People of Welikanda are complaining of increased threat from wild elephants as they enter villages in search of water. Shortage of water has severely affected humans, animals and plant life in the dry zone. Pic Lankadeepa

The Joint Opposition rally in Ratnapura got underway this afternoon with the participation of a number of MPs. Pic: Udayashantha Gunasekara / Facebook

Alert has been raised in Japan as the volcano, Mount Aso, spewed ash to a height of 11 km. Japan's Meteorological Agency has raised its alert to Level 3, banning people from the mountain. Officials in Aso city, about 10km (six miles) north of the volcano, have set up evacuation centres as a precaution.

A protest organized by the Pivithuru Hela Urumya calling on the government to arrest Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran for inciting racism and religious disputes, was held near Fort Railway Station in Colombo. Protesters carried a figure of Wigneswaran holding a placard which said "Arrest me if you can!"

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi met Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, a short while ago.

The Avissawella - Fort train derailed at Maharagama today, blocking the Pamunuwa Road. Train services on the Kelani - Valley line were disrupted and the Pamunuwa Rd was also blocked.

The Ceylon Workers' Congress organized a protest at Maskeliya Town demanding a Rs 1000 daily wage for estate workers. Police had obtained an injunction order against the protest, which led to a tense situation in Maskeliya town today.

Pic: Ranjith Rajapakshe

Sri Lanka celebrates World Children's Day today. Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, in a message, said that the children are facing numerous challenges at present, and the government is responsible and accountable for them and will held empower children to overcome these challenges. He identified security, lack of equal opportunity, nutrition, sanitation, drugs and misuse of internet and other communication technologies as some of these threats.

Several Buddhist organizations including the Bodu Bala Sena launched a protest in Vavuniya today, demanding action against Northern Province Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran. A bystander is seen capturing the protest in his camera.

The 42nd National Sports Festival got underway yesterday at Duraiappah Stadium with Speaker Karu Jayasuriya as the Chief Guest.

The National Sports Festival lamp was lit by two veteran athletes hailing from the Northern Province, footballer S. Anthony Pillai and netball player Jayanthi Somasekaram.