Lawyers in the areas of Vavuniya, Mullative, Kilinochchi, Jaffna and Mannar today staged a protest in the Mannar town urging the government to stop the political intervention to the judiciary and to take actions against the people who insult the law. Pix by Romesh Madushanka
The 25th consecutive “Adipooram” festival of the Wellawaththa Mayurapathi Kovil was held today. Pictures show a procession heralding the opening of the festival, which took place from the Wellawatta Pillayar Kovil and ended at the Mayurapathi Kovil in Havelock town. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
The main opposition UNP today distributed leaflets to create awareness among the public against the rising cost of living and the increasing number of child and women rape cases. Parliamentarians and members of the party participated in the campaign which was held in the Delkanda Fair today. Pic by Kushan Pathiraja
A protest against sexual assault and child abuse organised by the Women & Media Collective opposite Lipton Circle today. Prominent womens rights activist including former Mrs. World and UNP Parliamentarian Rosy Senanayake joined the protest. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
Opposition leader Ranil Wickremesinghe speaking to the media at a news conference today said a new committee in charge of the PC elections was appointed. The UNP working committee has made a unanimous decision that the party leader will be appointed only once in six years. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana and Sameera Rajapakse
A Sri Lankan who allegedly attempted to smuggle foreign currency worth of 21 Million in Sri Lankan Rupees was apprehended this morning at the Bandaranaike International Air Port by custom officials. It was revealed that he the suspect is a mobile phone businessman (35) from Mathara. Pix by Deepa Adikari
Lawyers and staff of the Vavuniya, Mullaitivu, Mannar and Kilinochchi Magistrate’s courts stayed away from Court work today in protest over yesterday’s attack on the Mannar Magistrate’s Court by Uppukulam fisher folk. Minister Rishard Bathiudeen rushed to Mannar to talk to the protesting fisher folk and government authorities in an effort to resolve the matter. Pix by Romesh Madushanka
Sri Lankan cricket team captain Mahela Jayawardene (L) and Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (R) pose for photographers with the ODI trophy during a press conference in Colombo on July 18, 2012. India will play five one-day internationals in Sri Lanka, starting in Hambantota on July 21, plus a one-off Twenty20 match on August 7. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
The prolong drought has affected a large population in the Puttlam district. More than 50,000 acres of paddy land have been destroyed while the Thabbo weva, Mahasen wewa and Maha kumbukkadawala tanks are running dry. Some 300,000 families are facing hardship for want of drinking water. Residents of these drought affected villagers are seen buying water from water tankers. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
The Indian Cricket team arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport today to participate in a five-match one-day series and a one T20 matche. The Indian team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni and 14 other players together with 11 officials are seen at arrival. Pix by Deepa Adikari
A suspect of the rape of a 15 year old girl in Tangalle was rushed to hospital after he complained of a chest pain when the case was being heard at the Tangalle Magistrates court. 21 suspects including Tangalle Urban Council member Anjana Liyanage and a millionaire businessman were remanded till the 27th of July. The 13 year old suspect son of the businessman was sent to the Hikkaduwa probation school. Pix and text by Krishan Jeewaka Jayaru
Combined Association of Unemployed Graduates (CAUG) staged a protest today in front of the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs demanding job opportunities for graduates who passed out from universities in 2010 and 2011. Pix by Nisal Baduge
Puttalam fisherfolk today staged protest over the laying of a high-tension power line from the Norochcholai Lak Wijeya thermal power plant to another area over the Puttalam lagoon. More than 300 members of the Valarpirai Lagoon Fishermen’s Society participated in the protest. They said the proposed high-tension power line over the lagoon would be an obstacle to their livelihood. They asked the authorities to cancel the proposed project or e
\\\ Joint opposition led by the UNP which took to the streets in Gampaha today called for a general election instead of the provincial council elections. Several opposition parties including UNP, Democratic People’s Front, NSSP, United Socialist Party, Nawa Sihala Urumaya and Ruhunu Janatha Party made this call claiming that the present regime had failed to deliver its promises. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja
People play in the mud during the Boryeong Mud Festival at Daecheon beach in Boryeong, about 190 km (118 miles) southwest of Seoul, July 15, 2012. About 2 to 3 million domestic and international tourists visit the beach during the annual mud festival, according to the festival organisers. REUTERS
A person identified as Lalith Wijesinghe is reported to have climbed up a tree outside Dambulla Magistrate today in protest over the verdict given by the Dambulla Magistrate. A police team had taken him down with great effort. The man had climbed the tree after the Magistrate released a suspect who was accused of having obtained Rs.300,000 from Wijesinghe in 2008. The Court had ordered the release because of the lack of evidence to prove that t
Former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka and his wife Anoma visited the Tewatte Basilica Church and participated in the church service today. Later they visited the Rosarian Convent and expressed their gratitude to the Sisters for their blessings during the time of distress. Pix by Devapriaya Chandrasiri
Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) held a protest near the Maldivian Embassy in Colombo yesterday calling for the resignation of President Mohamed Waheed and urging a free and fair general election. Some protesters are seen holding placards during the protest. Pic by Pradeep Dilrukshana
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