Blessings for the tour

The Sri Lankan Cricket team left for Australia yesterday night to take part in the 2010 Australian Cricket tour. The Sri Lankan cricket team is seen taking part in religious observances before their departure. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Murray triumphs over Federer

Andy Murray of Britain holds aloft his trophy in front of a Chinese national flag after winning the final against Roger Federer of Switzerland at the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament October 17, 2010. REUTERS

Next batsman

The opening of the ticket reservations for the ICC Cricket World Cup was announced at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambanthota today. Seen here is MP Namal Rajapaksa son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the announcement ceremony. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana

Goddess of Learning

A religious ceremony to mark the final day of the Saraswathi Pooja, which celebrates Goddess Saraswathi who is considered the Goddess of Learning, was held at the Kotahena Ponnampalawaneswaram Kovil in Colombo today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Where are you going?

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and JVP MP Vijitha Herath are seeing here discussing matters before addressing the JVP Provincial Councilors this morning. The JVP leadership which met the Provincial Councilors educated them regarding the party’s future path. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja  

Vettori in action

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Rescued Marmoset

A Pygmy Marmoset (Callithrix pygmaea) is seen at a primate rescue and rehabilitation center near Santiago . The Pygmy Marmoset, known as the world's smallest monkey and under danger of extinction, was confiscated after being found inside the clothes of a Peruvian citizen during a highway police check at the northern city of Antofagasta, some 1367 km (849 miles) of Santiago. REUTERS

Penguin chick

An African penguin chick walks out of his nest at the Tropiquarium in Servion near Lausanne October 16, 2010. The eggs were incubated by the parents for around a month, then the babies stayed under them for a few weeks in order to gain weight and slowly adventured outside their nest since October 14 according to the Tropiquarium owner Philippe Morel.  REUTERS

Senkaku conflict

A protester in the traditional costume Kimono shouts slogans during an anti-Chinese march in Tokyo October 16, 2010.  Thousands of Japanese on Saturday protested against China's claims to the disputed islands in the East China Sea, known as the Senkaku islands in Japan and Diaoyu in China. They also demanded the release of  Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo of China.   REUTERS

Notice to leave

Students of the Kelaniya University, except medical faculty students were informed to vacate the hostel premises in and outside the university until further notice. The picture shows a vacated hostel at the University.  Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Passing by

Honda MotoGP rider Dani Pedrosa of Spain rides during the qualifying session of the Australian Grand Prix in Phillip Island near Melbourne October 16, 2010. The Australian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. REUTERS

A junior lion

An African lion cub is pictured in his cage during a presentation to the public in Berlin, October 15, 2010. Two lions Nathan and Miron were born on August 26 and fed by the employees of the Berlin Zoo in the German capital.     REUTERS

A new life

More than 500 rehabilitated former LTTE cadres were released today. The picture shows rehabilitated cadres being provided with transport to go back to their homes.  A cultural event was also organized as a part of the farewell ceremony. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Exploring options

Higher Education and Career Fair “ADYAPANA” is currently being held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center. The picture shows students exploring future career and education options at the Exhibition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Behind the buffaloes

Minister of Housing and Common Amenities, Wimal Weerawansa is seen here steering buffaloes during the Wapmagul” ceremony in Oruwela, Egodawatta this morning. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A storm in Havana

A man crosses the street near the Capitol building during thunderstorms in Havana. A weakening Tropical Storm Paula moved ashore in Cuba on Thursday and neared the Cuban capital, where thunderstorms raked the city with winds and driving rain. REUTERS

Pandemonium

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Officially the shortest

Khagendra Thapa poses with the certificate for the shortest man in the world, at a function in Pokhara, west of Kathmandu October 14, 2010. Thapa is now the shortest man in the world after turning 18 today, as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records. He has officially been measured as being 67 cm (26.4 inches) tall, according to Frigatti.  REUTERS

Artistic expressions

An art exhibition organized by the A/L arts batch of the Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Kotte was held at the school premises today. The picture shows students of the school during the art exhibition. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

“Uththama Pooja”

“Uththama Pooja” a special medal awarding ceremony for fallen army personnel during the war was held at the Panagoda army camp this morning. The picture shows the wife of Lieutenant General Denzil Kobbekaduwa being awarded the medal by Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa during the event. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Jobless in United States

People fill up job application forms at a job fair in Los Angeles, California, October 13, 2010. American voters unhappy at high unemployment are set to oust President Barack Obama's Democrats from control of the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2 elections, a Reuters-Ipsos poll projected on Wednesday. REUTERS

A Lankan son

Sri Lanka's Manju Wanniarachchi kisses his gold medal in the men's Bantam weight 56kg final boxing match during the medal ceremony at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi October 13, 2010. REUTERS

English Day

The annual “English Day” programme of the Sri Lanka Air Force was held at the Ekala, Air force base today. Deputy Chief of staff Air Vice Marshal Harsha Abeywickrema was the chief guest at the event. The picture shows Air Force personnel taking part in the drama competition. By Pradeep Pathirana

Running to safety

The Disaster Management Centre conducted a tsunami drill today in coastal areas vulnerable to tsunamis. The picture shows residents of the Lunawa area running to higher ground during the tsunami drill. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

New way to complaint IGP

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya addresses the media at his headquarters about the new online system for the public to lodge complaints directly with him. Pics by kithsiri de Mel

Yes we did it

A frame grab shows Florencio Avalos (L), the first of 33 workers trapped for more than two months in a Chilean mine, being met by an emergency worker (R) upon ascending to surface at San Jose mine in Copiapo today. The first of 33 workers trapped for more than two months in a Chilean mine reached the surface early Wednesday morning in a specially-made rescue capsule. REUTERS

Cricket fashion

Sri Lankan cricketers took to ramp at the ‘light of change’ charity fashion show organized by MAS Holdings.  Pic by Manoj Ratnayake

Seeking the release

A joint protest march of several opposition political parties calling for the release of jailed former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka proceeded from Hyde Park to the Welikada prison today. Pix by Kushnan Pathiraja

SF will not bow

Former Army commander Sarath Fonseka appeared in courts today for the hearing of the ‘White flag’ incident. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Let’s dance

The Dance Sports Championships 2010 Sri Lanka organized by Footwork International, was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Colombo. The Chief Guest for the event was former President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaranatunga. Pics by Kithsiri de Mel