Planning celebrations

JVP Leader Somawansa Amarasinghe and the Chinese Embassy in Colombo, Deputy Chief of Mission Han Tao held discussions to commemorate the 62nd Independence anniversary of China organized by the Sri Lanka – China Friendship Association at the BMICH yesterday. Pix By: Pradeep Pathirana

Protesting the FTZ assault

The Joint Trade Union Alliance (JTUA) Katunayake today staged a protest in Rathmalana on behalf of employees who had been assaulted by the police in the Free Trade Zone in Katunayake. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

New start for JVP breakaway group

The JVP breakaway group held their first public gathering in the form of a seminar by its spokesman Pubudu Jayagoda at New Town Hall today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana.

Urging for better pay

The National Trade Union Centre (NTUC) today held a press brefing at the National Library urging the government to increase the salary of the public and private sectors. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Long jump over three Mini cars

British long jumper J.J. Jegede jumps over three Mini cars, next to Tower Bridge, during an event to promote the car, in central London September 28, 2011. REUTERS

Muay Thai

Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov (facing camera) practices Thai boxing, also known as Muay Thai, at a promotional event in Bangkok September 28, 2011. Dimitrov is in Bangkok to take part in the PTT Thailand Open tennis tournament.  REUTERS

World Tourism Day

The Postal Department launched new stamps to celebrate the World Tourism Day today. The launch was held at the Hotel Cinnamon Grand and near the Beira Lake with the presence of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Rugby - World Cup 2011

Tonga's forwards practice their lineouts as the team prepares for their next 2011 Rugby World Cup match, in Wellington on September, 2011. AFP

Three-wheel protest

Opposition Leader and UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe participated in a protest against the introduction of a new taxi service replacing the three wheelers. He was on his way to meet the three wheeler drivers at Maligawatte. Here Mr. Wickremesinghe greets the people on his way to Maligawatte where he met the drivers. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Unveiling of portraits

Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa takes a close look at the portrait of Former President Chandrika Kumaratunga erected at the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC). Mr. Rajapaksa was a special guest at the unveiling of portraits of all heads of state, which included a portrait of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, yesterday. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Whale watching on the rise

Blue whales swim in the deep waters off the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Whale watching revenue has topped two billion dollars in 2009 and is set to grow 10 percent annually, according to a new study. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Anti-Gaddafi fighters

An Anti-Gaddafi fighter watches as a multiple rocket launcher is fired near Sirte, one of Muammar Gaddafi's last remaining strongholds, September 24, 2011. Libyan provisional government forces backed by NATO warplanes swarmed into the city of Sirte on Saturday but weathered heavy sniper fire as they tried to win control of one of deposed leader Muammar Gaddafi's last bastions of support. REUTERS

Ranil visits Davatagaha Mosque

Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe and UNP Mayoral Candidate for the Colombo Municipal Council, A. J. M. Muzammil visited the Davatagaha Mosque and were seen engaged in religious observances. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

On my mark

Racers run to their motorbikes at the start of the 34th Le Mans 24-hour motorcycle endurance race in Le Mans September 24, 2011. REUTERS

Commemorating S. W. R.D. Bandaranaike

Former President Chandrika Kumaratunge and her sister Sunethra Bandaranaike pay tribute to their father, the late Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike at Horagolla  today at a ceremony held to mark the late Prime Minister’s 52nd death anniversary. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Painting around the Beira

School children representing 111 schools in the Western Province are currently engaged in painting around the Beira Lake stretching up to one kilometre. The project is conducted by the Economic Development Ministry and the Ministry of Education.Pix by Nisal Baduge

Man’s best friend on show

A dog show organised by the World’s Society for the Protection of Animals, the Blue Paw Trust and the Colombo Municipal Council was held today at the Vihara Mahadevi Park. Pix by Nisal Badhuge

Joe: The Final Cut

The funeral of legendary actor Joe Abeywickrema took place at the Borella General Cemetery this evening, amidst a large gathering including religious dignitaries, politicians, artistes and film fans. He passed away on Wednesday evening at the age of 84. Pix by Indraratne Balasuriya

“SLINEX II” sea exercise in Trinco

TheSri Lanka Navy and Indian Navy are currently conducting the largest joint naval exercise off Trincomalee. It began last Sunday and will conclude on September 24. The exercise code-named “SLINEX II” is aimed at enhancing the interoperability of the two Navies. It will pave way for both Navies to rehearse the concept of joint naval operations and enhance their own skills in order to gain from each other’s experience. Two Offsho

Paying last respects

Higher Education Minister S. B. Dissanayake is seen in lively conversation with actor Ravindra Randeniya and Ven. Maduluvawe Sobhitha Thera at the funeral of the award winning actor Joe Abeywickrama at the Art Gallery. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Complaint

The Government Nursing Worker’s Association (GNWA) today handed over a complaint to the Human Rights Commission (HRC) against making nursing appointments from the Z-score on subjects other than science subjects, at the Advanced Level Examination. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Kelani Uni protest private medical institute

The students’ union of the Kelaniya University today staged a protest in front of the university premises against the government’s decision to give legal recognition to the private medical institution in Malabe. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Final respects for Joe Abeywickrama

The remains of renowned Sri Lankan actor Joe Abeywickrama, who passed away yesterday, at the age of 84, now lie at Jayaratne Funeral Parlour in Borella. Pix by Indrarathne Balasuriya

Stop animal sacrifice

Minister of Public Relations and Public Affairs Mervyn Silva today visited the Dewatagaha Mosque in Colombo to discuss the stopping of animal sacrifices. Azad Sali was also present. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Supporting Milinda

Irrigation and Water Resources Management Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva addressed a news briefing at the Mahaweli Centre today supporting UPFA mayoral candidate, Milinda Moragoda. He was flanked by Fisheries and Aquatic resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne and Public Administration and Home Affairs Minister W. D. J. Seneviratne. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

World Cup 2012 launch

The International Cricket Council (ICC) Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat, Sri Lanka's cricketer Kumar Sangakkara, Twenty20 women team captain Shashikala Siriwardene and Cricket Interim Committee Chairman Upali Dharmadasa pose with the Twenty20 world cup men and women trophies during the ICC World Twenty20 World Cup 2012 launch, yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Dates in Kaththankudi

Dates planted along the Kaththankudi Main Road have borne fruit for the first time. Women and Children Affairs Deputy Minister M. L. A. M. Hisbullah and Kaththankudi Jamiathul Balauh Arabic College Principal Abdullah Rahmani Kasrath are seen here picking fruit from a ripe bunch of dates. Pix by M. Sukri

Aiming a tear gas launcher

An Israeli border policeman aims his rifle, modified to fire rubber bullets, at protesters during clashes that erupted between Israeli troops and Palestinian stone-throwers at Qalandiya checkpoint September 21, 2011. The clashes erupted after a rally in the nearby West Bank city of Ramallah in support of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' bid for statehood recognition in the United Nations. REUTERS

Medical students protest

Medical students staged an island-wide protest today against the government’s decision to give legal recognition to the private medical institution in Malabe, stating it would cripple the medical faculties of local universities in the country. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

President meets Bill Clinton

President Mahinda Rajapakse who is currently in New York to  attend the 66th United Nations General Assembly meeting, met former US president Bill Clinton in New York City today, the SL President’s Media Unit Said.  President Rajapaksa is to address the UN General Assembly on Friday.