National day of Pakistan

A ceremony to mark the National Day of Pakistan was held today at the Hilton Hotel in Colombo. Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga and former Navy Commander Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe also participated at the event. Pix by Pradeep Dilruckshana

Boats in demo mode

Following the opening of the Norochcholai power plant yesterday, the Navy Special Boat Squadron participated in a demonstration exercise at sea area off the power plant. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

National Day of Pakistan

The seventy-second  National Day of Pakistan was marked at the  Pakistani  High Commission today. Here, High Commissioner  Seema Ilahi Baloch  is hoisting the Pakistani National Flag at the event. Pic by Indrarathne Balasuriya

Cheers!!!

U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama toast with El Salvador First Lady Vanda Pignato during an official dinner at the Casa Presidential in San Salvador  March 22, 2011. REUTERS

"LAKVIJAYA" declared open

The Norochcholai Coal Power Plant known as "LAKVIJAYA”, the first ever coal power plant in Sri Lanka was declared open by President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday. The picture shows President Rajapaksa and Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka during the opening ceremony of the phase one of the plant. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Remembering D. S. Senanayake

The fifty-ninth death anniversary of Mahamanya D. S. Senanayake was commemorated today. The picture shows Prime Minister D.M Jayarathna, UNP Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya and former MP Rukaman Senanayake during the event held in remembrance of the first Prime Minster of Sri Lanka. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Heroin worth millions

Heroin worth Rs.3.5 million was seized by the Colombo South Anti Vice Squad today in the Vanathamulla area in Borella. The picture shows the seized heroin stock in police custody. Pix by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Falcon takes to the sky

A Danish F-16 Fighting Falcon takes off from the tarmac of the Sigonella NATO Airbase on the southern Italian island of Sicily March 21, 2011. Arab nations do not want the military intervention under way in Libya to be placed under NATO control, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said on Monday. REUTERS

LG election a success

Addressing the first news briefing of the UPFA after the Local Government polls at the Mahaweli Centre, UPFA MPs stated that the government has once again been approved by the people of the country. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A dental check-up

Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka was brought to the Dental Institute at Ward Place in Colombo today for a dental check-up. The picture shows Sarath Fonseka waving at supporters during his visit. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Chasing away

The picture shows a soldier chasing away a cricket enthusiast who lined up near the P.D. Sirisena ground after he tried to jump the queue several times to buy tickets for the upcoming ICC 2011 World Cup Quarter final match between Sri Lanka and England.  Pix by Suminda Sudarshana Pathirana.

Zebra or buffalo

Students of the Sri Lanka University of Visual and Performing Arts organized a practical performance in front of the Army Hospital in Colombo this morning. The picture shows students painting a Buffalo as a Zebra as a part of the performance. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

The World Water Day

A walk to mark the “World Water Day” has been organized by the Ministry of Water Supply and Drainage board from Green Path Colombo to BMICH today.  Pics by Samantha Perera

Tourist boat capsized at Lguazu Falls

A helicopter hovers as rescue workers help tourists after an inflatable boat carrying ten people capsized at the Iguazu Falls March 21, 2011. Two U.S tourists died and eight others from various countries were injured in the accident, according to local media reports. REUTERS

Elephant in danger

Villagers at Sravasthipura in Anuradhapura alerted Wildlife authorities about an injured elephant in the area, which they say has not had food for four days because of its inability to move die to its injuries. Pic by Atula Bandara

147th Police Heroes Day

A commemoration ceremony was held under the patronage of IGP Dr. Mahinda Balasooriya in front of the Commemorative Monument constructed at the Field Force Headquarters to mark the 147th Police Heroes Day, which falls today. Accordingly, ceremonies in their honour are being held in all the police stations islandwide. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Pyramid of the Sun

A hot air balloon floats past people who are watching the sunrise at the Pyramid of the Sun of Teotihuacan outside Mexico City during a festival as part of the spring equinox March 20, 2011. Hundreds of Mexicans and tourists gather at Teotihuacan every year to welcome the spring equinox. REUTERS

Invoking Blessings on Japan

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesighe, Deputy Leader Karu Jayasuriya  and MP Wijedasa Rajapaksa at a Bodhi Pooja held at Kelani Vihara today to invoke blessings on the earthquake victims in Japan. Pic by Nisal Badhuge 

Kachchathivu Festival

Over 3600 devotees from India and around 400 local devotees attended the St. Anthony’s festival which was held in the Kachchathivu Island during the weekend. The picture shows devotees attending the festival taking part in activities today. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana 

Donating blood

A health camp titled “Green Health Camp” was organized by the 95 batch of Isipathana College and the Isipathana College’s School Development Society to commemorate the 69th Anniversary of the College. The picture shows a policeman donating blood at the blood donation camp held at the school premises as part of the “Green Health Camp. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Cardamom cardamom !

An illegal shipment of cardamom with an estimated worth of Rs. 1 million rupees imported from Saudi Arabia was taken into custody by the Colombo police after a tip off. The suspect who imported the 195 Kgs of cardamom was also taken into custody. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Remembering Gamini Dissanayake

Today is the 69th birth anniversary of late UNP strongman Gamini Dissanayake. A floral tribute to the Gamini Dissanayake Statue at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7, was held by the family members and friends of the late parliamentarian. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Dragon kite

Participants adjust the feathers on a dragon-shaped kite as they prepare to fly it during a kite competition in Xiangcheng county, Henan province March 19, 2011. About 200 kite enthusiasts took part in the competition which was part of an annual kite festival in the region, local media reported. REUTERS

Holi

Children gather around a teacher to receive coloured power as they celebrate Holi, also known as the festival of colours, at a school in Ahmedabad March 19, 2011. The traditional event heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated all over India. REUTERS

Medin Full Moon Poya

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Final hurdle

Jockey Sam Waley-Cohen riding Long Run (L) clears the final hurdle ahead of Denman (C) and Kauto Star on his way to win the Gold Cup race at the Cheltenham Festival horse racing meet in Gloucestershire, western England March 18, 2011. Waley-Cohen became the first amateur jockey to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for 30 years when he steered 7-2 favourite Long Run to a thrilling victory on Friday.  REUTERS

That's a wrap!

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara (R) celebrates with teammate Mahela Jayawardena after winning the match against New Zealand in the Cricket World cup 2011 tournament at The Wankhede cricket stadium in Mumbai on March 18, 2011. AFP PHOTO 

MR visits sick thero

President Mahinda Rajapaksa visited Rt. Udugama Sri Buddharakkita Thero  of the Asgiri Chapter who is under medical treatment at the Lanka Hospital today. Pix by Sudath Silva

Indian Ocean Tuna Commission

The 15th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission was held at the Galle Face Hotel today. The picture shows Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Rajitha Senaratne, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and External Affairs Minister Professor G.L. Peiris at the head table during the event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

A visit to the Independence Square

President Mahinda Rajapaksa made a surprise visit to the Independence Square today which is currently under renovation. Secretary to the President Mr. Lalith Weeratunga is seen here pointing out something in the distance to President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit. Pix by Sudath Silva