Faced with 22,000 deaths a year linked to alcohol consumption, the Sri Lankan government has made a symbolic gesture on World Temperance Day. Former alcoholic entrepreneurs tell AsiaNews: "A scourge that leaves the poorest defenceless. Politicians must choose whether they want the revenue from excise duties or these victims."
Computer literacy remains low in the South Asian country, while the region reported overall progress. In 2024, 64.1 per cent of the population did not know how to use a computer, and only 19.1 per cent of households owned one, according to new data from the Department of Census and Statistics. Literacy is higher among young people and those with higher education, with rates dropping in rural areas.
In Mannar, over 100 police officers brutally dispersed a peaceful protest, injuring women, priests and citizens. For over 55 days, the population has been conducting a satyagraha demanding dialogue and transparency, denouncing a model of development imposed from above and without consultation. After yesterday's strike, protesters announce new actions if the government does not respond.
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court scheduled a new hearing on 26 January 2026 after the Singapore-based company responsible for one of the worst environmental disasters in recent history failed to pay the first 0 million instalment of the compensation it ordered.
A price cap on the retail price of rice has triggered economic instability, causing supply shortages. Government moves have failed to solve the crisis. The Consumer Protection Authority has reported difficulties in monitoring and frequent limited results.
In an interview with AFP, CEO Shmuel Yoskovitz announced that the Singapore-based company will not pay the first instalment of the billion compensation ordered by the Colombo Supreme Court. "It undermines the principle of limitation of liability on which maritime trade is based. We have already spent 0 million to repair the damage." Sri Lanka had announced criminal proceedings in the event of non-compliance.
