Mysteries of the Universe

A baby star sprouts two identical jets, seen as green lines emanating from a fuzzy star, in this photograph taken by the Spitzer Space Telescope and released by NASA April 4, 2011. The jet on the right had been seen before in visible-light views, but the jet at left -- the identical twin to the first jet -- could only be seen in detail with Spitzer's infrared detectors. This left jet was hidden behind a dark cloud, which Spitzer can see thr

Recognizing a legend

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse (R) presents a gift to star cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan (C) flanked by his wife Madhi Malar (L) during a tea party at the official Presidential residency in Colombo on April 4, 2011. Sri Lanka lost to India by six wickets in a thrilling World Cup final on April 2, in Mumbai.  AFP PHOTO

Ranil in Welikada

UNP seniors led by party leader Ranil Wickremesinghe in front of the Welikada Prison today after visiting former Army Chief Sarath Fonseka and recently remanded Lanka e-news Editor Bennet Rupasinghe. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

Books for rehabilitation

Several educational texts were handed over to rehabilitated former LTTE cadres and prisoners at the Welikada prison today. The picture shows three rehabilitated cadres after receiving the text books. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Repainting of “Sela Stupa”

A press briefing was held by the ‘Anoma Fonseka and Sarath Fonseka Foundation” today regarding a campaign to paint the “Mihintale Sela stupa” to celebrate the 2600th Buddha Jayanthiya. The picture shows DNA MP Jayantha Ketagoda and Mrs. Anoma Fonseka during the press briefing. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Samurdhi officers protest

The All Ceylon Samurdhi Managers Association held a protest in front of Sethsiripaya today calling for the implementation of several of there demands. The pictures show Samurdhi officers holding placards during the protest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Rare turtle

A member of the rescue team poses next to a giant freshwater turtle after it was successfully captured in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem lake April 3, 2011. The turtle's health is in serious condition and requires treatment, according to local media and veterinarian experts. The state established a team of animal experts, veterinarians and conservation workers to capture the rare turtle and administer treatment. REUTERS

After the World Cup

Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Kumar Sangakkara is seen here addressing fans gathered at the Independence Square in Colombo after arriving in the island this morning. A welcoming ceremony was organized for the Sri Lankan cricketers who are the runners up of the 2011 ICC World Cup after India emerged victorious at the World Cup finals on Saturday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana    

Beer spill

A lorry transporting crates of beer overturned while making a turn in Payagale along the Colombo –Galle main road this afternoon. The picture shows the lorry which toppled and the crates of beer lying next to it  which is reported have drawn crowds who want to collect free beer. Pix by Sunil S Thanthirarachi

Welcoming the lions

Sri Lankan cricket team captain Kumar Sangakkara is greeted with flowers as he arrives at the island's international airport in Katunayake on April 3, 2011. Sri Lanka lost to India by six wickets in a thrilling World Cup final on April 2, in Mumbai. AFP PHOTO

India lift World Cup-2011

India celebrate with trophy after they winning their ICC Cricket World Cup final match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai April 2, 2011. REUTERS

Half-century achieved

Sri Lanka's Mahela Jayawardene is congratulated by Thilan Samaraweera after completing his half-century during their ICC Cricket World Cup final match against India in Mumbai April 2, 2011. REUTERS

Cricket fever all over

Enthusiastic cricket fans can be seen here lined up to watch the 2011 ICC World Cup finals at several screening spots in and around Colombo. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi 

Let the lions Roar

Sri Lankan cricket fans parade in their neighborhood carrying national flags in support of their team to win the Cricket World Cup final match against India, in Colombo on April 2, 2011. Sri Lanka plays India in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament in Mumbai on April 2, 2011. AFP PHOTO

Best wishes for the Lions

A Sri Lankan man browses through a newspaper featuring a double page spread the wishing the Sri Lankan cricket team good luck in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup in Colombo on April 1, 2011.  Sri Lanka plays India in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament in Mumbai on April 2, 2011.  AFP PHOTO

Back at the World Cup

Sri Lankan replacement fast bowler Chaminda Vaas leaves the ground during the team's final training session at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 1, 2011. Sri Lanka plays India in the final match of the ICC Cricket World Cup tournament in Mumbai on April 2, 2011. AFP

Demolished !

The Urban Development Authority today removed several illegally constructed houses and building in Sahaspura, Borella. The picture shows a heavy vehicles belonging to the UDA demolishing illegally constructed houses in the area. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Eyeing the World Cup

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (L) and Sri Lankan captain Kumara Sangakkara pose with the ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy at The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 1, 2011, on the eve of the final match which is scheduled to be played in the city on April 2. AFP PHOTO

Wish the Sri Lankan team BEST OF LUCK !

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Chinese Circus in Sri Lanka

The Chinese Circus featuring the Nanjing Acrobatic troupe began performing yesterday, at the Sugathadasa indoor stadium. The show times are from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. The show was organized by the Old Nalandians and will be performed during from 31st March to 30th April. Pics by Indrarathne Balasuriya

Team "Arctic Dustoff"

U.S. SPC Lucas and SSG Thompson from “Arctic Dustoff” team, Company C, 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment wash their Black Hawk chase helicopter at Kandahar Air Field, southern Afghanistan, March 31, 2011. REUTERS

Works on the Geo-IK-2

A specialist works on the Geo-IK-2 geodetic space satellite in the testing area of the open joint-stock company Reshetnev Information Satellite Systemsk, formerly known as the NPO PM Applied Mechanics Institute, in the Siberian town of Zheleznogorsk, 50 km (31 miles) northeast of Krasnoyarsk, March 31, 2011. REUTERS

Four injured in train-bus collision

Four people were seriously injured when a bus collided with a train in Batuwatta, Ragama this evening police media spokesman said. He said that the train was heading towards Vavuniya from Colombo and the bus had neglected the railway gate and tried to go through the crossing. Inside the bus there were only four persons as it was on its way for a hire. The injured are now receiving treatment at the Ragama General Hospital. (SD) Pics by Dewapriya

India beat Pakistan, set up final clash with Sri Lanka

India's players celebrate after winning their ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final match against Pakistan in Mohali March 30, 2011. REUTERS

Great spider crabs

A girl looks at a great spider crab living in a 20,000 liter-basin at the Sea Life aquarium in Timmendorfer Strand, northern Germany, on March 30, 2011. Some species of the marine crabs reach a leg span of three meters and even more. AFP

Storms in Nakho

An official and a villager walk along a beach after heavy storms in Nakhon Sri Thammarat province, south of Bangkok March 30, 2011. Severe flooding and mudslides in southern Thailand have killed 21 people, stranded thousands of tourists and threatened to delay shipments of rubber in the world's largest rubber-producing country, authorities said on Wednesday. REUTERS

Celebrates after taking the 4th wicket

Pakistan's Umar Gul congratulates Wahab Riaz on taking the wicket of India's Yuvraj Singh during their ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final match in Mohali March 30, 2011. REUTERS

LG members take oaths

Newly elected UNP members of the local government bodies took their oaths before party leader Ranil Wickremesighe and Deputy Leaders Karu Jayasuriya and Sajith Premadasa at Sirikotha today. Pic By Nisal Baduge 

Farewell for the king of spin

Members of the Sri Lankan team carry teammate Muttiah Muralitharan, playing in his last Cricket World Cup, after they beat New Zealand in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 semi-final match in Colombo March 29, 2011. REUTERS

Chasing a berth in the finals

Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara snicks a ball past New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum in their Cricket World Cup semi-final match played at The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on March 29, 2011. AFP