lake Bala, in north Wales, March 9, 2011. The rescue simulation is part of  Exercise Watermark, a national series of events designed to prepare the country's emergency services for serious flooding. REUTERS

Arriving to the medal ceremony

Gold medalist Helena Ekholm of Sweden and silver medalist Tina Bachmann of Germany use a raindeer sleigh to arrive to the medal ceremony after the women's 15 km individual race at the IBU Biathlon World Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, March 9, 2011. REUTERS

Appearing in court

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka appeared at the Supreme Court in the latest hearing in the white flag case held today. Seen here is Fonseka being escorted by Prisons officials to court.  Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Ex LTTEers celebrate Women’s Day

Former LTTE women cadres, now being rehabilitated under the supervision of the security forces, celebrated International Women’s Day at the Vavuniya UC Park in the grand way. A stage play they performed portraying the discrimination of women was the main highlight of the ceremony.  Pix by Romesh Madusanka

Campaigning on women’s day

A child holding flowers walks near her mother during a demonstration to mark International Women's Day in Lima, March 2011. REUTERS

Vovinam

Indian Muslim schoolgirls perform “Vovinam”, the Vietnamese martial art at Saint Maaz High School in Hyderabad on March 8, 2011, on the occasion of the International Women's Day. Some 40 students encouraged by their parents and school officials are learning the art of self defence by using swords and sticks during school hours. This year is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day since its creation. AFP

Ketagoda meets SF in Prison

Newly sworn-in DNA MP Jayantha Ketagoda visited former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka at the Welikada prison after taking oaths as a Member of Parliament today. The Parliamentary seat was made vacant due to the imprisonment of Fonseka. Here MP Ketagoda is seen speaking to the media in front of the Prisons Headquarters. Pics by Pradeep Parthirana

Demanding price reductions

The “Women’s Movement for Freedom” held a protest in front of the Fort Railway station today to mark the International Women’s Day.  The protestors demanded the reduction of prices of commodities and the high cost of living. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya

Hermit crabs

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Exercising their franchise

Postal voting is currently underway for the upcoming Local Government elections.  The picture shows security personnel and other government officials in Vavuniya, Matara, Colombo and Galle exercising their franchise. Pix by Romesh Madushanka, Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk, Pradeep Dilrukshana & Samantha Perera

King Kong in Rio

Revelers of the Salgueiro samba school participate in the second night of the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome March 7, 2011.    REUTERS

Celebrating International Women's Day

The National Ceremony to celebrate the International Women's Day was held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium this afternoon. The picture shows President Mahinda Rajapaksa being given a memento at the event. Pix by Chaminda Hittatiya

Good governance

The National Bikkhu Front today called on the government to change over to good governance to mark the 2600 Sambuddha Jayantiya and ease the burden borne by the people with the high cost of living. The picture shows Chief Patron of the National Bikkhu Front, Ven Atthanagne Raranapala Thera addressing the media. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Signing agreements

The Sri Lankan and Brazilian governments today signed several agreements pertaining to the extension of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports of the two countries. The picture shows Sri Lankan External Affaires Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris and Brazilian External Relations Minister Antonio Patriota during their meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rio Carnival

Revellers of the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school participate in the annual Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro's Sambadrome March 6, 2011. REUTERS

Winter Carnival

Hungarian people wear masks during the traditional Buso Carnival in Mohacs, southern Hungary March 6, 2011. At the Buso Carnival, which lasts for six days, locals bury the winter and party before the start of lent. According to legend, the masks helped locals scare away the Turks in the 16th century. REUTERS

Inter-schools rugby 7’s

Defending league championships St. Peter’s began the 2011 all-island inter-school rugby campaign under 20 inter-schools rugby 7’s for the second successive year defeating Kingswood by 24 points to 15 in the final played at the  Royal Sports Complex grounds in Reid Avenue yesterday. The picture shows Peterite play maker Sandun Herath in action in the final against Kingswood yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

“Walk for Cancer”

“Walk for Cancer” a cancer awareness and fundraising event organized by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society was held at the Green Path this afternoon. The picture shows a youngster who took part in the walk imprinting her palm print to show support to Sri Lanka Cancer Society and raise awareness regarding Cancer in Sri Lanka. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Showing off dog skills

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Wet weather in the evening

The Meteorology Department predicted thunder showers in the evening today in the Western, Central, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces coupled with heavy winds. Light showers are also expected in other parts of the country. The Department also warned of lightning

Air Force 60th Anniversary

Large number of visitors are arriving to the Air Force exhibition and carnival organized in Ratmalana to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force. It started on March 2 and it will be held till the 8th of March. The main attractions are the exhibits, air displays, air demonstrations and fly pasts. Pics By Pradeep Dilruckshana

Rain stops play

Groundsmen cover the field as it rains during the ICC Cricket World Cup group A match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo March 5, 2011.  REUTERS

President welcomed by Mervyn

President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended the first election rally at the Nawaloka Grounds in Welisara yesterday. Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa and other public representatives in the Gampaha district were also present at the rally. Pics By Gayan Amarasekara

Preparing for battle

Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara (L), Lasith Malinga (C), and Muttiah Muralitharan take a break during a practice session yesterday, ahead of today’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against Australia in Colombo. REUTERS

Showing school spirit

The 77th big-match between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s College began today at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium. Seen in the picture are students buying souvenirs to support their school for the game. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana