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The Sri Lankan public has been systematically misled by political promises, leaving all strata of society in severe economic distress and paralysis. Speaking at a Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) membership drive in Rambewa within the Medawachchiya constituency of Anuradhapura district, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that 21 million citizens, ranging from farmers and entrepreneurs to women and children, are experiencing widespread frustration.

He highlighted that the populace was deceived in 2019 leading to national bankruptcy, and again in 2024, resulting in societal stagnation across the island.

Premadasa challenged official economic statistics, arguing that the government is operating on inaccurate data.

Pointing to figures from the Department of Census and Statistics, he criticized district-level surveys claiming that seventeen thousand three hundred and fifteen rupees is sufficient for a person to live on for thirty days. Turning to agricultural concerns, the Opposition Leader noted that election promises guaranteed paddy at one hundred and fifty rupees per kilogram, yet the current market price remains at one hundred and twenty rupees.

He observed that the Minister of Agriculture himself admitted in Parliament that producing a single kilogram of paddy costs Rs. 137, proving that farmers are being forced to sell at a loss.

Furthermore, he outlined several other unfulfilled commitments, including pledges to reduce electricity tariffs by thirty-three per cent, sell fuel at landed cost, and make compact vehicles available for Rs. 1.2 million.

The death toll has risen to 162, according to Nepali police. Among those killed, 64 were found in downstream areas in the Chitwan district while another 26 were found in Nawalparasi East, police said in a statement this morning.

Twenty-eight police officers are among the hundreds still unaccounted for, it added.

Chitwan, a tourism hotspot known for its jungle safaris, is one of several municipalities that have been placed on high alert as floodwaters rise.

Source: BBC

Thirty young voices that have spent weeks challenging themselves to think boldly, speak confidently and inspire others will take centre stage on September 5 as Future Voices 2026 reaches its Grand Finale in Kandy.

Under the inspiring belief that “Every great voice begins with the courage to speak,” the programme has brought together talented young people from across the school and higher education sectors, creating a platform where ideas, confidence and leadership can take centre stage.

The Grand Finale will be held from 8.30 a.m. at the Level 5 Banquet Hall of Kandy City Centre (KCC), marking the culmination of a journey that began with 30 participants — 15 representing leading schools and another 15 from prominent educational institutions.

Throughout the competition, participants have been pushed beyond the comfort zone of the classroom, taking on public speaking challenges that tested not only their communication skills but also their ability to think critically, respond under pressure and connect with an audience.

Representing the school category are students from institutions including Gateway College, Swarnamali Girls’ College, St. Sylvester’s College, Pushpadana Girls’ College, Viharamahadevi Girls’ College, Badi-ud-din Mahmud Girls’ College, Ecole Internationale and Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College.

The higher education category has brought together students from institutions including APIIT, ANC Education, American College of Higher Education, the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) and the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT).

For many of the participants, however, the significance of Future Voices 2026 goes beyond competition rankings.

Standing before an audience and expressing an idea requires more than memorising a speech. It demands confidence, preparation, the ability to think independently and, perhaps most importantly, the courage to be heard.

That journey has been at the heart of Future Voices 2026.

From the preliminary rounds through to the Grand Semi-Final, participants have progressively developed their ability to communicate ideas with clarity and conviction. Every appearance at the microphone has represented another step towards becoming a more confident speaker and a more capable young leader.

The Grand Finale will now provide the final stage for these emerging voices to demonstrate how far they have come.

While the competition will ultimately recognise individual winners, organisers say the programme is also intended to celebrate the schools and educational institutions that create environments where young people are encouraged to express themselves, question ideas and develop leadership qualities.

Certificates and cash prizes will be presented to the winners, while participating schools and institutions will also receive recognition for their contribution to nurturing young talent.

The larger message of the event, however, is reflected in the young people who have already stepped forward.

In an era where young voices can influence communities, shape conversations and inspire change, the ability to communicate effectively has become an increasingly important leadership skill.

Future Voices 2026 seeks to make that skill accessible not simply as a competition advantage, but as a foundation for the future.

As the 30 participants prepare for the final showdown in Kandy, the stage is set for more than a contest of speeches.

It is a celebration of confidence, ideas and potential — and a reminder that tomorrow's leaders may already be finding their voice today.

Two categories. One stage. One future.

And on September 5, Kandy will hear those future voices.

Muslims across Sri Lanka are observing Milad-un-Nabi today (25), marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad and reflecting on his life, teachings and message of peace.

The 42nd National Milad-un-Nabi celebration is scheduled to take place at 3.00 p.m. at Al-Hilal College in Periyamulla, Negombo, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

A series of religious, educational and community programmes have been organised alongside the national event, with emphasis on the values associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.

