The National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration ceremony was held this afternoon (05) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Masjidul Aroosiya Jumma Mosque premises in the Malay Colony village, Ambalantota. The event was organised by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, together with the Department of Muslim Religious And Cultural Affairs, to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. A special feature of the commemoration was the active participation and support extended by people of all faiths in the area, including members of the Maha Sangha. On this occasion, the President was presented with the commemorative postage stamp issued to mark the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi celebrations. He was also presented with a book titled The History and Development of the Muslim Community in Hambantota District, compiled to highlight the cultural and historical value of the Muslim community in Hambantota. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also awarded prizes and certificates to the winners of an art competition held across all schools in Hambantota District. The competition, open to students of all communities, aimed at fostering ethnic harmony among schoolchildren. In recognition of his participation in the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration, the President was presented with a commemorative gift, while the Muslim community of Hambantota and the Board of Trustees of the Jumma Mosque also offered him a special memento. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that discussions were already underway to further increase Sri Lanka’s quota for Hajj pilgrimages. He noted that this would help reduce costs for local devotees and enable a greater number of pilgrims to perform the Hajj in future. The Minister also conveyed the condolences of the President and the government to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident that occurred on the Ella–Wellawaya main road last night (04). Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, in his address, emphasised that peace, unity and mutual respect were the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He further noted that the present government aspires to build a beautiful nation founded on peace and coexistence among all people. Recalling the strong participation of local communities in making the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration a success, he said that such unity reinforced confidence in building a harmonious nation. The ceremony was attended by members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Hambantota District Development Committee Chairman Nihal Galappaththi MP, other parliamentarians, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs W.P. Senadheera, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.S.M. Nawas, state officials, foreign diplomats, schoolchildren and members of the public.
London: Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, wife of the late Queen's cousin the Duke of Kent, has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. The Palace confirmed that Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at her Kensington Palace home, surrounded by her family. Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing "deep sorrow," noting that "The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people". As a mark of respect, the union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday. The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute, praising her for working "tirelessly to help others" and describing her as a "much missed member of the family". Katharine, 92, was widely known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, most notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and presented trophies at the championships for many years. She preferred to be known as Mrs. Kent, dropping her HRH style, and retreated from royal life to spend over a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull. A devout follower of the Roman Catholic faith, the Duchess made history in 1994 by becoming the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism in over 300 years. Consequently, she is expected to have a Catholic funeral, which will be attended by senior royals, including the King and Queen, marking the first such service for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Beyond her royal duties, the Duchess was a dedicated humanitarian and a skilled musician. She volunteered for the Samaritans, toured countries as a Unicef ambassador, and in 2004, founded the charity Future Talent. This organisation, whose ambassadors include musician Sting, aims to provide children from low-income backgrounds with equal opportunities to excel in music by assisting with instrument purchases and funding music lessons. A talented pianist, organist, and singer, she secretly taught music in state primary schools in East Yorkshire and West London, spending 13 years at Wansbeck Primary School in Hull. Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on February 22, 1933, she came from an aristocratic background. She married Edward, Duke of Kent, King George V's grandson, in 1961. They have three surviving children: George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor. The Duchess faced personal tragedies, including a pregnancy termination due to German measles in 1975 and the stillbirth of her son Patrick two years later. She also battled depression, nervous strain, and various health issues throughout her life. For many years, the Duchess led a separate life from the Duke, though they never divorced. It was reported they became closer than ever after Edward suffered a stroke in 2013, with Katharine moving back to their Wren House home. The Duchess, who became the oldest member of the royal family following Queen Elizabeth II's death, made a rare public appearance in October 2024, seen in a wheelchair. She attended the wedding of the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 and the Sussexes' nuptials in 2018, but did not participate in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, her funeral, or the King’s coronation
Colombo: A shooting incident occurred in front of a private bank on Panchikawatte Road in Maradana today (September 6, 2025), leaving one person injured. Police reported that two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle carried out the shooting before fleeing the scene. The injured person is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital, according to an Ada Derana reporter. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
Colombo: A 26-year-old man was killed in a shooting incident that occurred last night (September 5) near the Mahawatta clock tower in the Grandpass police division. Police confirmed the fatality, stating that the victim, a resident of Kelaniya, succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Colombo National Hospital. According to police, two unidentified gunmen, who arrived on a motorcycle, opened fire at the victim before fleeing the scene of the crime. Authorities suspect that a revolver-type firearm was used in the shooting. The motive behind the killing is yet to be ascertained, and Grandpass Police are currently conducting further investigations to apprehend the suspects involved in the incident.
