Stranded elephant

A baby elephant which was found stranded in Trincmalee is seen here being cared for by wildlife authorities after it was handed over to them this evening. Pic by Amadoru Amarageeva

Indonesian style

The Indonesian Embassy in Colombo and the Indonesian Women’s Association held their annual bazaar at the Indonesian Embassy premises today with a variety of Indonesian and Sri Lankan products on sale including garments, batiksm food items, handicrafts and books. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Monks demand General's release

A group of monks affiliated to the opposition group JVP began a fast unto death campaign in Fort this morning demanding the release of General Sarath Fonseka who is under military custody over an alleged corrupt arms deal.

The big one!

 Children look at a sphere sculpture made from Easter eggs on the day of its unveiling at Kievo-Pecherskaya Lavra cathedral in Kiev today. The artwork, created by Ukrainian artist Oksana Mas, is made from 3000 wooden Easter eggs painted in traditional Ukrainian style.  REUTERS

A golden ticket

The official mascot for the Cricket world cup to be held in Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh next year was launched this evening. Tickets for the world cup were also released at the ceremony. President Mahinda Rajapaksa can bee seen here being handed one of the golden tickets for the tournament by the organizers. Pix by Indaratna Balasuriya

In the name of Christ

Christians around the country commemorated Good Friday today. Picture shows devotees of the Sacred Heart Church taking part in a procession in observance of Good Friday in Rajagiriya. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Battle for the Cup

A media conference was held in Colombo today to announce the launch of the ticket and mascot for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup to be worked off in South Asia including Sri Lanka. Picture shows the ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat and other officials holding aloft the World Cup at the event. Pic by Pradeep Pathirana

Political track

Kegalle district UPFA candidate and former National athlete and Olympic medalist Susanthika Jayasingha is seen here in here new role campaigning for the upcoming polls in Mahahena, Dedigama. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana

The sacrifice

Christians all over the world commemorated Good Friday today. Picture shows a drama depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ being staged at ST. Michael’s and All Angels Church Polwatta this morning. Pic by Kithsiri De Mel 

Remembering Christ

Members of the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Cursillo foundation kneel as they pray during a procession in observance of Good Friday in Boac town of Marinduque island, central Philippines, April 2, 2010. REUTERS

Boxing greats facilitated

The Inter Unit Boxing Tournament held today facilitating Pattiarachchi D.S who won the Bronze medal in the 5th Common Wealth Games and other awards handed out to the event’s winners. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Experiencing “Yalpanam”

President Mahinda Rajapaksa smiles during a religious ceremony in the Nallur Kandaswamy Hindu Tamil temple after he attended a political rally ahead of the parliamentary elections, in Jaffna about 303Km (188miles) north of Colombo today. REUTERS  

Learning the traditions

Students of Vidura College in Narahempita were today educated on the Sinhala and Tamil New Year traditions in preparation for the upcoming Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Picture shows the children partaking in the traditional meals. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Beauty and innocence

A Blue Morpho butterfly sits on the face of 5-year-old Ettie Wooldridge at the Natural History Museum in London March 31, 2010. A butterfly house will be opened to the public at the museum, housing butterflies from four continents, until September.  REUTERS

Right to live with the pen

A public meeting was held to protest against the disappearance of Lanka E-News journalist and cartoonist, Prageeth Eknaligoda at the Public Library, Colombo today organized by the Media Organization Collective and Citizen for Freedom. Pics by Pradeep Dilrukshana

Students demand more facilities

Students from the Geomatics Faculty, University of Sabaragamuwa protested today in front of the University Grants Commission requesting for proper academic facilities including a laboratory to continue their studies.  –  Pic. by Kithsiri de Mel

Explosives unearthed

A stock of over 270kilos of high-powered explosives used by the LTTE Sea Tiger force in suicide attacks were recovered by the STF in Vavuniya during a search operation in Pudumathalan area on information from a displaced person in the Settikulam refugee camp. The explosives were packed in polythene bags and buried about 6 feet under ground. Pics by Romesh Madushanka  

Lanka generates petrol

Environment Minister Champika Ranawaka is seen here pumping petrol made from plastic and polythene waste into a motorcycle at the Central Environment Authority managed pilot plant in Yatiyantota, Kegalle. pic by Varuna Wanniarchchi  

Enjoying life

Baby male Asian Elephant 'Pathi Harn' (L) plays in the mud with 'Luk Chai' at Taronga Zoo in Sydney, in this March 31, 2010 handout photo. Mother elephant Porntip gave birth to the calf at Sydney's main zoo on March 10, surprising vets and keepers who on March 8 declared the baby had died in the womb. REUTERS

Lighting up lives

An autistic child touches an electric globe at the Consulting Centre for Autism in Amman, one of the few places in the country that helps children with the condition. The world will mark World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.   REUTERS

Lights, camera, action!

President Mahinda Rajapaksa opened Ranmihitanna Mahinda Rajapaksa Tele Cinema Park today. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and other distinguished ministers were also present. Pix by Sudath Silva

A green protest

United National Party (UNP) supporters protest at the dismantling of a stage erected in Rajagiriya for a UNP rally earlier today by laying and sitting accross the street demanding the equipment be brought back. Picture shows some of the protestors. Pics by Indika Sri Aravinda

Media freedom!

A protest was held in front of the Fort Railway station by “Journalists against Suppression” this morning urging the government to conduct the necessary investigations into the recent attacks on the media. Several journalists can be seen here taking part in the protest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana  

On two wheels

Two Nepalese nationals began a bicycle journey from Colombo to Jaffna this morning with the aim to save the environment. This tour is the result of the realization of youth activism for the protection of the global eco-system and the collective responsibility for the ever-degrading environment. Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi  

Permission to fish

Indigenous Zoque men carry baskets containing flowers and candles as offerings inside the cave of Villa Luz, during a ritual called “The fishing of the blind Sardine” in Tapijualpa. The ceremony is held during Holy week and is of pre-Hispanic origin when people asked deities for permission to fish inside the cave.  REUTERS

Easter eggs Hungarian style

Jozsef Koszpek holds an ostrich egg decorated with 1,119 miniature metal horseshoes in Szekesfehervar, 60 km (37 miles) west from Budapest today. The decorations are based on an old Hungarian Easter tradition. REUTERS

Laying the first stone

Governor of the Central Bank Ajith Cabraal is handed a mini shovel as he helps lay the foundation stone for Hotel Nallur in Jaffna held earlier today. The hotel, a 3 star, is the first of its kind to be built in Jaffna in over 60 years. Pics by Varuna Wanniarachchi

Korean festival

A group of Korean residents in Sri Lanka held a Korean festival in Colombo today where several items were sold at reduced rates. Picture shows the Koreans selling some of the items during the festival. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana

Stressing a point

JVP General Secretary Tilvin Silva is seen here stressing a point during a press briefing in Colombo today. The JVP claimed there are attempts by the government to introduce a new devolution package to please India. Pic by Pradeep K. Pathirana

Religious observances

Today is Bak full moon Poya day. Picture shows Buddhist devotees worshiping at the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple this morning to mark the day. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana