Uduwe Dhammaloka Thera was released on bail today by the Colombo High Court over the alleged unlawful possession of an elephant calf.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa attended events to mark the Poson festival in Saitama, Japan. Several parliamentarians including Wimal Weerawansa, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Janaka Wakkumbura, Lohan Ratwatte and Roshan Ranasinghe took part in this event. Pic: Udayanga Weeratunga/Facebook

Indian PM Narendra Modi and President Sirisena tele-inaugurate renovated Duraiappah Stadium in Jaffna. Pic Vikas Swarup (Twitter @MEAIndia)

Maharagama Traders' Association Collective held a protest this morning at Maharagama town against the increase of the VAT. They blocked a part of the High Level Road for around half an hour in protest to the decision by the government to increase the tax. (Pic: Lankadeepa)

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa called on former UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator and Japan's former Special Envoy to Sri Lanka Yasushi Akashi in Japan. Several UPFA MPs also took part in the occasion. Pic: Udayanga Weeratunga/Facebook

World landmarks were lit in rainbow colours after fifty people. including the shooter, were killed in a gay night club in Orlando, Florida. This picture shows the One World Center in New York. (Pic AFP)

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived at the public meeting with Sri Lankans in Japan, held at the Sukuba International Conference Hall.

A protest was held today near the Fort Railway Station, to urge the government to reinstate Wildlife Department Director General Dr. Sumith Pilapitiya, who announced his resignation recently, reportedly due to political pressure.

English and Russian fans clashed after their European Championship game in Marseilles, France. English fans had been involved in battles with the police earlier in the city. The game was drawn 1-1. (Pic Reuters)

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived in Japan for a visit yesterday with several UPFA MPs including Wimal Weerawansa.