99th birth anniversary

The 99th birth anniversary of the Late Savumiamoorthy Thondaman was celebrated at the Presidential Secretariat Complex (Old parliament complex) this morning. Arumugam Thondaman, the Minister of Livestock and Rural Community Development and Mervin Silva, Minister of Public Coordination and Public Affairs participated in the ceremony. Pix by Samantha Perera.

Miss Universe 2011 competition

Candidates of the Miss Universe 2011 competition pose for a photo as they visit an auto race at GT Brasil raceway in Sao Paulo, on August 28, 2011. The Miss Universe pageant will be held in Sao Paulo on September 12.  REUTERS

Gearing up for Eid festivities

As the month of Ramadhan comes to an end and Muslims around the world get ready to celebrate Eid Al- Fithr , seen here are some eager shoppers looking for bargains at Main Street before the festival.  Pix by Samantha Perera

Walking in shame

Usain Bolt (2nd L) of Jamaica is seen during a training session at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, August  29, 2011. REUTERS

Gulf Air passenger plane skids

The emergency exits of a Gulf Air passenger plane are seen deployed after it skidded off the runway at the Kochi International airport in the southern Indian state of Kerala August 29, 2011. According to the commander of the Gulf Air flight, heavy rains were the main cause for the aircraft to skid off the runway while landing. At least one person suffered injuries. REUTERS

Caught for posters

Three members of the JVP were arrested by the Welikada police for pasting posters. The persons were to be produced before a magistrate today. However the lawyer appearing for them was informed today that they would be called on another day and sent back home. The pictures show the accused and the lawyers outside the courts. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Counterfeit goods

Thai customs and police officials destroy 120 tonnes of counterfeit goods by running a steamroller over piles of DVDs, handbags, clothing and watches in Bangkok August 29, 2011. Thailand's government, which has been widely criticised for failing to tackle piracy, says it is committed to stamping out intellectual property violations. REUTERS

8th party convention

The 8th party convention of the JHU which was held today at the New Town Hall Auditorium where a large number of JHU supporters from all parts of the country attended the event. JHU Leader Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera, General Secretary and Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka and party leaders graced the occasion. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Nallur Temple festival

The festival of the famous Nallur Kandaswamy temple was held last 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

SF Attends nieces’ funeral

Former army Commander Sarath Fonseka attended the funeral of his niece in Kelaniya today. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

“I am Anna”

A child, Simran, wearing a traditional Indian cap bearing the words: “I am Anna”, offers coconut water and honey to veteran Indian social activist Anna Hazare to end his fast at Ramlila grounds in New Delhi August 28, 2011. Sipping coconut water and honey, self-styled Gandhian anti-corruption reformer Hazare ended a 13-day hunger strike on Sunday that had sparked India's biggest protests in decades, besieged the government and ush

Stop listening to rumours!

A protest was held in Town Hall today urging the public not to listen and act to rumours being spread about ‘Unidentified Gangs’ as certain groups are trying to gain ground by using such rumours. The protest was organised by a Buddhist Organisation called the Sinhala Ravaya. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Pro food pack 2011

The international processed food, beverage packaging and agricultural exhibition kicked off today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre. The Exhibition titled ‘Pro Food Pack 2011” is scheduled to be held on August 26, 27 and 28. Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena was the chief guest at the opening ceremony. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Quranic art and Calliagraphy in Lanka

World renowned Iranian artiste Gholamreza Rahpeyma at his exhibition titled Quranic art and Calligrpahy held at the Cultural section of the Iranian Embassy in Sri Lanka. The Exhibition starts today and will go on till the 30th of August.(Pix by Waruna Wanniarachi)

Pacific airlift rally-air exercise phase 2

The second phase of the Pacific Airlift Rally exercises in collaboration with the US Air Force Pacific Air Command, the Sri Lanka Air Force and regional air forces to respond to disaster relief and providing humanitarian assistance operations within the region swiftly, was conducted successfully from the Ratmalana Air Force Base today. The exercise will come to an end tomorrow. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Tendering nominations

The UPFA, UNP, JVP and all other party General Secretaries, party stalwarts and leaders of the independent groups converged at the Elections Secretariat in Rajagiriya to tender nominations for the Colombo Municipal Council. The elections are to be held on October 8, 2011. (Pix by Pradeep Pathirana)

Spray of cold water

A zookeeper sprays an elephant to cool her down in Budapest's Zoo August 24, 2011. Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) in Hungary. REUTERS

Entering the order

Yagodamulla Minuwangoda Saddathissa Piriwen marked its 16th anniversary today in commemoration of the event and the 2600 Sri Sambuddha Jayanthiya, an ordaining ceremony was held under the guidance of Ven. Ketawala Sumedha thora. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

20th anniversary rally

Riot police block Ukrainian opposition supporters during a rally on the 20th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence in Kiev August 24, 2011. Ukrainian police prevented thousands of opposition supporters marching to the presidential administration building on Wednesday during a protest against the trial of former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. REUTERS

Pacific Airlift Rally begins

The Pacific Air Lift Rally commenced in collaboration with the US Air Force Pacific Air Command and regional air forces to respond to disaster relief and providing humanitarian assistance operations within the region swiftly. It will last till August 26. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Earthquake hits US East Coast

A spire atop the Washington National Cathedral shows damage following an earthquake along the eastern United States, August 23, 2011. Three of the four spires at the top of the cathedral were damaged in the largest earthquake to hit the area for over 100 years. REUTERS

Fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge

A couple looks out at the fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California August 23, 2011.  REUTERS

Gota takes on the "Devils" rumours

.Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa conducted a meeting at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) today with the trustees of mosques in Puttlam, Batticlaloa, Ampara and Trincomalee Districts to discuss the incidents which took place in these areas involving "Grease Devils." He also spelled out the stance of the government regarding the issue.(Pix by Pradeep Pathirana)

No to animal cruelty

The Multi religious alliance for the prevention of cruelty to animals handed over a petition to the president today demanding a stop to all forms of animal cruelty. The organisers collected a million signatures for the petition. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

JVP nominations

Members of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) today approved their nominations for the upcoming Colombo Municipal Council Election. The occasion was held at the JVP Community Centre. The picture shows the newly appointed team leader Sunil Watagala handing over the nominations to Tilvin Silva, General Secretary of the JVP. (Pix by Samantha Perera)

Help the people in Somalia

Attempts to perform a transfer

Wingwalker Todd Green attempts to perform a transfer to a helicopter during Selfridge Air Show, less than 30 miles from Detroit, August 21, 2011. In another attempt following, Green fell from the aircraft to his death.  Picture taken August 21, 2011. REUTERS

“America's motorcycle ride”

Motorcyclists take part in the annual “America's motorcycle ride”, to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks as they arrive at ground zero in New York August 21, 2011. REUTERS

Sri Lanka down Australia in final ODI

Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene plays a shot next to Australia's Brad Haddin during their final One Day International (ODI) cricket match against Australia in Colombo August 22, 2011. REUTERS

Malinga celebrates his hat-trick

Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga celebrates his hat-trick wicket of Australia's Xavier Doherty during their final One Day International (ODI) cricket match in Colombo August 22, 2011. REUTERS