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.
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 Department of Meteorology has indicated that showers are expected in several parts of Sri Lanka today. Specifically, a few showers may occur in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Galle, Matara, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Jaffna districts. Furthermore, showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in the Uva province and in Ampara, Batticaloa, and Mullaitivu districts after 2:00 p.m. The department added that mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere across the island. In addition, fairly strong winds of about 30–40 kmph can be expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, in the North-central and North-western provinces, and in the Hambantota district. The Meteorological Department also stated that the sun is expected to be directly over the latitudes of Sri Lanka from August 28 to September 7. This is attributed to its apparent southward relative motion. Today, September 5, the sun will be directly overhead at Nalluruwa, Balangoda, Rathmalawinna, Buduruwagala, and Panama in Sri Lanka, at approximately 12:09 noon.
The death toll from a bus crash that occurred last night (4) near the 24th Km Post on the Ella-Wellawaya main road has reportedly increased to 15. At least fifteen individuals, including nine females, were confirmed dead. The accident also left 18 people injured, comprising 11 males and seven females, some of whom were children. More than 15 patients have been admitted to the Badulla Teaching Hospital, with several said to be in critical condition. The incident happened when the bus, carrying a group of employees from the Tangalle Municipal Council, veered off the road. The group was returning to Tangalle from Ella after an excursion when the bus toppled down a slope of approximately 500 meters before coming to a halt. Police reported that around 30 people were on board the bus at the time of the crash.
The Department of Examinations has released the results of the 2025 Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, the Commissioner General of Examinations announced today. Students and parents can now access the results through the department’s official website at www.doenets.lk This year’s examination was conducted on August 10 at 2,787 centres islandwide, with a total of 307,951 candidates sitting for the test. Significantly, 901 students with special needs also took part in the exam, including 12 candidates who answered using Braille scripts, ensuring inclusivity in the national evaluation process.
Former Minister Shashindra Rajapaksa was today ordered to be further remanded till September 12 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama after being arrested on charges of corruption and conspiracy. The arrest was made in connection with allegations that he had used his official position to unlawfully secure compensation for an unauthorised property that was damaged during the 2022 public uprising. The compensation claim, which had initially been rejected, concerned property not legally entitled to such payment. (DailyMirror)
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Hospital, Colombo, has been transferred to a normal ward, UNP Assistant Leader Akila Viraj Kariyawasam told the media. He said Wickremesinghe's health has improved. Meanwhile, UNP General Secretary Thalatha Athukorala said all decisions pertaining to the former President's health will be made by his family members. (Daily Mirror)
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).
Former State Minister Nimal Lanza has been arrested by the Kochchikade police. He was arrested in connection with an assault incident in 2006.
Former Fisheries Minister Rajitha Senaratne was today ordered to be remanded until September 9 by Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama. Senaratne, who was brought to court by prison authorities, had earlier been produced before the Colombo High Court in connection with another case. The High Court Judge subsequently directed that he be placed in remand custody and produced before the Magistrate’s Court.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast a few showers in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts today. In addition, showers or thundershowers may occur in certain areas of the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m. Elsewhere across the island, mainly fair weather is expected to prevail, the Met. Department said. The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimize potential damages from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
A crucial discussion is scheduled to be held today (24) between striking postal employees and the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, in an effort to resolve the ongoing trade union action. The meeting, set for 9.00 a.m., will bring together representatives of all postal trade unions currently engaged in the strike. The strike, launched on Sunday (17) by several unions including the Postal and Telecommunications Officers’ Union and the United Postal Trade Unions’ Front (UPTUF), is based on 19 unresolved demands. Now on its seventh consecutive day, the strike has disrupted postal operations across the island, leaving many post offices non-functional and causing serious inconvenience to the public. Chinthaka Bandara, co-convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, confirmed that the unions are ready to discuss their demands with the Minister. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Postal Services Association Chairman Jagath Mahinda stated that a significant number of postal workers have already returned to duty and expressed hope that services will return to normal by tomorrow.
A 25-year-old man was killed and another injured in a shooting incident that took place along Malani Bulathsinhala Road in Boralesgamuwa early this morning (24), police said. The victim, identified as Gihan Dulan Perera, a resident of Mount Lavinia, was gunned down around 12.30 a.m. while walking with a group of friends after attending a musical show in the area. According to police, an unidentified gunman who arrived in a three-wheeler opened fire at the group, fatally wounding Perera and injuring another individual. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shooting may have stemmed from a heated argument at the musical show. Authorities further revealed that both the deceased and the suspects are believed to be members of organized criminal groups. Police investigations are ongoing.
The island-wide strike launched by postal workers has entered its sixth consecutive day today (23). Chinthaka Bandara, Co-Convener of the United Postal Trade Union Front, said that legal action will be initiated over the unauthorized removal of mailbags stored at the Central Mail Exchange. The strike, which began on Sunday (17), was launched over 19 demands put forward by the trade unions.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast showers or thundershowers in several parts of the country after 2:00 p.m. today (23). According to the Met. Department, showers and thundershowers will occur in the Northern, North-Central, Central, Uva, and Eastern provinces, with fairly heavy rainfall above 50 mm expected in some areas. Meanwhile, a few showers are also likely in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces as well as in the Galle and Matara districts. The public is advised to take necessary precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was remanded until August 26 by Colombo Fort Magistrate Nilupuli Lankapura yesterday (22), has been admitted to the prison hospital. He was admitted following a medical examination upon being brought to the Welikada Prison. Wickremesinghe became the most senior opposition figure to be hauled up in an anti-corruption crackdown by the new government as he was ordered remanded until August 26 by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. Wickremesinghe, 76, was taken into custody after being questioned about a September 2023 visit to London to attend a ceremony for his wife at a British university. Wickremesinghe had stopped in London in 2023 on his way back from Havana, where he attended a G77 summit, and the UN General Assembly in New York.
Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) today, has been remanded by the Fort Magistrate’s Court. Wickremesinghe has been remanded until 26th August after being produced before the court today. Ranil Wickremesinghe became the first former head of state to be arrested in Sri Lanka, after being taken into custody by the CID this morning, after recording a statement in connection with an overseas trip.
Colombo, August 22 (News21) - Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested by the CID a short while ago. Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe was arrested Friday after appearing before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Colombo, officials familiar with the matter said. The arrest is linked to allegations that Wickremesinghe used state funds to cover expenses for a private visit to London, where he attended a university graduation ceremony. Investigators claim the trip, which formed part of a wider overseas tour, was not an official engagement but was financed with government money. Earlier this month, former presidential secretary Saman Ekanayake and former private secretary Sandra Perera were questioned over their roles in arranging the visit. Wickremesinghe, who served as Sri Lanka’s president from 2022 to 2024, is the most senior political figure to face arrest in recent years. His detention is expected to intensify scrutiny over the use of public funds by top officials.
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).
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.
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.
The Department of Meteorology has forecast a few showers in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as in the Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts today. In addition, showers or thundershowers may occur in certain areas of the Uva Province and in the Ampara and Batticaloa districts after 2.00 p.m. Elsewhere across the island, mainly fair weather is expected to prevail, the Met. Department said. The public has been advised to take necessary precautions to minimize potential damages from temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.
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.
