Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD

Get unlimited access to 9,500+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just

$149.99

$74.99/Year

Try GOLD - Free

Escalator malfunctioning at UN: White House demands probe

The Island

September 25, 2025

In a bizarre incident on Tuesday morning, an escalator at the United Nations headquarters stalled as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stepped on it. The escalator abruptly stopped moving.

Melania and Trump chose to climb the stationary escalator rather than use a nearby moving one.

The White House has called for an investigation to determine whether the stoppage was deliberate sabotage or a technical fault. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X that anyone responsible should be fired and investigated immediately.

According to a report by Times of London, UN staffers were overheard joking that they might make President Trump walk to the hall to deliver his speech. One idea reportedly circulating was to tell him the escalator had "run out of money," forcing him to walk.

This story is from the September 25, 2025 edition of The Island.

Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Already a subscriber? Sign In

First Capital Holdings Rs. 3Bn Debenture Issue oversubscribed on opening day

First Capital Holdings PLC, a subsidiary of JXG (Janashakthi Group) and Sri Lanka's pioneering full-service investment institution, the debenture issue of Rs. 3.0Bn was open for subscription on 23rd September 2025, which was oversubscribed on the very same day.

1 min

September 25, 2025

The Island

Capt. Nihal Goonewardene flies west

A few days ago, we were informed of the untimely death of Capt. Nihal Harischandra Goonewardene.

2 mins

September 25, 2025

The Island

Budget 2026: Bankers present proposals to drive recovery

Sri Lanka’s banking sector has presented a set of far-reaching proposals for inclusion in the government’s Budget 2026.

3 mins

September 25, 2025

The Island

Happy Birthday, Darling Sarojini

On this 25th of September, our world is a lot gloomier without you, but heaven should shine brighter than ever, as you celebrate your birthday over there.

1 mins

September 25, 2025

The Island

Trump tells UN: Climate change is 'greatest con job' globally

President Donald Trump has dismissed climate change as “the greatest con job” in the world during his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday (23), doubling down on his skepticism of global environmental initiatives and multilateral institutions, news agencies reported.

1 min

September 25, 2025

The Island

Trump slams India and China for 'funding' Putin's war in Ukraine by buying Russian oil

United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday slammed India and China for “funding” Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil.

2 mins

September 25, 2025

The Island

Penal Code (Amendment) Bill receives parliamentary approval

Te Penal Code (Amendment) Bill (to amend Chapter 19) that is to be taken up for the Second Reading debate in Parliament yesterday (24) has received the approval of the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Governance, Justice and Civil Protection. The Committee met on Tuesday (23) in Parliament under the chairmanship of Member of Parliament (Dr.) Najith Indika.

1 min

September 25, 2025

The Island

Sajith questions govt. on delay in abolishing executive presidency and holding PC polls

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday demanded that the government disclose when it would introduce constitutional reforms and hold the long-delayed provincial council elections.

1 mins

September 25, 2025

The Island

Ex-Navy Commander further remanded

Ex-Navy Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, arrested by the CID in connection with a post-war disappearance, has been further remanded.

1 min

September 25, 2025

The Island