翻译：

Tensions rise as UK refuses to take asylum seeker returns from Ireland

The UK government wants the EU to accept that it can return asylum seekers to France.

Power cut causes disruption at Stansted Airport

Passengers report long delays at check-in and passengers are being advised to arrive early.

More than 40 killed in Kenya after dam bursts

Heavy rain and flooding has caused a dam to burst, with fears that the death toll could rise.

Slow motion robin flies high on Facebook

The bird is captured launching off a wall and landing on a jar of food in Kenilworth.

England number eight Vunipola arrested in Majorca

England number eight Billy Vunipola is arrested in Spain following an alleged incident in a bar in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Three million disabled people face end to regular benefits cash

Disability payments that help with extra living costs could be scrapped in favour of more tailored support as the government looks at overhauling the benefits system Proposals include disabilities.

British-Irish meeting to focus on legacy act

The administrations have clashed over the legacy law, with the Irish government opposing the act.

Spain's PM will not resign after allegations against wife

Last week, Pedro Sánchez denounced what he called a "harassment campaign" against his wife.

MP says he was deported from Africa over China criticism

Tory MP for East Worthing and Shoreham Tim Loughton says he was barred from entering Djibouti.

Record 840,000 applicants in ballot for next year's London Marathon

More than 840,000 applications are received, smashing the previous record set by last year's ballot.

外媒：苏格兰首席部长哈姆扎·优素福将辞职！

　　中新网4月29日电据法新社当地时间29日报道，苏格兰首席部长哈姆扎·优素福将在本周面临两次不信任投票之前辞去首席部长这一职务。

韩媒：与尹锡悦会谈，李在明说了这些……

　　中新网4月29日电据韩联社报道，韩国最大在野党共同民主党党首李在明4月29日下午在首尔龙山总统府与总统尹锡悦会谈时，就尹锡悦行使法案再议要求权(否决权)表示遗憾，并要求其批准防汛官兵殉职案独检法、梨泰院惨剧相关特别法案。

外媒：所罗门群岛总理索加瓦雷退出新任期竞选

　　中新网4月29日电据法新社、所罗门群岛国家广播公司SIBC等多家外媒报道，当地时间29日，所罗门群岛总理梅纳西·索加瓦雷已退出新任期竞选。

Roman object that has baffled experts goes on show

The 12-sided object, found in Norton Disney, is being shown as part of the Lincoln Festival of History.

End of the road for 'Banksie' pothole campaigner

Daventry Banksie says she is stepping back as she has achieved what she wanted - road repairs.

Children hungry after school meals, says commissioner

A "snapshot" survey by Wales' children's commissioner found many children wanted more food at lunch.

Kasatkina 'given guarantees' on safety of gay players in Saudi

Daria Kasatkina, one of the few openly gay players on the WTA Tour, says she has been “given guarantees” about her safety should she compete in Saudi Arabia.

Residents' safety fears after return to tower block

The council say nearly all residents have now returned to Barton House following the sudden evacuation in November.

突发！肯尼亚一座大坝决堤，造成至少42人遇难

　　中新网4月29日电据法新社29日报道，肯尼亚首都内罗毕北部一个城镇的大坝决堤，造成至少42人遇难。

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf to resign

The SNP leader has arrived in Edinburgh ahead of his statement at 12.00 BST announcing his resignation.

和评理 | “中国产能过剩论”纯属污蔑中国为全球绿色转型作出重大贡献

　　继4月初访华抛出所谓 “中国产能过剩论”后，美国财长耶伦日前就美国经济接受媒体采访时不思己过，继续诬指中国“产能过剩”，误导舆论。

美国进攻性网络战略对全球带来安全困境

　　近期，一份名为《美国对全球网络空间安全与发展的威胁和破坏》的报告发布，多方面揭示了美国破坏全球网络安全稳定的行径。近年来，美国一方面在国际社会炒作“中国网络威胁论”，精心塑造美国网络攻击受害国的形象，并在国际社会中制造威胁认知和安全焦虑；另一方面调整其网络安全战略从传统的“防御网络攻击”转向“持续威慑对手”，并基于“积极防御”“持续交手”“前沿狩猎”等进攻性策略开展网络行动。然而，这不仅会使得全球网络空间成为新的角力场，还会使国际社会陷入安全困境。

