Students vs the law

Ruhunu university students in Matara are seen here in a standoff with the police during a protest this morning against the death of a student allegedly at the hands of the police. Pic by Krishan Jeevaka Jayaruk

In his father’s footsteps

Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa is seen here greeting fellow government members and supporters after opening a new bus stand in Puttalam. Pic by Hiran Jayasingha

Executive Order

A man wears a mask of Maricopa Country Sheriff Joe Arpiao during a protest against Arizona's controversial Senate Bill 1070 immigration law outside the U.S. District Court in Phoenix July 22, 2010. The SB1070 law, currently being challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice at the court to prevent it from going into effect on July 29, would make the failure to carry immigration documents a crime and give the police broad power to detain any

Friendly meetings

G.L Peiris greets Indian MP and Former Minister of External Affairs Yashwant Singha.  Singha had called on Sri Lanka to become a part of what he called a part of the subcontinent’s exciting growth story and stressed that Sri Lanka should go ahead with the second phase of Comprehensive Economic partnership agreement (CEPA). Also seen in the picture is Ruwan Wijewardena. Pics by Nisal Baduge

Building stronger navy ties

The Naval destroyer “Wang Geon” of Republic of Korea arrived at the Port of Colombo on a good will visit today. It carries 42 officers and 264 sailors. The visit will enhance the strong relationship between the two Navies. Pics courtesy Navy

Celebrating Murali

Sri Lankan cricket fans are seen here surrounding television sets along the streets of Colombo to watch spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan achieve a record 800 Test wickets during the match against India in Galle today. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Congrats Murali

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan grabbed his 800th Test wicket ago during the last day of the first Test match against India in Galle today. Muralitharan retires from Test cricket today.

Murali bids goodbye

Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan walks on a red carpet as he enters the field for the last day of his Test match career during the fifth day of the first Test match between Sri Lanka and India at The Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle today.  AFP

The latest trends in fashion?

The latest production of the dress makers in the Badulla area is the Dengue kit, a costume specially designed to prevent the sting of Dengue mosquitoes. The costume comprising a jersey and a long pair of trousers is available for Rs. 600 in the textile shops in the Badulla market. Pic by Prasad Rukmal

Calling for Fonseka’s release

JVP leader Somawansa Amarasinghe leads a protest today at Lipton Circus in which the DNA and Anoma Fonseka took part, calling for the release of General Sarath Fonseka. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana

Painting Gallery re-opens

Art enthusiasts admire painting at the newly opened Painting Gallery at the National Museum which was recently refurbishment with the help of HSBC and declared open to the public today. Pics by Kithsiri De Mel

From the jungle to the city

Veddha Chief Uruwarige Wanniyawaththo is greeted by Wimal Weerawansa at the National Revival Commission where he was invited to make a statement today. The National Revival Commission was created by the Patriotic National Movement recently as its own commission of inquiry into war related crimes. Pics by Nisal Baduga

Cleanup operations

While dengue has raised its ugly head in many parts of the island, the STF is seen here taking part in a cleanup operations to minimize the rising number of dengue cases. Pics By Nisal Baduge

War on trees

A racket involving a group illegally felling trees has been uncovered in Puttalam. The authorities are seen here investigating the site where hundreds of trees were found razed to the ground. Pic by Hiran Jayasinghe

A day of scalps and salutes

Muttiah Muralitharan bagged his 793rd wicket by snaring Sachin Tendulkar today in the 3rd day of the first Test match against India at Galle. The spin wizzard also batted briefly before Sri Lanka declared at 520 for 8 and was greeted by cheering spectators and Indian fielders who gave him a guard of honour. - Cricinfo

Petitioning for a pay hike

The Public Services Trade Union Alliance held a campaign at the Eye Hospital in Colombo to get one million signatures on a petition that would urge the government to increase their salaries by Rs. 2,500 as promised during the Presidential elections. Pics by Indraratne Balasuriya 

Taking a cat nap

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mahinda Balasuriya dozes during a media briefing where it was announced that the police will strictly implement existing road rules under the police ordinance including parking restrictions near public places. Pics By Pradeep Pathirana

Opposing views

The Opposition members of the Western Provincial Council (WPC) held a protest in front of the Western Provincial Council today against the increase of the vehicle revenue license fee. Seen here is a jovial argument that broke out between the members of the opposition and the members of government of the WPC. Pix by Nisal Baduge

More public protectors

A recruitment drive was held at the Police Park today to enroll Sub Inspectors (SI) to the Sri Lankan police force. Seen here is one of the candidates being processed during the enlisting process. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Grieving his loss

Chatura DeSilva from Sri Lanka holds a portrait of his mother, Chandrika DeSilva, who was killed by a drunk driver outside her Los Angeles, Reseda home on Sunday July 18, 2010. She was struck by a Jeep Cherokee driven by Richard Buitron, a 22-year old Marine. At the crash scene on Monday, piles of bouquets and dozens of candles surrounded a photo of a smiling De Silva, 51. It was a picture shot of her just hours before her death, taken at a fa

No rain here...

Despite many parts of the country experiencing sporadic bouts of rain, parts of Puttalam are experiencing severe drought. Seen here is a boy picking up fish from a river bank that has nearly dried completely. Pics Hiran Priyankara Jayasingha

Times are changing

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremasighe adresses a gathering at the UNP working committee meeting held this afternoon where it was announced that the party constitution will be changed. Pics By Kushan Pathiraja

Support for Male

Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe is seen here greeting Mohamed Lathiff, the advisor to the Maldivian President and Founding Member of the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party following talks in Colombo today. Pic by Kithsiri de Mel.  

Slipping away

Sri Lankan spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is seen here standing on a tarpaulin ground cover during the washed out second day of the first test cricket match between Sri Lanka and India in Galle today. Muralitharan, who has picked up 792 test wickets, was aiming to achieve the 800 wicket haul during the Galle test which has been affected by rain delays.   AFP   

Taking the spotlight

The United National Party and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress charged today that the final report of the All Party Representative Committee (APRC), formed to formulate a solution to the ethnic issue has not yet been publicized. Seen here are UNP, SLMC and DPF representatives addressing the press briefing. Pix by Nisal Baduge

Giving directions

A special traffic plan was implemented in Kohuwala today to reduce the vehicular traffic that prevails in the area during the morning and evening traffic hours. The picture shows a traffic police officer directing traffic according to the new traffic plan. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Avoiding the tackle

A Navy ruggerite is seen here trying to tackle an Army ruggerite at the match between the Navy and Army which took place at the CR & FC grounds this evening. Navy beat Army, 32-22. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

Saints go marching...

St. Josephs College held thier biennial Josephian walk today. The walk was followed by a carnival held at the College premises. Seen  here is a group of Josephian students carrying the College flag at the walk. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

The more the better ..

United Lady; a crude oil ship, is seen here pumping oil into a floating storage. Petroleum minister, Susil Premajayantha decided to increase the duration of oil being pumped from 12 hours to 24 hours. Pic by Nisal Baduge

A token for Murali

Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan receives the Lifetime Achievement award from Chief Minister of Central province Sarath Ekanayake as captain Kumar Sangakkara claps before the start of their first test cricket match against India in Galle today. REUTERS