<p>Angelo Mathews, who made a return to Sri Lanka's T20 side with a bang in the first match against Zimbabwe, has hit out at former selectors for keeping him out of the team. Mathews, who won Player of the Match for his unbeaten 46 on Sunday (Jan 13) in Colombo, was playing his first T20I since 2021. Mathews' innings helped the island nation chase down 144 despite some hiccups and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a three-wicket win.</p>

<p>Talking after the game, Mathews said that his exclusion from the T20Is was driven by agendas and no proper reason was given to him by the Pramodya Wickramasinghe-led selection panel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-rohit-sharma-becomes-batter-with-joint-second-most-ducks-in-t20is-after-flop-show-in-indore-680042">Ind vs Afg: Rohit Sharma registers joint second-most ducks in T20Is after flop show in Indore</a></p>

<p>"In the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons I batted and bowled well, but unfortunately I wasn't selected for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn't given reasons for that," Mathews said after winning the Player-of-the-Match trophy. "If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen - we haven't even qualified for the Champions Trophy.</p>

<p>"But one thing I believe is that if you train and play wholeheartedly, you can create an environment for yourself where you can perform. I kept my efforts up over the last couple of years. I think I can play for a little while longer," he added.</p>

<p>The newly-appointed selection committee headed by Upul Tharanga, however, has Mathews in its plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup.</p>

<p>"The communication with me and the new selectors is quite clear. They asked me what my plans were for the future and [told me] their plans as well. We had a very good discussion. They said that I'm in their plans for the T20 World Cup, and if I could bowl a few overs. I said: 'Absolutely - if I can help the team in any way'," said Mathews.</p>

<p>As for the match, skipper Sikandar Raza led the charge for Zimbabwe with 42-ball 62 but couldn't get much support from others. Maheesh Theekshana and new Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga bowled the spells of 2/16 and 2/19, respectively to keep the visitors in check at 143/5 in 20 overs.</p>

<p>During the chase, Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother with six wickets down for 83 runs, but Mathews kept the innings going along with former skipper Dasun Shanaka (unbeaten 26 off 18). It was, however, Dushmantha Chameera, who scored the final six runs off the last two balls to take the team home after Mathews got out on the fourth ball of the last over.</p>

<p>The second T20I will be played on Tuesday (January 16) in Colombo.</p>


Angelo Mathews, who made a return to Sri Lanka's T20 side with a bang in the first match against Zimbabwe, has hit out at former selectors for keeping him out of the team.

Angelo Mathews, who made a return to Sri Lanka's T20 side with a bang in the first match against Zimbabwe, has hit out at former selectors for keeping him out of the team. Mathews, who won Player of the Match for his unbeaten 46 on Sunday (Jan 13) in Colombo, was playing his first T20I since 2021. Mathews' innings helped the island nation chase down 144 despite some hiccups and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series with a three-wicket win. Talking after the game, Mathews said that his exclusion from the T20Is was driven by agendas and no proper reason was given to him by the Pramodya Wickramasinghe-led selection panel. Also Read: Ind vs Afg: Rohit Sharma registers joint second-most ducks in T20Is after flop show in Indore "In the last two Lanka Premier League (LPL) seasons I batted and bowled well, but unfortunately I wasn't selected for the T20 World Cups, and I wasn't given reasons for that," Mathews said after winning the Player-of-the-Match trophy. "If you take decisions that are driven by agendas, these kinds of things can happen - we haven't even qualified for the Champions Trophy. "But one thing I believe is that if you train and play wholeheartedly, you can create an environment for yourself where you can perform. I kept my efforts up over the last couple of years. I think I can play for a little while longer," he added. The newly-appointed selection committee headed by Upul Tharanga, however, has Mathews in its plans for the upcoming T20 World Cup. "The communication with me and the new selectors is quite clear. They asked me what my plans were for the future and [told me] their plans as well. We had a very good discussion. They said that I'm in their plans for the T20 World Cup, and if I could bowl a few overs. I said: 'Absolutely - if I can help the team in any way'," said Mathews. As for the match, skipper Sikandar Raza led the charge for Zimbabwe with 42-ball 62 but couldn't get much support from others. Maheesh Theekshana and new Sri Lanka skipper Wanindu Hasaranga bowled the spells of 2/16 and 2/19, respectively to keep the visitors in check at 143/5 in 20 overs. During the chase, Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother with six wickets down for 83 runs, but Mathews kept the innings going along with former skipper Dasun Shanaka (unbeaten 26 off 18). It was, however, Dushmantha Chameera, who scored the final six runs off the last two balls to take the team home after Mathews got out on the fourth ball of the last over. The second T20I will be played on Tuesday (January 16) in Colombo.

Returning Sri Lanka all-rounder Angelo Mathews hits out at former selectors for keeping him out of T20 side

Sri Lanka is hosting its first-ever Jallikattu event in Trincomalee, featuring more than 200 bulls and over 100 skilled bull tamers. Watch this report to know more about the traditional sport.

Sri Lanka hosts bull taming sport 'Jallikattu' for first time

<p>Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through&nbsp;diplomatic channels last week, the publication further reported.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Diplomatically, it would mean a major win for India's efforts to stall China's maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean. For the immediate future, it means&nbsp;that Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which was scheduled to conduct "deep water exploration" in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May, will not be granted a clearance by Sri Lankan authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns | WION</strong></p>

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<p>China has also asked the current pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in Maldives to let the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel survey the coast of Male.</p>

<h2><strong>Immediate backdrop</strong></h2>

<p>India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Sri Lanka's&nbsp;President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023 had called for the respect for India's strategic and security concerns.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sri-lanka-halts-docking-of-foreign-research-ships-amid-chinese-spying-concerns-wion-671340">Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns</a></strong></p>

<p>Colombo's reported move also means a setback for the Chinese effort to woo the current Sri Lankan leadership after the Hambantota debt row. Sri Lanka's President Ranil&nbsp; Wickremesinghe&nbsp;visited Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India and the US last week flagged Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean and providing them logistical support.</p>

<p>India had raised objections to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, but Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport later.</p>

<p>The research vessel reached Colombo on October 25, and crossed the Malacca Straits on December 2.</p>

<p>The Hindustan Times report cites the instances of at least 25 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships entering the Indian Ocean Region.</p>

<p>Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region, the report adds.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter.

Sri Lanka has reportedly informed India that it will not allow any Chinese research vessel to dock at its port or operate within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for one year, Hindustan Times reported while citing people aware of the matter. The declared moratorium was conveyed to India through diplomatic channels last week, the publication further reported. What does it mean? Diplomatically, it would mean a major win for India's efforts to stall China's maritime expansion in the Indian Ocean. For the immediate future, it means that Chinese scientific research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 3, which was scheduled to conduct "deep water exploration" in the south Indian Ocean from January 5, 2024, to late May, will not be granted a clearance by Sri Lankan authorities. Also watch | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns | WION × China has also asked the current pro-Beijing Mohammed Muizzu regime in Maldives to let the 4,600-tonne Xiamen-based vessel survey the coast of Male. Immediate backdrop India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his meeting with Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe in July 2023 had called for the respect for India's strategic and security concerns. Also read | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns Colombo's reported move also means a setback for the Chinese effort to woo the current Sri Lankan leadership after the Hambantota debt row. Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited Beijing for the 10th anniversary of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) on October 17-18. India and the US last week flagged Colombo entertaining Chinese scientific research vessels and ballistic missile trackers in the Indian Ocean and providing them logistical support. India had raised objections to the Chinese research vessel Shi Yan 6 conducting a joint maritime survey with the Sri Lankan maritime agency in October-November, but Colombo allowed the vessel to dock at its seaport later. The research vessel reached Colombo on October 25, and crossed the Malacca Straits on December 2. The Hindustan Times report cites the instances of at least 25 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) ships entering the Indian Ocean Region. Since 2019, a total of 48 Chinese scientific research vessels have been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region, the report adds. (With inputs from agencies)

Big win for India? Sri Lanka tells China no research vessels for next 12 months: Report

<p>Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga have replaced Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka's ODI and T20I skippers. The decision was taken by Sri Lanka new selection committee and now for that first time the island nation has three different skippers in all three formats with Dimuth Karunaratne leading the side in Tests.</p>

<p>Shanaka was first appointed Sri Lanka's white-ball captain on their maiden tour of Pakistan in 2019 since the terror attack of 2009. It was, however, in 2021 that he became the regular skipper. He captained the side in 41 ODIs with 23 wins and 48 T20Is with 22 wins.</p>

<p>The all-rounder's stint saw Sri Lanka have an unbeaten run in 2023 ODI World Cup qualifier as well. The side although saw poor campaigns in 2022 and 2021 T20 World Cup as well as the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup. The highest point came in 2022 T20 Asia Cup when they beat Pakistan in final to lift the trophy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-all-rounder-shardul-thakur-injures-shoulder-during-net-session-675082">India all-rounder Shardul Thakur injures shoulder during net session</a></p>

<p>His replacement in ODIs, Mendis, is not new to captaincy and had performed the duties in the 2023 ODI WC until being injured after Shanaka's exit. Mendis is also the skipper of Dambulla Aura in Sri Lanka's domestic T20 tournament Lanka Premier League (LPL). Previously, Mendis has also been the skipper of U-19 Sri Lankan side as well.</p>

<p>As for Hasaranga, the spinner led B-Love Kandy to their inaugural LPL title earlier this year. He is a force to reckon with in the T20 leagues around the world, although for his bowling.</p>

<p>Under Shanaka, the rebuilding side did decent after exodus of its marquee cricketers. His form with the bat, however, was something that got everybody to question his place in the side. Nonetheless, the all-rounder is still believed to play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's white-ball teams as the 1996 World Cup winners continue to rebuild.</p>


Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga have replaced Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka's ODI and T20I skippers. The decision was taken by Sri Lanka new selection committee and now for that first time the island nation has three different skippers in all three formats with Dimuth Karunaratne leading the side in Tests.

Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga have replaced Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka's ODI and T20I skippers. The decision was taken by Sri Lanka new selection committee and now for that first time the island nation has three different skippers in all three formats with Dimuth Karunaratne leading the side in Tests. Shanaka was first appointed Sri Lanka's white-ball captain on their maiden tour of Pakistan in 2019 since the terror attack of 2009. It was, however, in 2021 that he became the regular skipper. He captained the side in 41 ODIs with 23 wins and 48 T20Is with 22 wins. The all-rounder's stint saw Sri Lanka have an unbeaten run in 2023 ODI World Cup qualifier as well. The side although saw poor campaigns in 2022 and 2021 T20 World Cup as well as the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup. The highest point came in 2022 T20 Asia Cup when they beat Pakistan in final to lift the trophy. Also Read: India all-rounder Shardul Thakur injures shoulder during net session His replacement in ODIs, Mendis, is not new to captaincy and had performed the duties in the 2023 ODI WC until being injured after Shanaka's exit. Mendis is also the skipper of Dambulla Aura in Sri Lanka's domestic T20 tournament Lanka Premier League (LPL). Previously, Mendis has also been the skipper of U-19 Sri Lankan side as well. As for Hasaranga, the spinner led B-Love Kandy to their inaugural LPL title earlier this year. He is a force to reckon with in the T20 leagues around the world, although for his bowling. Under Shanaka, the rebuilding side did decent after exodus of its marquee cricketers. His form with the bat, however, was something that got everybody to question his place in the side. Nonetheless, the all-rounder is still believed to play a crucial role in Sri Lanka's white-ball teams as the 1996 World Cup winners continue to rebuild.

Kusal Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga replace Dasun Shanaka as Sri Lanka's ODI & T20I skipper

Ethiopia has become the latest african nation to default, failing to pay a $33 million coupon on its bond by the December 11 deadline. The country joins the ranks of Zambia, Ghana, and Sri Lanka in defaulting on eurobond payments. Ethiopia had recently reached an agreement with bilateral creditors to suspend loan payments, requesting an extension of maturity to January 2032 and a reduced yield of 5.5%.

Ethiopia joins Zambia, Ghana and Sri Lanka in default list | World Business Watch

<p>Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas. This decision was communicated by a prisons official on Monday.</p>

<p>Among the 1,004 individuals released on Monday, a notable group consisted of Sri Lankans who had been incarcerated due to their inability to pay outstanding fines. Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake provided details regarding this specific category of released prisoners.</p>

<h2><strong>Buddhist majority and previous pardons</strong></h2>

<p>Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population adheres to Buddhism, has a tradition of releasing prisoners on significant religious occasions. In May, a similar number of convicts were pardoned in honor of Vesak, a Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/explained-did-sri-lankas-rajapaksa-orchestrate-easter-bombings-of-2019-for-return-to-power-673112">Also read |&nbsp;Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power?</a></p>

<p>The recent amnesty occurred in the aftermath of a weeklong military-backed anti-narcotics operation. Approximately 15,000 individuals were arrested during this initiative, which was abruptly halted on Christmas Eve. The released statement from the police revealed that out of the total arrests, 13,666 were suspects, while nearly 1,100 addicts were detained for compulsory rehabilitation at a military-operated facility.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns</strong></p>

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<p>An ongoing challenge faced by Sri Lanka is the chronic overcrowding in its correctional facilities. Official data as of Friday indicated that these prisons, designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates, were currently holding nearly 30,000 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe exercised his executive power by granting amnesty to more than 1,000 convicts, releasing them from prisons across the country in celebration of Christmas. This decision was communicated by a prisons official on Monday. Among the 1,004 individuals released on Monday, a notable group consisted of Sri Lankans who had been incarcerated due to their inability to pay outstanding fines. Prison Commissioner Gamini Dissanayake provided details regarding this specific category of released prisoners. Buddhist majority and previous pardons Sri Lanka, where the majority of the population adheres to Buddhism, has a tradition of releasing prisoners on significant religious occasions. In May, a similar number of convicts were pardoned in honor of Vesak, a Buddhist holiday commemorating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Also read | Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power? The recent amnesty occurred in the aftermath of a weeklong military-backed anti-narcotics operation. Approximately 15,000 individuals were arrested during this initiative, which was abruptly halted on Christmas Eve. The released statement from the police revealed that out of the total arrests, 13,666 were suspects, while nearly 1,100 addicts were detained for compulsory rehabilitation at a military-operated facility. Also watch | Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns An ongoing challenge faced by Sri Lanka is the chronic overcrowding in its correctional facilities. Official data as of Friday indicated that these prisons, designed to accommodate 11,000 inmates, were currently holding nearly 30,000 people. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan president frees 1,000 inmates to mark Christmas

<p>Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009.</p>

<p>The whistleblower further alleged that the attacks were orchestrated to "create instability in Sri Lanka", so that the Rajapaksa's — the most powerful political dynasty who dominated the country's economy in the 2010s — would win the presidential elections in 2019, reports <em>The Guardian</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gotabaya Rajapaksa won Sri Lanka's presidential elections at the end of 2019. But by the first half of 2022, Sri Lanka went through a phase of rare economic instability, partly due to Covid pandemic and the way Rajapaksa threw the weight of Sri Lankan economy around high-interest Chinese loans.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-sri-lanka-bent-toward-economic-crisis-know-these-5-reasons-497442">Why Sri Lanka bent toward economic crisis? Know these five reasons</a></strong></p>

<p>Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country due to a popular uprising following which — in July 2022 — Colombo's corridors of power came under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa's successor managed to bring about a semblance of economic stability in the country through interest-free credit lines from multilateral financial institutions and countries such as neighbouring India.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation into Sri Lanka's Easter bombings: Five years on</strong></h2>

<p>Over five years on, an investigation has failed to provide any answers for how the attacks took place.</p>

<p>No criminal convictions have been made so far.</p>

<p>People previously involved in the investigation as well as the leader of Sri Lanka’s Catholic church, have alleged that inquiries were repeatedly sabotaged and obstructed by the Rajapaksa government.</p>

<p>So far, more than 200 people have been charged in the investigation. But no convictions have been made so far.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan government at the time did not clarify how a number of high-level warnings about the April 2019 Easter attacks were ignored, including by the Indian intelligence.</p>

<p>In January, former president Maithripala Sirisena, who was in power at the time of the attacks, was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay millions in compensation to the victims.</p>

<h2><strong>Inside Sri Lanka's Easter attacks: What documentary claims?</strong></h2>

