On This Day

1993, The Assassination of President Ranasinghe Premadasa 🇱🇰

On This Day, on May 1, 1993, Ranasinghe Premadasa, the 2nd Executive President of Sri Lanka, was assassinated during a May Day rally in Colombo in one of the most shocking political attacks in Sri Lankan history.

The explosion took place at around 12:45 PM near Armour Street, while Premadasa was supervising the United National Party (UNP) May Day procession. The attack was carried out by an LTTE su***de bomber identified as Kulaveerasingam Veerakumar, also known as “Babu.”

The su***de bomber approached the President near his vehicle before detonating explosives strapped to his body. Premadasa, along with more than 20 others, including members of his security staff, was killed in the blast, while dozens were injured.

Born on June 23, 1924, Premadasa rose from humble beginnings to become one of Sri Lanka’s most influential political leaders. He served as Prime Minister from 1978 to 1988 and later as President from 1989 until his death in 1993. He was widely known for major housing and poverty alleviation programs such as the Gam Udawa movement.

His assassination came during the height of the Sri Lankan Civil War and marked a major turning point in the country’s political history. Following his death, Prime Minister D. B. Wijetunga became acting President.

👉 A tragic moment that changed Sri Lanka’s political landscape forever.

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2007, Australia’s Hat-Trick World Cup Triumph🏏🏆

On This Day, on April 28, 2007, Australian defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs (D/L method) in the ICC Cricket World Cup Final at Barbados, securing their third consecutive World Cup title (1999, 2003, 2007) and fourth overall.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Australia posted a dominant 281/4 in a rain-reduced 38-over match. The star of the night was Adam Gilchrist, who smashed a breathtaking 149 off 104 balls (13 fours, 8 sixes), famously using a squash ball inside his glove.

Sri Lanka responded with 215/8 in 36 overs. Sanath Jayasuriya (63) and Kumar Sangakkara (54) fought hard, but the team remained behind the required rate throughout.

The match ended under dramatic conditions, with the final overs played in near darkness due to rain interruptions.

Adam Gilchrist was named Player of the Match, while Glenn McGrath earned Player of the Series.

Scorecard
Australia 281/4 (38 overs)
ADAM GILCHRIST 149 (104)
Matthew Hayden 38 (55)
Ricky Ponting 37* (42)

Lasith Malinga 2/49

Sri Lanka 215/8 (36 overs, D/L)
Sanath Jayasuriya 63 (67)
Kumar Sangakkara 54 (52)

Michael Clarke 2/33

A historic night that sealed Australia’s dominance in world cricket.

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2011, One of the Deadliest Tornado Outbreaks in U.S. History 🌪️

On This Day, on April 25-28, 2011, the 2011 Super Outbreak struck the United States, becoming one of the largest and deadliest tornado outbreaks ever recorded. Over three days, more than 360 tornadoes tore through multiple states, including Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia, leaving widespread destruction in their path.

Entire communities were devastated as powerful tornadoes destroyed homes, schools, and infrastructure. The outbreak claimed the lives of over 320 people and injured thousands, making it one of the deadliest natural disasters in modern U.S. history.

One of the hardest-hit areas was Alabama, where multiple violent tornadoes caused catastrophic damage, overwhelming emergency services and leaving thousands homeless. The scale and intensity of the outbreak shocked the nation and highlighted the destructive power of extreme weather.

This event led to major improvements in weather forecasting, emergency response systems, and public awareness about tornado safety.

👉 A reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness.

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