Launch of ‘Adara Ankura’

Saman Athaudahetti’s  latest publication ‘Adara Ankura’ - the inconcised sinhala translation of the popular Indian Writer Kishwar Desai’s ‘Origins of Love - was launched at the Bandaranaike International Conference Hall today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Remembering Anagarika Dharmapala

The 150th Birth anniversary commemoration of Anagarika Dharmapala was held today at the Laskhman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations amidst the patronage of Amarapura chapter Mahanayaka the Most Venerable Dauldena Gnaneswara Thera. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Harin in Passara

UNP’s Chief Ministerial candidate at the forthcoming Uva Provincial Council elections Harin Fernando is seen addressing a political gathering held in Passara yesterday. UNP MP Ruwan Wijewardene also participated at the meeting.Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Series win

Tillakaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews embrace after Sri Lanka's win, Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 3rd ODI, Dambulla today. Pics AFP

Aren’t they tasty?

A girl is seen plucking grapes at a farm in Jaffna. Jaffna is the main district that grows grapes on a commercial basis.  Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Chinese beauties visit Minneriya

The finalists in the 2014 Miss Universe China in Sri Lanka visited the Minneriya National Park and Habarana Cinnamon Lodge yesterday. The tour was organized by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts to promote tourism in Sri Lanka. Pix by Deepa Adikari

CRAFTALIVE initiative

In a continuous effort to develop  fashion designers who bring design innovations to craft, the National Craft Council and Colombo Fashion Week yesterday presented the first-ever ‘CRAFTALIVE’ initiative at the Independence Square Old Monument. Picture shows some of the models at the show. Pix. by Manoj Ratnayake

JVP meets EC

JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake walks out of the elections office in Rajagiriya followed by party General Secretary Tilvin Silva, MP Sunil Handunnetti and Western Provincial Councillor Sunil Watagala. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Basil opens National Handicrafts Exhibition

The ‘Shilpa Udana 2014’ National Handicrafts Festival was held today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Memorial Exhibition Hall. The exhibition was inaugurated by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Here Minister Rajapaksa is seen inspecting a sword that was on display at the exhibition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

One millionth tourist of 2014 arrives

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board today ceremoniously welcomed the arrival of one millionth tourist of this year at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Pix by Nirmala Ferdinandus

Rarely seen bunch

An unusually big comb of bananas discovered by a family in Rathmalana was captured on film today. About 70 bananas are seen in this unusually big comb.

Protest at Mahaweli Authority

Workers attached to the Mahaweli Authority seen shouting slogans at a demonstration held today in front of the Mahaweli Authority over several demands. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Another successful surgery

A stick which had pierced the neck of a Suriyawewa resident was surgically removed by a team of surgeons at the Hambantota General Hospital today. It had pierced the neck of the man during a brawl. Pix by Sanath Gamage

Fifth Comoran Strike exercise in EP

The fifth Comoran Strike exercise organised by the Sri Lanka Army will be held from September 3 to September 23 in the Eastern Province. Most importantly Special Forces teams from 12 countries will participate in the exercise. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Rectify our salary anomalies

Members of the Under-Paid Retired Teachers Organisation today staged a protest march from Hyde Park Grounds to Liptons Circus urging the government to rectify their pension anomalies. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Chinese beauties here

*The fifteen finalists in 2014 Miss Universe China arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a pre-pageant tour of Sri Lanka organized by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts to promote tourism in Sri Lanka. They will stay here for seven days and will travel to Habarana, Sigiriya and Beruwala. Pix by Deepa Adikari

Operation saves a life

A tiny ‘Imbul’ tree branch which had pierced the left breast of a motorcyclist was surgically removed by a team of surgeons at the Hambantota General Hospital. Pix by Santha Gamage

Severely damaged

Several houses were severely damaged from the heavy rain and gale force winds at Damana in Ampara last night.Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

First in Sri Lanka

The floating market in Pettah, a first in Sri Lanka, was declared opened this evening at Bastian Street. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Defence Ministry Secretary Goatbhaya Rajapaksa are seen here at the opening. Pix by Nisla Baduge

DNA protest against EC, IGP

Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka is seen speaking at a protest rally organised by his party outside the Fort Railway Station this evening wher he called for the resignation of the Elections Commissioner and the IGP. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Nallur Kanthan Ther

The annual grand Ther (Chariot) festival of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Hindu temple, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, was held amidst thousands of devotees thronging the temple this morning. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Passing out ceremony

A passing out ceremony was held yesterday for thirty six Tamil female soldiers who were recruited to the Sri Lankan army force. The ceremony was held at the 22 Division in Trincomalee. Pix by Amadoru Amarajeewa

What a weight

A vehicle on Duplication Road in Kollupitiya was crushed under a tree which was uprooted by the heavy rains and strong winds today. A three-wheeler was also damaged in the incident injuring the driver. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Does it smell good?

Pro food – Pro pack 2014 which showcases international processed food, beverage packaging and agricultural business began today at the BMICH. It will end on Sunday (24). Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Flooded …

Several Roads in Colombo and Galle were under water from the heavy rains that lashed in Colombo and several other parts of the country today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Remove GK director: Protestors

An organisation calling itself the, “Voice of Golden Key Investors for Justice’ today staged a protest march near the Temple Trees urging that the Golden Key Director be removed over corruption allegations. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Sobitha Thera, Ranil discuss proposed BTA

A group of UNP members including, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe met the head of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera at Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya today and discussed the proposed Buddhist Temporalities Act (BTA). Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

JTUC protest

Members of the Joint Trade Union Committee (JTUC) in the Colombo National Hospital today staged a protest and a started a hunger strike opposite the National Hospital premises urging the authorities on increasing the ‘Overtime’ payment to a reasonable rate and several other demands. Civil Defense Force members were deployed to undertake the hospital services. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel, Jayamal Chandrasiri

Mother blessed with triplets

A 31-year-old mother today delivered male triplets at the de Soysa Maternity Hospital and it was her third time. On her first delivery she gave birth to twins and are aged 15 years and on her second delivery, she had another twins who are aged six years now. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Kelaniya undergrads protest

Students of the Kelaniya University Students’ Council today staged a protest at the university premises urging the government on several demands, including selling of Arts Degree for Rs.75,500 and the Management Degree for Rs.12,000 for external students. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja