US swimmer Michael Phelps came from behind in the last 50 m of the 100 m freestyle relay to lead his team to an Olympic Gold. This is his 19th Olympic Gold medal overall.

Pic: AFP/Getty

Virginia Thrasher, centre, holds her gold medal for the women’s 10m air rifle competition, with China’s runner-up Du Li, left, and third-placed Yi Siling. This was the first gold medal handed out in 2016 Rio Olympics. Thrasher's victory is a surprise as Du Li had dominated the event in the recent past. Photograph: Eugene Hoshiko/AP

Sri Lankans at 2016 Rio Olympics Opening Ceremony yesterday night Brazilian time (Early this morning Sri Lanka time). Marathon runner Anuradha Indrajith Cooray carried the national flag, leading the contingent.

Protesters blocked the Panadura old Galle Road this morning complaining that the road repair work is moving at a snail's pace, three years after its initiation.

The protesters then blocked the Galle road at Walana, Panadura.

(Pic Lankadeepa)

Large crowds gathered for the final rally of the 'Jana Satana Paada Yathra' yesterday afternoon at Lipton Circus.

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa joined the last stage of the 'Jana Satana Paada Yathra' today at Lipton Circus. Pic: Mahinda Rajapaksa/Facebook)

The town of Nittambuwa was in total darkness as the 'Joint Opposition' march entered the town. MP Namal Rajapaksa later claimed that the same happened in Nelumdeniya. 

Sri Lanka launched a free ambulance service with 108 ambulances supplied by India. The service is now available in Southern Province and the hotline is 1990.

However, this picture of an ambulance of the new service raises another question. Is there any hotline for ambulance breakdowns?

UPFA MP Namal Rajapaksa, seemingly marching ahead of a group, during the 'Jana Satana Paada Yatra' which got underway from Peradeniya today.

Many MPs of the 'Joint Opposition' including former president Mahinda Rajapaksa were present.

(Pic: Lankadeepa)

The 'Jana Satana Paada Yatra' by the Joint Opposition was launched this morning after religious observances at Getambe Temple. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa also attended the religious observances at Getambe. Pic: Danushka Aravinda/Facebook