Finalists of Miss Venezuela

Finalists of the Miss Venezuela beauty pageant take part in a practice session before the finals on Thursday in Maracaibo October 26, 2010. REUTERS

Neglected by mother

A baby Bengal tiger that was born at the Dehiwala Zoo on October 22 is being taken care of by the National Zoological Gardens officials. According to them, the mother tiger was refusing to feed the cub as a result of which the officials had to provide it with special conditions and food formulas to boost immune system. Pix By-Indraratne Balasuriya

Merapi spews smoke

Merapi volcano spews smoke, taken from Umbul Harjo village in Sleman, Yogyakarta on early October 26, 2010. Indonesia ordered thousands of people to evacuate from around Mount Merapi on October 25 as it raised the alert for its most active volcano to red, warning of a possible imminent eruption. AFP

The capital of Kung Fu

Shaolin martial arts students pose for a photo during the Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival at Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Henan province, October. Some 1,200 martial arts athletes from all over the world are taking part in the festival which began on Friday, local media reported. REUTERS

Memorial for “Fran”

Participants of the 10km Marathon Swimming World Cup and friends of American swimmer Francis “Fran” Crippen throw flowers into the sea during a memorial for Crippen in Fujairah October 24, 2010. Crippen, a world championship bronze medallist, died during the last leg of the World Cup event in Fujairah on Saturday, world governing body FINA said. REUTERS

Pioneering Management Authority

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya is seen here accompanied by his predecessors Victor Perera and Jayantha Wickramaratne today at the activation of the Pioneering Management Authority which has similar functions to that of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board.Pic By Pradeep Pathirana

A clergy concern

Student Monks from Sri Jayewardenepura University protest against what they called the alleged disrespectful behavior of University officials towards monks. Pics by Indraratne Balasuriya

Sarath for Sarath

The picture shows former Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva signing the petition calling for the release of DNA leader Sarath Fonseka today. The former Chief Justice alleged that the former Army Commander had been denied of his human rights guaranteed in the Constitution. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Nurses' strike

Several protests were organized by the government nursing staff today in hospitals island wide. The picture shows nursing staff at the National Hospital during the protest. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana 

Tennis beauties

Tennis players Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark, Vera Zvonareva of Russia, Kim Clijsters of Belgium, Francesca Schiavone of Italy, Samantha Stosur of Australia, Jelena Jankovic of Serbia and Elena Dementieva of Russia (L-R) pose for a picture during the draw for the WTA Tour Championships in Doha October 24, 2010. The tournament will take place in Doha from October 26 to November 31. REUTERS

Colorful skies

A kite competition organized by the Tourism Board and the Lions Club was held at the Galle face this afternoon. The picture shows participants taking part in the kite flying competition. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Peace walk against tobacco

Several organizations led by Buddhist monks handed over a hand written request to Presidents Secretary Lalith Weeratunga at the Independence Square today calling to reactivate the National authority for tobacco and alcohol. Pic By Kushan Pathiraja

Gearing for another protest

The JVP said today they would launch a campaign against the rising cost of living in November ahead of the 2011 budget. The picture shows JVP MP Sunil Handunnetti addressing the media. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Hyrax launch

“Hyrax” a new vehicle lubricant product of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation was launched today with the participation of Petroleum Minister Susil Premajayantha this morning. The picture shows Minister Premajayantha handing over some promotional material during the launch. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Two Chow Chows

Two Chow Chows dressed in clown costumes, Fat Choi and Fat Chai, are seen during the “Scaredy Cats and Dogs” Halloween fund-raising event at a mall in Quezon City October 23, 2010. Some 70 pets participated to raise funds for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)'s Animal Rehabilitation Center, a temporary shelter for more than 100 dogs and cats which were either abandoned or rescued from cruelty or neglect. REUTERS

Army graduation

Army chief Jagath Jayasuriya is seen here at the graduation ceremony in the Diyatalawa Army camp today for soldiers of the military academic unit. Some 36 career officers completed the course as part of their professional studies in the army. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Musaeus Triathlon 2010

Musaeus Triathlon 2010 was flagged off from the Parliament Grounds this morning. The picture shows past and present pupils of Musaeus College taking part Musaeus Triathlon 2010 walk organized to coincide with the event. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Gamini remembered

The 16th Death Anniversary Memorial for late Gamini Dissanayake was held opposite Mahaweli Kendra this morning. The picture shows wife and son of late Gamini Dissanayake placing floral tributes at the memorial. Pix by Waruna Wannirachi

Flying high

Sukhoi SU-30MKI aircraft (2nd R and R) and British Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons fly in formation during the Ex Indradhanush military exercise after taking off from Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Midinapur district, India's West Bengal state. The Indian Air Force and the Royal Air Force are taking part in the exercise which runs October 8 till November 3. AFP PHOTO

Racing buffaloes

Thai farmers ride on buffalos during a buffalo racing festival in Thailand's Chonburi province on October 22, 2010. The annual race takes place at the end of the three month Buddhist Lent, before the full moon of the 11th lunar month. AFP PHOTO

125th anniversary

The 125th anniversary of the Diocesan Council Sessions was celebrated today with a service at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour at Bauddhaloka Mawatha. Seen in the picture is Bishop Duleep de Chickera who was the celebrant performing one of the rituals at the service. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Quarters for the officers

Newly built quarters for families of army officers stationed in Diyathlawewa were ceremonially declared open by Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya today. The picture shows Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya entering one of the newly built quarters. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Ranil meets William

Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen here during his meeting with British Foreign Secretary William Hague during his visit to the United Kingdom

Illegal fags worth Rs. 30 million

A shipment of illegal cigarettes worth Rs.30 million has been seized in Seeduwa by the Excise and Narcotics Bureau. The contraband had been imported under the guise of it being garments. Five individuals have been taken into custody. Pics by Nisal Baduge 

Silence of faith

Devotees thronged to temples today - Vap full moon poya day to make religious observances – Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

Human care

An employee of the Royev Ruchey Zoo feeds two-month-old Asian palm civet cubs in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk October 21, 2010. Zoo employees are hand feeding five Asian palm civet cubs after their mother gave birth to them in August this year and refused to nurse them. Reuters

Mihimadala 2010

Mihimadala Exhibition 2010 is being held from 21st to 23rd October at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre. The picture shows a student at one of the stalls at the exhibition. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Under repair

Workers are seen here hard at work repairing the sinkhole which had deepened recently near the Roxy Cinema in Wellawatte. Alternative routes were provided for motorist by the police till the repairs complete. Pic by Samantha Perera

Another day in Court

DNA leader Sarath Fonseka is seen here being escorted to the Court of Appeal premises today for the hearing of his case against the second court martial ruling. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

A drop of blood

A blood donation camping to increase awareness regarding blood donation and blood transfusions was held at the Health Ministry today. The picture shows Health Ministry employees donating blood during the awareness programme. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel