Large areas across the island, especially in the Northern, North Central, Eastern and Southern provinces were inundated due to heavy rains during the last few days. This photo shows a small roadside shop affected by floodwater in Hambantota.

Maestro W.D. Amaradeva celebrates his 88th birthday today. Widely regarded as the doyen of Sri Lankan music, Amaradeva has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades including the Magsaysay Award. This picture of a younger Amaradeva reminds that he began his journey in music as a violinist.

Chennai has been hit by severe floods. Reports said that water levels were still on the rise in parts of the city even today. Patients were evacuated from a hospital in Chennai under heavy rains when the building was flooded. (PTI)

The remains of Oleg Peshkov, the Russian pilot who was killed following the shooting of a Su-24, were received by Russia today. Here, his remains are being carried by Turkish soldiers for its flight. (Pic Ministry of National Defence of Turkey / Sputnik)

Today is the first death anniversary of former photojournalist of 'The Nation' newspaper, Photojournalist of the Year 2013, Rukshan Chandika Abeywansha. Rukshan, fondly known as 'Ruka' passed away under tragic circumstances, after fighting for his life for nearly six months, following an accident.

In his memory, the 'Hardaya Sakshiya Kala Kavaya' has organized a blood donation programme at the National Blood Transfusion Service from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

(Pic: Sakuna M Gamage/Facebook)

Sri Lanka President Sirisena addressed the CHOGM 2015 opening ceremony in Malta a short while ago. "Commonwealth has accomplished a lot over 2 years" he said.

Former Secretary of Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa arrived at the Presidential Commission of Inquiry to give a statement on Rakna Lanka. Four responded were named in the probe by the commission today. Pic: News First

President Maithripala Sirisena met United States ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power at the Presidential Secretariat today.

President Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Minister Susil Premajayantha sharing a light moment following the budget speech at Parliamentary Complex last evening. Wickremesinghe was pointing as if to say the budget will move the country upwards in prosperity.

Pic: Sanka Vidanagama (Sanka Vidanagama Photojournalism/Facebook)

An early-morning police operation in the suburbs of Paris turned violent as gunfire and explosions rang out in the area of Saint-Denis yesterday. Five police officers were lightly wounded and Diesel, a a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois, died during the raid.

French social media users created a hashtag #JeSuisChien to honour Diesel.