翻译：

Two men charged in Channel deaths investigation

Five migrants, including a child, were killed in a crush on board a boat crossing the Channel.

LA college cancels graduation ceremony amid Gaza protests

Protests against the Gaza war grip dozens of campuses across America, with hundreds of arrests.

New inquests 'advisable' into 15 bar bomb deaths

Victims' families fear new inquests will not be allowed due to the Troubles Legacy Act deadline.

Baby saved from dead mother's womb in Gaza dies

Sabreen was born by emergency C-section after Israel bombed a house in Rafah, killing her family.

Foreign states targeting UK universities, MI5 warns

Senior figures from leading institutions are warned of risks to some of their cutting-edge research.

Co-op Live boss resigns after delayed opening and interview backlash

Gary Roden quits days after he was criticised for telling BBC some grassroots music venues are "poorly run".

TikTok's Chinese parent firm says no plans to sell

The video sharing app faces being banned in the US unless it severs ties with its China's ByteDance.

First personalised skin-cancer vaccine starts UK trial

Steve Young is part of the tests to see if an mRNA jab can stop the deadliest skin cancer returning.

Girl, 13, faces charges after school stabbings

A girl was charged with three counts of attempted murder after three were stabbed at a school.

Life of ceramic artist Clarice Cliff celebrated with blue plaque

The artist became one of the best-known pottery designers in the 20th Century.

'Britain's Pompeii': UK's largest Bronze Age find goes on display

An exhibition showcasing many of its finds is opening in Peterborough, close to where it was found.

Wrexham success a golden opportunity - owner's dad

Bob McElhenney says the city must not "miss the opportunity" given by the club's Hollywood owners.

Banned football fan raises £15,000 to sue

Linzi Smith's lawyer says the club's actions are a "huge overreach" in to her personal life.

Chelsea's Bright on 'biggest game of career' against Barca

Chelsea captain Millie Bright tells BBC Sport it is the "biggest game of our careers" as the Blues prepare to take on Barcelona in the Women's Champions League semi-finals on Saturday.

Bears make Williams first pick in NFL Draft

The Chicago Bears make Caleb Williams the first pick pf the 2024 NFL Draft as a record six quarterbacks go in the first 12 selections.

突发！以色列本土城市遭袭

　　中新网4月26日电据卡塔尔半岛电视台报道，当地时间25日晚，也门胡塞武装发言人叶海亚·萨雷亚发表声明称，该组织袭击了一艘在亚丁湾的货船和以色列红海城市埃拉特。

五角大楼：美国将从乍得和尼日尔部分撤军

　　中新网4月26日电据美联社报道，当地时间25日，美国国防部表示，美国将从乍得和尼日尔撤出大部分军队。

韩总统尹锡悦与最大在野党党首李在明29日将举行会谈

　　中新网4月26日电据韩联社报道，韩国最大在野党共同民主党党首秘书室室长千俊镐当天同总统室政务首秘洪哲镐举行“尹李会”第三次筹备工作会议后表示，韩国总统尹锡悦和共同民主党党首李在明将于当地时间29日下午2点在龙山总统府举行会谈。

Home and Away star arrested after Australian manhunt

The actor was taken into custody on Thursday after failing to front court on assault charges.

以媒：以色列总理批准在拉法开展地面行动计划

　　中新社北京4月26日电综合消息：据以色列公共广播公司当地时间25日报道，以总理内塔尼亚胡批准了在加沙地带南部城市拉法开展地面行动的计划，但尚未授权以国防军开展行动。

乌克兰农业政策与粮食部长提交辞呈

　　中新社北京4月26日电基辅消息：乌克兰最高拉达(议会)主席斯特凡丘克当地时间25日在社交媒体上说，最高拉达已收到乌克兰农业政策与粮食部部长索利斯基的辞呈。

神十八发射、太空养鱼、瞄准登月……境外媒体：中国“太空梦”正加速

　　中新网4月26日电北京时间4月25日，搭载神舟十八号载人飞船的长征二号F遥十八运载火箭在酒泉卫星发射中心成功发射。26日清晨，神十八乘组抵达中国空间站，顺利入驻“天宫”。