The National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration ceremony was held this afternoon (05) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Masjidul Aroosiya Jumma Mosque premises in the Malay Colony village, Ambalantota. The event was organised by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, together with the Department of Muslim Religious And Cultural Affairs, to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad. A special feature of the commemoration was the active participation and support extended by people of all faiths in the area, including members of the Maha Sangha. On this occasion, the President was presented with the commemorative postage stamp issued to mark the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi celebrations. He was also presented with a book titled The History and Development of the Muslim Community in Hambantota District, compiled to highlight the cultural and historical value of the Muslim community in Hambantota. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also awarded prizes and certificates to the winners of an art competition held across all schools in Hambantota District. The competition, open to students of all communities, aimed at fostering ethnic harmony among schoolchildren. In recognition of his participation in the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration, the President was presented with a commemorative gift, while the Muslim community of Hambantota and the Board of Trustees of the Jumma Mosque also offered him a special memento. Addressing the gathering, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, stated that discussions were already underway to further increase Sri Lanka’s quota for Hajj pilgrimages. He noted that this would help reduce costs for local devotees and enable a greater number of pilgrims to perform the Hajj in future. The Minister also conveyed the condolences of the President and the government to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic bus accident that occurred on the Ella–Wellawaya main road last night (04). Deputy Minister of National Integration, Muneer Mulaffer, in his address, emphasised that peace, unity and mutual respect were the core teachings of Prophet Muhammad. He further noted that the present government aspires to build a beautiful nation founded on peace and coexistence among all people. Recalling the strong participation of local communities in making the 2025 National Milad-Un-Nabi commemoration a success, he said that such unity reinforced confidence in building a harmonious nation. The ceremony was attended by members of the Maha Sangha and other religious leaders, Deputy Speaker (Dr.) Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Gamagedara Dissanayake, Deputy Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government Ruwan Senarath, Hambantota District Development Committee Chairman Nihal Galappaththi MP, other parliamentarians, Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs W.P. Senadheera, Director of the Department of Muslim Religious and Cultural Affairs M.S.M. Nawas, state officials, foreign diplomats, schoolchildren and members of the public.
Lisbon, Portugal – September 4, 2025 At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured on Wednesday (Sep 3) when Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular railway derailed and crashed, emergency officials confirmed. Among the injured, five are in critical condition. The funicular, one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city, was carrying passengers up the steep hillside between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto when disaster struck. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities or nationalities of the victims, though they confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described it as “a tragic day for our city,” declaring that Lisbon is “in mourning.” In response, the Portuguese government announced a day of national mourning on Thursday. Footage from the scene showed the iconic yellow tram-like car mangled on the tracks as emergency workers pulled passengers from the wreckage. The funicular’s second car, stationed at the bottom of the line, was not destroyed but was seen jolting violently during the derailment, prompting passengers to leap from its windows. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences and urged a swift investigation, while the prosecutor general’s office confirmed that a formal inquiry has been opened. The Gloria funicular, in operation since 1885, is run by Lisbon’s public transport company Carris. The company said all regular inspections and maintenance protocols had been carried out, including daily checks and weekly servicing. The line typically carries around 3 million passengers each year, both locals and tourists. Portugal has seen a sharp rise in tourism over the past decade, with the Gloria funicular remaining one of its most iconic attractions. Meanwhile, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in contact with Portuguese authorities and prepared to assist any affected British nationals. The United States and other nations are also monitoring the situation closely. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the derailment as the nation grieves the devastating accident.
Chennai: Actor Sivakarthikeyan's latest psychological action thriller, 'Madharaasi,' directed by AR Murugadoss, has made a decent start at the Tamil Nadu box office, grossing an estimated ₹10 crore on its opening day. Produced by Sri Lakshmi Movies, the film features Sivakarthikeyan in the lead role, alongside Vidyut Jammwal and Rukmini Vasanth. 'Madharaasi' marks Sivakarthikeyan's return to the big screen following his blockbuster military drama, 'Amaran'. The film, which registered average advance sales, received a mixed initial response from both audiences and critics. The performance of 'Madharaasi' is particularly significant for director AR Murugadoss, as his previous directorial ventures, including the Salman Khan starrer 'Sikandar,' had reportedly failed to meet expectations. A strong showing for 'Madharaasi' over the weekend and into the weekdays is crucial for the film to achieve a positive theatrical verdict. Despite the mixed initial reactions, the film has shown promising trends in advance bookings for its second day in Tamil Nadu. 'Madharaasi' has polled approximately ₹4.60 crore from over 380 cinemas, indicating an encouraging 85 percent hold from its opening day advance sales. For sustained success, the action thriller will need to demonstrate better leg on weekdays and attract more audiences.
