Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild&nbsp;a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December&nbsp;26, 2004, he got to work.

Houses had collapsed, bodies floated in the seawater that had invaded inland, and one in four residents of the community of about 1,200 people had been killed by the deadliest tsunami to sweep across the Indian Ocean in decades.

Gunasekera had dreamed of helping the villagers long before the deadly tsunami almost wiped it off the map.

December 26 will mark the 15th anniversary of the deadly tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Kushil Gunasekera, who helped breathe life back into the village with the help of cricket stars like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, told his story.

WION:&nbsp;How has been your journey to rehabilitate and turning the tide, now that it's been 15 years since the disaster?&nbsp;

Gunasekera:&nbsp;When I recall that tragic occurrence, I myself had to encounter those&nbsp;furious waves and had to overcome that setback and turn into a blessing, especially with the worldwide compassion we received from countless donors to powers of destructions has been absolutely astounding, to say the least. But we have never given up, stayed positive, looked ahead and did the best possible to have this amazing outcome of a beautiful facility by way of a community model that now serves 28,000 beneficiaries across the island. Not only in the village we were ruined in the rubble but also across the country serving over 400 villages making rural disadvantage communities excel in life greatly as we move on.&nbsp;When we do best, we experience best.

WION: Big cricketing names of your time seem to have rallied to bring this village that you picked to build as a model village, can you tell us something about it?

Gunasekera: I must say that Muthai Muralidharan actually went alongside me to establish the foundation of goodness being the champion that he is. It is such a lovely gesture on his part to consent, to join the foundation of goodness in 1999 way back 20 years ago. And then, of course, legendary other cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold who joined in at the same time I cannot forget. All of the other six&nbsp;trustees on board who have worked equally hard. &nbsp;But having said that, it is always an advantage to have cricketers from all around the world and their campaign goes a long way in trying to support the foundation of goodness. Create that kind of attraction to serve rural communities to become better than they use to be and provide those opportunities and all of the facilities we are blessed with. They have done so many different campaigns in the last 20 years of working together with me. I can not emphasise adequately enough their role, especially Murali leading from the forefront very very caring and humane that he is along with the rest of the cricketers.

WION:&nbsp;Post this natural tragedy Sri Lanka recently was struck with terror; Easter attacks giving once again a jolt to Sri Lankan tourism which is kind of mainstay. Do you think that the efforts you made are pushed backwards after such attacks?

Gunasekera: Yes, the terror attack that unfortunately caused havoc on the April 21,&nbsp;had set a huge impact on the foundation of goodness as we strive to generate sustainable income to become self-sustainable which is one of our goals into the future and you know 60 cricket teams from overseas, especially from England and Australia come and play cricket annually in our village and lots of sports tourism, community aid tourism, individual volunteers, corporate companies that come out to our village experiencing bliss of volunteering and doing other engagements to add value to the work we do. So, we had 24 cancellations this year of such sports tours and many community groups coming to work with us to elevate rural disadvantaged communities. It has been a setback but these are the one that you expect since nothing is permanent in life. &nbsp;We have to serve 28,000 beneficiaries. I must say that we have actually strategised avenues that bring us revenues that help us in serving humanity. Sport is an integral part of FOG. We never give up and learn other lessons from all the adversities. Adversity sometimes and many times bring blessings. Yes, things happen and then we look forward to making them work again.

Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December 26, 2004, he got to work.

Sri Lanka's Kushil Gunasekera, helped rebuild a village which was decimated by a tsunami with his " Foundation of goodness". When he returned to Seenigama in Sri Lanka's Galle district days after it was wiped out by a massive tsunami on December 26, 2004, he got to work. Houses had collapsed, bodies floated in the seawater that had invaded inland, and one in four residents of the community of about 1,200 people had been killed by the deadliest tsunami to sweep across the Indian Ocean in decades. Gunasekera had dreamed of helping the villagers long before the deadly tsunami almost wiped it off the map. December 26 will mark the 15th anniversary of the deadly tsunami that killed more than 230,000 people, which was triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Indonesia's Sumatra island. In an exclusive interview with WION, Kushil Gunasekera, who helped breathe life back into the village with the help of cricket stars like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, told his story. WION: How has been your journey to rehabilitate and turning the tide, now that it's been 15 years since the disaster? Gunasekera: When I recall that tragic occurrence, I myself had to encounter those furious waves and had to overcome that setback and turn into a blessing, especially with the worldwide compassion we received from countless donors to powers of destructions has been absolutely astounding, to say the least. But we have never given up, stayed positive, looked ahead and did the best possible to have this amazing outcome of a beautiful facility by way of a community model that now serves 28,000 beneficiaries across the island. Not only in the village we were ruined in the rubble but also across the country serving over 400 villages making rural disadvantage communities excel in life greatly as we move on. When we do best, we experience best. WION: Big cricketing names of your time seem to have rallied to bring this village that you picked to build as a model village, can you tell us something about it? Gunasekera: I must say that Muthai Muralidharan actually went alongside me to establish the foundation of goodness being the champion that he is. It is such a lovely gesture on his part to consent, to join the foundation of goodness in 1999 way back 20 years ago. And then, of course, legendary other cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Russel Arnold who joined in at the same time I cannot forget. All of the other six trustees on board who have worked equally hard. But having said that, it is always an advantage to have cricketers from all around the world and their campaign goes a long way in trying to support the foundation of goodness. Create that kind of attraction to serve rural communities to become better than they use to be and provide those opportunities and all of the facilities we are blessed with. They have done so many different campaigns in the last 20 years of working together with me. I can not emphasise adequately enough their role, especially Murali leading from the forefront very very caring and humane that he is along with the rest of the cricketers. WION: Post this natural tragedy Sri Lanka recently was struck with terror; Easter attacks giving once again a jolt to Sri Lankan tourism which is kind of mainstay. Do you think that the efforts you made are pushed backwards after such attacks? Gunasekera: Yes, the terror attack that unfortunately caused havoc on the April 21, had set a huge impact on the foundation of goodness as we strive to generate sustainable income to become self-sustainable which is one of our goals into the future and you know 60 cricket teams from overseas, especially from England and Australia come and play cricket annually in our village and lots of sports tourism, community aid tourism, individual volunteers, corporate companies that come out to our village experiencing bliss of volunteering and doing other engagements to add value to the work we do. So, we had 24 cancellations this year of such sports tours and many community groups coming to work with us to elevate rural disadvantaged communities. It has been a setback but these are the one that you expect since nothing is permanent in life. We have to serve 28,000 beneficiaries. I must say that we have actually strategised avenues that bring us revenues that help us in serving humanity. Sport is an integral part of FOG. We never give up and learn other lessons from all the adversities. Adversity sometimes and many times bring blessings. Yes, things happen and then we look forward to making them work again.

WION interviews Kushil Gunasekera, man who breathed life back into Sri Lankan village after tsunami

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-elections-preliminary-results-out-ghani-wins-presidential-poll-269554">election might go to a second-round</a> as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory.

The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced on Sunday a much delayed preliminary result of the September&nbsp;28 presidential vote which was marred by allegations of massive fraud, technical problems with biometric devices used for voting, attacks and irregularities.

IEC said the total turnout was over 1.8 million with Ghani securing 50.64 per cent to win the first round of voting, beating his main rival Abdullah Abdullah who currently shares power with him in a unity government.

However, if a review by the complaints commission reduces Ghani's vote share to below 50 per cent and no other candidate has a majority, a second-round will be held between the two top contenders.

Deen Mohammad Azimi, deputy head of the Electoral Complaints Commission, said there is a "strong possibility" the election would go to the second round.

"Looking at the scope of complaints and objections that needs a thorough review, there could be a run-off," Azimi told Reuters.

The review might take around five weeks, Azimi said, adding that thousands of complaints from candidates had already been filed.

According to the tally released by IEC, the total turnout was 1,824,401 with Ghani winning 923,868 votes and Abdullah second with 720,099 (39.52 per cent).

"President Ghani avoided a run-off just by over 11,000 votes and the complaints commission might invalidate tens of thousands of votes from all candidates," another election official said on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media.

Ghani welcomed the IEC decision and said the country was on the right path towards prosperity but Abdullah dismissed the result as fraudulent as he called for a full review.

"There is no&nbsp;doubt that based on clean votes, we are the winner," Abdullah told a crowd of supporters on Sunday in Kabul.

The situation echoes 2014, when both Ghani and Abdullah alleged massive fraud by the other, forcing the United States to broker an awkward power-sharing arrangement that made Ghani president and Abdullah his chief executive.

Aides close to Ghani, a Western-educated former World Bank official, said the incumbent was not ready for another power-sharing deal with Abdullah, a former medical doctor and three-time contender <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-preliminary-results-of-afghanistan-presidential-election-269718">for the presidency</a>.

Without a unifying leader accepted by all sides, Afghanistan could split further along tribal and ethnic lines which could deepen political instability.

Although Abdullah called for restraint, election result announcements in Afghanistan are typically followed by violent protests from supporters of losing candidates.

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election might go to a second-round as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory.

Afghanistan's Electoral Complaints Commission said on Monday the election might go to a second-round as it begins reviewing thousands of complaints a day after the preliminary result handed incumbent president Ashraf Ghani a narrow victory. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) announced on Sunday a much delayed preliminary result of the September 28 presidential vote which was marred by allegations of massive fraud, technical problems with biometric devices used for voting, attacks and irregularities. IEC said the total turnout was over 1.8 million with Ghani securing 50.64 per cent to win the first round of voting, beating his main rival Abdullah Abdullah who currently shares power with him in a unity government. However, if a review by the complaints commission reduces Ghani's vote share to below 50 per cent and no other candidate has a majority, a second-round will be held between the two top contenders. Deen Mohammad Azimi, deputy head of the Electoral Complaints Commission, said there is a "strong possibility" the election would go to the second round. "Looking at the scope of complaints and objections that needs a thorough review, there could be a run-off," Azimi told Reuters. The review might take around five weeks, Azimi said, adding that thousands of complaints from candidates had already been filed. According to the tally released by IEC, the total turnout was 1,824,401 with Ghani winning 923,868 votes and Abdullah second with 720,099 (39.52 per cent). "President Ghani avoided a run-off just by over 11,000 votes and the complaints commission might invalidate tens of thousands of votes from all candidates," another election official said on condition of anonymity because he was not allowed to speak to the media. Ghani welcomed the IEC decision and said the country was on the right path towards prosperity but Abdullah dismissed the result as fraudulent as he called for a full review. "There is no doubt that based on clean votes, we are the winner," Abdullah told a crowd of supporters on Sunday in Kabul. The situation echoes 2014, when both Ghani and Abdullah alleged massive fraud by the other, forcing the United States to broker an awkward power-sharing arrangement that made Ghani president and Abdullah his chief executive. Aides close to Ghani, a Western-educated former World Bank official, said the incumbent was not ready for another power-sharing deal with Abdullah, a former medical doctor and three-time contender for the presidency. Without a unifying leader accepted by all sides, Afghanistan could split further along tribal and ethnic lines which could deepen political instability. Although Abdullah called for restraint, election result announcements in Afghanistan are typically followed by violent protests from supporters of losing candidates.

Afghanistan: Round two of presidential poll possible amid complaints

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-says-hell-never-accept-division-of-power-251944">Afghanistan's presidential poll</a>. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims.

According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent.

Earlier today, Zabih Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), said, "We are going to announce the election results today"

Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates.

The delays and setbacks in the declaration of results were accelerated owing to the talks between the United States and the Taliban.

The election was meant to be the cleanest yet in Afghanistan's young democracy, with a German firm supplying biometric machines to stop people from voting more than once.

But nearly one million of the initial 2.7 million votes were purged owing to irregularities, meaning the election saw by far the lowest turnout of any Afghan poll.

Most observers saw the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-president-ashraf-ghani-sees-his-chance-in-upcoming-elections-after-collapse-of-us-taliban-talks-250287">election as a two-horse race</a> between incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

Had neither candidate scored a majority, the vote would have gone to a second-round runoff, probably in the spring.

Now that the preliminary results are announced, candidates have the opportunity to lodge any complaints before a final result is published.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims.

Ashraf Ghani recently won the majority in Afghanistan's presidential poll. The preliminary results of the presidential polls in Afghanistan were announced today, nearly three months after Afghans voted in presidential polls that were marred by low turnout and fraud claims. According to the Independent Election Commission, Ghani won 50.64 per cent of the vote in the September 28 poll, while his rival Abdullah Abdullah scored 39.52 per cent. Earlier today, Zabih Sadaat, a spokesman for Afghanistan's Independent Election Commission (IEC), said, "We are going to announce the election results today" Preliminary results were originally due October 19 but were repeatedly delayed amid technical issues and allegations of fraud from various candidates. The delays and setbacks in the declaration of results were accelerated owing to the talks between the United States and the Taliban. The election was meant to be the cleanest yet in Afghanistan's young democracy, with a German firm supplying biometric machines to stop people from voting more than once. But nearly one million of the initial 2.7 million votes were purged owing to irregularities, meaning the election saw by far the lowest turnout of any Afghan poll. Most observers saw the election as a two-horse race between incumbent President Ashraf Ghani and his Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. Had neither candidate scored a majority, the vote would have gone to a second-round runoff, probably in the spring. Now that the preliminary results are announced, candidates have the opportunity to lodge any complaints before a final result is published. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan elections: Preliminary results out, Ashraf Ghani wins presidential poll

Two weeks ago, a Swiss Embassy official was detained in Colombo. Now, it emerges that the staffer, who is a local, was taken to a mental asylum before her statement was recorded. Is authoritarianism on a rise in Sri Lanka? #Gravitas #SriLanka #SouthAsia #SriLankangovt

Gravitas: Swiss Embassy Staffer Taken To A Mental Asylum In Sri Lanka

#WION #SouthAsiaDiary Wion brings you its brand-new show South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak. We look at the following stories. Bangladesh Fences Rohingya Camps. Appeasement Politics In Sri Lanka Imran using media to take on dissent?

WION: South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak | Dec 16, 2019

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) &nbsp;in Assam is a key project for the Narendra Modi government in India.

But a seamless implementation of the NRC will no doubt require co-operation from India's eastern neighbour Bangladesh.

And on this front, there is some good news. Bangladesh's foreign minister Abdul Momen has asked India to hand over a list of all Bangladeshi nationals who are presently living illegally in India.

The minister said that his country would be willing to take them back after such a list is provided.

These are testing times for India-Bangladesh ties.

While defending the new citizenship law in parliament, home minister Amit Shah claimed that minorities were being persecuted in Bangladesh.

Momen termed Shah's comments as untrue and a day later cancelled his visit to India.

Diplomatic channels indicate that Bangladesh is a bit uneasy over the situation in India after the passage of the new citizenship law. But the foreign minister dismissed all such reports.

He blamed it all on a busy schedule. Abdul Momen also said that India was not pushing migrants into Bangladesh. And that this was the handiwork of middlemen working at the border.

But Momen's statement of support came with a subtle warning.

He made it clear that if anyone other than a Bangladeshi national ended up at their border, they would send them back without hesitation.

On both the NRC and the new citizenship bill, Bangladesh has maintained that they are India's internal policies.

But the truth is Dhaka was concerned about the rollout of the scheme.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina also raised the issue with PM Modi during their meeting in new york in September.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is a key project for the Narendra Modi government in India. But a seamless implementation of the NRC will no doubt require co-operation from India's eastern neighbour Bangladesh.

The National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam is a key project for the Narendra Modi government in India. But a seamless implementation of the NRC will no doubt require co-operation from India's eastern neighbour Bangladesh. And on this front, there is some good news. Bangladesh's foreign minister Abdul Momen has asked India to hand over a list of all Bangladeshi nationals who are presently living illegally in India. The minister said that his country would be willing to take them back after such a list is provided. These are testing times for India-Bangladesh ties. While defending the new citizenship law in parliament, home minister Amit Shah claimed that minorities were being persecuted in Bangladesh. Momen termed Shah's comments as untrue and a day later cancelled his visit to India. Diplomatic channels indicate that Bangladesh is a bit uneasy over the situation in India after the passage of the new citizenship law. But the foreign minister dismissed all such reports. He blamed it all on a busy schedule. Abdul Momen also said that India was not pushing migrants into Bangladesh. And that this was the handiwork of middlemen working at the border. But Momen's statement of support came with a subtle warning. He made it clear that if anyone other than a Bangladeshi national ended up at their border, they would send them back without hesitation. On both the NRC and the new citizenship bill, Bangladesh has maintained that they are India's internal policies. But the truth is Dhaka was concerned about the rollout of the scheme. Prime minister Sheikh Hasina also raised the issue with PM Modi during their meeting in new york in September.

We have requested India to provide a list of illegal Bangladeshis: Foreign Minister Abdul Momen

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal.

The Indian team won&nbsp;310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals.

"India sets new record! India ends the #SouthAsianGames with a new medal record as they reach 310 medals, one more than their tally in 2016. India won 172 golds, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Many congratulations to all the athletes for the fantastic feat. #SAG2019 #TeamIndia," SAI Media tweeted.

India had won 309 medals in the 2016 edition of the South Asian Games. 
 
Nepal is at the second position in the medal tally with a total of 204 medals.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka and Pakistan landed in the third and fourth spots respectively.

The contingent had ended Monday with a total medal count of 279 medals.&nbsp;

But the athletes have been able to add 31 more medals to take the total tally to 310.&nbsp;

Today is the last day of the South Asian Games 2019.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal. The Indian team won 310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. "India sets new record!

India achieved most wins ever at the South Asian Games in Nepal. The Indian team won 310 medals, which includes 172 gold, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. "India sets new record! India ends the #SouthAsianGames with a new medal record as they reach 310 medals, one more than their tally in 2016. India won 172 golds, 93 silver, and 45 bronze medals. Many congratulations to all the athletes for the fantastic feat. #SAG2019 #TeamIndia," SAI Media tweeted. India had won 309 medals in the 2016 edition of the South Asian Games. Nepal is at the second position in the medal tally with a total of 204 medals. Sri Lanka and Pakistan landed in the third and fourth spots respectively. The contingent had ended Monday with a total medal count of 279 medals. But the athletes have been able to add 31 more medals to take the total tally to 310. Today is the last day of the South Asian Games 2019. (With inputs from ANI)

India takes top spot on medal tally at South Asian Games

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-have-advised-shifting-nawaz-sharif-to-us-for-treatment-pml-n-267225">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's</a> (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. 
 
Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. 
 
"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. 
 
She had further urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-was-near-site-of-stabbing-incident-at-london-bridge-265491">the LHC</a> to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. 
 
The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. She had further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

Government has a week to decide on Maryam's request to be struck off Exit Control List: LHC

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-plans-saarc-foreign-ministers-informal-meet-on-un-general-assembly-sidelines-244249">SAARC</a>) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/sri-lanka-gotabaya-rajapaksas-election-victory-sparks-fear-among-minorities-263657">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a> said on Sunday.

In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region."

SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.

Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges.

"The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said.

"I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added.

In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saarc-needs-greater-collaboration-to-act-against-terrorism-pm-narendra-modi-266951">Narendra Modi</a> had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential.

"SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday.

Sri Lanka remains firmly committed to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Charter and its objectives and attributes of high importance to its purposes and principles which aims to promote peace, stability, amity, and progress in the region, country's President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said on Sunday. In his message on the occasion of the SAARC Charter Day, as cited by Colombo Page, Rajapaksa called on the member nations to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of "our cooperative mechanisms, particularly on areas which are priorities to the people of our region." SAARC is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of states in South Asia, including, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives. Rajapaksa said that the region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organization to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges. "The Member States of SAARC are better positioned to provide the necessary safety networks to address major concerns such as security through forming effective alliances. The Region as a whole requires to forge new avenues of cooperation to steer the Organisation to be more effective in addressing the emerging challenges," Rajapaksa said. "I take this opportunity to reiterate Sri Lanka's firm commitment to SAARC and its objectives and remain confident of the determination of the governments and peoples of our region towards fostering stronger cooperation that is essential for peace, stability and economic prosperity in our region," he added. In his message on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that efforts for greater collaboration among SAARC member states have been repeatedly challenged with threats and acts of terror and such an environment impedes the shared objective of realising the regional body's full potential. "SAARC has made progress, but more needs to be done. Our efforts for greater collaboration have repeatedly been challenged with threats and acts of terrorism. Such an environment impedes our shared objective of realising the full potential of SAARC," Prime Minister Modi said in a letter addressed to the SAARC Secretariat.

Sri Lanka firmly committed to SAARC: Gotabaya Rajapaksa

India will be building a cancer hospital and a cricket stadium in the Maldives. This was announced by PM Modi during his video conference with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih when four projects were inaugurated by India in the island nation. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"India is committed to the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," PM Modi said.

India gifted in-shore patrol vessel CGS Kaamiyaabu to Maldives National Defense Force Coast Guard which President Solih said will be a "valuable asset" to protect the maritime border.&nbsp;

Five executives and three technicians of the 28-meter vessel were trained in India as part of the pre-commission training. The Maldives had requested for the vessel during its defence minister's visit to India. Other than this, India will help develop fish processing plants in country's three islands of Addu City.

The Maldives also joined the growing list of countries - like Bhutan, Singapore, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - to allow the use of RuPay payment mechanism which seen as India's answer to Visa or Master Card.

To deal with the issue of climate change, which was mentioned by President Solih, Male city will be lit by LED bulbs from today. The LED streetlights are gifted as part of the collaboration between the two countries in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

India will be building a cancer hospital and a cricket stadium in the Maldives. This was announced by PM Modi during his video conference with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih when four projects were inaugurated by India in the island nation.

India will be building a cancer hospital and a cricket stadium in the Maldives. This was announced by PM Modi during his video conference with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih when four projects were inaugurated by India in the island nation. "India is committed to the Maldives for democracy and development. We will also enhance our cooperation for peace and mutual security in the Indian Ocean region," PM Modi said. India gifted in-shore patrol vessel CGS Kaamiyaabu to Maldives National Defense Force Coast Guard which President Solih said will be a "valuable asset" to protect the maritime border. Five executives and three technicians of the 28-meter vessel were trained in India as part of the pre-commission training. The Maldives had requested for the vessel during its defence minister's visit to India. Other than this, India will help develop fish processing plants in country's three islands of Addu City. The Maldives also joined the growing list of countries - like Bhutan, Singapore, the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia - to allow the use of RuPay payment mechanism which seen as India's answer to Visa or Master Card. To deal with the issue of climate change, which was mentioned by President Solih, Male city will be lit by LED bulbs from today. The LED streetlights are gifted as part of the collaboration between the two countries in the field of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

India to build cancer hospital, cricket stadium in Maldives 

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-arrives-in-india-265098">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.

Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election&nbsp;six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August.

He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector.

Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka?

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A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month.

The construction industry,&nbsp;which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent.&nbsp;

The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-court-drops-charges-against-new-president-263910">Rajapaksa</a> is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces.

Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3. Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August. He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector. Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka? A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month. The construction industry, which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent. The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees. Rajapaksa is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces. Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.

Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa suspends parliament overnight ahead of snap elections

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Sunday formally inaugurated the 13th edition of the South Asian Games (SAG) with grandeur and fanfare. 
 
The Nepali President declared the multi-sports event of SAARC open at the newly-constructed Dasharath Stadium in the presence of about 30,000 people. 
 
The inaugural ceremony kicked off with march-past by athletes from the SAARC countries,&nbsp;India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The SAG's torch was brought to the stadium after it was toured in all the seven countries. 
 
The ceremony saw a glittering performance of a troupe of 7,500 artists and students, who performed the traditional Lakhe dance, in the stadium, that was decked with lights, flowers, frills and flags. 
 
The ceremony was marked with the bursting of fireworks amid the cheers and applause of spectators at the stadium. 'Krishnasaar (blackbuck antelope) is the official mascot of the 13th SAG. 
 
The SAG is being held in Nepal for the third time and after a gap of 20 years. Last time, Nepal hosted the regional game back in 1999. 
 
Those present in the inauguration ceremony were Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal among other dignitaries. 
 
Technical delegates from various countries, tournament directors, referees, judges, media persons and sports lovers from several countries also graced the occasion. 
 
During the 10-day event, around 3,000 athletes from the seven SAARC countries will compete in 26 different sport disciplines in different venues across Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. 
 
The athletes will be competing for 324 gold medals and the same number of silver medals.

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Sunday formally inaugurated the 13th edition of the South Asian Games (SAG) with grandeur and fanfare. The Nepali President declared the multi-sports event of SAARC open at the newly-constructed Dasharath Stadium in the presence of about 30,000 people.

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Sunday formally inaugurated the 13th edition of the South Asian Games (SAG) with grandeur and fanfare. The Nepali President declared the multi-sports event of SAARC open at the newly-constructed Dasharath Stadium in the presence of about 30,000 people. The inaugural ceremony kicked off with march-past by athletes from the SAARC countries, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The SAG's torch was brought to the stadium after it was toured in all the seven countries. The ceremony saw a glittering performance of a troupe of 7,500 artists and students, who performed the traditional Lakhe dance, in the stadium, that was decked with lights, flowers, frills and flags. The ceremony was marked with the bursting of fireworks amid the cheers and applause of spectators at the stadium. 'Krishnasaar (blackbuck antelope) is the official mascot of the 13th SAG. The SAG is being held in Nepal for the third time and after a gap of 20 years. Last time, Nepal hosted the regional game back in 1999. Those present in the inauguration ceremony were Vice-President Nanda Bahadur Pun, Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher Rana, Nepal Communist Party (NCP) chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal among other dignitaries. Technical delegates from various countries, tournament directors, referees, judges, media persons and sports lovers from several countries also graced the occasion. During the 10-day event, around 3,000 athletes from the seven SAARC countries will compete in 26 different sport disciplines in different venues across Nepal, including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Janakpur. The athletes will be competing for 324 gold medals and the same number of silver medals.

Nepal declares 13th South Asian Games open in Kathmandu

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Sunday announced his government's plans to establish a "comprehensive and enforceable'' code of conduct for student unions to be restored throughout the South Asian country.

Khan asserted the role played by student unions in grooming the youth as potential leaders of the country.&nbsp;

"Universities groom future leaders of the country &amp; student unions form an integral part of this grooming. Unfortunately, in Pakistan universities' student unions became violent battlegrounds &amp; completely destroyed the intellectual atmosphere on campuses," he tweeted.

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We will establish a comprehensive &amp; enforceable code of conduct, learning from the best practices in internationally renowned universities, so that we can restore &amp; enable student unions to play their part in positively grooming our youth as future leaders of the country.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1201150440005615618?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to The Dawn, Khan's reaction came after people participated in a protest called the ''Student Solidarity March'', led by the Student Action Committee (SAC) on November 29.

"We will establish a comprehensive &amp; enforceable code of conduct, learning from the best practices in internationally renowned universities, so that we can restore &amp; enable student unions to play their part in positively grooming our youth as future leaders of the country," Khan added.

Students, supporters and activists across the country are demanding the restoration of student unions, demilitarisation of campuses, nationalisation of educational institutions and withdrawal of the recent fee hike from several universities, amongst other demands. 
 
The protesters are also pressing the government to reserve five per cent of the national GDP for education.

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Sunday announced his government's plans to establish a "comprehensive and enforceable'' code of conduct for student unions to be restored throughout the South Asian country.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan on Sunday announced his government's plans to establish a "comprehensive and enforceable'' code of conduct for student unions to be restored throughout the South Asian country. Khan asserted the role played by student unions in grooming the youth as potential leaders of the country. "Universities groom future leaders of the country & student unions form an integral part of this grooming. Unfortunately, in Pakistan universities' student unions became violent battlegrounds & completely destroyed the intellectual atmosphere on campuses," he tweeted. We will establish a comprehensive & enforceable code of conduct, learning from the best practices in internationally renowned universities, so that we can restore & enable student unions to play their part in positively grooming our youth as future leaders of the country. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 1, 2019 × According to The Dawn, Khan's reaction came after people participated in a protest called the ''Student Solidarity March'', led by the Student Action Committee (SAC) on November 29. "We will establish a comprehensive & enforceable code of conduct, learning from the best practices in internationally renowned universities, so that we can restore & enable student unions to play their part in positively grooming our youth as future leaders of the country," Khan added. Students, supporters and activists across the country are demanding the restoration of student unions, demilitarisation of campuses, nationalisation of educational institutions and withdrawal of the recent fee hike from several universities, amongst other demands. The protesters are also pressing the government to reserve five per cent of the national GDP for education. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan government to establish code of conduct to restore student unions

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning. 
 
The incident happened in Naya Bazar in Kaski District, with no casualties being reported so far, an official confirmed. 
 
"Soon after blast polling at Nawa Prabhat Secondary School was halted. But now it has resumed," Chief District Officer of Kaski District Tek Narayan Paudel told ANI over the phone. 
 
"Investigation about who is behind the incident is being carried by the police. People again have turned up to vote at the polling station and the security has been beefed up," Paudel added. 
 
Polling started from 7 am&nbsp;(local time) for one seat of Lower House, three seats of Province Council and 48 seats of the local bodies. 
 
The voting is being held for a member of the House of Representatives in Kaski constituency-2, while for State Assembly members in Bhaktapur, Baglung and Dang. Similarly, the election is also underway for the mayor at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. 
 
The Election Commission of Nepal had earlier stated that three layers of security have been deployed in and around the polling stations. 
 
A total of 750 police and over 500 armed police force have been deployed around the polling stations, along with the Nepal army patrolling over the area regularly. 
A total of 4, 54 114 voters are eligible to vote in the election and 337 candidates are on the fray. 
 
Top ruling party leaders, including co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have admitted that the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) will face a tough time maintaining the seats they got in the previous polls. 
 
However, the Nepali Congress, which has the opportunity to grab the seats it had lost in the last election, does not have any better prospects, given its lethargic performance as an opposition as well as controversies of its own, say analysts. 
 
While the by-elections won't change the existing dynamics of the government, they do help cement existing values and rebuild trust among voters and provide a gauge of votes before the next major elections.

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning.

An explosive device detonated near a polling station in Kaski District of Nepal as voting for by-elections to elect people's representatives for 52 vacant posts in Kathmandu Valley started on early Saturday morning. The incident happened in Naya Bazar in Kaski District, with no casualties being reported so far, an official confirmed. "Soon after blast polling at Nawa Prabhat Secondary School was halted. But now it has resumed," Chief District Officer of Kaski District Tek Narayan Paudel told ANI over the phone. "Investigation about who is behind the incident is being carried by the police. People again have turned up to vote at the polling station and the security has been beefed up," Paudel added. Polling started from 7 am (local time) for one seat of Lower House, three seats of Province Council and 48 seats of the local bodies. The voting is being held for a member of the House of Representatives in Kaski constituency-2, while for State Assembly members in Bhaktapur, Baglung and Dang. Similarly, the election is also underway for the mayor at Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City. The Election Commission of Nepal had earlier stated that three layers of security have been deployed in and around the polling stations. A total of 750 police and over 500 armed police force have been deployed around the polling stations, along with the Nepal army patrolling over the area regularly. A total of 4, 54 114 voters are eligible to vote in the election and 337 candidates are on the fray. Top ruling party leaders, including co-chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, have admitted that the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) will face a tough time maintaining the seats they got in the previous polls. However, the Nepali Congress, which has the opportunity to grab the seats it had lost in the last election, does not have any better prospects, given its lethargic performance as an opposition as well as controversies of its own, say analysts. While the by-elections won't change the existing dynamics of the government, they do help cement existing values and rebuild trust among voters and provide a gauge of votes before the next major elections.

Nepal by-polls: Explosion near polling station in Kaski, no casualties

Pakistan government on Monday filed a plea in Islamabad High Court seeking an adjournment of verdict announcement in the High Treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf. 
 
A special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn reported. 
 
On Saturday, Musharraf approached the Lahore High Court against the verdict announcement. 
 
Musharraf has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against the special court for reserving judgment in the treason case, Dawn reported. 
 
Musharraf's counsel Khwaja Ahmed Tariq Rahim approached the high court on his client's behalf, contending that the reserving of the verdict on November 19 was 'unconstitutional and void.' 
 
The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. 
 
He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." 
 
The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Pakistan government on Monday filed a plea in Islamabad High Court seeking an adjournment of verdict announcement in the High Treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf.

Pakistan government on Monday filed a plea in Islamabad High Court seeking an adjournment of verdict announcement in the High Treason case against former President General Pervez Musharraf. A special court on November 19 concluded the trial proceedings in the high treason case against Musharraf for declaring a state emergency on November 3, 2007. It also ruled out that the verdict would be announced on November 28 (Thursday) on the basis of the available record, dawn reported. On Saturday, Musharraf approached the Lahore High Court against the verdict announcement. Musharraf has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against the special court for reserving judgment in the treason case, Dawn reported. Musharraf's counsel Khwaja Ahmed Tariq Rahim approached the high court on his client's behalf, contending that the reserving of the verdict on November 19 was 'unconstitutional and void.' The high treason trial of the former leader has been pending since December 2013 when he was booked in the case. He was indicted on March 31, 2014, and the prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. However, due to litigation at appellate forums, the trial of the former president lingered on and he left Pakistan in March 2016 "to seek medical treatment." The retired general was that year declared an absconder as he failed to appear before the court despite repeated summons and the court directive issued to the FIA to arrest him.

Pakistan: Government moves Islamabad High Court against verdict announcement in treason case against Musharraf

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. 
 
The ICRC said that ten&nbsp;Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported. 
 
This comes days after the terrorist group released two foreign professors as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison. 
 
US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the recent steps by Taliban and hoped that they lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government.

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(1/2) Welcome the news that the Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government, and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two <a href="https://twitter.com/AUAfghanistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AUAfghanistan</a> professors.
— U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) <a href="https://twitter.com/US4AfghanPeace/status/1197630918099386369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"US envoy @US4AfghanPeace Welcomes the news that the #Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors," said Khalilzad

"Hopeful these steps lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government, the Taliban, and other Afghan leaders. The Afghan people yearn for peace and security, and we stand with them," he added.

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. The ICRC said that ten Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported.

The Taliban has released ten captured Afghan soldiers, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday. The ICRC said that ten Afghan soldiers were handed over to Red Cross by Taliban in Nahr-e Saraj district, Helmand, who transferred them to the Afghan authorities in Lashkar Gah on Thursday, Tolo News reported. This comes days after the terrorist group released two foreign professors as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison. US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad has welcomed the recent steps by Taliban and hoped that they lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government. (1/2) Welcome the news that the Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government, and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors. — U.S. Special Representative Zalmay Khalilzad (@US4AfghanPeace) November 21, 2019 × "US envoy @US4AfghanPeace Welcomes the news that the #Taliban released 10 Afghan soldiers today. This action followed the release of Taliban prisoners by the Afghan government and the separate Taliban goodwill gesture of releasing two @AUAfghanistan professors," said Khalilzad "Hopeful these steps lead to a reduction in violence and rapid progress towards a political settlement involving the Afghan government, the Taliban, and other Afghan leaders. The Afghan people yearn for peace and security, and we stand with them," he added.

Ten Afghan soldiers released by Taliban: Red Cross

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-resumes-postal-mail-services-with-india-lifts-ban-on-delivery-of-letters-263104">Pakistan</a> is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts.&nbsp;

Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress.&nbsp;

But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country.

Locusts are characterised by their short horns, dynamic colours, and the ability to travel long distances.

In fact, the pests have taken over Pakistan's most populous city, Karachi, over the course of last week.

Residents of the city, have taken to social media to vent their anger and have requested others to beware of these creatures.

The short-horned grasshoppers have also attacked farmlands in Sindh and Karachi.

Areas like Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas and Sanghar have lost 40 per cent of their crops. These include wheat, cotton and several vegetables.

According to many farmers, this is the worst locust crisis in two decades.&nbsp;

Pakistan's food security is under attack, as only two out of its 21 crop-spraying aeroplane fleet are functional. The country lacks the resources to win this battle. In the face of Pakistan's mounting debt, the scope for solutions becomes even dimmer.

Sindh's Minister of Agriculture recently suggested ''cooking'' the locusts and ''making biryani''&nbsp;to solve the problem.

The locust attack coincides with Pakistan's facing a shortage of basic food ingredients, with prices sky-rocketing. Tomatoes are increasingly becoming out of common man's reach. Priced at Rs 300 per kilogram, the important ingredient costs over $4.

In ideal socio-economic situations, tomatoes cost Rs 20 a kilogram, ie, a quarter of a dollar.

Recently, Iran offered to help Pakistan's tomato shortage by&nbsp;exporting tomatoes to them.

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Aftermath <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ban</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/smuggling?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#smuggling</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iranian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iranian</a> fuel the carriers have started transporting <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tomatoes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tomatoes</a> due to its <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/shortage?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#shortage</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> , footage shows cars loaded with tomatoes on Iranian side<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThursdayMotivation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ThursdayMotivation</a> <a href="https://t.co/kvQ26YQGSQ">pic.twitter.com/kvQ26YQGSQ</a>
— Daniyal Butt (@butt_daniyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/butt_daniyal/status/1194914331084906496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Two batches of tomatoes have already reached Pakistan but this move has been unsuccessful in keeping the prices in check.

Traders in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar are feigning ignorance to an increase in tomato supply. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts. Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress. But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country.

Pakistan is facing the oddest crisis of them all - locusts. Coincidentally, tomato prices have sky-rocketed in Pakistan, with most farmers living in distress. But the authorities have to now fight locusts as they're capable of destroying up to 40 per cent of the crops in the country. Locusts are characterised by their short horns, dynamic colours, and the ability to travel long distances. In fact, the pests have taken over Pakistan's most populous city, Karachi, over the course of last week. Residents of the city, have taken to social media to vent their anger and have requested others to beware of these creatures. The short-horned grasshoppers have also attacked farmlands in Sindh and Karachi. Areas like Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas and Sanghar have lost 40 per cent of their crops. These include wheat, cotton and several vegetables. According to many farmers, this is the worst locust crisis in two decades. Pakistan's food security is under attack, as only two out of its 21 crop-spraying aeroplane fleet are functional. The country lacks the resources to win this battle. In the face of Pakistan's mounting debt, the scope for solutions becomes even dimmer. Sindh's Minister of Agriculture recently suggested ''cooking'' the locusts and ''making biryani'' to solve the problem. The locust attack coincides with Pakistan's facing a shortage of basic food ingredients, with prices sky-rocketing. Tomatoes are increasingly becoming out of common man's reach. Priced at Rs 300 per kilogram, the important ingredient costs over $4. In ideal socio-economic situations, tomatoes cost Rs 20 a kilogram, ie, a quarter of a dollar. Recently, Iran offered to help Pakistan's tomato shortage by exporting tomatoes to them. Aftermath #Ban on #smuggling #Iranian fuel the carriers have started transporting #Tomatoes due to its #shortage in #Pakistan #Balochistan , footage shows cars loaded with tomatoes on Iranian side#ThursdayMotivation pic.twitter.com/kvQ26YQGSQ — Daniyal Butt (@butt_daniyal) November 14, 2019 × Two batches of tomatoes have already reached Pakistan but this move has been unsuccessful in keeping the prices in check. Traders in Karachi, Rawalpindi and Peshawar are feigning ignorance to an increase in tomato supply.

Pakistan under attack by locusts, more than 40% crops under risk

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-names-brother-mahinda-as-sri-lanka-pm-spokesperson-263441">Mahinda Rajapaksa</a> has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation.

Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.&nbsp;

According to Colombo Page, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankas-prime-minister-wickremesinghe-to-resign-today-263336">Wickremesinghe</a> took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions.&nbsp;

Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation

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Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. 
 
The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war.&nbsp; 
 
The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses.

(With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation.

Mahinda Rajapaksa has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka. His brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the new president of the island nation. Mahinda served as the president from 2005-2015, with his ascension facilitated by the announcement of Ranil Wickremesinghe's resignation. Following this, a caretaker government was formed under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. According to Colombo Page, Wickremesinghe took the decision after a special cabinet meeting on Wednesday, a day after he met Gotabaya. The President has reportedly decided to appoint a caretaker cabinet with 15 members until the General Elections are held in March 2020 after the dissolution of the current parliament as per constitutional provisions. Watch: Sri Lankan PM announces resignation Leaders of the parties that backed Gotabaya during the presidential polls will be given preference in the new cabinet. The Rajapaksa brothers are credited with crushing the Tamil Tigers a decade ago to end Sri Lanka's civil war. The security services under their control during the time have been accused of war crimes and multiple human rights abuses. (With inputs from ANI)

Mahinda Rajapaksa sworn-in as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-17-members-of-pm-secretariat-tender-resignations-261147">shuffle his cabinet</a>&nbsp;today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley.

''I will be reshuffling the cabinet tomorrow. Some of you might be replaced by new faces; you will know my decision the next day. I thank you all for your support and ask you not to take it otherwise," a minister requesting not to be identified by name quoted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as saying after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening.

The latest cabinet meeting was held at PM's residence in Baluwatar. 
 
"He (Prime Minister) did not give any hints about who would be going off the seat and who will be chaired. Even I don't have a clue whether I would remain minister for remaining days or it's my last day in the post," the minister added.

This did not happen out of the blue as the PM had been planning to reshuffle the cabinet for a long time and even asked his secretariat members to resign from the post.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-appoints-governors-of-all-seven-provinces-260040">The incumbent government</a> under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli was formed in February of 2018 after the landslide victory in the Federal Election. The erstwhile Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist Leninist won the maximum seats after forming an alliance of Leftist parties in Nepal.

(With inputs from ANI)

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to shuffle his cabinet today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley.

KP Sharma Oli, who took over as the Prime Minister of Nepal twenty months ago is set to shuffle his cabinet today. He informed his Council of Ministers that the shuffle would take place today, requesting them to not make plans and to stay in the Kathmandu valley. ''I will be reshuffling the cabinet tomorrow. Some of you might be replaced by new faces; you will know my decision the next day. I thank you all for your support and ask you not to take it otherwise," a minister requesting not to be identified by name quoted Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as saying after the cabinet meeting on Tuesday evening. The latest cabinet meeting was held at PM's residence in Baluwatar. "He (Prime Minister) did not give any hints about who would be going off the seat and who will be chaired. Even I don't have a clue whether I would remain minister for remaining days or it's my last day in the post," the minister added. This did not happen out of the blue as the PM had been planning to reshuffle the cabinet for a long time and even asked his secretariat members to resign from the post. The incumbent government under the leadership of KP Sharma Oli was formed in February of 2018 after the landslide victory in the Federal Election. The erstwhile Communist Party of Nepal-Marxist Leninist won the maximum seats after forming an alliance of Leftist parties in Nepal. (With inputs from ANI)

Nepal: PM Oli to shuffle the cabinet today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankas-newly-elected-president-accepts-pm-modis-invitation-to-visit-india-on-november-29-263217">Sri Lankan</a> Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported. 
 
Wickremesinghe discussed this matter when he met Rajapaksa on Tuesday. 
 
A special Cabinet meeting is slated to be held at 4 pm today, after which the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will announce his resignation from the post, according to the Sri Lankan daily. 
 
Later, Rajapaksa is expected to appoint a small Cabinet for a brief period till the dissolution of the Parliament after March 1, 2020. 
 
Leaders of the parties that backed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gotabaya-rajapaksa-sworn-in-as-sri-lankan-new-president-262851">Rajapaksa</a> during the presidential polls will be given preference in the Cabinet. According to sources, the Cabinet will have 15 members. 
 
70-year old Rajapaksa defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded presidential elections, the country's election commission said on Sunday. 
 
On Monday, Rajapaksa took oath as the president at Ruwanweliseya, a Buddhist pagoda, in Anuradhapura, situated in northcentral Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. 
 
His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will tender his resignation from office on Wednesday, paving the way for newly-elected President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to appoint a new Cabinet, Daily Mirror reported. Wickremesinghe discussed this matter when he met Rajapaksa on Tuesday. A special Cabinet meeting is slated to be held at 4 pm today, after which the Sri Lankan Prime Minister will announce his resignation from the post, according to the Sri Lankan daily. Later, Rajapaksa is expected to appoint a small Cabinet for a brief period till the dissolution of the Parliament after March 1, 2020. Leaders of the parties that backed Rajapaksa during the presidential polls will be given preference in the Cabinet. According to sources, the Cabinet will have 15 members. 70-year old Rajapaksa defeated United National Party (UNP) candidate Sajith Premadasa by more than 13 lakh votes in the recently concluded presidential elections, the country's election commission said on Sunday. On Monday, Rajapaksa took oath as the president at Ruwanweliseya, a Buddhist pagoda, in Anuradhapura, situated in northcentral Sri Lanka. He is the second member of the Rajapaksa family to become the president. His older brother Mahinda Rajapaksa served as president from 2005 to 2015.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Wickremesinghe to resign today

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment.

Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Last week, &nbsp;the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds.

Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment.&nbsp;

The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif.

Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond.&nbsp;

The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too.

He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has departed for London for medical treatment. Nawaz sharif’s brother Shahbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan are travelling with him to London. Last week, the Lahore court had conditionally allowed Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif has been allowed to leave Pakistan only for 4 weeks on medical grounds. Before leaving, Nawaz's lawyers had to submit an undertaking that Nawaz would return to Pakistan if he is allowed to go abroad for treatment. The undertaking was signed by Nawaz's brother Shahbaz Sharif. Nawaz Sharif is in the exit control list. Thus is not be allowed to leave the country without submitting a security bond. The former Pakistani PM was jailed on corruption charges and faces trial on several other counts, too. He was granted bail for eight weeks in the sugar mills case and the graft case against him was suspended on medical grounds.

Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for medical treatment

Former Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-to-travel-to-london-via-air-ambulance-263011">Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a>&nbsp;left for&nbsp;London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance.&nbsp;

Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan.

Sharif was recently allowed by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minister-asks-government-to-challenge-lahore-high-court-order-concerning-nazaw-sharif-262633">Lahore High Court (LHC)</a> to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment.

According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete.&nbsp;

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Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years.

Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case.

Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health.&nbsp;

His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal.&nbsp;

Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List.

(With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif left for London from Lahore's international airport today via a Qatar air ambulance. Over the last few weeks, Pakistani courts and the government have been in a dilemma over allowing Sharif to travel abroad for treatment as he was in jail for corruption crimes. Sharif is accompanied by his brother, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) president Shahbaz Sharif, and his personal physician Adnan Khan. Sharif was recently allowed by Lahore High Court (LHC) to travel abroad for four weeks to facilitate treatment. According to ANI, he will be admitted to Charlestown Clinic in London, with preparation for his treatment almost complete. Lahore: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif departs for London for medical treatment. pic.twitter.com/slrs1PruHQ — ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2019 × Sharif is on an eight-week bail due to medical reasons. He was imprisoned for his involvement in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case and was set to serve for seven years. Additionally, he also got bail from LHC in connection with a money laundering case. Sharif was in the Kot Lakhpat Jail last month after his physician Adnan Khan rang alarms in view of his deteriorating health. His platelet count, which had stooped to dangerously low levels, was struggling to become normal. Earlier, Sharif was slated to leave for abroad on Sunday but was disallowed following the court's refusal to remove his name from the Exit Control List. (With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for London for treatment

Over 49,000 people have been tested positive for dengue in Pakistan, setting a new record of the infection in the country. 
 
The surge in the number of cases was reported in the last 15 days. Moreover, fatalities by the infection have reached 79, Dawn reported. 
 
Expressing no concern, the authorities have said that surge is due to improved mechanism to record the number of cases. The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), Sajid Shah, said,&nbsp;"This year an unprecedented number of dengue cases has been reported across the globe. Besides, the mechanism of recording the cases has improved across the country." 
 
Out of 49,587 cases, 13,173 cases were reported from Islamabad, 13,251 from Sindh, 9,855 from Punjab, 7,776 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 3,217 cases from Balochistan.

Besides, 1,690 cases were reported from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir while 625 cases were placed in the 'other' category.

Also known as 'dandy fever', dengue is one of the world's leading mosquito-borne illnesses taking scores of lives globally every year.

Over 49,000 people have been tested positive for dengue in Pakistan, setting a new record of the infection in the country. The surge in the number of cases was reported in the last 15 days.

Over 49,000 people have been tested positive for dengue in Pakistan, setting a new record of the infection in the country. The surge in the number of cases was reported in the last 15 days. Moreover, fatalities by the infection have reached 79, Dawn reported. Expressing no concern, the authorities have said that surge is due to improved mechanism to record the number of cases. The spokesperson for the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS), Sajid Shah, said, "This year an unprecedented number of dengue cases has been reported across the globe. Besides, the mechanism of recording the cases has improved across the country." Out of 49,587 cases, 13,173 cases were reported from Islamabad, 13,251 from Sindh, 9,855 from Punjab, 7,776 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 3,217 cases from Balochistan. Besides, 1,690 cases were reported from Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir while 625 cases were placed in the 'other' category. Also known as 'dandy fever', dengue is one of the world's leading mosquito-borne illnesses taking scores of lives globally every year.

Pakistan: Dengue outbreak, 49,000 cases registered

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-freedom-party-extends-conditional-support-to-gotabhaya-rajapaksa-254755">election becomes due early next year</a>.

Two other brothers are political strategists for their Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and one of them is considering a shot at becoming the speaker in parliament. Three men of the family's next generation are also in politics.

The Rajapaksas, best known for the brutal defeat of separatist Tamil rebels and then drawing Sri Lanka into China's orbit when the West and India shunned the Indian Ocean island, are back at the centre of the nation's deeply divisive politics and it is stoking fear.

While there are no formal opinion polls, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the hot favourite to win the presidential election this Saturday. His chief opponent Sajith Premadasa, a government minister, is seen to be trailing.

Gotabaya led the operations against the Tamil Tigers when his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president. Gotabaya has faced lawsuits in Sri Lanka and in the United States over allegations of staged killings of Tamil separatists, critics and journalists during the war.

Both brothers deny the allegations as part of a Western conspiracy to interfere in the island nation of 22 million that sits astride vital shipping lanes and has long been a tinder-box of tensions between the dominant Sinhalese Buddhists and minority ethnic Tamils. In recent months, Sinhalese hardliners have also targeted the tiny Muslim community.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Mahinda lost the 2015 presidential election to a cabinet colleague who turned against him - Maithripala Sirisena. After his ouster, the family's fortunes fell into decline.

But Easter Sunday bombings on hotels and churches, in which more than 250 people were killed, derailed Sirisena's presidency, and he has announced he will not contest this year. The attacks, claimed by Islamic State, have rekindled support for the Rajapaksas and their brand of Sinhalese nationalism.

Mahinda is barred from running for president again, and is on the stump for Gotabaya, bringing an affable touch to the campaign against the rather gruff manner of his brother, more known for his military machismo.

Another brother, Basil, handles the party finances and striking deals with rival groups while a fourth brother and former speaker, Chamal, campaigns in the family borough in the south of the island.

Family prospects

Mahinda, who is currently the leader of the opposition in parliament, is the obvious choice for prime minister when parliamentary elections are held early next year, said Keheliya Rambukwella, spokesman for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-sri-lanka-a-polarising-politician-reaches-out-to-minorities-247080">Gotabaya campaign</a>.

Chamal Rajapaksa would be the choice for parliament speaker, a position he has previously held, political experts, say. In all, seven members of the family are involved in politics, and some of the others could also end up in parliament.

"We are going to see family rule again, and all the excesses that came up with it the last time," said Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne, who is opposed to the Rajapaksas. "They will suppress all dissent."

In a front-page editorial, the state-run Sunday Observer said it was "afraid" of a Gotabaya presidency and appealed to voters to make the "right choice."

"A wrong choice will send the country hurtling toward authoritarianism and iron-fisted rule," it said.

Gotabaya's spokesman dismissed warnings of family rule, saying the candidate was quite clear merit will be only considered for top political jobs.&nbsp;

"When Gotabaya comes to power he will appoint people with qualification to the positions, irrespective of their ties to him," Rambukwella said.

On the campaign, Gotabaya has been uncompromising about the need to strengthen security, repeatedly raising the circumstances that led to the Easter Sunday attacks.

At a campaign rally in Wellawaye in central Sri Lanka Gotabaya said during his time as defence secretary, he had raised special military and intelligence units to tackle extremism, drug trafficking networks and the underworld. These cells had since been weakened, he said.

"There can be no higher priority than national security," he said.

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that election becomes due early next year.

