Pro Food Pro Pack and Agbiz 2012, an exhibition showcasing the food chain from ‘farm to fork’ was declared open by the Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa today. Exhibitors from Malaysia, Turkey, Argentina and many other countries are taking part in the event. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
Spanish miners fire homemade rockets towards the Spanish National Police during a miners' demonstration in El Entrego, inside “Pozo Soton” near Langreo, northern Spain, on July 4, 2012. Spanish coal miners are staging a nationwide strike action organized by unions opposed to subsidy reductions from 301 million euros to 111 million euros. AFP
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa opened the newly built Malwathuhiripitiya police station in Gampaha today. Inspector General of Police (IGP) N.K Illangakone also participated at the ceremony. OIC of the police S.B Magalegoda and his policemen held a guard of honour for the chief guest. Pix By Kushan Pathiraja
The foundation stone for the construction of the Secretariat for Personal Identification was laid in Battaramulla this morning. Pictured here are Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa awaiting the arrival of the auspicious time. The state of the art complex is projected to cost 7.5 billion rupees and is set to be completed within three years. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
Celebrating the Archeology week, the Department of Archaeology today organised a programme to educate the public against the destruction of historic artifacts. Seen here are actors engaging in a street performance opposite the Fort train station. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
The world’s largest Esala Perahara was held yesterday with the participation of 12,500 school children from 385 schools. Children from all communities and religions participated according to the Ministry of Education which organised the event. President Mahinda Rajapaksa also viewed the Perahera when it was passing the Temple Trees last evening. Pix By Pradeep Pathirana
Today is Esala full moon Poya day, which is celebrated by Buddhists Island wide. Esala Poya is significant to Buddhists as the day Buddha preached his first dhamma sermon, the 'Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta'. The picture shows devotees at the Gangarama temple taking part in religious observances. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
A passing out parade was held today at the Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) for 140 Officer Cadets, including 2 female cadets, who successfully completed their training. Presidential Secretary Lalith Weeratunga was the Chief Guest. Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya also participated in the Ceremony. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana
A group of minor employees of the Vavunaiya Urban Council today staged protest demanding immediate confirmation in their posts. They said they have been employed in casual basis for more than ten years and their representations to the UC administration to make them permanent had been ignored... Pix by Romesh Madusanka
The prolong drought has affected a large population in the Puttlam district. Thousands of people are facing hardship for want of drinking water. Anamaduwa, Navagattegama, Mahakumbukkadawala, Wanathawiluwa, and Mundalama areas are the worst affected. Tanks, village water courses and garden wells have run dry compelling the people to go in search of water to distant areas. Pix by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe
Fire fighters from the Colombo and Kotte Fire Brigades battled for about two hours to douse a fire that broke out in Ambagaha Handiya in Rajagiriya last night. Two shops were damaged by the fire that erupted around midnight yesterday. No injuries were reported. Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
In recognition of the sportsmen of the Gajaba Regiment, a Colours Night was held at the Musaeus College Auditorium, Colombo last night. Picture shows one of the officers being honoured for his outstanding performances in the field of sports. Pix Nisal Baduge
An exhibition titled “Rajya Murthi’ was declared open by Minister of Cultural Affairs T.B. Ekanayake at the John De Silva Memorial Hall today. The exhibition will showcase various forms of art in the country including paintings and sculptors. (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)
MP Namal Rajapaksa and daughter of late presidential advisor Baratha Lakshman Premchandra are pictured here in conversation. The two met at a ceremony organized to lay the foundation stone for a statue commemorating the late SLFP stalwart. Pix by Krishan Ranasinghe
Leader of the UNP Ranil Wickremasinghe, Wickremabahu Karunanayake, Sirithunga Jayasuriya and Mano Ganeshan held a press conference today urging the government to hold elections in the North. The leaders said that they are ready to face a democratic election. Pix by Pradeep Pathirana
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