Taking wings

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is being welcomed by SriLankan Airlines stewardesses at the opening of the flight simulator training academy. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

“Gaddafi killed”

A man purported to be Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is seen in this still image taken from video footage October 20, 2011. Gaddafi was killed on Thursday as Libya's new leaders declared they had overrun the last bastion of his long rule, sparking wild celebrations that eight months of war may finally be over. Details of the death near Sirte of the fallen strongman were hazy but it was announced by several officials of the National Transitiona

Urging for management faculty

The Peradeniya University Students' Union (PSU) organised a protest today in front of the University Grant Commission (UGC) urging the Higher Education Ministry to setup a management faculty for them. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Taking oaths

Newly elected Local Government (LG) Municipal Council members from the districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla took oaths at the UNP Headquarters, Sirikotha today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

JVP proposals for the budget

The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) presented proposals for the forthcoming budget at the JVP headquarters, Rajagiriya today. The picture shows the JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva at the press briefing. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

“The Film South Asia Representative”

Young Asia Television (YA TV) in partnership with Film South Asia Secretariat, Nepal and the India-Sri Lanka Foundation, Colombo organised, “The Film South Asia Representative” this evening at the Indian Cultural Centre Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

NASCAR sprint cup series

Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet, pits during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 15, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFP

Demanding permanency

The All Island Acting Principles Union today staged a protest in front of the Education Ministry, Isurupaya, urging the government on prior information with regard to trade union action demanding permanency for Acting Principals’ and Principals covering up duties.  Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

“S.O.S. Rescate Fauna Marina”

The head of the NGO “S.O.S. Rescate Fauna Marina” Richard Tesore feeds a female baby La Plata dolphin (Pontoporia Blainvillei) in the sea of Piriapolis, 90 km (56 miles) to the east of Montevideo, October, 2011. The dolphin, with its umbilical cord still attached, was found beached near Montevideo city and was sent to the NGO. REUTERS

After struck the Astrolabe Reef

The tanker Awanuia and a tug boat carry out operations to pump oil from the stricken container ship Rena, about 14 nautical miles (22 km) from Tauranga, on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island October 2011, 13 days after it struck the Astrolabe Reef. Rough weather on Tuesday forced salvage teams to halt pumping oil from the stricken container ship in what has turned into the country's worst environmental disaster in decades. Pic

Accident in Akurana

A container lorry transporting a consignment of 500 tons of cement ran off the road at the Seventh Mile Post in Akurana on the Matale- Kandy Road and went down a slope causing extensive damage to a house and a shop early this morning. The lorry was wrecked in the incident but no one was injured. Investigations are being conducted. Pix  by Mohamed Asik

Brought for identification

The official bodyguard of Parliamentarian Duminda Silva who allegedly shot former Parliamentarian and Presidential Advisor on Trade Union Affairs Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra was brought to court under cover from prisons to be produce before an identification parade today. Pix by Samantha Perera.

Muzammil as Mayor of the CMC

A.J.M. Muzammil was sworn in today as the Mayor of the Colombo Municipal Council at Opposition Leader, Ranil Wickremesinghe’s  office. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

What…?

Leader of opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe at a media conference today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Where the bullets hit

With the health condition of parliamentarian Duminda Silva improving, it has been revealed that there are no major damages to his brain

UNP dissidents hold protest against expulsion of MP

A group of UNP dissidents held a protest near the party headquarters, Sirikotha against the expulsion of Matara District MP Buddhika Pathirana and member of the Western Provincial Council Shiral Laktilleke today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Commemoration of Dudley Senanayake

Late Prime Minister Dudley Senanayake was commemorated with a lecture by eminent international judicial officer Param Cumaraswamy and issuing of a commemorative stamp. The event was held at the Bandaranaike Enter for International Stuidies Auditourm today. Pix by Indratne Balasuriya

Bhutan Royal wedding

King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (L) and newly crowned Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema (R) pose for the media after their marriage ceremony at the Dzong monastery in Punakha, Bhutan on October 13, 2011. Bhutan's 31-year-old king married a student 10 years his junior in a colourful ceremony showcasing the rich Buddhist culture of one of the world's most remote and insular countries. Amid clouds of incense and chanting monks, the h

Tribute to War Heroes

The President of Vietnam Trunong Tan Sang who is on a three day visit to the island paid a floral tribute at the War Heroes monument at the Parliament Grounds this morning. Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Daya Ratnayake welcomed the President on behalf of the army. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Vietnam President arrives in SL

Vietnam President Truong Tan Sang arrived in Sri Lanka today on a three day visit. Seen in the picture is President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcoming his Vietnamese counter-part at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Bharatha's last rites

The cortege of slain Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachnadra is seen being carried, followed by a large number of mourners. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

South Asian Beach Games

The First South Asian Beach Games which began on October 8, in Hambantota with the participation of eight countries, is in full swing. Pictures show some of the action that took place since the games started off on Sunday. Pix by Samantha Perera

NTUF second congress

The second congress of the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) was held today at the Central Bank auditorium under the patronage of Opposition Leader Ranil Wickramasinghe. Minister of Labour Gamini Lokuge also graced the event. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Special Forces launch book on their history

The Special Forces of the Sri Lanka Army launched a book ‘Kisi Witekath Sathurata Yatath Nowana Ma’ (The indomitable me who never surrendered to the enemy) by taking their 25 years of history into account. The Chief Guest at the launch was Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Roshan Gunathilake and commanders of the three armed forces also graced the occasion. Pix by Indraratane Balasuriya

First group of refugees return

Basil Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development participated in the ceremony to welcome the first group of Sri Lankan refugees who returned to Sri Lanka by ferry from India today, October 12, at the Colombo port. The refugees' returns are part of a voluntary, facilitated repatriation programme, supported by the governments of India and Sri Lanka.

Vap Full Moon Poya Day

Our photographer captured devotees today at the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo observing religious rituals. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi  

Paying their last respects

The funeral of Former Parliamentarian and Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra is to be held tomorrow at the Umagiliya Grounds in Kolonnawa. A large number supporters and politicians were seen paying their last respects to the veteran politician. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Blood donation

A blood donation campaign was held today at the Gangaramaya Viharaya organised by the 2008 A/L students of Ananda College in collaboration with the second year students of the Management Faculty of the University of Colombo. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Supporters gather to mourn Bharatha

A large number of supporters of Former Parliamentarian and Presidential Advisor Bharatha Lakshman Premachandra, gathered at the place where the shooting took place on Saturday and condemned the killing of Premachandra. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Ranil and Muzammil discuss plans

Colombo Mayor Elect A. J. M. Muzammil points out something to UNP leader Ranil Wicktremesighe at a media conference which they held today together with the party hierarchy in Colombo today. Pic By Pradeep Pathirana