Remembering a hero

People are seen here gathering at a plaque in memory of Lance Corporal Hasalka Gamini, a soldier who fell in the battle of Elephant Pass after attempting a suicide mission to prevent a siege by the LTTE in 1991.The plaque was erected next to the bulldozer belonging to the terrorists, which the soldier had climbed and lodged grenades into.  Pic By Pradeep Pathirana

New cadets

The Puttalam Wijeyaba Army Training School held a passing out ceremony today for 267 soldiers. Pics by Hiran Priyankara Jayasingha

In the limelight

Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapakse is seen here on a large projector screen during an inspection tour of the Central Bank today. Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal is also seated beside him. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

Justice flooded

The Galle Magistrate Court which was flooded due to the heavy rains has caused great inconvenience to the public. Several landslides also occurred due to the heavy thundershowers in the district. Pic by D.G. Sugathapala

Demanding action

Parents and residents in Trincomalee staged a protest outside a Hostel in the area demanding that the monk who operates the Hostel be removed over abuse charges. Picture shows the police attempting to calm the protestors. Pic by Amadoru Amarageeva

The “Red shirts” continue

An anti-government “red shirt” protester rests next to a placard during a rally in Bangkok's shopping district May 5, 2010. Anti-government protesters in Thailand held their ground on the streets of Bangkok on Wednesday and said they would stay there until Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva sets a date for dissolving parliament. REUTERS

A view from space

This NASA image released today from the European Space Agency's Herschel Space Observatory shows the cloud associated with the Rosette Nebula, a stellar nursery about 5,000 light-years from Earth in the Monoceros, or Unicorn, constellation. Herschel collects the infrared light given out by dust. The bright smudges are dusty cocoons containing massive embryonic stars, which will grow up to 10 times the mass of our sun. The small spots near

From politics to sports

Son of President Mahinda Rajapakse and the country’s youngest MP, Namal Rajapakse headed for the parliament grounds after finishing parliament sessions this evening to take his mind off a full day's work and engage in a game of cricket.  He was joined by Duminda Silva who also participated in the match. Namal Rajapakse made his maiden speech in parliament today. Pics by Rifthi Ali

In shallow waters

Member of Parliament Sudarshini Fernandopulle, wife of late Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle, is seen here inspecting some of the damage caused by the flood in her Katana electorate. Pic by Pradeep Kumara

Demanding media freedom

A group calling itself ‘Journalists against suppression’ staged a protest in Colombo today demanding media freedom and protection. Picture shows a journalist taking part in the protest. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Wanting to be heard

More than 170 students of the Management Studies Faculty of the Vavuniya Campus obstructed access to the faculty and staged a protest today demanding basic facilities including drinking water, internet and a satisfactory catering service. The students are seen here during the protest. Pic by Romesh Madusanka.

Welding the dome

Welders work near the BP Pollution Containment Chamber at Wild Well Control, Inc. in Port Fourchon, Louisiana May 3, 2010. The system is made up of a 125-ton structure that will be set on top of the largest leak source. This leak is located at the end of the riser, about 600 feet from the wellhead. Energy giant BP Plc, its reputation battered by a catastrophic oil spill threatening the U.S. Gulf shore, said on Monday it was working

Mahela strikes

Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene celebrates his century against Zimbabwe during their ICC T20 World Cup 2010 match at the Providence Stadium in Guyana today. Sri Lanka who won the toss and elected to bat have scored 173 in 20 overs. AFP PHOTO

Food for thought

Minister of Co-operatives and Internal Trade Johnston Fernando paid his first visit to the Narahenpita Economic Centre where he inspected vegetables, spices, rice and spoke to vendors. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi 

A small victory?

Anoma Fonseka is seen here with Tiran Alles at the Appeal Court in fort today where an interim order was issued today preventing the hearing of the first Court Martial probing conspiracy charges against General Sarath Fonseka until 21 May. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Next in line?

Parliament Member and son of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Namal Rajapaksa is seen here in conversation with Minister of External Affairs G.L Peiris after the latter officially assumed duties at his Ministry today. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Showing the way

Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of the Nippon Foundation, a private, non-profit foundation, who is in Sri Lanka on a visit called on Health Minister Maithipala Sirisena today. Picture shows the Minister in conversation with Sasakawa. Pic by Nisal Badhuge

Taliban chief threatens US

In this file photograph taken on November 26, 2008, shows Pakistani Taliban commander Hakimullah Mehsud speaking to a group of media representatives in the Mamouzai area of Orakzai Agency.  Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud, who was believed killed in January, vowed attacks on the United States in a new video dated early April, the SITE monitoring group said on May 3, 2010. AFP

Bread prices up

 All Island Bakers’ Association announced that the price of a loaf of bread will be increased by one rupee with effect from midnight tonight.  An employee of a bakery in Colombo can be seen here hard at work baking bread for the evening stock. Pix by Nisal Baduge  

Nerves of steel

Mine clearing personnel search for unexploded mines in Elephant Pass, the main land route connecting Colombo to the island's northern Jaffna peninsular, in May. The army estimates over a million mines and unexploded devices were buried in the war-torn north by the now defeated Tamil Tiger rebels, during the 37-year ethnic conflict that the United Nations estimates, claimed over 100,000 lives. Sri Lanka plans to have a victory day parade on

Champ

Floyd Mayweather Jr. reacts after defeating Shane Mosley by unanimous decision after the welterweight fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Laboring on Labor Day

A JVP supporter is seen here collecting money during a May Day rally of the party held in Colombo today. The UPFA and other political parties also held May Day rallies around the country. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachi

119th remembrance

The 119th remembrance of the man who pioneered the labour movement in Sri Lanka, A.E. Gunasinghe was held near the statue of the late Gunasinghe in Pettah today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

In memory of Premadasa

President R. Premadasa's 17th death anniversary was commemorated in front of the Premadasa statue in Hulftsdorp this morning. UNP leader Ranil Wickremasighe who attended the event can be seen here talking to the son of the late President, Sajith Premadasa at the ceremony. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Water every where

With heavy rains being experienced around the country several parts of Colombo were flooded after the heavy downpour last night. Seen here are some residences in the Rajagiriya area affected by the rain. Pix by Varuna Vanniarachi 

May Day around the world

Supporters of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN, in Spanish) celebrate International Workers Day on the eve of May 1, in Managua, on April 30, 2010. Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega announced on Friday that over 100,000 civil servants, soldiers and police officers will receive a salary supplement of 25 US dollars per month, thanks to the support of Venezuela.  AFP

Preparing for May Day

JVP supporters are seen here adding the finishing touches to hoardings in preparation for a May Day rally to be held in Campbell park today. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Sivaram remembered

Slain Daily Mirror journalist Sivaram was remembered at an event in London. Picture shows guests at the event paying tribute to the journalist.

Loose wires

Seen here are local residents walking past electric cables that hang haphazardly in the Puttalam area. A wind power generator project got underway in Puttalam despite protests by resident claiming that the cabling hangs too close to their roofs and interferes with other wires and TV antennas. Pics by Hiran Priyankara Jayasingha 

Hoping for resettlement

Newly appointed Resettlement Deputy Minister, Vinayagamoorthy Muralitharan visited the Manik Farm welfare camp in Vavuniya today. The Minister can be seen here interacting with a family housed at the welfare camp. Pix by Romesh Madusanka