University students’ protest

Students’ union of the Open University of Sri Lanka and other university Students staged a protest opposite the Open University of Sri Lanka urging the authorities to resolve the university dispute and strengthen the education sector in the country. Pix by Nisal Baduge

SLMC candidate’s vehicle torched

The vehicle of a SLMC candidate contesting to the Eastern Provincial Council was set on fire by an unidentified gang last night in front of her house. She said her opponents who did not tolerate a Sinhala candidate contesting under the SLMC banner and might have set fire to the vehicle. Trincomalee police are conducting further investigations. Pix by Amadoru Amarajeeva

Lankan talent in Japanese cinema

Featuring a young Sri Lankan actress Umali Tillakaratne in a leading role, one of the latest Japanese movies ‘Final Judgment’ is to be released in Sri Lanka on August 30. The film is to be released at Liberty cinema Colombo while two other copies subtitled in Sinhala and Tamil are to be released in Colombo and Jaffna. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Please release him

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today launched an online petition-signing campaign to urge the government to release the two human rights activists Lalith Kumar Weeraraj and Kugan Muruganadan who they allege are being held in military custody. Lalith Weeraraj’s father is seen signing the petition. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Medical students protest

Students of the medical faculty of Rajarata University staged a protest today over the grenade attack at the residence of Dr. Lalantha Ranasinghe, opposite the Anuradhapura Teaching hospital (Palitha Ariwayansha)

Police officers rewarded

The police officers and the general public who had helped the police in apprehending suspects were rewarded today at police crime records division. . Pix by Kithsiri de Mel.

Seychelles president arrives today

The President of Seychelles Republic James Alex Mitchell and a group of delegates arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike International Airport early this morning on a three day official visit.  . They were warmly welcomed by External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris and the Cabinet Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dr Rajitha Senaratne. Pix by Deepa Adikari

Aptitude applications released

Applications for the aptitude test for those seeking employment in Korea were issued in 30 centres in several districts yesterday by the Sri Lanka Bureau for Foreign Employments. Pictures show the issuing of applications in Homagama, Chillaw and Badulla areas. Pix by Augustin Fernando, Palitha Ariyawansa and Buddika Kumarasiri

Samurdhi officers protest

Samurdhi Officers today staged a protest outside of the Samurdhi Authority, Battaramulla urging the government to take action against the people who opposed the development bill and establishment of the Divineguma Development Department . Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Eco-revolution conference concludes

The two-day Eco Revolution 2012 - the International Conference on Environment and Humanity was concluded today at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute. Indian Minister of Employment Guarantee Scheme and Water Conservation Dr. Nitin Raut declared opened the conference on Sunday. Seen here are Ven. Athuraliye Ratana thera speaking at the closing day ceremony. Pix by Varuna Wanniarachchi

New stalls for plant vendors

Vendors selling flower plants who had stalls at the Viharamahadevi Park earlier had been shifted to Jayawardenapura Parliament road where they are to be given permanent stalls by the Urban Development Authority. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Japan signs Agricultural assistance deal

Ambassador of Japan Nabuhito Hobo and Director of the People’s Livelihood Development Foundation Priyantha Kumara sign a grant contract for Rs. 11.7 million in Agricultural assistance to the Vavuniya District to carryout a balanced development programme that focuses on both rural and urban development. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Drought in Vanni

More than 6000 families in Vavunia District have been affected as more than 75 irrigation tanks and most wells have gone dry due to the prevailing drought. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

Forest fire at Lunugala

More than ten acres of forest land have been destroyed due to a fire erupted at the Lunugala Suriyagoda mountain last night. The fire had spread due to the prevailing drought and the strong winds in the area. Pix by Prasanna Pathmasiri

Eco Revolution- the International Conference

Eco Revolution- the International Conference on Environment and Humanity was declared open by Indian Minister of Employment Guarantee Scheme and Water Conservation Dr. Nitin Raut at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute today. Pic by  Kushan Pathiraja

Kapilawasthu relics

President Mahinda Rajapaksa carrying the Kapilawasthu relics from the tarmac to the VIP lounge, after the relics were handed over by the Indian delegation during the ceremony held at the Bandaranaike airport today. The sacred relics were brought to Sri Lanka today, after three decades since their first exposition in 1978. Pix by President Media Unit

Opposition to help farmers

UNP Chairman and Member of Parliament Gamini Jayawickrama Perera having a conversation with New Left Front Leader Dr. Wickramabahu Karunaratne at the joint opposition press conference today. Pic by Nisal Baduge

Idul-Fitr prayers in Colombo

Eid prayers in Colombo were held today morning at the Galle Face Green. Seen in the pictures are the devotees engaged in the prayers conducted by Mufty Javed Iqbal. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President receives blessing from Kathiresan kovil

President Mahinda Rajapaksa received blessing from the chief Kurukkal at the Kathiresan kovil in Anuradhapura.The president made offerings to the “Veil Chariots” of the temple during his visit. Pix by President Media Unit

Vidulka energy exhibition

Minister Champika Ranawaka and G.L. Peiris visited the 3rd ‘Vidulka Energy Exhibition’ today. The exhibition will end tomorrow. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja.

Celebrating Independence

Indonesians all over the world today commemorated the 67th Anniversary of Independence Day. Pictures show Indonesians Nationals living in Sri Lanka celebrating the day at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Medical students protest over grenade attack

A group of medical faculty students today staged a protest opposite the Colombo national hospital in protest over the grenade attack targeting the residence of Dr. Lalantha Ranasinghe. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

IDPs resettle in Mullaitivu

About 342 displaced families who were in Settikulam IDP camp were taken to resettle in Mullaitivu District yesterday. Pix by Romesh Madushanka

I will lead…

Justice Warawewa seems to be making a point to DPF Leader Mano Ganeshan and UNP Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe during a rally held by the Movement to restore the rule of law, at which he was the Chief Guest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Historic Nallur festival

The annual festival of the famous Nallur Kandaswamy temple was held this morning. The historic festival draws devotees from around the island as well as overseas. Seen here are a large number of devotees taking part in religious ceremonies. Pix by Samantha Perera

Agenda for Women’s Rights

Co-holder of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Leymah Gbowee ,documentary film maker Abigail Disney, UNP MP Rosy Senanayake, women’s’ rights activist Visaka Dharmadasa took part in a  press conference held today to announce the launch of an Agenda on Women’s Rights. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Petition to resolve Z score muddle

Children who were affected by the GCE Advanced level Z score today organised a public petition in front of the Fort Railway station urging the authorities to rectify the present Z score muddle and ensure justice to the students. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Tanks in Vanni go dry

More than 75 irrigation tanks in Vanni District have gone completely dry due to the prevailing drought causing much difficulty to the people in the area. Pix by Romesh Madushanka.

IUSF protest

Members of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF), university students, parents and lecturers staged a protest today at the Viharamahadevi Park against the government to safeguard the free education system that existed in Sri Lanka for decades. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

FSP tells to rectify education mess

The Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) today staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station over the existing fiasco in the countries education system. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi