Rains disrupt CHOGM preparations

The heavy rains and administrative issues in Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) have slowed down city beautification projects and constructions underway for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to be held next month. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Under control!

The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway which is scheduled to be officially opened on October 27 will be opened to the public for three days (from October 22-24) during which arrangements have been made to hold cultural, sports and other events with people’s participation. Here Minister Basil Rajapaksa is seen at the main control room of the expressway at Ja-ela, during an inspection visit.

BIA police post relocated

The old police post at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) was removed and relocated in a two storey building near the airport today. Pix by Nirmala Fernandez

Health camp at Wijeya Newspapers

The Welfare Society of Wijeya Newspapers Ltd. held a health camp for the staff at the office premises today. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Timber lorries taken into custody

Six lorries transporting timber to Colombo and Akkaraipattu without valid transport licence were taken into custody at Haputale along with 12 suspects by the Haputale Special Task Force (STF) today. Pix by R. Kogulan

National Irrigation Museum

The National Irrigation Museum was declared open today at the Mahaveli Centre by the Irrigation & Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva.Pix by Nisal Baduge

A tryst with destiny

More than 20,000 candidates sat today for the Korean Language Proficiency test held at leading schools in Colombo. If qualified the candidates would be provided with job opportunities in South Korea consequent to an agreement reached by the two governments. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Visually handicapped seek equal treatment

The Sri Lanka National Federation of the Visually Handicapped held a march this morning calling for equal treatment. The march was held at Lipton Circus in Colombo. Nearly 300 visually handicapped people representing 21 districts participated in the march. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Colombo shopping festival at the BMICH

The Colombo Shopping Festivalfeaturing some of the top global brands was opened at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Cultural Hall (BMICH) today. It ends on Sunday, October 20. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Religious observances at Welikada Prisons

Welikada Prison officers and inmates marked Vap Full Moon Poya Day by participating in religious observances led by Rajakeeya Panditha Ven. Talalle Chandakitthi Thera at the Prisons Temple today. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Seeking Blessings on Vap Poya Day

Devotees at the Warana Raja Maha Viharaya in Gampaha are seen taking part in religious observances on Vap Full Moon Poya day which marks the despatch of the first sixty disciples by the Buddha on missionary work. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Religious leaders protest

Religious leaders today warned that they would be compelled to take to the streets on the day when Parliament takes up the debate on new regulations under Strategic Development Act under which tax holidays were to be given to casino projects. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Flash flood in Balapitya

A flash flood had been reported in the Balapitiya town and suburbs due to the heavy rain since last morning. The Galle-Colombo main road was inundated and the all the by-roads were blocked. Pix by Yasas Mendis

For a greener Western Province

A discussion on the traditional agricultural industries was held today at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo under the guidance of Western Province Agricultural Affairs Ministers Udaya Gammanpila. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Getting fit

Presidential guard unit of the Sri Lanka army are seen doing their exercises at Galle Face Green today after a 16-kilometre jog.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Decorations for CHOGM

Roundabouts in the Colombo City are being decorated for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Celebrating Hajj

Muslims gathered around the country to celebrate the Hajj festival this morning. Seen here are Muslims gathered at Galle Face green since 6am this morning for Eid-ul Adha prayers to celebrate the Hajj. Eid Al Adha is one of the most religious festival of Muslims. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Video: CJ visits Fort Magistrate’s court

Chief Justice Mohan Peiris today made an observation visit to the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s court complex in Slave Island to look into the shortcoming in it. He also attended a function held in the Magistrate’s Court. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Air Sea Rope Rescue

Air Sea Rope Rescue (ASR) practical training session is being conducted along the shoreline of Panadura this morning.Pix by Samantha Perera

Mangala at Matara police station

UNP MP Mangala Samaraweera this morning surrendered to the Matara police through his lawyers. The Matara Magistrate court yesterday ordered the arrest of MP Samaraweera and ten others involved in the clash between two groups of UNP supporters at Matara on October 5. Pix by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Ready to grind an axe

Science and Technology Minister Champika Ranawaka seems to have turned a blacksmith with hammer in hand and ready pound on the anvil during the opening of the Engineering Museum at the National Engineering Research and Development (NERD) Centre in Ekala today. Seen here the Minister is inspecting replica of a village blacksmiths workshop at the museum. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

The fulfilling of a dream that was shattered

The Army and students and academic staff of the Sri Jayawardenapura University completed and handed over a new home for the family of slain Rizana Nafeek who was beheaded in Saudi Arabia. Army Commander Lt. Gen Daya Rathnayake is seen here conversing with the father of Rizana.     

Four-wheel driving...

Local and foreign four-wheel racing car drivers were among the participants at the 4x4 motor race organised by the Sri Lanka army engineers regiment and the Four-Wheel Drivers Association at the Thungama army camp Embilipitiya today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Feat of the feet

Two athletes, fitted with artificial limbs, participate in an athletic event today at AIDEX 2013, the sports festival for the Jaipur limb users. The sports festival, organised by the Colombo Friend in Need Society, was meant for the Jaipur limb users. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dogs show talents

All Breed Championship Dog Show organised by the Kennel Association of Sri Lanka held today at the Sports Ministry Grounds, Colombo 7. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Video: CHOGM rehearsals

A rehearsal in view of the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held today morning in Colombo. Several main roads in Colombo were closed partly or fully due to the rehearsals. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Ranil in Matara

UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and several other party officials today visited the Matara prison to see those who were remanded following the attack between two groups of UNP supporters in Matara last Saturday. Pix by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

Firefighting drill at BOC

A firefighting drill by the Sri Lankan Air force and the Colombo Fire Brigade was held at the Bank of Ceylon Headquarters adjoining the World Trade Centre today.  More than 1,500 bank employeesparticipated. Pix by KushanPathiraja

MV Ocean Princess docks at Colombo Harbour

MV Ocean Princess made its maiden voyage to Colombo yesterday with 672 passengers aboard. The agency services for this cruise line is provided by Malship (Ceylon) Limited, a company representing many International Shipping Lines in the Conventional and Container shipping business. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana ???

Video:Dilshan retires from test cricket

Former Sri Lanka Cricket Captain T.M. Dilshan today officially announced his retirement from test cricket at a press conference held at the Cricket Board. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana