The Inter University Bhikkhu Federation (IUBF) today staged a protest march at the Colombo Railway Fort demanding the government to allocate 6 per cent funds from the budget for the education sector, find a solution to the lecturers issue and speedup university students’ enrollment among other issues. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
An exposition of the Vishawa Shanthi Buddha Statue is now being held from 11.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the BMICH in Colombo. This is the largest Buddha statue carved out of a precious stone and is believed to bring peace to the world. The exposition will end on August 19. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Residents of Ilanthiadiya of Kalpitiya Divisional Secretariat claim that their village is at risk of being washed away due to sea erosion. This is a fishing village of 300 families which is situated close to the Norochcholai coal power plant. Pix by Jude Samantha
The King of Swaziland Miswathi III, his queen and a group of delegates arrived in Sri Lanka on a three-day official visit this evening. They were warmly welcomed at the Bandaranaike International Airport by External Affairs Minister G.L Peiris and the Deputy Minister. Pix by Deepa Adikari
Due to the prevailing drought in Kurunegala district much of the Devahuwa tank had dried up. The picture shows fishermen in the area catching the fish that had surfaced due to the drying up of the tank. A kilogram of fish was sold at a price between Rs.100-150. Pix by Kanchana Kumara Ariyadasa
A tense situation reported following the Kandy-Navy rugby encounter held in Nittawela this evening which ended in favour of Kandy SC winning 25-20. Security in the area has been tightened due to the tense situation. Pix by Indraratne Balasuriya
Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka seen amidst a large crowd at the Badulla Muthiyangana Rajamaha Viharaya after he addressed a public meeting. Parliamentarians Palitha Range Bandara, Palitha Thewarapperuma, and Jayantha Ketagoda also participated in the event.Pix by Athula Bandara
Human Rights Activists organised a public petition in Vavuniya today in pretest over the deaths of the LTTE suspects at the Vavuniya prison and urging the government to release all political prisoners and ensure justice to the IDPs. Pix by Romesh Madushanka
Open University Teachers’ Association (OUTA) and the Federation of University Teachers’ Association (FUTA) today staged a protest at the Parliament grounds today urging the government to stop politicisation and militarisation of universities and to save the public universities. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
The second International Defence Seminar organised by the Sri Lanka Army continues for the second day on the theme, “Towards Lasting Peace and Stability”. This is a concept of Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya. It emphasises the role played by the Sri Lanka Army to achieve Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Resettlement leading to the resolution of the longstanding conflict through effective Reconciliation. Pix by Kit
The All Ceylon Health Services Union carried out a protest opposite the Ayurveda hospital in Borella today urging the authorities to prevent the privatisation of hospital services, provide promotions, adequate uniform allowances and other benefits that were promised to hospital staff. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
The second international defence seminar organised by the Sri Lanka Army began today on the theme, “Towards Lasting Peace and Stability”. This is a concept of Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya. It emphasises the role played by the Sri Lanka Army to achieve Rehabilitation, Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Resettlement leading to the resolution of the longstanding conflict through effective reconciliation. Pix by Indraratne Balasuriy
A wild elephant and a baby elephant that went searching for water due to the prevailing drought had fallen into a well in Kela Bogaswewa- Ruwanmaduwa in Vavunia today. They were rescued by the wild life officials with the assistance of soldiers of 56 Brigade. By Romesh Madushanka
More than 400,000 people in the Puttalam district are facing severe hardships with no drinking water due to the prolonged drought. They said they had not yet received any relief under the government’s relief programmes for the drought stricken areas. About 200 tanks and minor irrigation canals that provided drinking water and irrigation facilities have run dry. Meanwhile the crop failure has created a scarcity of food compelling the village
The Health services Trade Union Alliance and the Trade Union Alliance against corruption and fraud, staged a protest in front of the Health Ministry in Town Hall today, urging authorities to take legal action against corrupt health officials and to nullify the service extension granted to the Director General of Health. Pix by Nisal Baduge
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