One brother is considered a shoo-in for the job of Sri Lanka's president in elections this weekend and another is eyeing the prime minister's post when that election becomes due early next year. Two other brothers are political strategists for their Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party and one of them is considering a shot at becoming the speaker in parliament. Three men of the family's next generation are also in politics. The Rajapaksas, best known for the brutal defeat of separatist Tamil rebels and then drawing Sri Lanka into China's orbit when the West and India shunned the Indian Ocean island, are back at the centre of the nation's deeply divisive politics and it is stoking fear. While there are no formal opinion polls, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa is the hot favourite to win the presidential election this Saturday. His chief opponent Sajith Premadasa, a government minister, is seen to be trailing. Gotabaya led the operations against the Tamil Tigers when his elder brother Mahinda Rajapaksa was president. Gotabaya has faced lawsuits in Sri Lanka and in the United States over allegations of staged killings of Tamil separatists, critics and journalists during the war. Both brothers deny the allegations as part of a Western conspiracy to interfere in the island nation of 22 million that sits astride vital shipping lanes and has long been a tinder-box of tensions between the dominant Sinhalese Buddhists and minority ethnic Tamils. In recent months, Sinhalese hardliners have also targeted the tiny Muslim community. Mahinda lost the 2015 presidential election to a cabinet colleague who turned against him - Maithripala Sirisena. After his ouster, the family's fortunes fell into decline. But Easter Sunday bombings on hotels and churches, in which more than 250 people were killed, derailed Sirisena's presidency, and he has announced he will not contest this year. The attacks, claimed by Islamic State, have rekindled support for the Rajapaksas and their brand of Sinhalese nationalism. Mahinda is barred from running for president again, and is on the stump for Gotabaya, bringing an affable touch to the campaign against the rather gruff manner of his brother, more known for his military machismo. Another brother, Basil, handles the party finances and striking deals with rival groups while a fourth brother and former speaker, Chamal, campaigns in the family borough in the south of the island. Family prospects Mahinda, who is currently the leader of the opposition in parliament, is the obvious choice for prime minister when parliamentary elections are held early next year, said Keheliya Rambukwella, spokesman for the Gotabaya campaign. Chamal Rajapaksa would be the choice for parliament speaker, a position he has previously held, political experts, say. In all, seven members of the family are involved in politics, and some of the others could also end up in parliament. "We are going to see family rule again, and all the excesses that came up with it the last time," said Health Minister Rajitha Senarathne, who is opposed to the Rajapaksas. "They will suppress all dissent." In a front-page editorial, the state-run Sunday Observer said it was "afraid" of a Gotabaya presidency and appealed to voters to make the "right choice." "A wrong choice will send the country hurtling toward authoritarianism and iron-fisted rule," it said. Gotabaya's spokesman dismissed warnings of family rule, saying the candidate was quite clear merit will be only considered for top political jobs. "When Gotabaya comes to power he will appoint people with qualification to the positions, irrespective of their ties to him," Rambukwella said. On the campaign, Gotabaya has been uncompromising about the need to strengthen security, repeatedly raising the circumstances that led to the Easter Sunday attacks. At a campaign rally in Wellawaye in central Sri Lanka Gotabaya said during his time as defence secretary, he had raised special military and intelligence units to tackle extremism, drug trafficking networks and the underworld. These cells had since been weakened, he said. "There can be no higher priority than national security," he said.

Rajapaksa brothers set to dominate Sri Lanka again after hiatus

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes. 
 
"Whoever is elected president will be under domestic and international scrutiny to ensure that Sri Lanka meets its human rights obligations," Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), said. 
 
The watchdog emphasised Sri Lanka's commitments under Resolution 40/L.1 of the UN Human Rights Council to set a time-bound implementation strategy of the pursuit of justice for the victims of alleged war crimes during the decades-long internal conflict. 
 
While there have been certain positive proceedings in this regard,&nbsp;such as the return of land seized by the military during the conflict to its rightful owners,&nbsp;the government has failed to make progress on other pledges, the HRW said. As an example, HRW mentioned how the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations were established but never put to work. 
 
The most crucial setbacks, however, have been in the judicial realm, according to the HRW. There exists a so-called Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka that has long been linked to arbitrary detention and torture and it is still not replaced. There also has not been any progress in establishing a transitional justice mechanism to promote "reconciliation, accountability and human rights" in the country. 
 
Sri Lanka was marred in an armed conflict between its government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from 1983-2009 during which war crimes were allegedly committed by both sides.

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes.

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes. "Whoever is elected president will be under domestic and international scrutiny to ensure that Sri Lanka meets its human rights obligations," Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), said. The watchdog emphasised Sri Lanka's commitments under Resolution 40/L.1 of the UN Human Rights Council to set a time-bound implementation strategy of the pursuit of justice for the victims of alleged war crimes during the decades-long internal conflict. While there have been certain positive proceedings in this regard, such as the return of land seized by the military during the conflict to its rightful owners, the government has failed to make progress on other pledges, the HRW said. As an example, HRW mentioned how the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations were established but never put to work. The most crucial setbacks, however, have been in the judicial realm, according to the HRW. There exists a so-called Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka that has long been linked to arbitrary detention and torture and it is still not replaced. There also has not been any progress in establishing a transitional justice mechanism to promote "reconciliation, accountability and human rights" in the country. Sri Lanka was marred in an armed conflict between its government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from 1983-2009 during which war crimes were allegedly committed by both sides.

Future Sri Lankan president to face challenges in ensuring justice: Human Rights Watch

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) on Monday, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said, implying that he would be free to leave the country for medical treatment. 
 
The ailing PML-N leader was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday but his departure was delayed because his name could not be taken off the ECL. 
 
"Everybody is worried about Mian Nawaz Sharif's health but the issue should not be politicised," Geo News quoted governor Sarwar as saying. 
 
Sarwar said that the government had constituted a medical board since it was not willing to take any risks on Sharif's health. 
 
Sharif is suffering from multiple health complications, including erratic platelet count. He has been granted bail by the Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Chaudhry Sugar Mills cases respectively on humanitarian grounds.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) on Monday, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said, implying that he would be free to leave the country for medical treatment.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif would be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) on Monday, Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar said, implying that he would be free to leave the country for medical treatment. The ailing PML-N leader was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday but his departure was delayed because his name could not be taken off the ECL. "Everybody is worried about Mian Nawaz Sharif's health but the issue should not be politicised," Geo News quoted governor Sarwar as saying. Sarwar said that the government had constituted a medical board since it was not willing to take any risks on Sharif's health. Sharif is suffering from multiple health complications, including erratic platelet count. He has been granted bail by the Islamabad High Court and Lahore High Court in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Chaudhry Sugar Mills cases respectively on humanitarian grounds.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif to be removed from Exit Control List today

Nepal State Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Prakash Rawal on Sunday stepped down from his post after he was charged with holding shares in the Janajyoti Multiple Campus located in Kanchanpur district.

Action will be taken against him if found guilty in an enquiry, informed Prakash Shah, spokesperson of the government and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, as reported by The Himalayan Times.

Rawal's personal secretary Ravindra Sunar confirmed the news saying, "Rawal also returned the keys to the government vehicle he was using, to the chief minister."

The Chief Minister of the province Trilochan Bhatta has welcomed the resignation of Rawal.

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leader previously defended himself saying that the allegation against him was an attempt to tarnish his image.

A case was filed against 36 people, including Rawal on July 23 in Kanchnapur District Court.

Nepal State Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Prakash Rawal on Sunday stepped down from his post after he was charged with holding shares in the Janajyoti Multiple Campus located in Kanchanpur district.

Nepal State Minister of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Prakash Rawal on Sunday stepped down from his post after he was charged with holding shares in the Janajyoti Multiple Campus located in Kanchanpur district. Action will be taken against him if found guilty in an enquiry, informed Prakash Shah, spokesperson of the government and Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, as reported by The Himalayan Times. Rawal's personal secretary Ravindra Sunar confirmed the news saying, "Rawal also returned the keys to the government vehicle he was using, to the chief minister." The Chief Minister of the province Trilochan Bhatta has welcomed the resignation of Rawal. Nepal Communist Party (NCP) leader previously defended himself saying that the allegation against him was an attempt to tarnish his image. A case was filed against 36 people, including Rawal on July 23 in Kanchnapur District Court.

Nepal Tourism Minister Prakash Rawal steps down

Pakistan will allow ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, the country's foreign minister said Sunday.

Sharif, Pakistan's longest-serving premier, was ousted from his third term in office in 2017 and later jailed on corruption charges.

His health deteriorated while in prison and he suffered a minor heart attack last month, his party said, while his doctor claimed on Twitter that the ex-leader was "fighting for his life".

Sharif was bailed for health reasons and remains at a hospital in the eastern city of Lahore, but a travel ban prevented him from leaving the country.

Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Sunday that "legal obstacles" to Sharif's departure were being removed as doctors had said that medical treatment abroad was needed to save his life.

"The government has given importance to the doctors' opinion," Qureshi told reporters in the central city of Multan, days after Sharif's relatives petitioned Pakistan's interior ministry for the travel ban to be lifted.

"We pray to God for his recovery, so that he returns with good health and take part in politics," he added.

A source in Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party said the former leader would now likely fly to London in the coming days.

Sharif, known as the "Lion of Punjab", is a political survivor who has repeatedly roared back to the country's top office, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Pakistani politics.

A hugely wealthy steel tycoon from Punjab, Pakistan's wealthiest province, the 69-year-old was considered strong on the economy and infrastructure but inherited sagging finances and a stifling energy crisis when he was elected for the third time in 2013.

He earned a reputation for combativeness during his two previous terms as prime minister, from 1990 to 1993,&nbsp;when he was sacked, also on corruption charges, and from 1997 to 1999, when he was deposed by the powerful military.

Sharif blamed the security establishment for again targeting him in 2017 when the Supreme Court disqualified him from politics for life over graft allegations, which he denies.

He later received a seven-year jail sentence.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who defeated Sharif's party in last year's general election, has since launched a high-profile and controversial anti-corruption drive that has targeted several leaders of Sharif's party.

Pakistan will allow ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, the country's foreign minister said Sunday. Sharif, Pakistan's longest-serving premier, was ousted from his third term in office in 2017 and later jailed on corruption charges.

Pakistan will allow ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for urgent medical treatment, the country's foreign minister said Sunday. Sharif, Pakistan's longest-serving premier, was ousted from his third term in office in 2017 and later jailed on corruption charges. His health deteriorated while in prison and he suffered a minor heart attack last month, his party said, while his doctor claimed on Twitter that the ex-leader was "fighting for his life". Sharif was bailed for health reasons and remains at a hospital in the eastern city of Lahore, but a travel ban prevented him from leaving the country. Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Sunday that "legal obstacles" to Sharif's departure were being removed as doctors had said that medical treatment abroad was needed to save his life. "The government has given importance to the doctors' opinion," Qureshi told reporters in the central city of Multan, days after Sharif's relatives petitioned Pakistan's interior ministry for the travel ban to be lifted. "We pray to God for his recovery, so that he returns with good health and take part in politics," he added. A source in Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party said the former leader would now likely fly to London in the coming days. Sharif, known as the "Lion of Punjab", is a political survivor who has repeatedly roared back to the country's top office, underscoring the unpredictable nature of Pakistani politics. A hugely wealthy steel tycoon from Punjab, Pakistan's wealthiest province, the 69-year-old was considered strong on the economy and infrastructure but inherited sagging finances and a stifling energy crisis when he was elected for the third time in 2013. He earned a reputation for combativeness during his two previous terms as prime minister, from 1990 to 1993, when he was sacked, also on corruption charges, and from 1997 to 1999, when he was deposed by the powerful military. Sharif blamed the security establishment for again targeting him in 2017 when the Supreme Court disqualified him from politics for life over graft allegations, which he denies. He later received a seven-year jail sentence. Prime Minister Imran Khan, who defeated Sharif's party in last year's general election, has since launched a high-profile and controversial anti-corruption drive that has targeted several leaders of Sharif's party.

Pakistan to allow ailing Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad

Bangladeshi President Md&nbsp;Abdul Hamid will pay a three-day "goodwill" visit to Nepal from November 12 to 15, the Himalayan nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. 
 
"At the invitation of the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari, the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Hamid is paying an official goodwill visit to Nepal from November 12 to 15, 2019," a release from the ministry stated. 
 
The release also outlined that the President of Bangladesh will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival. 
 
During the three-day visit, the Bangladeshi President will meet his Nepali counterpart, as well as the Vice President, Prime Minister, Chairperson of 
the National Assembly and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal. 
 
Hamid is also slated to hold engagements with other Nepali political leaders. 
 
"While in Nepal, the President of Bangladesh will also visit Pokhara and the historical, archaeological and cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley," the release added.

Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid will pay a three-day "goodwill" visit to Nepal from November 12 to 15, the Himalayan nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

Bangladeshi President Md Abdul Hamid will pay a three-day "goodwill" visit to Nepal from November 12 to 15, the Himalayan nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed. "At the invitation of the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari, the President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh Md. Abdul Hamid is paying an official goodwill visit to Nepal from November 12 to 15, 2019," a release from the ministry stated. The release also outlined that the President of Bangladesh will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival. During the three-day visit, the Bangladeshi President will meet his Nepali counterpart, as well as the Vice President, Prime Minister, Chairperson of the National Assembly and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal. Hamid is also slated to hold engagements with other Nepali political leaders. "While in Nepal, the President of Bangladesh will also visit Pokhara and the historical, archaeological and cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley," the release added.

Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid to visit Nepal from November 12-15

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package.

Once the International Monetary Fund board gives the go-ahead, the Washington-based lender will provide $450 million to help right the South Asian nation's economy, on top of the $1 billion released in July.

"Despite a difficult environment, program implementation has been good, and all performance criteria for end-September were met with comfortable margins," IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo said in a statement.

The official, who led a team that spent two weeks in the country, pointed to signs of improving economic stability, including the move to a flexible exchange rate, and slowing inflation that is projected to fall under 12 per cent next year.

But he said more work was needed to target money laundering and on terror finance controls.

Approval of the first performance review of Pakistan's policy programme will also help unlock "significant funding from bilateral and multilateral partners."

Under the loan program, the government agreed to slash civil expenditure and freeze military spending while promising to substantially raise revenues to stem a yawning fiscal deficit, and pledging to collect 5.5 trillion rupees&nbsp;in taxes.

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package.

The IMF on Friday praised Pakistan's economic performance and agreed on the next steps, paving the way for the release of another portion of a $6 billion, three-year loan package. Once the International Monetary Fund board gives the go-ahead, the Washington-based lender will provide $450 million to help right the South Asian nation's economy, on top of the $1 billion released in July. "Despite a difficult environment, program implementation has been good, and all performance criteria for end-September were met with comfortable margins," IMF mission chief Ernesto Ramirez Rigo said in a statement. The official, who led a team that spent two weeks in the country, pointed to signs of improving economic stability, including the move to a flexible exchange rate, and slowing inflation that is projected to fall under 12 per cent next year. But he said more work was needed to target money laundering and on terror finance controls. Approval of the first performance review of Pakistan's policy programme will also help unlock "significant funding from bilateral and multilateral partners." Under the loan program, the government agreed to slash civil expenditure and freeze military spending while promising to substantially raise revenues to stem a yawning fiscal deficit, and pledging to collect 5.5 trillion rupees in taxes.

International Monetary Fund approves $450 million loan to Pakistan as part of three-year package

China is encroaching into Nepal's land through an ongoing road expansion project in Tibet, Nepal's Survey Department has said.

Nepali news portal Khabarhub cited a detailed report issued by the department which said that around 36 hectors of land in four different districts, including Sankhuwasabha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Humla, which touch the Chinese border.

A data revealed that around six hectors of land in the Bhagdare River in the Humla district and four hectors of land in Karnali district have been encroached upon that now falls in Tibet's Furang area.

Similarly, around six hectares of Nepali land in Sanjen River and Jambhu Khola of Rasuwa, have also fallen into Kerung in southern Tibet.

China has also encroached more than 10 hectares of land in Sindhupalchowk district's Bhotekoshi and Kharanekhola areas those are now under Nyalam area of Tibet, the report said.

In Sankhuwasabha, nine hectors of land have been encroached due to the road expansion in the autonomous region of Tibet where areas around Kamukhola, Arun River and Sumjung River now has fallen into Tingisyan County area.

With this, the survey data further divulged that some places near the Arun Khola, Kamu Khola and Sumjung now also fallen into Tibet's Tingisyan area. 
According to the ministry's data, Nepal would lose several hundred hectares of land.

The survey was released following a tense situation between India and Nepal over a new map showing Kalapani in Uttarakhand.

However, after a strong objection by the Nepali government, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the new political map released by India after bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir accurately depicts its sovereign territory and did not revise its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-thousands-of-bunkers-being-constructed-for-safety-of-citizens-in-villages-near-line-of-control-259832">boundary with Nepal </a>in any manner.

Responding to a question on the same, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the boundary delineation with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism and New Delhi is committed to finding a solution on the matter through dialogue in the spirit of the close and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries.

"Our map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. The new map has, in no manner, revised our boundary with Nepal. The boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism. We reiterate our commitment to find a solution through dialogue in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relation," he said.&nbsp;

China is encroaching into Nepal's land through an ongoing road expansion project in Tibet, Nepal's Survey Department has said. Nepali news portal Khabarhub cited a detailed report issued by the department which said that around 36 hectors of land in four different districts, including Sankhuwasabha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Humla, which touch the Chinese border.

China is encroaching into Nepal's land through an ongoing road expansion project in Tibet, Nepal's Survey Department has said. Nepali news portal Khabarhub cited a detailed report issued by the department which said that around 36 hectors of land in four different districts, including Sankhuwasabha, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Humla, which touch the Chinese border. A data revealed that around six hectors of land in the Bhagdare River in the Humla district and four hectors of land in Karnali district have been encroached upon that now falls in Tibet's Furang area. Similarly, around six hectares of Nepali land in Sanjen River and Jambhu Khola of Rasuwa, have also fallen into Kerung in southern Tibet. China has also encroached more than 10 hectares of land in Sindhupalchowk district's Bhotekoshi and Kharanekhola areas those are now under Nyalam area of Tibet, the report said. In Sankhuwasabha, nine hectors of land have been encroached due to the road expansion in the autonomous region of Tibet where areas around Kamukhola, Arun River and Sumjung River now has fallen into Tingisyan County area. With this, the survey data further divulged that some places near the Arun Khola, Kamu Khola and Sumjung now also fallen into Tibet's Tingisyan area. According to the ministry's data, Nepal would lose several hundred hectares of land. The survey was released following a tense situation between India and Nepal over a new map showing Kalapani in Uttarakhand. However, after a strong objection by the Nepali government, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that the new political map released by India after bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir accurately depicts its sovereign territory and did not revise its boundary with Nepal in any manner. Responding to a question on the same, MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said that the boundary delineation with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism and New Delhi is committed to finding a solution on the matter through dialogue in the spirit of the close and friendly bilateral relations between the two countries. "Our map accurately depicts the sovereign territory of India. The new map has, in no manner, revised our boundary with Nepal. The boundary delineation exercise with Nepal is ongoing under the existing mechanism. We reiterate our commitment to find a solution through dialogue in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relation," he said.

Survey shows China encroaching Nepal's land

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