大雨损坏尼日利亚监狱一百余名囚犯越狱

　　中新网北京4月26日电阿布贾消息：据路透社26日报道，尼日利亚首都附近的苏莱贾监狱近日被大雨损坏，至少118名囚犯趁机越狱。

'A hard day' - Ashley Judd on overturned Weinstein conviction

The actress tells BBC News survivors feel betrayed after a new rape trial is ordered for Harvey Weinstein.

Where are the Gaza protests at US universities?

Protests have erupted across more than two dozen campuses, including New York, Texas and California.

Pet Shop Boys: 'We should call our next tour Farewell'

The pop group look back on 40 years of chart success, and discuss their 15th album, Nonetheless.

700多人染病！德国这地节庆期间疑似暴发诺如病毒疫情

　　中新网4月26日电据德国《时代周报》25日报道，德国斯图加特市春季节庆期间疑似暴发诺如病毒疫情。市政府登记有727人在节庆活动中染病，目前已有5人确诊感染诺如病毒。

Conservation is saving species, global study says

A first-of-its-kind study shows conservation is worth investing in, researchers say.

Judge accused of bullying and misogyny

Five women have told the BBC about Judge Philip Lancaster's behaviour at employment tribunal hearings.

Why green steam is a hot issue for business

Steam is still needed in many industries, but much of it is still made with fossil fuels.

The ex-flight attendant who now leads the airline

Mitsuko Tottori was named as the first female boss of Japan Airlines earlier this year.

国际识局：38年了，切尔诺贝利的悲鸣仍在回响！

　　中新网4月26日电(魏晨曦孟湘君)38年前的今天，一声巨响，一座城市沦为“地狱之城”，酿成人类和平利用核能史上最严重的事故之一。自此，“核灾难”一词走进公众视野。

菲律宾警方：一名中国公民在八打雁省潜水时溺亡

　　菲律宾警方4月26日称，一名中国公民4月25日在八打雁省马比尼镇附近水域潜水时溺亡。(总台记者黄铮铮)

意大利威尼斯对一日游游客收取进城费一次5欧元！

　　中新网4月26日电据路透社报道，当地时间4月25日，意大利水城威尼斯开始对入城一日游的游客收取5欧元入城费用，目的在于控制高峰期客流量。

'With title prize in sight, Man City rarely show any weakness'

The manner of Manchester City’s demolition of Brighton sounds an ominous note for anyone wishing to wrestle away their crown, writes Phil McNulty.

视评线丨美式援助，内外添乱

　　拜登签署新一轮对外援助

Can Yousaf survive as Scotland’s first minister?

The first minister is fighting for his political career and his best chance may be a figure from his party's past.

Chris Mason: Parties squabble over policy pledges as elections loom

Political leaders fight for headlines ahead of local elections, leading to rumours of a general election.

特朗普要求重新审理其所涉诽谤案美法官：驳回

　　中新网4月26日电据美国有线电视新闻网报道，当地时间4月25日，美国一名联邦法官驳回了美国前总统特朗普提出的就作家卡罗尔诽谤案进行重新审理的请求，维持此前要求特朗普支付约8300万美元损害赔偿金的裁决。

外媒：乌克兰农业政策与粮食部长提交辞呈

　　中新网4月26日电据乌克兰国家通讯社报道，当地时间4月25日，乌克兰最高拉达(议会)主席斯特凡丘克表示，最高拉达已收到乌克兰农业政策与粮食部部长索利斯基请求辞职的报告。

Watch reaction when minister asks if Congo is a different country to Rwanda

The Question Time audience were surprised when Chris Philp answered an audience member's question about DR Congo.

Man Utd fan Littler wins in Liverpool despite boos

Manchester United fan Luke Littler is booed by the crowd in Liverpool but beats Rob Cross to win Premier League Darts night 13.

