Driving with his feet on!

Buddika Rambukwela launched an attempt to create a world record of driving with his feet. His journey started in Jaffna at 7:30am today. He reached Vavunia by 11:30am with the help of the area police who cleared the roads and got to Anuradhapura by 12:53 pm where he is taking a break. He will continue his record setting journey to Kandy tomorrow. Pics by Romesh Madushanka

Caring for the disabled

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya today said that the army has launched a new project to set up a wellness resort named ‘Abhimansala’ to provide life long care to the disabled soldiers. Pic By Kithsiri De Mel

Inside story

A woman reads a story in the Straits Times newspaper about Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse in Singapore today.  Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse has ruled out an early pardon for his election rival Sarath Fonseka and dismissed the former army chief as a “fool” who was unprepared for politics. AFP PHOTO

Rowing down a healing river

Indian boatsman Subhas rows his boat on the river Ganges at Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers, in Allahabad. The belief that the Ganges washes away sin entices millions of Hindus into the river each year, but concern over pollution along the length of the 2,500 kilometre (1,500 mile) river is growing.  AFP

Smiles galore...

 President Mahinda Rajapakse and Foriegn Minister Rohitha Bogolagama in good spirits at the President's address to the Colombo District, Kotte SLFP Balamandalaya meeting earlier today.  

From minister to common man

Minister of Environment and Natural Resources Patali Champika Ranawaka leads a bicycle parade earlier today, which commenced from Gothami Road, Rajagiriya up to the Sadaham Sevana through the Parliament grounds. The bicycle parade was hosted to encourage eco friendly transportation. Pic By Pradeep Dilrukshana

All smiles during hard times

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) held a press briefing this morning regarding the charge sheet served on Gen. Sarath Fonseka. DNA stalwart MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake and JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe can be seen here smiling while addressing the journalist. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Feeling the heat…

A local fruit seller carves out a watermelon for a customer at his roadside stall in Kelaniya. Sales of fresh juices are on the rise as locals turn to chilled drinks to beat the hot humid weather conditions currently prevailing in the country. AFP PHOTO

A tribute to the gaurdians

 People walk by “The Guardians” sculptures of Spanish sculptor Xavier Mascaro displayed at El Paseo de Recoletos street in Madrid, on March 15, 2010. AFP

May the best bird win

Roosters duel during a cockfighting match in the Afgan capital Kabul. Cockfighting, known as “Murgh Janghi” In the Afghan Dari language, is a popular game among Afghans during the winter season which was banned by the Taliban rulers. Each fight starts following an agreement of the owners of roosters and the amount of betting by spectators. The heels and bills of the birds are sharpened before fights, which run around 4-6 rounds with e

In a somber mood

The Democratic National Alliance launched its manifesto for the upcoming General election today. The launch took place while its leader General Sarath Fonseka was facing a Court marital at the Navy Head Quarters.  Pix by Nisal Baduge

Gas attack

Police used teargas to disperse a protest organized by the Democratic Nation Alliance in support of General Sarath Fonseka in Pandura this morning.  A policeman can be seen here moving away from a cloud of teargas in the middle of the road during the protest Pix by Kamal Chamath 

Falla Festival gets underway

A woman looks at a Falla, a gigantic sculpted structure of cardboard and wood which humorously portrays relevant current events and personalities, caricaturizing French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni during preparations for the Fallas Festival in Valencia. AFP

In his father's footsteps

UPFA candidate and son of President Mahinda Rajapakse Namal Rajapakse is seen here touring the Suriyawewa Polla earlier today. Pix by Presidents Media

Susil in cyberspace

Minister of Education Susil Premajayantha launched his personal web site today at the Galle Face hotel. Minister Premajayantha can be seen here sharing a moment with Chief Guest senior presidential advisor and Gampaha District UPFA leader Basil Rajapaksa at the web site launch. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Fighting the flames

A massive fire broke out inside a coir factory in Nattandiya today morning destroying property and equipment worth Rs. 470 million. Due to the scarcity of water in the area, the fire spread destroying a further nine houses closeby. The Airforce and the Negombo Fire Brigade rushed to the scene to control the flames. Pics. by Jude Samantha

A Tamil medium unit

A Tamil Medium Complaining Unit was opened at the Welikada Prison today morning. High ranking police officers attended the religious ceremonies which were conducted just before the opening. Seen here is a police officer explaining how the new unit is going to function. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Self defense

Thai soldiers practice using their shields at a military base in Bangkok March 15, 2010. More than 100,000 protesters converged in Bangkok on Sunday and gave Thailand's military-backed government an ultimatum to call elections within 24 hours or face crippling demonstrations across the capital. REUTERS

Non - violence

A Buddhist monk holds a banner as he joins other supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in central Bangkok.

Stressing a point

The National Freedom Front (NFF) called on the government to bring in laws to restrict the pro separatist statements that are made by some elements today. Colombo District Candidate Wimal Weerawansa can be seen here stressing this point to journalist at a press briefing. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

On his way

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen here on his way to the construction site of a Buddha statue at the heart of the city in Mahiyanganaya. The statue is located near the newly constructed Bus stand and bazaars. Pix by Chandana Perera

Offering prayers

Hindu devotees can bee seen offering prayers at a Hindu Temple in Colombo yesterday, on the occasion of Maha Siva Rathri.

Casting shadows...

Supporters of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra cast shadows as they arrive for a rally in Bangkok March 13, 2010. Anti-government protesters headed for Bangkok from the countryside on Saturday for what they are calling a “million-man march,” aiming to paralyse the capital and topple a government they say is a front for unelected elites.  REUTERS

UN, hands off!

A large number of Sri Lankan expatriates in New York shout slogans urging the UN to keep their ‘hands off Sri Lanka’ outside the UN Headquarters yesterday. The Sri Lankan’s carried out the protest, despite a steady downpour and freezing temperatures, against the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon’s decision to establish a panel of experts to look into alleged human rights abuses in Sri Lanka.

Riding for a good cause

Former England rugby union player Lawrence Dallaglio raises a glass of champagne as he cycles into Murrayfield stadium to complete his “Dallagio Cycle Slam” in Edinburgh, Scotland. The cycle ride from Rome to Edinburgh aimed to raise a million GBP for charity.  REUTERS

Ranil at the Big Match

Opposition leader Ranil Wickramasighe can be seen here leaving the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) grounds today, after watching the action on day two of the 131st Battle of the Blues between Royal College and S.Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.  Mr. Wickramasighe is a past pupil of Royal College. Pic By Pradeep Dilrukshana

Waves galore

President Mahinda Rajapaksa donated cash prices and awards to the wives of late Trade Union leaders at a ceremony organized at the Sugathadasa stadium today. The ceremony was organized to educate the country's workforce on the Mahinda Chinthana’s future vision. Pix by Sudath Silva

Safer resettlement

The de-mining of the North and Eastern Provinces have been expedited to make the areas safer for the resettlement of the IDPs. Troops can be seen here hard at work clearing the mines and other explosive devices. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Spring comes to Germany

A swan swims at Lake Toepper (Toeppersee) in the western German city of Duisburg. Small signs of the approaching spring can be seen in many parts of Germany, despite continuing cold weather. AFP

Seeking blessings from the gods

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited the Kelaniya electorate Sri Vishnu Kovila, Helena Wijewardena Balika Vidyalaya and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya this morning. Minister Mervin Silva, W/P council members and the Kelaniya Pradeshiya saba members were present.