The role of artists..

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Jayasuriya bats for Rajapakse

Veteran cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya is seen here shaking hands with President Mahinda Rajapkse at an election rally held in Ambalangoda today. Jayasuriya called upon the people to cast their vote for the president. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Worlds apart…

Seen here are UNP General Secretary Tissa Attanayake and UPFA General Secretary Susil Premajayantha at the Elections Secretariat in Rajagiriya today where they, along with other political party representatives met with Elections Commissioner to discuss issues regarding the upcoming presidential polls. Pics by Nisal Baduge.     

Standing alert

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Explaining the manifesto

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Casting votes

  Postal voting for the Presidential election which will be held on the 26th of January began today and will be held tomorrow as well. Government employees who are on election duty are seen here making use of postal voting to cast their vote. Pix by Samantha Perera

A bombers plea

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Sharing a word

A presidential election rally was held in Delgoda by the Opposition Common candidate General (Ret.) Sarath Fonseka today. General Fonseka is seen here sharing a word with Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremasighe at the event. Pix by Samantha Perera

“ Listen here”

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is seen here speaking to Eastern Province Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan at the unveiling of the President’s election manifesto Idiri Dekma, which was held at the BMICH this morning. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Disabled distressed

Policemen from the Disabled Police War Heroes Welfare today staged a protest near Fort against the indifference shown to them, despite having lost their limbs during the war. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.   

Fonseka at the Diocese..

Presidential Candidate Sarath Fonseka paid a vist to the Diocese of Colombo where he met with the Rt Reverend Duleep de Chickera; Bishop of Colombo. Pics by Indraratne Balasuriya

Praba senior’s final journey

The final rites of Thiruvengadam Velupillai, the father of slain LTTE leader Vellupillai Prabakaran was held in Velvetithurai, Jaffna yesterday. Picture shows Independent Presidential Candidate M.K Sivajilingham taking over the remains of Velupillai senior for his funeral in Jaffna yesterday. Pic courtesy Nava Sama Samaja Party

Bridging the gap…

Minister Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan is seen here applauding as TMVP leader Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, who he has been openly critical of, hands over a memento to President Mahinda Rajapaksa when the President visited Batticaloa this evening. Pic by Sudath Silva

Dirty money

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The time is coming!

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Seeking divine intervention….

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who visited the Jaffna peninsula today on an election campaign, visited the historic Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Temple to partake in religious observances. President Rajapaksa is seen here seeking blessings for the Presidential elections. Pic courtesy President’s media

Seeking enlightment

Buddhist monks peer through an opening to catch a glimpse of Tibetan spiritual leader The Dalai Lama during a prayer session at The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya. AFP

Praying for victory…

A “Ranhansa Abhisheka” pooja was held in the name of presidential candidate General (Ret.) Sarath Fonseka this morning at the Viharamahdevi indoor stadium by the Bihkku’s for Democracy. General Fonseka, and several opposition MPs are seen here at the event taking part in prayers. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya   

For your information

Supporters of President Mahinda Rajapaksa were seen distributing election propaganda in the Rajagiriya area this morning. The picture shows a supporter handing over a leaflet to a voter.  Pix by Varuna Vanniarachi

Flying slow

US Robert Baldwin steers his Hummer during the seventh stage of the Dakar 2010, between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, on January 08, 2010. AFP   

Well played

   Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene celebrates with teammate Upul Tharanga after a boundary during the Tri-Nations tournament one day international cricket match between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. Sri Lanka won the match by 9 wickets. AFP

I’m your President

A Presidential election rally was held in Kuliyapitiya this afternoon which was attended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. The President is seen here waving at the cheering crowd gathered at the rally.  Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Praba's Parents

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Remembering a Prime Minister

Today was the 111th Birth Anniversary of late Prime Minister S. W. R. D Bandaranaike. Seen here is a garland being presented to the statue of S W. R. D Bandaranaike situated at the Galle Face at a ceremony which was held in memory of him this afternoon.  Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya 

Rohitha flays Alston

   Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama is seen here addressing the media at a press conference in Colombo this afternoon. Minister Bogollagama stated that the UN envoy had breached diplomatic protocol by the statement he had made regarding the alleged execution video. Pix by Varuna Vanniarachi    

Free and to the Front

 The Venerable Dambara Amila Thero who was arrested two weeks ago was released on bail by the Horana Magistrate today.  Seen here is the Ven. Thero marching off with his supporters who had gathered near the court complex this afternoon.  

Another one for Fonseka

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For the forces..

Groups of youth were seen collecting funds for the troops with the “Api Wenuwen Api Foundation” in several areas of Colombo yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

President takes campaign to Monaragala

  A UPFA meeting was held in Monaragala this evening, which was attended by President Rajapaksa and organized by Sunil Dayasiri Jayasinghe. Seen here is President Rajapaksa garnering applause from the supporters who attended the rally. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana.  

Protesting for democracy

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