The Vatican Secretary for Relations with States is in Sri Lanka for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. During his visit, he has met with President Dissanayake and Prime Minister Amarasuriya. The Sri Lankan government has expressed its gratitude for the Church's work on behalf of the poor. The prelate’s agenda includes visits to the churches involved in the Easter 2019 attacks, a wound that is still open.
Built 160 years ago, the historic iron bridge, long a tourist attraction in the Badulla district, has been in a state of disrepair for over a year after part of it was swept away by bad weather. Local residents are protesting because during the rainy season they are forced to travel 70 kilometres to sell their vegetables at the market.
The President of Sri Lanka launches the national campaign “A Nation United” in Colombo against drug dealing, consumption and crime. He denounced the presence of a “shadow state” infiltrating institutions. Substantial funds for rehabilitation and prevention were announced, as well as the creation of a National Operations Centre. The involvement of religious and civil communities is hoped for.
According to CBSL data, declared exports of precious stones in 2024 were less than £382 million. However, the value is much higher for unaccounted exports and clandestine trade. The main destinations are Hong Kong, Thailand and Dubai. Experts find it difficult to intervene because those responsible ‘enjoy political protection’.
For more than a year, a shipment of Tamil translations of the Islamic holy text from a Saudi foundation has been blocked in a container. The detention was reportedly requested by an official from the Ministry of Defence. Muslim MPs: ‘Discrimination on religious and linguistic grounds’.
Most of the abandoned building that the current administration had repurposed for national interest ventures are closed and in disrepair. Many heritage buildings have become havens for criminals and drug addicts, while furniture and other assets have been stolen. Former lawmakers and scholars are calling for urgent action before the deterioration becomes irreversible.