Supreme Court divided on whether Trump has immunity

The justices discussed immunity, coups, pardons, Operation Mongoose - and the future of democracy.

2024中欧汽车产业发展论坛在慕尼黑举行

　　中新社柏林4月25日电慕尼黑消息：2024中欧汽车产业发展论坛25日在德国慕尼黑举行。中欧各界共120位代表出席活动，共同探讨中欧汽车产业合作共赢之道。

五角大楼：美军开始在加沙附近建造临时码头

　　中新网4月26日电据路透社报道，美国国防部当地时间25日表示，美军已开始在加沙地带建造一个海上码头，以“加快人道主义援助物资进入加沙”。

Two men arrested in torso murder inquiry

The men, aged 42 and 68, are being questioned over the discovery of a man's remains in woods.

Rail Britannia?

Labour announce plans to renationalise nearly all passenger rail services

俄官员：俄罗斯或考虑降低与美国的外交关系级别

　　中新网4月26日电据俄罗斯卫星通讯社25日报道，俄罗斯副外长谢尔盖#8226;里亚布科夫对该媒体表示，如果美国采取实际措施没收俄罗斯资产，俄罗斯将考虑降低与美国的外交关系级别。

美国今年第一季度经济增长1.6% 低于市场预期

　　中新社华盛顿4月25日电 (记者沙晗汀)美国商务部当地时间25日公布的首次预估数据显示，今年第一季度美国实际国内生产总值(GDP)按年率计算增长1.6%，低于市场普遍预期。

法国总统马克龙：欧洲须直面全球性挑战

　　中新社巴黎4月25日电 (记者李洋)当地时间4月25日，法国总统马克龙在巴黎索邦大学就欧洲政策发表演讲，强调欧洲须直面全球性挑战。

俄方警告美西方如没收俄资产将遭反制措施

　　中新社莫斯科4月25日电 (记者田冰)俄罗斯总统新闻秘书佩斯科夫25日表示，如果西方没收俄罗斯被冻结资产，俄方将会捍卫自己的利益。

Slot confirms he wants Liverpool job

Arne Slot confirms that he is interested in becoming Liverpool's manager after Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season.

Americast on campus: Students protest over Gaza

Police have been called into several universities across the US.

Foreign powers intensify surveillance on Presidential elections as strategic interests take centre stage

Colombo, April 26 (Daily Mirror) - Ahead of the presidential election scheduled for October this year, the foreign powers have ramped up their efforts in the assessment of ground political developments as was in the case of vital elections in the past.

The political situation is likely to heat up after May Day events in which the respective parties will try to show their political might as a launching pad for electioneering.

It is natural for foreign countries having bilateral relations with Sri Lanka to be watchful of political developments with key elections pending. However, countries such as the United States, India, China, Japan, the United Kingdom and other Western countries take particular interest in the possible outcome of elections. They have strategic and competing interests in the country.

Currently, a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is in town for an assessment of the current political situation. The delegation comprising Deputy Minister of the International Affairs Department of the CPC Ms. Sun Haiyan held talks with the political parties.

Earlier, they had talks with a delegation led by the National People’s Power (NPP) including its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is slated to contest the presidential elections. An informed source of the party said the CPC was keen to find out the actual standing of the NPP in Sri Lankan politics.

“The CPC delegation was keen to ascertain whether reports about our popularity correspond with ground realities,” the source said.

According to the source, the CPC delegation even had an inspection tour of the party headquarters while exchanging pleasantries with the members.

China, like the United States and India, has strategic interests in the country, and as a result is interested in assessing the possible outcome of the presidential elections well in advance.

Besides, the CPC delegation met with the representatives of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) including its founder Basil Rajapaksa and exchanged views on current politics.

The CPC, in its political headquarters in Beijing, has a separate wing for Sri Lanka. It is in touch with all the political parties in Sri Lanka as party to party relations.

Earlier, India also invited a NPP delegation led by its leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake for a familiarization visit.

