Akashi meets President

Special envoy of the Japanese Government Yasushi Akashi met with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees earlier today. Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L Peiris, Sec.to the President Lalith Weerathunga, Japanese Ambassador Kunio Takahashi, Sec, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Romesh Jayasinghe were also present.

Spiritual observances

Prime Minister D.M Jayaratne greets a visiting religious delegation from India at the Maha Bodhi Centre in Colombo earlier today where a religious ceremony was held. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi 

A birthday under house arrest

Human right activist write messages for Myanmar opposition politician Aung San Suu Kyi on a graffiti wall decorated with her portrait in Prague, as people around the world hold events on the eve of the 65th birthday of Aung San Suu Kyi. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, in detention for almost 15 years, is expected to spend a quiet day at her lakeside mansion where she is kept without telephone or Internet access, cut off from the outside world.

Painted faces

A combination of pictures taken during the 2010 Football World Cup in June 2010 shows supporters from various countries. AFP

Collecting runs

Sri Lankan cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan and teammate Upul Tharanga run between the wickets during the third One Day International (ODI) cricket match of the Asia Cup between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket stadium in Dambulla, some 150 kms north of Colombo, on June 18, 2010. Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and elected to bat. AFP

Celebrating victory

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa rides in a jeep during the victory day parade in Colombo on June 18, 2010. Sri Lanka staged a delayed military parade to mark the first anniversary of the end of its 37-year civil war, with pressure mounting for a probe into alleged crimes during the conflict. Rajapakse took the salute at the “Victory Parade” attended by thousands of troops drawn from units that led the final assault against T

A war remembered

This television grab shows President Mahinda Rajapaksa hoisting the national flag during the war victory commemoration military parade held at Galle Face in Colombo this morning.

Make a wish

A fan kisses a replica World Cup trophy while waiting for the start of the 2010 World Cup Group B soccer match between Argentina and South Korea at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg June 17, 2010. REUTERS

Enduring sorrows

Distraught General Sarath Fonseka takes a moment to calm himself while paying his last respects to his mother-in-law today. Pics. by Pradeep Pathirana

Tough play

Minister of Higher Education S.B Dissanayake is seen here in deep thought while a Ministry official is seen stressing a point to the media. At the breifing the Minister clearly stated that Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) is not a recognized organization. Pics By Kushan Pathiraja

Facing the questions

United Nations Resident Co-ordinator Neil Buhne looks on as Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe addressed the media this evening. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Catching up on News

The convenor of the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) Udul Premarathne is seen here catching up on news while sitting in front of the University Grants Commission after a protest.   Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

Voicing their anger

Students of the Ruhunu University in Matara staged a protest opposite the University premises today over an attack on a group of students. Picture shows the students during the protest. Pic by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaruk

UN inspection

Visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs B. Lynn Pascoe is seen here inspecting mine clearance equipment during a tour of the former LTTE held areas in Mullaitivu today. (UN pic)

Friendly dialogue

Japanese special envoy Yasushi Akashi and External Affairs Minister Professor G.L Peiris are seen here seemingly consulting each other during a media briefing in Colombo today. Pic by Nisal Baduge

Uncertain future

Despite the police earlier stating that they had caught the ‘beggar serial killer’, the killing spree continues and a very uncertain future now lies ahead for these homeless people as they continue to live on the streets of Colombo in fear and anguish. Pic by Daily Mirror online & Waruna Wanniarachchi

Celebrating victory

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga celebrates after taking his fifth wicket to secure victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the Asia Cup in Dambulla. Pic courtesy cricinfo

Noby

Japanese post-graduate student Kosuke Nakamura plays with the robot baby named Noby (short for  “nine-month-old baby”), that is 71 cm in height and weighs 7.9kg, at a laboratory at the Tokyo University on June 15, 2010. The baby robot has two cameras and two microphones on its head and is also equipped with some 600 touch sensors in the artificial skin of his body. The robot is designed to simulate the behaviour and growth of

Getting a clear view

UNP leader Ranil Wickramasighe who urged President Mahinda Rajapaksa today to reveal the proposed constitutional changes to the public is seen here getting ready to address a press briefing. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Urging the authorities

The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine staged a protest today, opposite the National Hospital to urge the authorities to resolve the issues faced by para-medical students. Seen here are protesters infront of the National Hospital. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A friendly warning

Consumer Affairs Authority Chairman Rumy Marzook is seen here speaking to a vendor at the Pettah market today. The chairman visited the market and educated the vendors about marking the prices of the goods that are being sold. He warned that stern action would be taken against vendors who did not comply. Pix my Samantha Perera

A holy meeting

Parliament Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa called on Archbishop Malcolm Ranjith at the Bishop’s house this morning. The Speaker is seen here in conversation with the Archbishop after the formal meeting. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Around Alabama

Large banks of sand have been built up along the shore line to help prevent oil from coming ashore on June 14, 2010 in Dauphin Island, Alabama. AFP

Ready for battle

Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan, Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi, India cricket captin Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sri Lankan cricket captain Kumar Sangakkara  pose for photographers after a press conference in Dambulla, some 150 kms north of Colombo.  Asia's Test-playing nations begin their preparations for next year's World Cup when they contest the region's top one-day prize on June 15. Away from the global

Getting ready for the parade

The “Victory Day Parade” to mark the first anniversary of the conclusion of the war and the defeat of the LTTE will be held this Friday.  The picture shows military personal taking part in rehearsals at Galle Face Green today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Life's lessons

School students look on as a man donates blood to comemmorate 'World blood donor's day which falls today. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

Get set go..!

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, captain of the Indian cricket team, rides a bicycle in Dambulla, about 147 km (91 miles) from the capital Colombo June 14, 2010. The Indian cricket team is in Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup cricket tournament which includes the hosts, Pakistan and Bangladesh. REUTERS

Real life inspired

Actress Joan Cusack (2nd L), who plays the voice of the character Jessie (L), actor Tim Allen (3rd L), who plays the voice of the character Buzz Lightyear (4th L), and Tom Hanks (R), who plays the voice of character Woody (2nd R), pose together at the world premiere of Disney Pixar's “Toy Story 3” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California June 13, 2010.  REUTERS

Celebrating 175 years

The annual feast of ST. Anthony’s church Kochchikade, Colombo, which celebrates 175 years today, was held this evening. The statue of ST. Anthony is seen here being taken along the streets of Colombo during the event. Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

Celebrating victory

  Ghana's defender John Paintsil (L) waves his national flag as he celebrates with Ghana's defender Lee Addy winning 1-0 over Serbia in the Group D first round 2010 World Cup football match Serbia vs. Ghana at Loftus Verfeld stadium in Tshwane/Pretoria. Ghana won 1-0. AFP PHOTO