Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal addressing a press conference in Colombo today forecasting a higher inflation rate and lower growth for this year stimulated by negative local and global economic factors adding that the situation was under control. Pix by Kithsiri de Mel
France's newly-elected President Francois Hollande celebrates with his companion Valerie Trierweiler (3rdR) and Socialist party members on stage during a victory rally at Place de la Bastille in Paris early May 7, 2012. France voted in elections on Sunday and Francois Hollande becomes the nation's first Socialist president in 17 years. REUTERS
Japanese Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada arrived here on a Mihin Lanka flight for a two-day visit to mark the 60th anniversary of Japan-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations. He was welcomed by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at the airport. Pix by Deepa Adhikari-Airport
A celebration was held at the Cinnamon Lakeside hotel to celebrate the 64th Independence Day of the State of Israel. Israel Ambassador in Colombo Mr. Alon Ushpiz and Mrs. Inbar Ushpiz together with the honorary consul of Israel Mr. Wicky Wickramathunga participated in this event. Pix by Nisal Baduge
A tense atmosphere prevailed when a group of STF personnel who were allegedly digging up a treasure in Hiwalapitiya tank in Wilachchiya clashed with the villagers. However, the police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. Pix by Athula Bandara
Foreigners, including Sri Lankans residing in Lebanon take part in a cultural parade and festival to celebrate International Workers' Day and to call for an end to Lebanon's sponsorship system for migrant domestic workers in the Lebanese capital Beirut on April 29, 2012. AFP
Sri Lankan artisan P. Edirisinghe works on Buddhist statues in Dompe, on the outskirts of Colombo, on April, 2012. Sri Lankan Buddhists are preparing to celebrate Vesak, which commemorates the birth of Buddha, his attaining enlightenment and his passing away on the full moon day of May which falls on May 5 this year. AFP
Narthanabimani Awards Presentation Ceremony organized by Govt. Dancing and Ballet Sub Committee, Sri Lanka Arts Council, Cultural Affairs Dept., and Culture and Aesthete Affairs Ministry was held on 29th at the National Arts Gallery with the participation of Culture and Aesthetic Affairs Minister T.B. Ekanayake on behalf of “World’s Dancing Day, 2012”. Pix by Kithsiri de Mell
Pictures show medical students from universities around the country together with the Medical Faculty Student Action Committee (MFSAC) staging a protest march from Colombo General Hospital to the Temple Trees to hand over a memorandum against the private medical institution in Malabe. The procession was stopped by police at the Kollupitiya junction. Pix by Samantha Perera
New Board of Directors appointed for SriLankan Airlines
Hareendra Dissabandara appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka SEC
UN hosts rare special emergency session to address crisis on Coral Reefs
WB inks additional US$200 Mn to support economic reforms in SL
USD selling rate drops below Rs. 300 after 15 months
High-intensity rain pounds Sri Lanka, flood threat looms