Eid ul Fitr Message from the Sri Lankan President

Thiloththma Jayasinghe, Editor & V . E . K . Madhushani, Sub Editor

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Image Source : The Official Government News

As the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end, the President has extended warm greetings to all Muslims celebrating Eid ul Fitr. In his message, he emphasized the values of unity, gratitude, and compassion that define this joyous occasion, encouraging citizens to embrace the spirit of togetherness and generosity.

Eid ul Fitr marks the conclusion of a month of fasting, prayer, and self reflection. It is a time of thanksgiving and renewal, where families and communities come together to celebrate the blessings of faith and devotion. The President acknowledged the sacrifices made during Ramadan and praised the resilience of those who observed the month with dedication and sincerity.

In his address, the President highlighted the importance of solidarity and mutual respect among all communities. He emphasized that Eid is not only a religious festival but also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and coexistence. He urged citizens to extend kindness and generosity to those in need, upholding the core values of charity and compassion that are central to the celebration of Eid.

Furthermore, the President expressed gratitude to religious leaders and community organizations for their efforts in fostering peace and harmony. He commended their role in organizing prayers, charitable initiatives, and social programs that bring people together during this special time.

As the nation celebrates Eid ul Fitr, the President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring an inclusive and peaceful society where people of all faiths can live with dignity and respect. He wished all Muslims a joyous and blessed Eid, filled with happiness, good health, and prosperity.

The Egg Price Crisis: Understanding the Causes and Impact on Consumers

Hadisur Rahman, Jadetimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

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Image Source: Peter Charalambous

The soaring price of eggs has left U.S. consumers grappling with unprecedented costs and supply shortages. This surge has raised concerns among households and businesses alike, prompting questions about the underlying factors and potential solutions. While wholesale prices have recently shown signs of decline, it remains uncertain whether consumers are experiencing financial relief at the retail level.

The Role of Avian Influenza in the Crisis

One of the primary drivers behind the egg price spike is the outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly referred to as bird flu. The H5N1 strain, which first appeared in European poultry flocks in 2020, has since spread to the U.S., Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The outbreak has led to the largest recorded loss of poultry in U.S. history.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of March 25, 2025, over 168 million poultry across 51 U.S. states have been affected since January 2022. In response, millions of infected birds have been culled to prevent further transmission, significantly reducing the population of egg-laying hens and straining supply chains.

Impact on Egg Supply and Pricing

The culling of large flocks at commercial farms and processing facilities has directly affected egg availability. With supply dwindling, prices have skyrocketed. Eggs, often considered a staple in American households, play a crucial role in diet and meal preparation. Consequently, any fluctuations in their price can have widespread economic effects, especially for low-income consumers.

Egg prices serve as a key indicator of grocery inflation, alongside bread, milk, and beef. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Agriculture regularly track these essential goods to assess broader economic trends. As a result, any sharp increase in egg prices signals potential challenges for consumers and policymakers alike.

Market Adjustments and Future Outlook

In recent weeks, wholesale egg prices have shown signs of decline. However, retail prices remain high due to supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. The egg industry is working to stabilize production by replenishing poultry stocks, but this process takes time. Until supply levels normalize, consumers may continue to face elevated prices.

Additionally, government agencies and industry stakeholders are exploring measures to mitigate future outbreaks of avian influenza. Enhanced biosecurity protocols, improved vaccine research, and diversified supply chains could help prevent similar crises in the future.

The current egg price crisis underscores the vulnerability of the food supply chain to disease outbreaks and external shocks. While recent trends suggest a potential easing of prices, consumers and businesses must remain prepared for continued volatility. Policymakers and industry leaders must collaborate to develop long-term solutions that ensure food security and price stability for American households.

Donatella Versace exits her role as chief creative officer after 28 years at the helm.

Hana Razvy, Jadetimes Staff

H. Razvy is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Donatella Versace’s Transition After Nearly Three Decades

After showcasing a confident Versace collection at Milan Fashion Week in February—featuring signature brand elements like the Medusa, Barocco, and Greca—Donatella Versace took what many speculated might be her final bow as chief creative officer. Those rumors have now been confirmed. After nearly 30 years in the role, Donatella will step down and transition into a newly created position as chief brand ambassador. In this role, she will focus on Versace’s philanthropic and charitable efforts while continuing to advocate for the brand globally. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep gratitude for carrying forward her late brother Gianni Versace’s legacy and reaffirmed her lifelong connection to the brand.

Image Source: JP Yim/ Getty Image.

Dario Vitale Appointed as Versace’s First Non-Family Creative Director

For the first time in Versace’s history, the creative leadership will be passed to someone outside the founding family. Dario Vitale has been named the brand’s new chief creative officer, starting April 1. Vitale, who previously served as design and image director at Miu Miu, brings years of experience in luxury fashion and a fresh perspective to the house. His appointment signals a new chapter for Versace, with CEO Emmanuel Gintzburger praising his ability to honor the brand’s heritage while identifying growth opportunities. Capri Holdings chairman and CEO John D. Idol echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that Vitale’s leadership would be crucial to shaping Versace’s future.

Versace’s Ownership and the Prada Group’s Potential Acquisition

Vitale’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for Versace, as its parent company, Capri Holdings, continues to reassess its portfolio. The group, which also owns Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo, had previously attempted an $8.5 billion merger with Tapestry (owner of Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman), but the deal was blocked by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. Now, Capri is reportedly close to selling Versace to the Prada Group in a $1.6 billion deal. If finalized, this acquisition would bring Vitale back under the Prada umbrella and further integrate Versace into the luxury conglomerate’s expanding portfolio.