Milad-un-Nabi, also known as Mawlid or Mawlid al-Nabi, is an observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, whom Muslims regard as the final prophet in Islam. He was born in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in the 6th century CE, during Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The observance developed into a formal public religious tradition centuries after the Prophet’s lifetime, with practices varying among Muslim communities. These may include religious gatherings, sermons, prayers, recitations, poetry, discussions on the Prophet’s life and charitable activities.

The occasion provides Muslims with an opportunity to reflect on qualities associated with the Prophet, including compassion, honesty, patience, justice, generosity, forgiveness and concern for others.

In Sri Lanka, Milad-un-Nabi has been observed by the Muslim community for generations and has become an important religious and community occasion. Programmes are held at mosques, schools and community institutions across the country.

The observance also carries a wider social significance in Sri Lanka’s multi-religious and multi-ethnic society, with national and community celebrations often highlighting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and understanding.

This year’s national celebration in Negombo is expected to bring together religious leaders, government representatives and community members to commemorate the occasion and reflect on messages of peace, compassion, unity, tolerance and service to humanity.

Nepal police has just issued another update, saying 332 people have died as of 15:50 local time (11:05 BST) on Thursday following the floods.

It came shortly after its earlier update from 14:30 local time (09:45 BST), which placed the death toll at 289.

Source: BBC

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has called on Sri Lankans to draw inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad to foster peace, justice, and co-existence across the island’s multi-ethnic society.

In a message issued to mark the holy day of Milad-un-Nabi, the Opposition Leader extended his greetings to Muslims in Sri Lanka and across the globe, emphasizing that the Prophet’s historical guidance offers a practical framework for harmonious living in diverse nations.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Constitution of Medina, Premadasa noted that the Prophet demonstrated how distinct religious and cultural groups could unite under principles of mutual respect and collective protection.

He observed that genuine peace extends beyond the mere absence of conflict, requiring the active fulfillment of justice and shared understanding.

Applying these principles to Sri Lanka, he stressed that maintaining brotherhood and mutual respect among all communities remains essential for achieving long-term national stability and economic progress.

The Opposition Leader concluded by urging citizens of all faiths and ethnicities to collaborate in building a fair society rooted in unity, expressing hope that the festival would mark the beginning of a peaceful future for the country.

According to the latest statement issued by the Nepal Tourism Board, no Sri Lankan nationals are among the foreigners reported missing following the devastating flash floods that struck Nepal’s Rasuwa area.

Accordingly, a total of 644 people are currently reported missing, including 517 foreign nationals from 32 countries and 127 Nepalese nationals.

Indian nationals account for the highest number of missing foreigners, with 178 reported missing. 

The latest list also includes 65 Americans, 53 Ukrainians, 51 Malaysians and 35 Australians, while 33 British nationals and 25 Canadians are also reported missing.

The report further states that nine Singaporeans, eight Germans, eight Russians, six Latvians, six South Africans, five Japanese, five New Zealanders, four French nationals, three Belgians and three Spaniards are among those missing.

Two nationals each from Italy, Ireland, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands and Portugal are also reported missing, while one person each from Belarus, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, Philippines, Serbia, Sweden and Switzerland is listed as missing, according to the statement. 

The Nepal Tourism Board said security forces and relief teams are continuing search and rescue operations and relief efforts to locate the missing persons.

(Adaderana.lk)

Sri Lanka must immediately overhaul its national disaster preparedness strategies to shield its vulnerable population from the severe ecological and economic threats posed by the impending El Niño–La Niña climate transition, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said.

He made these remarks on Wednesday (26) during an event in the Matara–Hambantota region, where he attended the Akthapathra presentation ceremony for Venerable Sapugasyaye Dharmapala Thera following his appointment as Deputy Chief Sanghanayake of Talpe-Pattuwa.

Warning that unpredictable climate events could trigger severe droughts swiftly followed by intense torrential rainfall, the Opposition Leader urged the government to abandon reactive relief measures in favour of a modern, institutionalised framework.

Drawing attention to international crisis points including recent forest fires in France and Greece, he explained that the Parliamentary Committee on Climate Change, which he co-chairs with Prof. L. M. Abeywickrama, has been evaluating scientific predictions indicating an abnormally destructive climate cycle this year.

He added that the island has already endured five major national crises in recent history, ranging from the Easter Sunday terror attacks to global geopolitical fallout, and risks facing a sixth major crisis if environmental risks are ignored.

Pointing to India’s Odisha state as an exemplary model of proactive disaster risk reduction, Premadasa said that Sri Lanka has failed to build a modern management apparatus despite the tragic loss of forty thousand lives during the 2004 tsunami.

He also observed that economically vulnerable and bankrupt nations remain exceptionally susceptible to external manipulation, highlighting that unified action involving government bodies, non-state institutions, and civil society is crucial to withstand interference from international financial institutions and multinational corporations.

*Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKnSFPPexlk*