'Eagles Lagoon View'

President Mahinda Rajapaksha declared open the first ever reception hall named ‘Eagles Lagoon View' of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) in Katunayaka on Saturday evening. Pic courtesy President's Media

Slaughter house raided

The carcasses of some 300 cows, which were alleged to have been slaughtered without permits had been brought to a Dematagoda butchery today. The police who were accompanied by members of the Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) took the meat into their custody and asked the monks to leave saying the police would be investigating this matter. Pic by Nisal Baduge

“Papedi Sawariya 2013”

The first stage of the “Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya”, organised as a prelude to the 62nd Anniversary Celebrations of the SLAF, began this morning at the Air Force Head Quarters. Nearly 126 cyclists are taking part in this event. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Swamy meets President

President of the Janata party of India, Dr. Subramanian Swamy called on President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees today. Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Foreign Ministry Secretary Karunathilaka Amunugama were also present at the occasion. Courtesy-President's Media

More tourists visiting Crafts Village

The number of tourists visiting the Crafts Marketing Village at the Folk Arts Centre premises in Battaramulla has seen a remarkable increase these days. Some foreigners are looking at the handicraft items displayed at the centre, which is run by the National Crafts Council. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Kariyawasam released on bail

Former National Savings Bank (NSB) Chairman Pradeep Kariyawasam was released on two personal bails of Rs.10 million each by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

It’s true, I promise

Minister Maithiripala Sirisena at a press conference today said that certain individuals are trying to tarnish his image by portraying a “false aspiration to” the Premiership. In a moving statement to the media, the Minister said the law should take its course and his hope is justice to be served to all parties concerned. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Cartoon of the day

Halal issue...

Chairman of the All Ceylon Jamiyathul Ullama, Rizwie Mufthi speaking at the press conference, where the ACJU suggested that the government take over the entire Halal certification process and appealed to the government to develop a mechanism acceptable to all stakeholders.  Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Gangarama Grandeur

The annual Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Navam Perahera concluded last night after parading the streets. Opposition UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen placing the Karanduwa (Relics casket) on the brightly festooned tusker. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Prior to the procession

The annual GangaramayaNavamPerahara will be held this evening starting at the Gangaramaya in Colombo. Pictured here are the majestic animals being dressed up for the processon( Pix BY Nisal Baduge)

Observing Sil at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya

Pictures show devotees observing Sil and participating in religious activities at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya for the Navam Full Moon Poya Day. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Navam Maha Perahera begins

President Mahinda Rajapaksa placing the casket containing the relics on the tusker at the commencement of annual Navam Maha Perahera of Gangarama last night. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

All set for the colourful pageant

Mahouts busy readying the elephants for this evening’s much-looked forward to Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Navam Perahera. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana, Nisal Badhuge

Olaboduwa Viharaya holds Navam Perahera

The Annual Navam Maha Perahera of the Horana Olaboduwa Sri Jayawardanarama Viharaya was held last night. More than 25 elephants and low country and up country dancers were featured in the Perahera. The Buddha Relics were carried by the Kandy Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple Tusker Indi Raja. Pix by Darshana Sanjeewa

Annual Katchatheevu festival

The Annual Katchatheevu feast was held during the past two days with the participation of a large number of fishermen from India and Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

A prelude

The annual flower procession of the Hunupitiya Gangaramaya Temple, in the run up to the Navam Perehara was held for the sixth consecutive day today. The entire procession, was organized by the Sri Lanka Police and the Civil Defense Force. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Australia donates Rs.15 mn

The Australian High Commissioner Robyn Mudie today donated Rs.15 million to eight community-based organisations for small scale development projects across Sri Lanka. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Explosions in Hyderabad

Police examine the site of an explosion at Dilsukh Nagar in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad February 21, 2013. Two bombs placed on bicycles exploded in a crowded market-place in Hyderabad on Thursday, and the federal home minister said at least 11 people were killed and 50 wounded. REUTERS

‘Please find my husband’

Senior journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda’s wife Sandya handed over a petition to the UN High Commission in Colombo pleading that her husband, who disappeared in 2010, be found.  Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Army to build house for poor family

The Army has offered to build a house for a poorwar displaced family in the Lavidanlali Divisional Secretariat area in Ampara. An army officer is seen laying the foundation stone for the house at an auspicious time. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

Waiting in vain

A patient who had come to collect his medicine is seen waiting near the Colombo National Hospital pharmacy which was closed because of the strike by pharmacists, radiologists and technicians. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Video: A tussle at the 'Bar'

Upul Jayasuriya, one of the candidates vying to head the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, the policy making body of the country’s over 11,000 legal fraternity trying to win a vote from a young lawyer as ...  Pix by Nisal Baduge

Video: Battle at the smoke front

Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena comes out of the Court of Appeal after appearing before the Court as a respondent to the Petition filed by cigarette companies challenging the Health Ministry notification to cover 80% of the face of cigarette packets with a picture of oral cancer to discourage people from smoking. Pix by Nisal Baduge ???

Protest over ban on Buddha statues in Iran

Sinhala Ravaya National Organisation today held a protest march from Nelum Pokuna to the Iranian Embassy and handed over a petition condemning the ban on Buddha statues in Iran. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Heavy rains disrupt demining

Demining operations in Muhamalai, Elephant Pass and the A-9 Road area have been disrupted because of the torrential rains. Many organisations engaged in demining have been compelled to slow-down their operations. Pix by Romesh Madhusanka   

Won a battle but the war looms

Daughter of slain parliamentarian Baratha Lakshman Premachandra points to an object while walking out of court in a joyous mood today. The AG directed the CID to file cases against the accused in the murder of her father and two others. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Inquest into five-year-old’s death

A pediatrician of the Nawaloka Hospital giving evidence at the inquest into the death of five-year-old Buddhini Kaushalya Ratnayake denied claims made by the parents that their daughter had died inside the MRI machine. The child’s mother is seen outside the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court before the case was taken up for hearing. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Supporting the Health Minister

A walking protest was held today in support of the Health Minister’s decision to order tobacco companies to carry warning stickers on cigarette packets. Tobacco companies are said to be opposing this move by the Minister.  Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Video: Another elephant killed

An elephant was killed yesterday in Ampara when it came in contact with an high voltage electric fence. Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala ???