Indian Test cricketer Harbhajan Singh met with Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake at his ministry a short while ago. Pic Twitter @AzzamAmeen

This picture, released on Facebook a short while ago, shows President Maithripala Sirisena taking a train ride in Italy during his recent visit. During his recent trip to Italy, the President also visited the Vatican and met with the Pope. It was also revealed that Pope Francis had earlier praised the President on his simple lifestyle.

UPFA Namal Rajapaksa shared this photograph which he had captured the day after former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's birthday. Mahinda Rajapaksa is shown in a rare yoga position with yoga instructor Nandana Siriwardena seated beside. Namal Rajapaksa extended his best wishes to Yoga instructor Siriwardena, whose birthday fell yesterday.

President Maithripala Sirisena who visited Jaffna to attend the state Christmas festival also visited a displaced persons camp in Thilippalei this afternoon(20) and checked on their well being.

Police prevented UNP MP Vadivel Suresh from taking two fuel cans inside Parliament, in an apparent attempt to self-immolate. 

The Joint Opposition started a protest demonstration against the budget proposals, this afternoon near the Fort Railway Station.  Heavy traffic was reported in the area.

The Chief Imam of AlAqsa Mosque in Jerusalem arrived in Sri Lanka a short While ago. Pic: vidiyal.lk

A group of farmers, some of them in traditional 'amude' attire, held a protest mach in Colombo this afternoon against some budget proposals. (Pic Sanka Vidanagama/Twitter)

Minister Daya Gamage and Deputy Minister Anoma Gamage recently visited Land Minister MKADS Gunawardena, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in England. Gunawardena has said that he was ready to engaged in active politics in near future since he has recovered.

The Ceylon Bank Employees' Union held a protest near Fort Railway Station today against budget proposals. The CBEU was the only union which decided to go ahead with the strike planned for the day.