The president issued a message for the Hindu festival of lights being celebrated today. An opportunity to ‘end the political culture that creates divisions and fosters inequality’. In the country long scarred by the Sinhala-Tamil conflict, let it be a symbol of a ‘new hope’, desired since independence in 1972. A cultural transformation is also desired: ‘Promoting progress for all’.
One of the top five global producers, the country saw a 40 per cent drop in production due to a fertiliser ban and the ravages from the insect. In Colombo and its suburbs people, have to queue up to buy coconuts. This is a hard blow to the economy, with exports to the United States, Germany and the Netherlands already penalised by higher shipping costs due to the turmoil in the Red Sea.
The accidents involving the MT New Diamond and X-Press Pearl have exposed "delays and inadequacies" in the country’s environmental protection system. Ocean waters are crucial for the fishing sector. Legal and regulatory frameworks also have serious shortcomings.
The suspects are being questioned, said Minister Herath. The government is tightening controls and boosting protection for foreigners, especially tourists from Israel from "potential threats". A Muslim leader says that a "conspiracy" against the country's new leadership seeks to "destroy" the economy.
The charity released two reports that highlight the shortcomings of the school system and cultural and identity issues in the most marginalised communities. Illiteracy and school dropout rates were found to be much higher than those in other rural areas of the country. For Apostolic Nuncio Brian Udaigwe, “an inclusive approach” is needed.
Sri Lanka’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) carried out raids in the Western Province, shedding light on a system operating out of hotels and private establishments, according to a same scheme already present in several Southeast Asian countries. The most common frauds are financial and fake investments.
