Best comfort for the sick

First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa inspecting the condition of a bed while Minister Maithreepala Sirisena looking on at the National Healthcare Exhibition started today at the BMICH. Pix by Pradeep Dilrikshana

Jumbo survives Hakka Patas explosion

A wild elephant lying with serious injuries caused by an illegal hunting device called Hakka Patas laid by a poacher in Nanattan area in Mannar, was handed over to the Udawalawa Elephant Transit Home for treatment

Awarding journalism diplomas

The Sri Lanka College of Journalism (SLCJ) held its 7th annual diploma award ceromony yesterday at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. The chief guest at the occasion was the Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad. 72 were awarded diplomas yesterday for the year 2010. Pics by Nisal Baduge.

Weapons of Mass Destruction

US soldiers wear chemical warfare gear during a joint military exercise with South Korea at a US Army base in Dongducheon, 40kms north of Seoul, on March 3, 2011 aimed to simulate the detection and disposal of North Korea's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons.  US and South Korean soldiers displayed their techniques for handling weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the face of North Korea's nuclear sabre-rattling

Minister displeased with dirty kitchen

Minister Chandrasiri Gajadeera yesterday visited the Welikada prison to attend a book distribution ceremony. The Minster who visited the prison kitchen after the ceremony expressed his displeasure on the uncleanliness of the kitchen. He instructed the Prison Commissioner to look into the matter and to improve its standard.  Pics by Janaka Galappaththi

Final rites for a fallen hero

The remains of Flight Lt. Monath Perera who died in the mid-air collision of two Kafir jets on Tuesday morning are lying at present at a relative’s house at Kitulampitiya in Galle where he attended school. The remains would be taken to his Alma Mater, Mahinda College Galle on Saturday morning for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will take place at the Samanala Grounds in Galle on Saturday evening. Pix by Sajeewa Wijeweer

Protecting their jobs

The All Island Provincial Revenue Services Unity held a protest in Pettah today calling on the authorities to address their employment issues. The picture shows members of the Revenue Services Unity shouting slogans during the protest. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Protesting for their rights

The Joint Council of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine held a protest in front of the Health Ministry today making several demands including the extension of their training period to three years. The picture shows members of the Joint Council of the Professions Supplementary to Medicine during the protest walk. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Amidst rubble

Members of the Police DVI (disaster victim identification) team prepare to move a body found in the rubble of the PGC building during ongoing search operations in the aftermath of the earthquake in Christchurch on March 3, 2011. Rescuers have conceded they do not expect to find any more survivors, turning attention to questions about why the damage inflicted on the city in the 6.3-magnitude tremor was so severe. Up to a third of the downtown area

Buddha statue in Bamiyan

A combination photo of the 55-metre-high Buddha statue in Bamiyan, central Afghanistan in December 18, 1997 (left) and after its destruction on March 26, 2001. It has been ten years since the statue was destroyed by the Taliban on March 2, 2001. REUTERS

“The Night of Shiva”

The picture shows Hindu devotees observing Maha Shivarathri Day at the Sivam Kovil Kotahena Colombo today by in honor of Lord Shiva. Maha Shivarathri is celebrated throughout the world by Hindus. During the day and night they spend singing the devotional hymns and dance joyously in the name of the Lord for the blessing. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

Protesting for rights

The State Engineering Employees Union today staged a protest campaign in front of the State Engineering Corporation in Colombo 2, protesting against what they called a “suppression” by the management and protesting against the recent decision outlining a circular released, bringing down the retirement age from 60 to 57. Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

Celebrating the 60th Anniversary

The Sri Lanka Air Force celebrated their 60th Anniversary today with an exhibition and carnival organized at the Sri Lanka Air Force base in Ratmalana. The picture shows President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the 60th Anniversary celebrations this morning. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya

Battlefield of "Baengma Goji"

