Sri Lankan authorities have announced plans to improve early treatment for autistic children, who number at least 9,000 according to the latest data. Plans include setting up model kindergartens, creating teacher training programmes, and implementing a single preschool education policy. For Minister Paulraj, active monitoring can provide autistic children with equal opportunities “toward a healthy developmental path”.
Protests are taking place opposite the Welikada police station demanding justice for Sathsara Nimesh. Speaking to AsiaNews, his mother wonders how this could have happened since he was in good health. An investigation has been opened and three of the officers held responsible have been removed. But activists, religious and lawyers are calling on the government to take concrete steps against this problem.
According to the Joint Apparel Association Forum, the 44% tariffs imposed by the White House risk causing a serious setback. Textiles make up 64% of Sri Lanka's exports for 1.8 billion dollars in 2023, with possible losses of up to 300 million dollars. Far-reaching impacts also for rubber and other sectors.
Work has officially begun on the construction of a 120-megawatt power plant in the Trincomalee area. India and Sri Lanka have also announced the creation of the Colombo Security Conclave, a security cooperation forum that also includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Mauritius.
This is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka. Eco-conscious policies have favoured the creation of a sanctuary of biodiversity and minimise the port’s environmental impact. The first phase is set to be completed by May. For experts, it is a valuable project for sustainable practices around the world.
Jeyakumari Balendran writes to the president, the fifth since her son was detained, asking for information on his fate. Conscripted by the LTTE, he was last seen in a picture taken when he was in a rehab camp. For 17 years, Tamil families have been seeking justice for the thousands of missing. Relatives told AsiaNews that they want an “international inquiry” right away.
