Daily NEWS Srilanka

The Paada Yathra of the United Opposition which commenced this morning (01) from the middle of Kiribathgoda town has by now reached Colombo.

Because the Walk entered Orugodawatta around 2 in the afternoon, the Baseline Road experienced a  big traffic block. There was no proper decision about the location where the final rally was going to be held and unofficial reports say that Mahinda Rajapaksa had contacted Premier Ranil this morning and and discussed about getting a location for the last rally. The Prime Minister in turn had spoken to the President Maithripala Sirisena and and had come into a mutual agreement of granting the Galle Face Green or Campbell Park for the purpose, it is understood. Once that issue was resolved it was later reported that Ranil had set off to Indonesia this afternoon. It was also learned that as it is not practicable to have the rally unexpectedly at Galle Face Grounds, Campbell Park had initially been considered more suitable. However subsequent to discussions that transpired later a change had been effected and accordingly unofficial sources of the United Opposition say that there had been a change in that decision too and finally it had been decided to hold the last public rally at Lipton Roundabout after passing the Borella Campbell Park enroute Dematagoda.

Today would be the final day of the Jana Satana Paada Yathrava organised by the United Opposition. The demonstrators are expected to travel from Kiribathgoda and arrive in Colombo this evening. Though the police had tried to secure court orders in Kandy and Kegalle against the Jana Satana, their request was turned down in Nittambuwa. A request by Peliyagoda Police to prevent Paada Yathrawa coming to Colombo was rejected by the Lady Magistrate and instead issued a warning only in that connection. The Colombo Lady Magistrate thus issued orders to be vigilant about creating any

All grounds in the environs of the Colombo Municipality have been blocked in connection with the public gathering in Colombo this evening by the Jana Satana Padra Yathrava and what organisers of the Jana Satana say is that it has been decided that the final rally of the Jana Satana Paada Yathrava would be held this evening (1) with a stage being put up at a location in a prompt manner which the government would not be able to guess. What MP Prasanna Ranatunga has mentioned was that a crowd of a million would gather in Colombo today.

The proposed amended bus fare hike is to be implemented from today the 1at August. In the meantime it is reported that certain three wheeler unions have decided to increase the three wheeler charges by rupees five for every kilometre.

The President of the self employed persons society Sunil Jayawardena had added that for the first kilometre in a three wheeler there will be no change which will remain at Rs 50/- while for the second kilometre which was Rs 40/- would become Rs 45/-This increase has been increased without a dialogue with the government has been subjected to criticism.

However a number of other three wheeler society have confessed that they would not change their charges.

It is reported that while the Member of Parliament Prasanna Ranaweera was travelling in his jeep vehicle to join in the Pada Yatra  on the 30th instant had knocked a motor cyclist injuring a couple riding on it. The two had sustained injuries.

 The driver of the Jeep vehicle had admitted the injured couple to the hospital. But the label that the Jeep vehicle belongs to a Member of Parliament had been removed.

The driver had fled the scene without furnishing a statement tp the hospital police post. However the

The couple thus injured are known to be residents of Kirillapone area in Nugegoda.They had been transferred to the Colombo National hospital for further treatment.It is also reported that the Jeep vehicle has been registered in the name of a lady in Gangarama Hunupitiya area he police has reported..

It is also reported that another controversial incident is reported when Member of Parliament Prasanna Ranaweera has fallen unconscious while participating in a procession of Mahinda Rajapaksa in the Kirulapone area

The Sri Lankan Cricket Team could boast about the historic win they had today by trouncing Australia today after 17 long years. It was in the year 1999 that Australia lost at a tournament

The Sri Lankans were able to clinch a victory today at the First Test that ended today at Pallekele Grounds with a lead of 106 runs. During the entire course of this game weather conditions hampered the game and as a consequence the game commenced today too somewhat late and the rain created a problem yesterday also.

The Sri Lankan team was able to collect 117 runs in their first innings while the Australians managed to get 203 runs. With the 176 runs amassed by Kusal Mendis in the second innings the total realised was 353 runs. The Australians who had to collect 268 runs to clinch a win were able to gather only 161 runs. Rangana Herath who had a devastating bowling spell of claiming 4 wickets in the first innings ended up by claiming 5 wickets in the second innings while Sandaken clipped 4 wickets in the first innings and 3 wickets in the second innings. Kusal Mendis who was responsible to record a memorable batting performance in this historic win was adjudged the Man of the Match. The second Test is to commence on August 4th at the Galle International Playground.

It is reported that the former Sri Lanka beauty queen Pushpika de Silva who entered into marriage is now staying in anticipation  to enter into motherhood.

She has not disclosed further information on this eagerly awaited event.

However a number of photographs Pushpika had shared with her husband inside a swimming pool on