Middle and high school students who defected from North Korea listen to a military guide upon their visit to the battlefield of Baengma Goji (The Battle of White Horse) near the demilitarized zone in Cheorwon, about 77 km (48 miles) northeast of Seoul, March 2, 2011, after a ceremony to commemorate their school's foundation anniversary. About 140 students from Hangyeore Middle and High School for North Korean teenage defectors took part in th

Javan rhino

This handout photo released by WWF on February 28, 2011 shows a video grab recorded on November 22, 2010 of a Javan rhino and a male calf captured by hidden cameras in the jungle of the rhino sanctuary in Ujung Kulon National Park on the southwestern tip of Java island.  This images from the camera trap is a proof that Javan rhinos are breeding in Indonesia's national park, the last redoubt of one of the world's most threatened mamma

81st Geneva Car Show

Italian carmaker Pagani's new Huayra sports car is displayed during the first media day of the 81st Geneva Car Show at the Palexpo in Geneva March 1, 2011. REUTERS

Locally built naval craft

The Navy today handed over a locally built naval craft to the Sri Lanka Coast Guard. The picture shows Coast Guard personnel after the craft was handed over. Pix by Samantha Perera

A heavy burden

JVP which took to the streets to protest against the high cost of living in Colombo today pledged to make Lipton circus another Tahrir Square. The picture shows JVP protester carrying an effigy of a loaf of bread during the protest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Malinga gets Hat-trick

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga celebrates after taking the wicket of Kenya's Shem Ngoche during their ICC Cricket World Cup group A match in Colombo March 1, 2011. REUTERS

Tragic flight

Two Kfir Aircraft rehearsing a fly pass for the Air Force Anniversary celebrations have collided near Warana in the Gampaha district in the morning. President Mahinda Rakapaksa visited the place and observed the damage. The picture shows the wreckage of the crashed aircraft. Pix by Pushpakumara Mallawarachchi & Kushan Pathirajah

Incredible military skills

Kuwaiti troops show their skills during a military show in Kuwait City on February 28, 2011 as the Gulf state marks its 50th Independence Day and 20th anniversary of the end of the Gulf war with the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. AFP

Safely back home

The picture shows a group of Sri Lankans who were in Libya on their arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport this morning. More than 40 Lankans have arrived from Libya up to now, after Sri Lanka started to evacuate its nationals due to the prevailing violence in Tripoli, Libya. Pix Courtesy- FEB

Harsha takes over Air Force

Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama assumed duties as the 13th Air Force Commander this morning at the Air Force Headquarters. He vowed to give priority to research and development activities and also to develop welfare activities carried out on airmen. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Celebration dance

Brazil's Flamengo's Ronaldinho (R) celebrates after scoring against Boavista during their Guanabara Cup final soccer match in Rio de Janeiro February 27, 2011. REUTERS

Nordic World Ski Championships

Philip Boit of Kenya competes during the men's cross country 30 km pursuit at the Nordic World Ski Championships in Oslo February, 2011. REUTERS

Roshan bids adieu to Air Force

Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonathileke retired from the Air Force today after a 33 year service to the nation and will continue as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). He was given a guard of honour at the Air Force Headquarters. Seen here the out going Air Chief handing over the Command baton to the newly appointed Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama. Pic By Pradeep Dilruckshana

48th Big Match

The 48th edition of the Isipathana-Thurstan big match was played for the Blackham Wijewardena trophy at the SSC grounds during the weekend. The picture shows a fielder of the Isipathana team saving a run during the last few overs of the match. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

11 inch Seahorse

A seahorse 11 inches in length was recovered from the sea off Kalpitiya by local fishermen. Seahorses which have been recovered from Sri Lankan waters are usually 2 inches in length but this specimen which is 11 inches is believed to be the longest seahorse recovered from the area. Pix by Hiran Priyankara

Flowery dress

A girl participates in the Red Cross Children's Carnival competition at Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain, Trinidad February 26, 201. Reuters

Celebrating 11-run victory

Pakistan celebrate their 11-run victory, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, World Cup, Group A, Colombo, February 26, 2011. AFP