Another era begins

An STF officer holds his daughter, as they watch the passing out ceremony of 453 new STF officers at the STF training school in Katukurunda this evening. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Poson season commences

Dasasil Mathas carrying Bo saplings participate in the Mihindu Perehera in Rajagiriya. The Perehera commenced from the Sri Wijayayaramaya in Dharmapala place, Rajagiriya.  Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

Up for the challange?

Cricket teams participating in the Asia Cup, were seen arriving in the country today. The picture shows Zaheer Khan and India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni engaging in a conversation after they landed in Sri Lanka.

A new chapter

A group of former LTTE combatants who have now been rehabilitated began a new chapter in their lives today. Bollywood star Vivek Oberoi and MP Namal Rajapaksa are seen here witnessing the wedding of two former LTTE cadres at a mass wedding of 53 couples in Vavuniya today. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana and Romesh Madushanka

Flying kick

Argentina's defender Gabriel Heinze kicks the ball during their Group B first round 2010 World Cup football match on June 12, 2010 at Ellis Park stadium in Johannesburg. AFP

One goal

Government MP Namal Rajapaksa and opposition UNP MP Ravi Karunanayaka are seen here looking in opposite directions but cheering for the same team at the annual Royal vs Trinity Bradby encounter in Colombo this evening. Pic by Varuna Wanniarachi

Bradby encounter

With the first leg of the Bradby Shield encounter  between Royal College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy kicking off at the Royal Rugby stadium, Royal College supporters can be seen making their way to the rugby ground in support of their team. Pix by Varuna Vanniarachi   

Swinging big

The Mercedes Trophy Sri Lanka Country Finals 2010 got underway at the Colombo Golf Club this morning. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi 

FIFA faces

A young supporter weaves the Spanish flags before the welcome ceremony for Spain's national football team yesterday in Noth West University Sports Village on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. AFP

Football fever

South Africa supporters hold a mock-up cup at the end of the opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on June 11, 2010 at Soccer City stadium in Soweto, suburban Johannesburg. South Africa and Mexico play in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. AFP

Felicitating the IGP

A felicitation ceremony was held at the police headquarters in Colombo today for IGP Mahinda Balasuriya who was conferred with a doctorate by the Saint Petersburg University in Russia recently. The IGP is seen here being welcomed at the ceremony. Pic by Kithsiri de Mel

Ready for FIFA

Heinz Liebold of the MBZ Obernahmer company presents moulding blanks of whistles on June 10, 2010 in Nachrodt-Wiblingwerde near Iserlohn, western Germany. The manufacturer produces referee whistles which are used among others during the FIFA Football World Cup 2010 taking place in South Africa from June 11 to July 11, 2010. AFP PHOTO 

Meeting the top brass

A soldier greets Defense Secretary Gotabaya Rajapakse earlier today on his visit to the Walikanda Army Camp. Pics by Army Media unit

Walking for peace

School children welcomE participants of a peace walk initiated today from Devundara to Point Pedro in memory of war heroes and to to mark the dawn of peace in the country after the conclusion of the 30 year long war. Pix by Romesh Madhusanka  

A visit to the South

Students from the Karthivu Girls’ School in Kalmunai visited Matara on a good will visit today. The students who had never visited the south were jubilant to see the grandeur of the historic Matara city. Seen here are the students enjoying themselves buying fruits in the open market during the visit. Pix by Krishantha Jeewaka Jayaruk

PM meet ex PM

Prime Minister DM Jayaratna met former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammed in Colombo today. The two are seen here greeting each other after exchanging momentous. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachi

Dilshan leads S.L to win

Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan receives the trophy from Zimbabwe's Minister of Sports and Education David Coltart and the Deputy Prime minister Thokozani Khupe after leading his team to win the series with 108 not out against Zimbabwe today in the final match of the Micromax Cup Triangular series at the Harare Sports club. Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets to claim the series title which also included India.  AFP PHOTO

Manmohan welcomes Mahinda

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (L) speaks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajpakse during a welcome ceremonial at The Presidential Palace in New Delhi on June 9, 2010.  Rajapakse is in India for a four-day visit. AFP PHOTO

Ex Malaysian PM in Colombo

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad who arrived in Sri Lanka this evening is seen here with Cinnamon Grand General Manager Rohan Karr. Dr. Mohamad is in Sri Lanka for a business summit. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi 

A light for the General

A candle vigil was held this evening at the Vihara Maha Devi Park by Anoma Fonseka and supporters in remembrance of General Sarath Fonseka. Pics by Pradeep Pathirana  

Foreign advice

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Caterpillar “attack”

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A star among us

VIDEO Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi and his family were in Vavuniya with the Government Agent of Vavuniya P.S.M Charles and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena. Oberoi and his family have pledged financial aid to an IDP children’s school in the area. Pics by Romesh Madushanka

Daring escape

This combo image shows the window of a cell at the Maligakanda Magistrate’s court and a police officer investigating the site where a group of 11 suspects who were held under special custody escaped this afternoon. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachi

In full flow

Zimbabwean wicket keeper Tatenda Taibu waits for a catch as Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan (R) takes a shot at the Harare Sports Club on June 7, 2010 in the sixth match of the Micromax Cup Triangular series. Zimbabwe will be playing Sri Lanka on Wednesday June 9 in the finals after India failed to qualify. AFP PHOTO

Father to son

President Mahinda Rajapaksa who celebrated 40 years in politics today is seen here presenting a memento to his son and Member of Parliament Namal Rajapaksa for receiving the highest percentage of preferential votes at District level at the last general elections. Pic by Sudath Silva

Discussing Lanka

India’s Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram is seen here in conversation with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at his residence where they discussed issues relating to the Sri Lankan Tamils prior to President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s visit to India tomorrow. Photo Courtesy DIPR

US Celebrates July 4th

US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama attend the taping of “America Celebrates July 4th at Ford's Theatre,” a gala honoring South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu and South African Constitutional Court Justice Albie Sachs,” at Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC, June 6, 2010. The annual event, held at the theater where former US President Abraham Lincoln was fatally shot, featured singer Kelly Clarks

In a pensive mood

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And the winner is

The Indian International Film Awards (IIFA) was held in Colombo, Saturday, with the best of Bollywood gracing the occasion. Picture shows some of the top Indian stars arriving for the awards show. (AFP pics)