马来西亚警方：将针对袭击事件加强马泰边境安保

　　中新网吉隆坡4月29日电马来西亚总警长拉扎鲁丁29日表示，针对当日凌晨泰国南部所发生的袭击事件，警方将加强边境安保并和泰方展开合作。

墨西哥发生客车翻车事故致14人遇难31人伤

　　中新网4月29日电综合外媒报道，当地时间28日，墨西哥当局宣布，墨西哥州郊区发生一起交通事故，造成至少14人遇难，31人受伤。

马来西亚总理会晤约旦首相：支持巴勒斯坦“入联”具迫切性

　　中新社吉隆坡4月29日电利雅得时间28日，正在沙特阿拉伯利雅得出席世界经济论坛特别会议的马来西亚总理安瓦尔会见了约旦首相比谢尔·哈苏奈。安瓦尔在会见中强调，支持巴勒斯坦成为联合国正式会员国“具有迫切性”。

At least five dead after tornadoes hit central US

Clean up operations are under way in states including Oklahoma and Iowa following the severe storms.

盖茨基金会发起联合资助项目支持疫苗创新技术研发

　　中新网北京4月29日电比尔及梅琳达·盖茨基金会(下称“盖茨基金会”)28日宣布，该机构与中国国家自然科学基金委员会(下称“自然科学基金委”)发起联合资助项目，旨在支持疫苗创新技术的研发，以扩大疫苗可及性，挽救更多生命。

中国驻日使馆提醒：中国公民五一赴日旅游注意出行安全

　　中新网4月29日电据中国驻日本大使馆微信公众号消息，五一假期将至，中国驻日本大使馆提醒在日同胞和计划赴日旅游的中国公民加强安全防范，确保节假日安全。

刘振民“解码”全球碳中和实现路径：维护多边主义加强国际合作

　　中新网柏林4月29日电题：刘振民“解码”全球碳中和实现路径：维护多边主义加强国际合作

俄媒：俄罗斯一警察站发生袭击事件已致2死4伤

　　中新网4月29日电据塔斯社29日报道，俄罗斯位于北高加索地区的卡拉恰伊-切尔克斯共和国内务部通报称，近日，当地发生一起武装人员攻击警察站的事件，导致2名警察死亡，4名警察受伤。5名武装分子被当场击毙。

消息称“国际刑事法院或对以高官发出逮捕令” 以外长回应！

　　中新网4月29日电据以色列《耶路撒冷邮报》当地时间28日报道，针对近期有消息称“国际刑事法院可能很快会对以高官发出逮捕令”，以色列外交部长卡茨发表声明，敦促以色列驻外机构加强安保措施，以应对全球范围内可能会出现的抗议浪潮。

南非驻华大使：文明交流互鉴推动人类文明进步

　　中新社北京4月29日电 (记者薄雯雯)南非驻华大使谢胜文日前在北京受访时表示，世界文明具有多样性，不同文明之间的交流互鉴将推动人类文明进步。

日本山形县发生大规模山火已持续燃烧超20小时

　　中新网4月29日电据日本TBS电视台报道，当地时间28日下午1点半左右，日本山形县高畠町的山区发生大规模山火，截至当地时间29日上午10点半，山火已持续燃烧超20小时，灭火工作仍在继续。

多国货币对美元大幅贬值　“强势美元”让世界经济面临更大风险

　　央视网消息：日元并非近期唯一持续贬值的货币，近来，韩元、印度卢比、印尼盾等多国本币对美元汇率均大幅下跌，引发市场担忧新兴经济体资本市场稳定。分析人士表示，相关货币大幅贬值的主要原因是所谓“强势美元”，即美联储政策导致美元大幅升值，资本从新兴市场回流，加剧新兴经济体和世界经济面临的风险。

美国正在从互联网的先行者蜕变为危害者

　　今年是中国全功能接入互联网30周年。中国互联网络信息中心(CNNIC)发布的第53次《中国互联网络发展状况统计报告》显示，截至2023年12月，我国网民规模达10.92亿人，互联网普及率达77.5%，互联网已经广泛深入影响我国人民经济社会生活方方面面。美国作为互联网的诞生地，毫无疑问在互联网技术与应用上具有先发优势，对包括中国在内的全球互联网的发展发挥了相当大的影响和推动作用。但如今让人们感受日益强烈的却是，美国正利用其技术优势和先发优势在网络空间肆意妄为，极力维护其全球网络霸权，已成为国际社会公认的全球网络空间安全与发展的最大危害。近期中国网络安全产业联盟(CCIA)发布的《美国对全球网络空间安全与发展的威胁和破坏》报告正验证了这一事实。