The heightened vigilance of foreign powers in Sri Lanka's presidential elections reflect the geopolitical significance of the country and its potential impact on regional dynamics. As global players vie for influence in the Indian Ocean region, Sri Lanka's strategic location and evolving political landscape have become focal points of interest.

The engagement of countries like China, India, and the United States reflects their efforts to safeguard their respective interests, ranging from economic investments to geopolitical influence.

Weekly quiz: What did the Spice Girls sing at Posh's party?

Test how closely you have been paying attention to what has been going on over the past seven days.

Would you pay a tourist fee to enter Venice?

From Thursday visitors making a trip to the famous city at peak times will be charged a trial entrance fee.

俄外交部宣布驱逐两名拉脱维亚外交官

　　中新社莫斯科4月25日电俄罗斯外交部25日召见拉脱维亚驻俄罗斯临时代办，宣布拉脱维亚驻俄使馆两名外交人员为“不受欢迎的人”。

抹黑中国“产能过剩”实乃保护主义作祟

　　近段时间以来，美国一直在炒作中国工业制造品“产能过剩”，特别是以电动汽车、锂电池、光伏产品为代表的“新三样”，妄称中国正以“极低价格像潮水般出口”，损害了“美国企业和工人的利益”，甚至“威胁他国产业发展，冲击世界经济”。

【透视】哈佛民调：美国年轻人对公共机构的信任度骤降，政府不服务民众

　　中国日报网4月25日电近期，美国哈佛大学青年民意调查向2010名18至29岁的年轻人询问了几个问题，包括他们对美国机构的信心以及他们对美国未来的担忧。

和评理 | 加强对话管控分歧才能推进互利合作

　　美国国务卿布林肯于24日至26日访华，这是中美落实两国元首旧金山会晤共识，保持对话、管控分歧、推进合作、加强国际事务协调的一部分。

【世界说】国际智库报告美国2023年军费支出占全球总额37% 国际问题专家：追求全球霸权恐形成“军费恶循环”，不利于国际安全

　　中国日报网4月25日电综合外媒报道，斯德哥尔摩国际和平研究所(SIPRI)22日在其网站公布的报告显示，2023年全球军费开支连续第九年增长，激增至2.4万亿美元，地缘政治冲突的爆发使得战争相关开支达到历史新高。其中，美国是当之无愧的最大军费支出国，军费支出高达9160亿美元，较2022年增长了2.3%。

总台记者专访丨南非学者：美国实施贸易保护主义将影响全球经济发展

　　24日，南非学者在接受总台记者采访时表示，美国等西方国家企图利用贸易保护主义来促进经济增长的做法有害无益，不但会损害消费者和企业的利益，也无助于全球经济发展。

马来西亚反腐部门证实正在调查前总理马哈蒂尔

　　中新社吉隆坡4月25日电马来西亚反贪污委员会负责人阿扎姆·巴基25日证实，前总理马哈蒂尔因财产申报问题正接受该委员会调查，但他拒绝透露该案细节。

国际深一度：一包小零件9万美元？美国军费查账，真相太离谱！

　　中新网4月25日电 (闻天夏)近日，在美国国会听证会上一名美国议员手举一袋据称采购价格高达9万美元的小零件，把美军高官问得哑口无言的视频，在社交媒体上引发热议。

国际最新天文研究：比邻星系M82一个磁星出现罕见巨耀发

　　中新网北京4月25日电 (记者孙自法)国际著名学术期刊《自然》最新发表一篇天体物理学论文称，研究人员观察到比邻星系M82的一个磁星(强磁化中子星)出现巨耀发。磁星巨耀发是罕见的爆发事件，这次最新发现基于对一次据说是伽马射线暴(GRB)的分析，或可为此类事件频率提供新见解。

印度东北部一酒店发生火灾已致6人死亡

　　中新网北京4月25日电新德里消息：综合《今日印度》和《印度斯坦时报》报道，当地时间25日，印度东北部比哈尔邦首府巴特那市火车站附近的酒店发生火灾，造成至少6人死亡，10余人受伤，已有20余人被安全救出。

Who gets 15 hours of free childcare and how do I apply?

