Six police officers have been killed in Thailand after their plane crashed into the sea during a test flight for parachute training, police have said.

The small plane was seen crashing into the water at around 08:00 local time (01:00 GMT) on Friday in the Cha-am district, a coastal resort area some 130km (80 miles) southwest of Bangkok.

Royal Thai Police said in a statement on Facebook that five of the officers died at the scene, with a sixth later dying in hospital.

Authorities are examining the aircraft’s black box data recorder to determine the cause of the crash.

(BBC)

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that no nation in the world has achieved development by neglecting its cultural values and traditions. He emphasized that the current government is committed to rebuilding the country by reinstating the moral principles and ethical systems that have slowly diminished over the years.

The President made these remarks on Friday afternoon (25) while participating in the opening ceremony of newly built Bodhi Prakara with Golden Fence, at the historic Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya (Cave Rock Temple of Dambulla).

Upon arrival at the temple, President Disanayake formally opened the newly built Bodhi Prakara and offered the first floral tribute. He also unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the opening of the Bodhi Prakara.

Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the President further stated that a just and virtuous society cannot be built through laws alone. Highlighting the significant role religious philosophy can play in shaping society, he noted that village temple monks, together with other religious leaders, bear a major responsibility in this effort.

The President also stated that the government has planned a wide-ranging transformation of the education sector to nurture a future generation enriched with wisdom and virtues an essential step for the economic, social and political transformation of the country.

In addition, President Disanayake said the government is taking structured and strategic steps to curb organized drug trafficking and protect future generations from the harmful effects of drugs.

The ceremony was attended by the Maha Sangha of both the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters, including the Chief Incumbent of the Rangiri Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya, Dr. Godagama Mangala Nayaka Thera, and the Chief Custodian of the Sri Vishnu Devalaya at the Rangiri Dambuli Viharaya, Venerable Dadubaddiruppe Mahinda Thera along with Maha Sangha and Deputy Minister of Buddhasasana Gamagedara Dissanayake and other devotees.

(PMD)

The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of  His Holiness Pope Francis.

During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:

The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]