Customs Investigations and Crime Prevention Unit today took into custody two luxury Mitsubishi Pajeros (Montero and Shogun), illegally imported from the UK. The vehicles were imported through a person with an address in Dehiwela area in the guise of importing motor spare parts. The value of the two vehicles was estimated to be Rs.20 million. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
Police Department is planning to go ahead with productivity improvement plans to lift the efficiency of services provided for public. Productivity Improvement Manuals were handed over to the police at an event held at the Crime Records Division at Torrington, Colombo 7. Pix by Kithsiri De Mel
Shops along Bastian Mawatha in Pettah were demolished earlier today, following orders to this effect by the Urban Development Authority with the intention of beautifying the area. Vendors were given a notice of only a few hours to clear their belongings before the shops were demolished. Seen here is one such vendor lamenting her case to a Policeman sent to overlook the demolition. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
Villagers and wildlife officials were able to rescue a three and half year old baby elephant, which was stuck in a field of mud after it had been washed away due to the increase of water level of the Amban Ganga following heavy rains in Kalahagala in Polonnaruwa. Steps were taken to treat the baby elephant and hand it over to the Ritigala Elephant Orphanage. Pic by K.G.Karunaratne-Polonnaruwa
The second phase of the Exploratory Drilling Campaign for oil in the Mannar Basin will be starting from next week onwards and Helitours, the Commercial Arm of the Air Force has been selected as the official Air Logistic Operations provider for the entire operation. Picture courtesy Sri Lanka Air Force.
The annual Kelaniya Duruthu Maha Perahera held every pre-full moon day in January -known as the Duruthu Poya in commemoration of Lord Buddha’s visit to the island- will come to an end tonight. Seen here are elephants taking part in the perahera being bathed. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
A thick fog experienced in Haputale area today due to the prevailing inclement weather. The Haputale-Beragala Road was the worst affected. Police said the mist prevented the visibility in the winding roads in the area and warned motorists to be cautious. Pix by Palitha Ariyawansa
The wife and son of missing journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda together with a host of other supporters held a silent vigil opposite the parliamentary complex yesterday, to mark the 3rd Anniversary of the disappearance of Eknaligoda. Those present recalling statement made by the former Attorney General who said “God only knows where he is”, said the last hope of legal recourse to find Eknaligoda was also lost. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
All Ceylon Common Fishermen Convention staged a protest in front of the Fort Railway Station today urging authorities to prevent poaching in Sri Lankan waters and to provide them with concessions as they had to face difficulties due to high fuel prices. Pix. by Pradeep Pathirana
The ground breaking and laying of the foundation stone for Abhimansala III was held today in Pangolla area in Ibbagamuwa under the patronage of Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya. The Rs.360 million project is launched for the benefit of 50 totally disabled war heroes from North Western Province. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Jathika Sanga Sammelanaya today held a protest march from Town Hall to Temple Trees protesting against sending female domestic workers to Middle East. They handed over a petition to the President urging to stop Sri Lankan women going to the Middle east as housemaids. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
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