Parents in England can now access 15 hours of free weekly childcare for their two-year-olds.

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Colombo, April 24 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is in a dilemma to decide whether to adopt an open skies policy or not in the event of divestiture of shares of the national carrier ‘SriLankan Airlines’, a top official said .

An Open Skies policy means liberalization and ease of access and rules of use of national airports for foreign airlines. It is joined in order to increase the tourist flow and to develop the potential as a regional air hub.

The government has now called for bids to privatize or restructure the national career .

The government, acting through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies called for Request for Qualification (RfQ) from potential investors for the acquisition of shares in SriLankan Airlines Limited. The deadline for submission of proposals ended at 2pm on Monday, April 22, 2024.

The RfQs received were considered by the Opening Committee appointed by the Special Cabinet Appointed Negotiating Committee. 6 RfQs were received from the following parties: 1. AirAsia Consulting Sdn. Bhd. 2. Dharshaan Elite Investment Holding (Pvt) Ltd 3. FITS Aviation (Private) Limited 4. Sherisha Technologies Private Limited 5. Treasure Republic Guardians Limited 6. Hayleys PLC

In the event of adoption of an open skies policy, the concept of national career will not be important since the country will be open for global airlines to operate based on economic, commercial conditions.

However, the availability of a national career is important to serve people when other airlines don’t operate given unattractive commercial conditions .

Asked whether the government will go for an open skies policy, a top official said it is yet to be decided .

“There are pluses and minuses of such a policy. We have to weigh the pros and cons. We are yet to decide on it,” he said.

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Colombo, April 21 (Daily Mirror) - The Fox Hill Super Cross 2024 racing event, held in Diyatalawa today (21), turned tragic as a race car veered off the track, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals including an eight-year-old child and leaving over 20 others hospitalized with injuries.

According to Police Media Spokesman, DIG Nihal Thalduwa, the accident occurred when two race cars lost control and collided with a group of spectators.

The deceased are residents of Avissawella, Matara, Akuressa and Seeduwa.

The injured who were rushed to the Diyatalawa Base Hospital are currently receiving treatment.

Furthermore, three individuals who sustained critical injuries have been transferred to the Badulla Hospital.

In light of the mishap, the rest of the races at the event have been cancelled.

The 28th edition of the Fox Hill Super Cross, organized by the Sri Lanka Military Academy Diyatalawa in collaboration with Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS), commenced in Diyatalawa on Sunday, April 21st.

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Colombo, April 18 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is still at a loss to thwart the efforts by a city council in Canada to construct what it called a Tamil genocide monument, and to counter the allegations by the Canadian politicians, an informed source said .

Brampton city council in Canada has approved the final design for the Tamil Genocide Memorial, a monument the city promised three years ago, according to foreign media.

The media said it is a 4.8-metre tall stainless steel monument built in Chinguacousy Park in the Bramalea area to commemorate the lives lost in the Sri Lankan civil war — what many people in the Tamil community call a genocide. Canada's Parliament unanimously voted to recognize May 18 as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day in 2022.

A well placed diplomatic source said that Sri Lanka remains on high alert as Canadian leaders may make genocide allegations next month when the country marks the war victory. Last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s genocide accusations sparked a diplomatic dispute between the two nations. Sri Lanka responded with protests by summoning the Canadian envoy. A well-placed diplomatic source informed Daily Mirror yesterday that the Sri Lankan government is keen to ascertain whether such allegations will be repeated this time, despite previous protests by Sri Lanka. “Canadian leaders have a history of making such allegations, even though the Canadian federal government has concluded that the events in Sri Lanka during the war do not amount to genocide,” the official said.

However, the official said Sri Lanka had been unable to thwart the efforts by the Brampton city council to construct the monument. The Canadian Federal government which rejected genocide allegations, however, has no jurisdiction over the city council making it difficult for Sri Lanka to stop the move.

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Use our calculator to find out how much the cost of living is going up in your household.

Tax payers poised to cough up Rs.45 Mn on another debate on Easter attack

Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) - Tax payers will have to cough up as much as Rs. 45 million as the cost of conducting yet another three-day parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack for the fourth time, with uncertainty looming whether it will be a meaningless exercise with key questions unanswered once again.

Previously, three such debates took place in the House, but failed to answer the question regarding the mastermind behind the attack. People, mostly the victims are still disturbed by speculation and demand justice in the form of ascertaining the truth behind the whole saga.

The Business Committee of Parliament that met on on April 5 decided to have a three day debate on the Easter Sunday attacks during the first week of sessions after the Sinhala and Tamil New year.

Accordingly the debate is scheduled for April 25,26 and 27. It is going to take place in the backdrop of remarks by former President Maithripala Sirisena that he was ready to divulge exclusive details about the Easter Sunday carnage. He even implicated the name of a country in the neighbourhood.

The main opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) demanded this debate in the hope of fixing Mr. Sirisena to reveal the truth as the then Head of State in charge of national security.

The House debated on the Easter Sunday mayhem in 2019 for the first time. The House debated on the report of the presidential commission which probed the attacks in March 2021. Another debate took place just after Channel 4 of UK came out with a documentary on the Easter Sunday attacks in September, 2023. Accordingly the debate which is set to begin on April 24 is the fourth one on the subject.

The debate which is to begin on April 24 is to cost the public Rs 45 million if one goes by the remark made by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena who claimed that the three day debate on the no faith motion against him cost Rs.45 million in March this year. Though most of the opposition members have repeatedly said there is a mastermind behind the attack, no one has named any person.

One time Minister of Public Security Sarath Weerasekera once revealed in Parliament that Naufer Mawlavi was the mastermind behind the attack. State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon who commented on the matter said a parliamentary debate on the Easter Sunday attack will be a meaningless exercise as what is said in the House is not legally binding. “One can utter anything using parliamentary privileges but none of it is legally bound,” he said.

He said there have been many questions raised but nothing has been achieved. He said Parliament cannot resolve matters pertaining to the Easter Sunday mayhem.

“It is the judiciary which prosecutes perpetrators and it has already begun that exercise. A case is being heard by a bench of three judges in the Supreme Court while a few other cases are also pending on the Easter Sunday mayhem,” he said. SJB MP Hector Appuhamy said the opposition merely accepted the debate. “We are aware that Parliament cannot do anything with regard to the mayhem. However, we will get the opportunity of talking and raising more questions during the debate. We can also question former President Maithripala Sirisena on his recent statements,” he said.

Member of the Communications Committee Archdiocese of Colombo Fr. Cyril Gamini who was skeptical on the matter said it is good if a debate brings out undisclosed facts but the fact of the matter is whether such a thing would happen. “It is good if new facts come out of the debate but the matter is whether such a thing happens. Such a thing has not happened during the earlier debates,” he said.

Debt restructuring with bondholders hits a snag with disagreement on two areas

Colombo, April 16 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring process with private bondholders is stuck with two aspects of disagreement, whereas it is well underway with bilateral creditors, a top official said yesterday.

Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake told journalists that both parties, instructed by respective consultants, held two talks this year with each submitting proposals and counter-proposals.

He said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cited the government’s proposals as compliant, whereas the bondholders’ proposals were not.

After that, he said there were four areas with disagreements were identified and subsequent negotiations resulted in narrowing them down to two.

Asked whether it was the local dealer or foreign dealers (bondholders) who disagreed, Mr. Ratnayake said these details could not be divulged. “We cannot come out with details on these factors as we have agreed to maintain confidentiality concerning discussions,” he said in this regard.

Also, he said discussions with private dealers are only a part of the debt restructuring programme. “We have had a successful round of negotiations with the Official Creditor Committee (OCC) which comprises bilateral creditors. Sri Lanka has also had a successful round of discussions with China as well. We have only to decide whether there is going to be a single agreement with OCC or we are going for individual agreement with each member state of the OCC,” he said in this regard. He assured that Sri Lanka has no issue with the bilateral creditors.

"We have only to sign agreements with OCC members," he said.

Referring to the sentiments expressed by the IMF, Mr. Ratnayake said all international donors including the IMF have expressed its satisfaction with the economic progress Sri Lanka has achieved lately. “However, IMF has made it clear that it will stick to its programme,” he said.

Sri Lanka Navy brings ashore seized ICE, heroin worth Rs. 3.7 billion

Galle, April 14 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Navy brought ashore the seized narcotics, including 179 kgs and 906 gms of Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) and 83 kgs and 582 gms of heroin, which were seized yesterday in the seas approximately 133 nautical miles (about 246 kms) off Dondra, south of Sri Lanka.

The consignment of drugs, with an estimated street value exceeding Rs. 3,798 million, was seized during an intelligence operation conducted by the Sri Lanka Navy. A local multi-day fishing trawler, carrying six persons was intercepted during the operation.

In addition, another local one-day fishing trawler with four persons was seized, suspected to be awaiting a mid-sea exchange of narcotics.

The Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship (SLCG) Samudraraksha played a crucial role in arresting the suspects and seizing the narcotics on 12 April 2024.

The Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera inspected the seized consignment at the Galle Harbour.

The Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard remain vigilant in patrolling and conducting search operations along the island's coast to thwart illegal activities, particularly drug trafficking via sea routes.

The seized haul included Crystal Methamphetamine and heroin, concealed in 17 sacks aboard the multi-day fishing trawler. Following a thorough search at the Galle Harbour, authorities recovered 17 more sacks containing the narcotics.

The consignment, suspects and fishing trawlers were handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for legal action.

The individuals involved in the operation, ranging in age from 23 to 54 years old are residents of areas such as Weligama, Imaduwa and Galle.

Meanwhile, the Navy said that the total street value of the drugs seized in 2024 by the Sri Lanka Navy exceeds Rs. 9,300 million.

SLPP to take disciplinary action against GL, others

Colombo, April 12 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) is to take disciplinary action against MP Prof. G.L. Peiris and others who have signed an agreement with the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

These MPs were elected to Parliament on the SLPP ticket. Later, they defected from the party and sat in opposition. A week ago, they signed an electoral pact with the main opposition, the SJB.

The SLPP, at its executive committee meeting, decided to initiate disciplinary action against them for signing an agreement with another party while being members elected on its ticket at the last election.

Sri Lanka shows signs of recovery but must maintain reform momentum: ADB

COLOMBO, April 11- The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) annual flagship economic publication, the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024, forecasts Sri Lanka’s economy to record moderate growth of 1.9% in 2024 and 2.5% in 2025 following 2 consecutive years of contractions.

According to the ADB, Sri Lanka is showing signs of recovery, with green shoots emerging in the second half of 2023 while inflation has decelerated to single digits, foreign exchange reserves continue to be built up, and the exchange rate has appreciated. Furthermore, tourist arrivals and remittance inflows continue to show a commendable recovery while supply conditions have improved.

ADB’s growth forecast hinges on the continuation of reforms and better consumer and business sentiment. Timely completion of external debt restructuring will also support Sri Lanka’s debt sustainability efforts.

“Sri Lanka has made commendable progress in implementing difficult policy reforms and stabilizing the economy in 2023,” said ADB Deputy Country Director for Sri Lanka Utsav Kumar.

“We are pleased to see the results of these reforms, with signs of recovery emerging. It is critical that Sri Lanka addresses the impact on the poor and vulnerable and also continues to implement reforms to address the underlying causes of the crisis and lay the foundation for fostering sustainable recovery, building resilience, and reviving growth.”