社评：炒作“中国产能过剩”，才是对全球的威胁

　　美国财政部长耶伦近日在接受路透社采访时，再次炒作所谓中国“产能过剩”，宣称所谓中国“产能过剩”不仅仅是美国面临的问题，也是欧洲、日本、印度和墨西哥等面临的问题。这种论调在美国已流行了一段时间，美国政客和舆论反复炒作中国“产能过剩”，污蔑中国以低价在海外倾销以新能源汽车、锂电池、光伏产品为代表的绿色产品，并将这种情况渲染成“全球威胁”。但明眼人都能看出，这只是并不高明的泛政治化、泛安全化的炒作伎俩，反而揭示了世界绿色产业和优质产能发展的一些真实情况。

新时代，我看中国丨吉尔吉斯斯坦学者：中国已成为全球稳定的支柱

　　国际在线报道(记者王鲁平)：中共二十大擘画了以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的宏伟蓝图。“我的中国新观察：中国式现代化的世界意义”系列报道聚焦中国式现代化的世界回响，专访来自全球不同国家的专家学者，以“外视角”解读中国式现代化的科学内涵与中国特色，探讨中国高质量发展思路对广大发展中国家的参考价值与借鉴意义。

Australians call for stricter laws on violence against women after killings

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the issue was a national crisis.

What matters most to the Gen-Z descendants of Basildon Man?

How important are various areas of council business to younger voters?

Young people no longer have hope, says Hanif Kureishi

The award-winning novelist's book, The Buddha of Suburbia, has been adapted for the stage.

Stowaway cat accidentally mailed in returned package

Galeana is back home in the US state of Utah and in good health after spending six days in a box.

乌军总司令：乌克兰军队已向西撤退

　　中新网4月29日电综合报道，当地时间28日，乌克兰武装部队总司令瑟尔斯基表示，乌克兰军队已向西撤退至新的防线。

哈马斯称对最新停火方案“没有重大问题”

　　中新社北京4月29日电综合消息：据多家媒体报道，巴勒斯坦伊斯兰抵抗运动(哈马斯)官员28日称，该组织对以色列提出的最新停火方案“没有重大问题”。

日元对美元汇率跌至34年来新低

　　中新社东京4月29日电 (记者朱晨曦)据日本共同社报道，29日国际外汇市场上，日元对美元汇率快速下跌，一度跌破160日元兑1美元，为1990年4月以来的最低水平。

乌总统：乌美正制定双边安全协议含未来10年对乌支持

　　中新网4月29日电据《乌克兰真理报》当地时间28日报道，乌克兰总统泽连斯基表示，目前乌克兰与美国双方正在制定双边安全保障协议的具体文本，双方已就协议内容进行谈判。

外媒：以军袭击加沙南部城市拉法死亡人数升至25人

　　中新网4月29日电据卡塔尔半岛电视台当地时间29日报道，以色列在近几个小时内对加沙地带南部城市拉法的袭击，已经导致25人死亡。

A president declared an emergency over rape. What happened next?

Despite Sierra Leone declaring sexual violence a national emergency, perpetrators are rarely punished.

3年近300名中国公民遭遣返！谢锋：“麦卡锡主义”干扰中美正常往来

　　中新网4月29日电据中国驻美国大使馆网站消息，2024年4月27日，中国驻美国大使馆 “平安美国行”领保宣传活动举办。中国驻美国大使谢锋出席活动期间表示，3年来，近300名中国公民遭到美方无端滋扰遣返。针对美方选择性、歧视性、政治性执法，我们感同身受、据理力争。谢锋指出，中国驻美使馆始终保持人民外交本色，践行外交为民理念，用心用力用情保护在美中国公民安全和正当合法权益，把祖国的温暖传递给每一位旅美同胞。

国际锐评丨否认“君子协定”的菲律宾毫无信义

　　菲律宾国防部长特奥多罗27日声称，自2022年菲律宾现任政府执政以来，菲国防部既不知晓、也不曾与中国就南海争端达成任何内部协定。这是继菲律宾总统马科斯、国家安全顾问阿诺等人之后，菲方再次公开否认中菲围绕仁爱礁问题达成的“君子协定”。

My struggle to keep family safe while reporting the Gaza war

BBC Arabic‘s Adnan El-Bursh covered the conflict as he and his family were displaced multiple times.

New law aims to protect devices from hackers

Speakers, fitness trackers and other internet-connected devices sold in the UK now have to meet new requirements.

