Slow down

The Traffic Police Headquarters carried out an awareness program on motor accidents for school students in the Vavuniya area. The picture shows a demonstration which was carried out at the program. Pic by Romesh Madushanka

This is how it works...

School students are seen here examining weapons used by US Marines when their vessel the USS Pearl harbor docked at the Trincomalee harbor for an official visit to Sri Lanka. Pic by Amadoru Amarajeeva

Voicing their anger

University students are seen here staging a protest opposite the University Grants Commission at Ward Place in Colombo. The protest resulted in a severe traffic block in the area. Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

With the people

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen here mingling with residents of Kilinochchi during his visit to the former LTTE stronghold with his cabinet. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Lending a hand

US marines of the United States Naval Ship “USS Pearl Harbour” which arrived at the Port of Trincomalee on a goodwill visit on Tuesday were involved in cleaning the Thiriyaya Tamil Vidyalaya and Methodist Children’s home yesterday. Pic By Amadoru Amarajeewa

Demanding his dues

These days every rupee counts even for President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is seen here asking for his balance from Minister Arumugam Thondaman after purchasing a packet of fresh milk during a tour of Kilinochchchi today. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana  

Circle of life

A group of children are seen here taking a look at the carcass of a whale which washed ashore in Puttalam today. Pic by Hiran Jayasingha

For student rights!

The Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) of the Kelaniya University held a demonstration today protesting against the establishment of private universities in Sri Lanka and the lack of facilities in local education intuitions. Seen here are students taking part in the protest. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Expressions

“Expressions 2010” an art and craft exhibition and sale organized by the Colombo Center for Special Education was held at the Lionel Wendt memorial art centre today. All the artworks on display were contributed by special needs children at the education center. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel 

In former Tiger land

The first Cabinet meeting to be held in Kilinochchi was held at the security forces headquarters in Kilinochchi this morning. President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen here addressing the Cabinet ministers prior to the commencement of the meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Pumping petrol

Petroleum Industries Minister Susil Premajayantha declared open several new petrol stations in Kilinochchi and Vauniya this week. The picture shows Minister Premajayantha inspecting one of the newly opened petrol stations in Kilinochchi. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Preparing for the worst

People in 14 coastal districts prepared themselves for the Tsunami drill conducted by the Disaster Management Center this evening. Seen here is a boy who had fallen while running for safety during the drill. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

The protest continues

The United National Part (UNP) continued their protests today in Colombo about the cost of living. Seen here is UNP Leader Ranil Wickremasighe together with Senior UNP member Ravi Karunanayake leading the protest. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Lobbying against Ban

JHU memeber Udaya Gammanpila is seemingly cooling down with a glass of water while Minister Chamipka Ranawaka addresses the media about seeking support against UN chief Ban Ki Moon. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Fishy process

The picture shows villagers processing dry fish at the Puttalam beach. The Puttalam villagers claim that it’s cheaper to buy fish from areas such as Trincomalee and Mannar and process them rather than buying the fish from Puttalam which is expensive. Pix by Hiran Priyankara 

For one of their own

Mid wives at the Jaffna hospital held a protest in front of the Jaffna Health Department today protesting over the alleged murder of a mid wife by a doctor last week. According to reports, the doctor had tried to stage the death as a suicide to cover up the murder. Pix by N. Parameswaran

Victory for Paul

Spain's Andres Iniesta holds a mock version of Paul the oracle octopus as he and his team mates celebrate their World Cup victory on a stage in Madrid July 12, 2010. The octopus, who lives in an aquarium in the German city of Oberhausen, had picked Spain to beat the Netherlands in Sunday's final.  REUTERS

Eyeing the trophy

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara pose for a picture with  the upcoming test series trophy during a media conference in Colombo. India will play Sri Lanka in the three-test series starting at Galle on July 18th. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya

Talking about reforms

The picture shows UNP leader Ranil Wickremasighe addressing the media after concluding today’s discussions with President Mahinda Rajapakse regarding constitutional reforms. The President and the UNP leader had agreed to continue talks on constitutional reforms and other related matters. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Touring the port

 The Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation, Rohitha Abeygunawardana and Dayashritha Tissera took an inspection tour of the Colombo port today. The Deputy Ministers examined the recently computerized data system for authorized containers and the construction sites of the Colombo South Harbor. Pic by Nisal Baduge  

Differences apart

Regardless of party differences, members of the UNP, Kabeer Hashim and Mohammed Muzammil and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa  are seen here having a conversation after arriving at Minister Wimal Weerawansa's official residence to pay their final respects to the minister's late mother today.  Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

The winning goal

Andres Iniesta of Spain celebrates after scoring his side's only goal. Spain won the World Cup for the first time when they beat Netherlands 1-0 after extra time thanks to the goal by midfielder Andres Iniesta.

Ready for the final

Dutch supporters arrive in the center of Rotterdam on July 11, 2010 to watch the 2010 FIFA World Cup final football match opposing Netherlands to Spain in Johannesburg. AFP PHOTO

Starring role

Indian actress Asin who is in Sri Lanka with Bollywood star Salman Khan, visited Vavuniya today with First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa. They are seen here arriving at the Vavuniya hospital during the tour.

Lanka to the rescue

A Chinese national who needed urgent medical attention while on a vessel which was passing by Sri Lankan waters was brought to the Trincomalee hospital this morning by the Navy following a request by the Chinese Embassy in Colombo. The Chinese sailor is seen here being given medical attention. Pic by Amadoru Amarageeva

Smoking them out

A dengue awareness and cleanup campaign was carried out in Koswatte this morning. The picture shows a Municipal Council worker cleaning a potential dengue mosquito breeding spot. Pix by Waruna Wanniarchi 

The final goal

Netherlands' striker Arjen Robbenjoins trains with members of the Netherlands football team as they run during an official training session at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. They meet Spain in the 2010 World Cup football final today. AFP

A little bit more...

Minister Wimal Weerawansa is seen here drinking a glass of water offered by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the minister's daughter after ending his fast unto death campaign. Pic by Indrarathne Balasuriya and Waruna Wanniarachchi

Weaker by the minute

NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa, who is on a fast unto death campaign, was placed on a saline drip a short while ago. Crowds have gathered around and the minister is said to be in weak condition. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Rallying for a cause

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasinghe and members of the United National Party distributed handbills urging people to rally against the government in the Kadawatha area this morning. The distribution of handbills was followed by a protest in the Kadawatha junction. Pic by Indraratne Balasuriya.