Muzammil assumes duties

Colombo Mayor A. J. M. Muzammil who assumed duties today is being greeted by UNP Co Sajith Premadasa. Pix by Samantha Perera

‘Freedom Speaks’

A documentary film called ‘Freedom Speaks’ was made by a group of young film-makers, during an entourage made to Mullaithivu, Puthukudiyirippu and Kilinochchi. Seen here is the chief guest, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa sharing a light moment with Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake, Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya and Air Force Commander Air Marshal Harsha Abeywickrama at the offi

Reports are contradictory: GL

Minister of External Affairs Prof. G. L. Peiris speaking at a press conference today said, many of the allegations brought against Sri Lanka, in various reports, were contradicted by the written statements made by then UN Representative in Sri Lanka Neil Buhne. Also present was the Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs Karunatilaka Amunugama. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

‘Bindunu Putuwata Daathe Saviyak’

The ‘Bindunu Putuwata Daathe Saviyak’ programme, a programme to repair desks and chairs in schools in the Western Province concluded at St. Joseph’s Girls College in Nugegoda this morning. The programme was launched under a concept given by Western Province Minister Udaya Gammanpila. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

A rare snowstorm

A large tree falls on top of a car after an early snowfall in Worcester, Massachusetts October 30, 2011. A rare October snowstorm bore down on the heavily populated Northeast on Saturday into Sunday, with some areas bracing for up to a foot of snow and major power outages. REUTERS

Seven billionth child born in SL

Newborn baby girl Wattalage Muthumani, who was born at the Castel Street Maternity Hospital, is the “seven billionth” in the world. The milestone was marked as part of the U.N.'s seven billion global population projection. The world's population was said to reach seven billion on October 31, 2011, according to projections by the United Nations Population Fund, which says this global milestone presents both an opportunity and a

Not through the back door

Former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva entering the Solis Hall where he held a media briefing today to explain matters relating to a proposed move to appoint  a Parliamentary Select Committee to probe his conduct during his tenure as chief Justice. He charged that the independence of the judiciary would be further eroded by this probe. Pic by Nisal Badhuge

AIDEX-2011

A sports festival named AIDEX 2011 for the Jaipur limb users was held at the Henry Pediris Park today. It was organized by the Colombo Friend-in-Need society. Pix By Pradeep Dilruckshana

Cadet officers graduation at Diyatalawa

Newly commissioned 57 officers, who followed the Cadet Officer courses at the Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) accepted their diplomas from the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana

Kalmunai LG members sworn in

The SLMC members of the Kalmunai Municipal Council were sworn in before their leader Minister of Justice Rauff Hakeem today. The SLMC won the council at the last local government election obtaining 11 seats. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Stamp exhibition

An exhibition was held to celebrate the first Perforated Stamp in Sri Lanka which marked 150 years today along with the Philatelic Society celebrating its 33rd year.  The exhibition was held at the Department of Post in Colombo. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

One of 7 billion

Newborn babies rest in the Central Obstetrics Hospital in Hanoi October 27, 2011. The United Nation projects the world's population will reach 7 billion on October 31. REUTERS

Donation of medical equipment

Medical equipment worth Rs.42 million was donated to hospitals by Global Action, an NGO, today at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Sinhala Rawaya thanks Aussie govt.

The Sinhala Rawaya organisation founded by a group of Buddhist monks handed over a letter to the Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka today, thanking the Australian government for ruling out suggestions by interested separatists groups to take legal action against President Mahinda Rajapaksa who is on a visit to Australia to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

MR delivers keynote address at CHOGM

Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapaksa waits to deliver his keynote address at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Perth on October 27, 2011 ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) this week. The CHOGM talks, to be opened by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on October 28, will debate whether the body should adopt a charter of common values, and create the office of commissioner for democracy, rule of law and human right

UBF on party leadership

The president of the UNP led United Bhikku Front (UBF), Ven. Metiyagoda Gunaratana Thera speaks to the media urging the UNP leader to solve the issues about the leadership of the party. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

CMC celebrates Deepavali

After the Local Government election for the Municipal councils, Colombo District Municipal Council Mayor (CMC) A. J. M. Muzammil today celebrated the Deepavali festival at the Colombo CMC. Colombo Municipal Council's Commissioner Badrani Jayawardena also participated this occasion. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Royal visit