Mumbai: Maddock Films' romantic-comedy, 'Param Sundari,' starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, has reportedly begun to lose momentum at the box office, entering its second weekend with a significant drop in collections. Directed by Tushar Jalota, the film garnered an estimated ₹1.75 crore on its second Friday (Day 8), marking a 30 percent drop compared to its Day 7 collection. The film, which opened with ₹6.85 crore on its first day, concluded its first weekend with a total of ₹25.50 crore. Over the subsequent weekdays (Monday to Thursday), 'Param Sundari' added another ₹12 crore, closing its first week with a net collection of ₹37.50 crore in India. With the latest figures, the cumulative box office collection for 'Param Sundari' now stands at ₹39.25 crore. Based on current trends, the film is anticipated to cross the ₹40 crore mark soon and then aim towards the half-century milestone. However, its performance is expected to slow down further during the weekdays, primarily due to the release of several new films this weekend, including 'The Conjuring: Last Rites,' 'The Bengal Files,' and 'Baaghi 4'. 'Param Sundari' is currently playing in cinemas, with tickets available for booking online or at the counter
Colombo: A shooting incident occurred in front of a private bank on Panchikawatte Road in Maradana today (September 6, 2025), leaving one person injured. Police reported that two unidentified individuals on a motorcycle carried out the shooting before fleeing the scene. The injured person is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Colombo National Hospital, according to an Ada Derana reporter. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
London: Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, wife of the late Queen's cousin the Duke of Kent, has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. The Palace confirmed that Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at her Kensington Palace home, surrounded by her family. Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing "deep sorrow," noting that "The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people". As a mark of respect, the union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday. The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute, praising her for working "tirelessly to help others" and describing her as a "much missed member of the family". Katharine, 92, was widely known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, most notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and presented trophies at the championships for many years. She preferred to be known as Mrs. Kent, dropping her HRH style, and retreated from royal life to spend over a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull. A devout follower of the Roman Catholic faith, the Duchess made history in 1994 by becoming the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism in over 300 years. Consequently, she is expected to have a Catholic funeral, which will be attended by senior royals, including the King and Queen, marking the first such service for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Beyond her royal duties, the Duchess was a dedicated humanitarian and a skilled musician. She volunteered for the Samaritans, toured countries as a Unicef ambassador, and in 2004, founded the charity Future Talent. This organisation, whose ambassadors include musician Sting, aims to provide children from low-income backgrounds with equal opportunities to excel in music by assisting with instrument purchases and funding music lessons. A talented pianist, organist, and singer, she secretly taught music in state primary schools in East Yorkshire and West London, spending 13 years at Wansbeck Primary School in Hull. Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on February 22, 1933, she came from an aristocratic background. She married Edward, Duke of Kent, King George V's grandson, in 1961. They have three surviving children: George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor. The Duchess faced personal tragedies, including a pregnancy termination due to German measles in 1975 and the stillbirth of her son Patrick two years later. She also battled depression, nervous strain, and various health issues throughout her life. For many years, the Duchess led a separate life from the Duke, though they never divorced. It was reported they became closer than ever after Edward suffered a stroke in 2013, with Katharine moving back to their Wren House home. The Duchess, who became the oldest member of the royal family following Queen Elizabeth II's death, made a rare public appearance in October 2024, seen in a wheelchair. She attended the wedding of the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 and the Sussexes' nuptials in 2018, but did not participate in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, her funeral, or the King’s coronation
London: Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, wife of the late Queen's cousin the Duke of Kent, has died at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace announced on Thursday. The Palace confirmed that Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully on Thursday evening at her Kensington Palace home, surrounded by her family. Buckingham Palace issued a statement expressing "deep sorrow," noting that "The King and Queen and all Members of The Royal Family join The Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organisations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people". As a mark of respect, the union flag at Buckingham Palace was lowered to half-mast at midday. The Prince and Princess of Wales also paid tribute, praising her for working "tirelessly to help others" and describing her as a "much missed member of the family". Katharine, 92, was widely known for consoling losing Wimbledon finalists, most notably a tearful Jana Novotna in 1993, and presented trophies at the championships for many years. She preferred to be known as Mrs. Kent, dropping her HRH style, and retreated from royal life to spend over a decade teaching music in a state primary school in Hull. A devout follower of the Roman Catholic faith, the Duchess made history in 1994 by becoming the first member of the royal family to convert to Catholicism in over 300 years. Consequently, she is expected to have a Catholic funeral, which will be attended by senior royals, including the King and Queen, marking the first such service for a member of the royal family in modern British history. Beyond her royal duties, the Duchess was a dedicated humanitarian and a skilled musician. She volunteered for the Samaritans, toured countries as a Unicef ambassador, and in 2004, founded the charity Future Talent. This organisation, whose ambassadors include musician Sting, aims to provide children from low-income backgrounds with equal opportunities to excel in music by assisting with instrument purchases and funding music lessons. A talented pianist, organist, and singer, she secretly taught music in state primary schools in East Yorkshire and West London, spending 13 years at Wansbeck Primary School in Hull. Born Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley on February 22, 1933, she came from an aristocratic background. She married Edward, Duke of Kent, King George V's grandson, in 1961. They have three surviving children: George, Earl of St Andrews, Lady Helen Windsor, and Lord Nicholas Windsor. The Duchess faced personal tragedies, including a pregnancy termination due to German measles in 1975 and the stillbirth of her son Patrick two years later. She also battled depression, nervous strain, and various health issues throughout her life. For many years, the Duchess led a separate life from the Duke, though they never divorced. It was reported they became closer than ever after Edward suffered a stroke in 2013, with Katharine moving back to their Wren House home. The Duchess, who became the oldest member of the royal family following Queen Elizabeth II's death, made a rare public appearance in October 2024, seen in a wheelchair. She attended the wedding of the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 and the Sussexes' nuptials in 2018, but did not participate in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, her funeral, or the King’s coronation
Donald Trump will order that the Pentagon be called the Department of War as it "conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve". An executive order will be signed by the US president on Friday, in which he will call for the Department of Defense to use the new name as a secondary title. He will also direct that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth be known as Secretary of War. The text of the executive order reads: "The name 'Department of War' conveys a stronger message of readiness and resolve compared to 'Department of Defense,' which emphasizes only defensive capabilities." The Pentagon oversees the US armed services and is the successor to the War Department, which was established in 1789 and ran until 1947.
Washington, D.C. – September 4, 2025 Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that American military forces killed 11 alleged narcoterrorists in a missile strike on a drug smuggling vessel operating in international waters. Trump shared footage on social media showing what he described as a precision strike on the vessel, which he said was carrying members of the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TDA). “Earlier this morning, on my orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility,” Trump said. He claimed that the gang members were transporting narcotics bound for the United States when the strike occurred. The former president described Tren de Aragua as a designated foreign terrorist organization “responsible for mass murder, drug trafficking, sex trafficking, and acts of violence and terror across the United States and Western Hemisphere.” The U.S. Department of Defense has not independently confirmed the strike or provided further details. Tren de Aragua, originally formed in Venezuela’s prisons, has expanded its operations across Latin America and has been increasingly linked to transnational crime networks.
Lisbon, Portugal – September 4, 2025 At least 15 people were killed and 18 injured on Wednesday (Sep 3) when Lisbon’s historic Gloria funicular railway derailed and crashed, emergency officials confirmed. Among the injured, five are in critical condition. The funicular, one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist attractions and a symbol of the city, was carrying passengers up the steep hillside between Restauradores Square and Bairro Alto when disaster struck. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities or nationalities of the victims, though they confirmed that foreign nationals were among the dead. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas described it as “a tragic day for our city,” declaring that Lisbon is “in mourning.” In response, the Portuguese government announced a day of national mourning on Thursday. Footage from the scene showed the iconic yellow tram-like car mangled on the tracks as emergency workers pulled passengers from the wreckage. The funicular’s second car, stationed at the bottom of the line, was not destroyed but was seen jolting violently during the derailment, prompting passengers to leap from its windows. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed condolences and urged a swift investigation, while the prosecutor general’s office confirmed that a formal inquiry has been opened. The Gloria funicular, in operation since 1885, is run by Lisbon’s public transport company Carris. The company said all regular inspections and maintenance protocols had been carried out, including daily checks and weekly servicing. The line typically carries around 3 million passengers each year, both locals and tourists. Portugal has seen a sharp rise in tourism over the past decade, with the Gloria funicular remaining one of its most iconic attractions. Meanwhile, Britain’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it was in contact with Portuguese authorities and prepared to assist any affected British nationals. The United States and other nations are also monitoring the situation closely. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the derailment as the nation grieves the devastating accident.
Former Member of Parliament Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thero has been remanded until September 12 after appearing before the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court this afternoon (29).