Addressing poverty vulnerabilities amid economic recovery is a major challenge faced by the country. Poverty gains eroded as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent economic crisis. As the economy stabilizes, the country must ensure that the most affected and vulnerable groups of people are supported, and high poverty incidence and income inequality are addressed.

This calls for appropriate institutional and structural frameworks for an inclusive social protection system with improved targeting. Creating jobs and fostering sustainable livelihoods would go a long way toward alleviating poverty.

Xi calls for fair, transparent environment for investment in Sri Lanka

Colombo, April 11 (Daily Mirror) - Chinese President Xi Jinping , in his recent meeting with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, has reportedly stressed the need for ‘fair and transparent’ environment for Chinese companies to invest in Sri Lanka.

The Chinese leader had further mentioned that China is not happy about its friends being influenced by other countries unnecessarily when taking decisions.

However , in the meeting which a top source mentioned as friendly and cordial , the Chinese President did not refer to any third country in his remarks.

The Prime Minister recently undertook a tour of China between March March 25 and 30 to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024.

He held bilateral discussions during the visit .

Meanwhile , during a separate meeting, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang has raised concerns about Sri Lanka announcing a moratorium on foreign research vessels in its Exclusive Economic Zone (ECZ) targeting Chinese ships while entertaining a similar vessel from Germany in between.

Mr. Gunawardena has reportedly responded saying Sri Lanka allowed the German vessel only for replenishment . He said Sri Lanka could not decline such requests for replenishment according to the law.

He also said Sri Lanka would not allow any country to use its territory against the interests of any country.

Ranil likely to contest presidential election under new symbol: Presidential advisor

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - Incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe is likely to contest the Presidential election under an entirely new symbol other than the elephant or flower bud, Senior Presidential Advisor and UNP senior Ashu Marasinghe said.

Professor Marasinghe told journalists that President Wickrmesinghe will represent a number of parties as a national candidate.

“People such as Minister Prasanna Ranatunga has said many including himself have an issue supporting Mr. Wickremeisnghe if he contests the Presidential election under the elephant symbol. Likewise, we in the UNP too have an issue with him contesting under the pohotuwa. Therefore Mr. Wickremeisnghe is expected to contest under a new symbol,” he said.

He said more than 80 percent of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will be supporting Mr. Wickremesinghe at the next Presidential election.

“We welcome the proposal made by SJB MP Talatha Athukorala that both the SJB and the UNP should unite. We expect others in the SJB to support Mr. Wickremeisnghe even if SJB leader Sajith Premadasa decides against such a move,” he said.

Also he said it is not possible to hold both the Presidential election and the general election on the same day according to the Constitution.

Further, he claimed that Sri Lanka’s economy has begun to recover with foreign reserves growing up to USD 5 billion, while the tourism sector has experienced an unexpected gain during this year.

Sri Lanka hard-pressed against time to conclude agreements for debt restructuring

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka is hard-pressed against time to reach agreements with creditors including bondholders before June, when the third tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) extended fund facility is expected, Daily Mirror learns.

Sri Lanka is expected to get the next tranche of US $ 337 million in June after the third review of the programme.

Before that, Sri Lanka has to sign the MoU with the Paris Club of Nations on restructuring bilateral debts while signing a separate agreement with China for the same purpose but on terms acceptable to all the bilateral creditors.

Asked about the latest developments, a government source said the government to finalize the agreements in principle with commercial creditors including bondholders before that.

Besides, the presidential election is scheduled to be conducted later this year. The Election Commission is expected to issue the gazette notification calling for the election by the end of June, making it even more challenging for the government to finalize the debt restructuring process.

Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in April, 2022 and since then the country has defaulted payments of US $ 6 billion.

The government is planning to settle 37 per cent of debts within the first six years after the resumption of debt servicing in keeping with the agreements to be reached, 51 per cent within 6- 20 years and the remaining 12 per cent after 20 years.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardane said whoever wins the election, debt servicing will continue according to the plan to be approved.

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