Britain's Queen Elizabeth signs the visitors book at the new Royal Children's Hospital as Prince Phillip looks on in Melbourne October 26, 2011. Queen Elizabeth is in Australia for an eleven-day official visit. REUTERS

Today is Deepavali

Deepavali a festival celebrated by Hindus all over the worlds and popularly known as the festival of lights falls today. This festival has a sublime significance, for it symbolises the victory of good forces over evil forces. The picture shows Hindu devotees talking part in religious rituals in light of the Deepavali Festival at the New Kathiresan Kovil in Bambalapitiya. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Policemen rewarded

Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K Illangakone handed over Rs.13.6 million to 240 persons including officers from the CID and civilians who assisted in conducting investigations over the Central Bank bomb blast in 1996 and for contributing in resolving conflicts, helping investigations and tracking down suspects. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

14-day-old baby rescued alive

Rescue workers carry a baby from a collapsed building in Ercis, near the eastern Turkish city of Van, October 25, 2011. A 14-day-old baby was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed building on Tuesday, 46 hours after an earthquake struck southeast Turkey, a Reuters Television journalist said. REUTERS

Released after rehabilitation

The Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms Ministry today handed over 367 LTTE activists to their relations at an occasion held at the Rama Krishna Hall in Wellawatta. Prime Minister D.M. Jayarathna, Cabinet Minister and the Leader of the Eelam People’s Democratic Party, Douglas Devananda and Minister of Rehabilitation and Prison Reforms, Chandrasiri Gajadeera graced the occasion. Pix by Samantha Perera

World Spice Food Festival 2011

A media briefing was held on October 24, to announce the commencement of the World Spice Food Festival 2011, which will get underway from October 28 to November 9, in Colombo. This year’s event will see the participation of some of the worlds’ best chefs who will work alongside their local counterparts, to unleash an eclectic selection of flavours, for the culinary pleasure of all. The festival also includes a Hawker Street style conc

JVP urges govt. to grant concessions

The JVP today held a protest rally outside the Fort Railway Station to urge the government to grant concessions to the people as promised in the previous budget. Protesters are seen braving the heavy rain and shouting slogans. Pix by Samantha Perera

“An opportunity for investment”

An exhibition is being held at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), named Technology Marketplace (TM). It is being organised by the Ministry of Technology and Research (MoTR).  The exhibition will be held from October 24 to 25, 2011. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Strong earthquake hits Turkey

Rescue workers work to save people trapped under debris after an earthquake in Ercis, near the eastern Turkish city of Van, early October 24, 2011. More than 100 people were confirmed killed and hundreds more feared dead on Sunday when the powerful earthquake hit southeast Turkey, flattening buildings and leaving survivors crying for help from under the rubble. REUTERS

Tribute to a great statesman

Mayantha Dissanayake helping his son to pay floral tributes to his father the late Gamini Dissanayake at a ceremony held to mark the 17th death anniversary of the late minister yesterday. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

All Blacks win Rugby World Cup

New Zealand's All Blacks pulled off a historic 8-7 victory against France, taking the Rugby World Cup in front of a home crowd and winning the title of world champions for the first time in 24 years. New Zealand All Blacks captain Richie McCaw holds the Webb Ellis cup after the 2011 Rugby World Cup final match New Zealand vs France at Eden Park Stadium in Auckland. AFP

Protecting lives and property from fire

A fire drill was held today to educate the employees of Sri Lanka Insurance and the thousands of daily clientele patronising the services of the company at ‘Rakshana Mandiraya’. The drill looked into fire fighting methods and life saving strategies which will be useful in a sudden break of a fire. The Sri Lanka Air Force, Army, Police and Fire brigade unit of the Colombo Municipality participated in the programme. Pix by Pradeep Pat

Successful liver transplant

A team of doctors successfully performed the first ever liver transplant, where the liver of a mother who was alive and well was transplanted in her daughter at a private hospital in Colombo. Medical professionals said the 20-hour surgery was carried out at Nawaloka Hospital and was considered a milestone in the management of chronic liver disease in Sri Lanka. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana