The ‘Shilpa Udana 2014’ National Handicrafts Festival was held today at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike International Memorial Exhibition Hall. The exhibition was inaugurated by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa. Here Minister Raj

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board today ceremoniously welcomed the arrival of one millionth tourist of this year at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Pix by Nirmala Ferdinandus

An unusually big comb of bananas discovered by a family in Rathmalana was captured on film today. About 70 bananas are seen in this unusually big comb.

Workers attached to the Mahaweli Authority seen shouting slogans at a demonstration held today in front of the Mahaweli Authority over several demands. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel

A stick which had pierced the neck of a Suriyawewa resident was surgically removed by a team of surgeons at the Hambantota General Hospital today. It had pierced the neck of the man during a brawl. Pix by Sanath Gamage

The fifth Comoran Strike exercise organised by the Sri Lanka Army will be held from September 3 to September 23 in the Eastern Province. Most importantly Special Forces teams from 12 countries will participate in the exercise. Pix by Pradeep Pathir

Members of the Under-Paid Retired Teachers Organisation today staged a protest march from Hyde Park Grounds to Liptons Circus urging the government to rectify their pension anomalies. Pix by Nisal Baduge

*The fifteen finalists in 2014 Miss Universe China arrived in Sri Lanka this morning on a pre-pageant tour of Sri Lanka organized by Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts to promote tourism in Sri Lanka. They will stay here for seven days and will travel to Ha

A tiny ‘Imbul’ tree branch which had pierced the left breast of a motorcyclist was surgically removed by a team of surgeons at the Hambantota General Hospital. Pix by Santha Gamage

Several houses were severely damaged from the heavy rain and gale force winds at Damana in Ampara last night.Pix by Wasantha Chandrapala

The floating market in Pettah, a first in Sri Lanka, was declared opened this evening at Bastian Street. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena and Defence Ministry Secretary Goatbhaya Rajapaksa are seen here at the opening. Pix by Nisla Baduge

Democratic Party Leader Sarath Fonseka is seen speaking at a protest rally organised by his party outside the Fort Railway Station this evening wher he called for the resignation of the Elections Commissioner and the IGP. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachch

The annual grand Ther (Chariot) festival of one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Hindu temple, the Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, was held amidst thousands of devotees thronging the temple this morning. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja

A passing out ceremony was held yesterday for thirty six Tamil female soldiers who were recruited to the Sri Lankan army force. The ceremony was held at the 22 Division in Trincomalee. Pix by Amadoru Amarajeewa

A vehicle on Duplication Road in Kollupitiya was crushed under a tree which was uprooted by the heavy rains and strong winds today. A three-wheeler was also damaged in the incident injuring the driver. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

Pro food – Pro pack 2014 which showcases international processed food, beverage packaging and agricultural business began today at the BMICH. It will end on Sunday (24). Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

Several Roads in Colombo and Galle were under water from the heavy rains that lashed in Colombo and several other parts of the country today. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi

An organisation calling itself the, “Voice of Golden Key Investors for Justice’ today staged a protest march near the Temple Trees urging that the Golden Key Director be removed over corruption allegations. Pix by Nisal Baduge

A group of UNP members including, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe met the head of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera at Kotte Sri Naga Viharaya today and discussed the proposed Buddhist Temporalities

Members of the Joint Trade Union Committee (JTUC) in the Colombo National Hospital today staged a protest and a started a hunger strike opposite the National Hospital premises urging the authorities on increasing the ‘Overtime’ payment

A 31-year-old mother today delivered male triplets at the de Soysa Maternity Hospital and it was her third time. On her first delivery she gave birth to twins and are aged 15 years and on her second delivery, she had another twins who are aged six

Students of the Kelaniya University Students’ Council today staged a protest at the university premises urging the government on several demands, including selling of Arts Degree for Rs.75,500 and the Management Degree for Rs.12,000 for exter

State sector trade unions staged a protest outside the Fort Railway Station over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. They handed over a letter to the Presidential Secretariat. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana

The Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) organised a news conference in Colombo today to express its views on DCD- contaminated dairy products and on food safety in the country.  Pix by Nisal Baduge

Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse shakes hands with cricketer Mahela Jayawardene after victory in the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo today. AFP

The family of Milton of Karuwelagaswewa, who had put up a banner to star cricketer Mahela Jayawardene on his retirement from Test cricket was lucky enough to visit the SSC grounds and experience the Test match and meet Mahela Jayawardene. Pix by Is

BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy, External Affairs Minister G.L. Peiris and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa are seen in conversation at the Defence Seminar held in Colombo today. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana

A police officer is seen requesting a university student to select a few representatives to enter the University Grant Commission in Colombo during a protest by the Sri Lanka National Union of Students over the removal of the Eastern University&rsquo

Sri Lankan cricketer Mahela Jayawardene is congratulated by his teammate Kumar Sangakkara after scoring a half-century during the fourth day of the second Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the SSC. AFP