(即时多来源) 中英国际新闻（Rolling) Chinese/English World News - 澳纽网

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Three arrested over Channel migrant deaths

The men were arrested on suspicion of facilitating illegal immigration and of entering the UK illegally, police said.

Ministers have caved in on evictions pledge, says Rayner

Labour's Angela Rayner attacks the government's housing record but faces jibes over her own living arrangements.

Ex-DUP leader Donaldson in court over rape and sex offence charges

The ex-DUP leader faces 11 charges and his wife faces four charges connected with aiding and abetting.

Air accident probe after two men injured in Prestwick crash

Two men, aged 65 and 75, were airlifted to hospital after a small plane came down on private land.

'Seagull Boy' teaches Olly Alexander how to do impression

Nine-year-old Cooper went viral after winning a European championship with his uncanny impression of a seagull.

'Show respect', Nottingham victim's mum tells police over graphic WhatsApp

Emma Webber said she had been denied "repeated requests" to address the members of the messaging group "privately and anonymously", and so instead wrote an open letter.

Floods cause widespread devastation in Kenya

The UN says that at least 32 people have died and more than 40,000 have been forced from their homes.

Tents appear in Gaza as Israel prepares Rafah offensive

Two newly-built encampments near the southern city are shown on satellite pictures.

Arrest and three injured after reports of Ammanford school stabbing

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident in south-west Wales.

Katie Simpson murder accused found dead at home

Jonathan Creswell, who was on trial, was found dead at his home on Wednesday morning, court hears.

US to send new Ukraine aid this week, Biden says

The president says weapons and equipment will be provided within days, after approval from Congress.

Why Cole became a Premier League Hall of Famer

In the week that Andy Cole entered the Premier League Hall of Fame, BBC Sport looks back at some of the best moments from his career.

Former Labour minister Frank Field dies aged 81

The crossbench peer spent 40 years as MP for Birkenhead and was a leading voice on welfare reform.

Orange Sahara dust haze descends over Athens

The Greek capital was covered in a haze of dust which has blown from the Sahara desert.

Zoe Ball announces mum's death after cancer diagnosis

The 53-year-old's says her mother, Julia Peckham, taught her to "love unconditionally".

Liverpool to open talks with Feyenoord over Slot

Liverpool are set to open talks with Feyenoord over Arne Slot becoming Jurgen Klopp's successor.

Take a look at this year's Turner Prize nominations

Glasgow-born Jasleen Kaur is one of four artists nominated for this year's prestigious art award.

'We will keep going': Columbia Gaza protesters dig in

Activists at the New York university want amnesty for disciplined students before ending their Gaza protest.

Megan Thee Stallion accused of fat-shaming former cameraman

The Savage rapper denies "salacious" claims she had sex beside an "embarrassed" cameraman in Ibiza.

Two Premier League players arrested over alleged rape

Two Premier League footballers are arrested in connection with an alleged rape.

Election poll tracker: How do the parties compare?

How do people say they will vote in the UK general election? Our poll tracker measures the trends.

Blood on pavement and smashed vehicles after horses tear through London

Several soldiers and horses are injured after five threw off their riders near Buckingham Palace and raced through London.

Tevez admitted to hospital with chest pains

Former West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez is admitted to hospital after suffering chest pains.

England's trailblazing 1994 World Cup winners

The story of England's victory against the odds in the largely overlooked 1994 Rugby World Cup final.

'I should be able to perform without being groped'

As MPs meet to discuss misogyny in music, Karla Chubb from Irish band Sprints says the issue is rife.

David Harewood says blackface is 'grotesque distortion of race'

The star puts out a statement after saying actors "should be able to do anything" including blackface.

【世界说】美媒：“中国产能过剩论”不攻自破保护主义危及全球能源转型

　　中国日报网4月24日电彭博新闻社网站近日发表评论文章称，面对近年来中国新能源产业的快速增长，美国等部分西方国家指责中国正在压低新能源行业价格，给其他国家建立自己的清洁技术部门留下的空间太小。这种经济上的保护主义是错误的，只会延缓能源转型。文章指出，重塑世界能源体系，需要采取全方位的战略，应该欢迎包括中美在内的各国政府的支持，而不是挑起一场破坏性的贸易争端。

受审画面曝光！“俄副防长伊万诺夫不认罪”

　　中新网4月24日电综合俄媒报道，当地时间24日，俄罗斯莫斯科巴斯曼区法院当天以涉嫌收受贿赂为由，逮捕此前已被拘留的俄副防长铁木尔·伊万诺夫。此外，俄媒公布了伊万诺夫的受审画面，对于受贿指控，伊万诺夫不认罪。

中企承建的全球最大直径TBM隧道工程在格鲁吉亚顺利贯通

　　人民网莫斯科4月23日电（记者隋鑫、肖新新）4月23日，随着全球最大直径单护盾硬岩掘进机（TBM）“高加索号”在格鲁吉亚北部的古多里山破岩而出，由中铁隧道局承建的格鲁吉亚南北走廊古多里隧道顺利贯通。