半年来第七次！美国国务卿布林肯将再赴中东

　　中新网4月29日电综合外媒报道，当地时间28日，美国国务院宣布，由于以色列和哈马斯之间的停火谈判仍陷入于僵局，美国国务卿布林肯将再次访问以色列、约旦和沙特阿拉伯，与地区伙伴会面。

'Invisible in our own country': Being Muslim in Modi's India

Since Narendra Modi's BJP took power in 2014, India's 200 million Muslims have faced turmoil.

国际识局：日本这场选举，执政党大败！岸田政权“站在悬崖边”？

　　中新网4月29日电综合报道，当地时间4月28日，日本众议院三个小选区进行议席补选，开票结果显示，执政党自民党三战皆败，最大在野党立宪民主党赢得了所有席位。

1990年以来首次！日元对美元汇率一度跌破160

　　中新网4月29日电据美国彭博社报道，当地时间29日，国际外汇市场上日元对美元汇率一度跌破160日元兑1美元，创下近34年以来的新低。

Tobago shark attack victim ‘able to communicate’

Peter Smith's wife has thanked friends who fought the shark during the attack on Tobago's coast.

Palestinian leader appeals to US to stop Israel's Rafah offensive

Mahmoud Abbas says any attack on city could see large numbers of Palestinians flee Gaza entirely.

SLFP faction distances from Maithri’s claims

Colombo, April 29 (Daily Mirror) - In an effort to nip any discord with India in the bud, Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) faction led by Nimal Siripala de Silva as acting chairman called on Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and disassociated itself from remarks by its former Chairman Maithripala Sirisena implicating alleged Indian involvement in orchestrating the Easter Sunday attacks, an informed source said.

Earlier, there were media reports about Mr. Sirisena implicating India in the attack in his statement to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Last week, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles said in Parliament that Mr. Sirisena had not mentioned the name of any Sri Lankan or Sri Lankan organization in the statement to the CID. The SLFP is currently divided and Mr. Sirisena is facing an enjoiningorder which prevents him from functioning as the party chairman.

On behalf of the faction opposed to him, MPS Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Duminda Dissanayake, Suren Raghavan and Faizer Mustapha called on the Indian envoy to clarify the matter, according to the source.

They have reportedly disavowed purported claims by Mr. Sirisena in this regard and asserted the importance of maintaining healthy, positive ties with India.

The SLFP is currently involved in a legal battle with the faction led by Minister Siripala de Silva and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga trying to take control of the party by ousting Mr. Sirisena.

Mr. Sirisena recently stoked controversy saying that he was aware who masterminded the Easter Sunday bombings.

'Wild and free' Kidman collects Hollywood achievement award

Nicole Kidman says it has been a privilege to play unconventional women as she picks up a prestigious prize.

The US doctor who cannot forget what he saw in Gaza

Dr Sam Attar found himself having to decide who could be saved, and who was beyond hope.

Conservative Defects!

Dr Dan Poulter MP quits the Tories & joins Labour

Watch: Moment tornado hits power lines in China

A tornado that hit China's Guangdong province killed five people and left dozens injured.

'Arsenal survive painful flashbacks to maintain title push'

Arsenal survive painful flashbacks of giving up handsome leads last season to maintain their Premier League title push at Tottenham, writes Phil McNulty.

Govt. concerned over project implementation at snail’s pace

Colombo, April 26 (Daily Mirror) - Ahead of the presidential election, the government has allocated Rs.100 million for each divisional secretariat area for development projects and instructed the ruling party MPs to accelerate implementation of them, Daily Mirror learns.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe called for a meeting of the ruling party legislators on Thursday to discuss the matter since the execution of development projects takes place at a snail’s pace, according to an MP who was present at the meeting.

The government has disbursed such huge allocations for development projects such as the construction of access roads and irrigation canals, obviously targeting the presidential elections. The MP said projects are implemented based on proposals from the village development committees throughout the country. After that, approved proposals are referred to the divisional and district coordinating committees headed by the ruling side MPs for final endorsement for implementation based on allocations.

He said the money had been allocated under the government’s ambitious rural development project ‘Kandukara Dashakaya 2024–2033’ by the Presidential Secretariat.

Under the initial phase, Rs.10 billion has been allocated. It is a project announced in the 2024 budget.

Humza Yousaf: Who is Scotland's under-threat first minister?

A profile of Humza Yousaf, the SNP leader, who faces a no confidence vote in the Scottish Parliament.

Paris Olympics 2024: The make or break year for the Games?

What Parisians think about the event and the legacy it could leave

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.

Train strikes: How May's disruption affects you

Train drivers are staging strikes and an overtime ban around the May Bank Holiday.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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