国际航线“上新”，释放啥信号？

　　4月16日，中国南方航空北京大兴-利雅得航线首航，标志着中国内地至沙特阿拉伯首条定期直飞的客运航线正式开通。进入夏秋航季，国内多家航空公司宣布将新开国际航线，增加热门航线班次。中国民航局预测，2024年民航国际客运市场将加快恢复，预计2024年底每周达6000班左右，恢复至2019年的80%。

中医药国际合作架起增进友谊的桥梁

　　中医药学包含着中华民族几千年的健康养生理念及其实践经验，是中华民族的伟大创造和中国古代科学的瑰宝。近年来，中医药国际合作不断深化，在向海外民众提供优质健康服务的同时，为推广中国优秀传统文化、促进国家间民心相通、传递友好情谊发挥了积极作用。

美参议院通过涉TikTok法案美媒：或面临法律挑战

　　中新网4月24日电据美联社报道，当地时间4月23日，美国参议院通过一项涉TikTok的法案。该法案要求中国字节跳动公司剥离对旗下短视频应用程序TikTok的控制权，否则该应用程序将被禁止在美国上架。

布林肯再访华，就中美关系，中方表明立场！

　　中新网4月24日电 4月24日下午，美国国务卿安东尼·布林肯抵达上海，开启任内的第二次访华行程。

UK court case launched over mining project in Brazil

Brazil Iron calls itself a sustainable mining company. Local residents call its project a disaster.

外媒：乌克兰承认袭击俄罗斯石油储存设施

　　中新网4月24日电据法新社当地时间24日报道，乌克兰国防部门消息人士称，乌克兰无人机对俄罗斯西部的石油储存设施发动了袭击。

2024年荷赛奖作品为何“令人动容”？获奖者：这张照片不值得庆祝

　　中新网4月24日电据路透社消息，日前，2024年度世界新闻摄影奖(又称“荷赛奖”)公布，获奖照片是一张以巴以冲突为主题的照片。照片显示，一名巴勒斯坦妇女在加沙一家医院内，埋下头紧紧抱着其在冲突中遇难的五岁侄女的遗体。

巴勒斯坦批准政府改革方案

　　中新社北京4月24日电综合消息：据巴勒斯坦官方通讯社“瓦法”当地时间23日报道，当天巴勒斯坦召开部长级会议批准了一系列政府改革方案。

2024中国—印尼校企合作峰会召开

　　中新网雅加达4月24日电 (记者李志全)当地时间24日，“2024中国—印尼校企合作峰会”在雅加达召开。

以媒称以色列将很快在加沙南部拉法展开地面行动

　　中新网北京4月24日电综合消息：据《今日以色列》当地时间24日报道，在近日以色列和巴勒斯坦伊斯兰抵抗运动(哈马斯)停火谈判失败且陷入停滞后，以色列国防军将很快在加沙地带南部城市拉法展开地面行动。

天津—费城结好45周年活动在美国费城举行

　　中新社美国费城4月24日电 (记者廖攀)天津—费城结好45周年经贸推介会和人文交流活动23日在美国宾夕法尼亚州费城市市政厅举行，中国天津市常务副市长刘桂平、中国驻纽约总领事黄屏、费城市市长代表贾泽尔·琼斯和商务局长阿尔巴·马丁内斯及费城各界代表逾两百人出席了庆祝活动。

中国科学家发起的“深时数字地球”大科学计划与施普林格·自然签约合作

　　中新网北京4月24日电 (记者孙自法)国际知名学术出版机构施普林格·自然(Springer Nature)4月24日向媒体发布消息说，在2024年“世界地球日”到来前夕，其与中国科学家发起的国际大科学计划“深时数字地球”(Deep-time Digital Earth，DDE)签署合作谅解备忘录，以促进地球科学领域国际学术交流与合作，并提升“深时数字地球”计划的国际声誉和影响力。

黑指头与红花瓣之美《田青谈艺录》沉淀学者40年艺术追求

　　中新网北京4月24日电 (记者应妮)“恰便是粉衬的这胭脂透！”正是这黑指头，才衬托出红花瓣的俏丽、美艳、透亮！

印尼选举委员会正式宣布：普拉博沃当选印尼新一任总统

　　中新网4月24日电据法新社报道，当地时间24日，印度尼西亚选举委员会(KPU)正式宣布，印度尼西亚总统候选人、现任国防部长普拉博沃·苏比安托当选该国新一任总统。

福岛核电站一名工人受伤已被紧急送医

　　中新网4月24日电据日本TBS电视台报道，当地时间24日上午，福岛第一核电站内的一处工地上，一名正在室外进行挖掘作业的工人受伤，救护车赶到后已将其送医。

英国将为乌提供“有史以来最大军援” 泽连斯基感谢

　　中新网4月24日电综合报道，当地时间23日，英国首相苏纳克表示，将向乌克兰提供英国“有史以来最大”的军事支持，包括大规模的军事装备以及5亿英镑的军事资金。

美国国会参议院通过对乌克兰、以色列援助法案

　　中新社华盛顿4月23日电 (记者沙晗汀)美国国会参议院当地时间23日晚通过对乌克兰、以色列等援助法案。

联合国呼吁调查加沙集体坟墓黎巴嫩真主党打击以军事基地

　　中新社北京4月24日电综合消息：据联合国官网消息，联合国人权事务高级专员图尔克23日指加沙地带发现的集体坟墓可能涉及战争罪，呼吁国际社会对此进行独立调查。黎巴嫩真主党当天攻击以军两个军事基地，并称这是冲突爆发以来对以色列进行的“最深入打击”。

泰国芭堤雅赴成都路演冀加强旅游合作

　　中新网成都4月24日电 (单鹏)“现在没有太多时间去每家泰国酒店‘踩线’。此次泰国国家旅游局组织多家酒店来到成都，我们觉得十分方便。”23日下午，成都某国际旅行社总经理杨春在成都与多家泰国酒店代表进行了面对面交流，并互相保存联系方式用于日后合作。

国际园艺生产者协会主席：植物和花卉是全球交流的良好媒介

　　中新网成都4月24日电 (记者王鹏)2024年成都世界园艺博览会(简称成都世园会)将于26日开幕。国际园艺生产者协会(AIPH)主席莱昂纳多·卡皮塔尼奥23日下午在成都受访时表示，植物和花卉是全球交流的良好媒介，成都世园会将让世界各地的人们了解中国的绿色发展。

Councils selling the family silver to pay bills

Cash-strapped local authorities are selling off land, buildings and antiques to clear their debts.

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr. Ebrahim Raisi and President Ranil Wickremesinghe jointly inaugurated the Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP) a short while ago.

This project is one of the largest irrigation projects in Sri Lanka following the Mahaweli Development Project

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.

Women-only co-working spaces fighting to survive

Women-only co-working spaces are part of the new hybrid working landscape, but they divide opinion.

福岛核电站突发停电核污染水暂停排放

　　中新网4月24日电据日本福岛中央电视台报道，当地时间24日上午10时43分许，福岛第一核电站突发停电，正在进行中的核污染水排放工作随即暂停。

Chris Mason: The politics of defence in a dangerous world

A dangerous world is colliding with a general election year, writes BBC Political Editor Chris Mason.

朝中社：朝鲜对外经济省代表团访问伊朗

　　中新网4月24日电据朝中社4月24日报道，以对外经济相尹正浩为团长的朝鲜对外经济省代表团，于4月23日从平壤乘飞机出发访问伊朗。

俄斯摩棱斯克州遭无人机袭击燃料能源设施起火

　　中新网4月24日电据俄新社当地时间24日报道，俄罗斯斯摩棱斯克州遭乌克兰无人机袭击，当地民用燃料和能源设施起火。

土耳其称“消灭”19名库尔德武装人员

　　中新网北京4月24日电综合消息：土耳其国防部当地时间23日在社交媒体表示，土军在伊拉克北部和叙利亚北部共“消灭”了19名库尔德武装人员。

称“遭受恶意网络攻击”，美国宣布对伊朗最新制裁

　　中新网4月24日电据美国财政部官网消息，当地时间23日，美国财政部发表声明称，该部外国资产控制办公室对代表伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队网络电子司令部(IRGC-CEC)“参与恶意网络活动”的2家公司和4名个人实施制裁。

外媒：美国参议院通过对乌克兰援助计划

　　中新网4月24日电据法新社报道，当地时间23日，美国参议院通过了一项价值610亿美元的对乌克兰援助计划。

日本自民党副总裁麻生太郎访美与特朗普会谈

　　中新网4月24日电据日本共同社消息，当地时间23日，美国前总统特朗普和日本自民党副总裁麻生太郎，在纽约的特朗普大厦会晤。

俄媒：俄首次通报摧毁美制MIM-23“霍克”防空导弹系统

　　中新网4月24日电据“今日俄罗斯”(RT)报道，当地时间23日，俄罗斯国防部首次通报在特别军事行动区域摧毁了美制MIM-23“霍克”防空导弹系统。

The fate of Korea's 'first and biggest' sex festival

It was to feature events like a bondage fashion show. But then the authorities cracked down.

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.

Lawyer deeply sorry for sub-postmasters' 'suffering', inquiry hears

A former Post Office lawyer acknowledged that the inquiry had come "far too late" for many of the victims.

Rishi Sunak goes on the defensive

And, Huw Edwards resigns from the BBC on medical advice

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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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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