<p>The person cited in the Channel4 documentary claimed that he had helped an intelligence officer with close ties to the Rajapaksa family meet members of the local Islamist group, National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), that carried out the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The person further claims that the&nbsp;plan was hatched over a couple of years to create an "unsafe" security situation that would help bring Rajapaksa back&nbsp;to power.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the Easter bombing?</strong></p>

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<p>The Rajapaksa family had ruled Sri Lanka for almost a decade from 2005. While they are credited with ending its bloody, 26-year-long civil war but their alleged use of "death squads" to target critics and journalists gave them widespread notoriety.</p>

<p>Mahinda Rajapaksa was ousted in 2015 after a backlash against alleged corruption, but the family had planned a return to power in the 2019 election, this time with younger brother Gotabaya as the presidential candidate.</p>

<p>Ravi Seneviratne, the former director general of police who initially led the Easter attacks investigation, told <em>The Guardian</em> that after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, the government had "prevented the investigation".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the easter bombing?</strong></p>

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<p>He claimed his team had already "established links" between state and military intelligence officers and the NTJ suicide bombers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But when Rajapaksa took office by the end of 2019, Seneviratne’s entire team at CID was taken off the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 20 of his officers were transferred without his approval and travel bans were imposed on all 700 CID officers.</p>

<p>"The motive was to make them too scared to send a message. Many were too scared to work and some people even applied for transfers out of CID," Seneviratne told the publication.</p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka's defence into documentary's accusations</strong></h2>

<p>After the Dispatches revelations, the Sri Lankan government said it had set up a special parliamentary committee to probe the allegations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-government-to-investigate-allegations-of-militarys-complicity-in-2019-easter-bombings-633144">Sri Lankan government to investigate allegations of military's complicity in 2019 Easter bombings</a></strong></p>

<p>Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry in September defended the country's intelligence chief, saying it “vehemently denounces the accusation of orchestrating the attack and assisting the bombers against a dedicated senior military officer who has served the nation for 36 years.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The move came days after ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied the alleged role of Major General Sallay in the bombings and that he had benefited from the attacks to win the presidential election in November 2019.</p>


Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Sri Lanka's previous government led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been accused of orchestrating Easter attacks of April 2019 by a whistleblower. The latest accusation over the cause of attack in which six suicide bombers targeted churches and luxury hotels across the country was made in a documentary for Channel 4’s Dispatches. Sri Lanka's Easter bombings of 2019, the worst terrorist attack in the history of the South Asian island nation, killed 269 people and shook Sri Lanka from a peacetime limbo for the first time since the end of its civil war in 2009. The whistleblower further alleged that the attacks were orchestrated to "create instability in Sri Lanka", so that the Rajapaksa's — the most powerful political dynasty who dominated the country's economy in the 2010s — would win the presidential elections in 2019, reports The Guardian. Gotabaya Rajapaksa won Sri Lanka's presidential elections at the end of 2019. But by the first half of 2022, Sri Lanka went through a phase of rare economic instability, partly due to Covid pandemic and the way Rajapaksa threw the weight of Sri Lankan economy around high-interest Chinese loans. Also read | Why Sri Lanka bent toward economic crisis? Know these five reasons Rajapaksa was forced to flee the country due to a popular uprising following which — in July 2022 — Colombo's corridors of power came under President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Rajapaksa's successor managed to bring about a semblance of economic stability in the country through interest-free credit lines from multilateral financial institutions and countries such as neighbouring India. Investigation into Sri Lanka's Easter bombings: Five years on Over five years on, an investigation has failed to provide any answers for how the attacks took place. No criminal convictions have been made so far. People previously involved in the investigation as well as the leader of Sri Lanka’s Catholic church, have alleged that inquiries were repeatedly sabotaged and obstructed by the Rajapaksa government. So far, more than 200 people have been charged in the investigation. But no convictions have been made so far. The Sri Lankan government at the time did not clarify how a number of high-level warnings about the April 2019 Easter attacks were ignored, including by the Indian intelligence. In January, former president Maithripala Sirisena, who was in power at the time of the attacks, was ordered by the Supreme Court to pay millions in compensation to the victims. Inside Sri Lanka's Easter attacks: What documentary claims? The person cited in the Channel4 documentary claimed that he had helped an intelligence officer with close ties to the Rajapaksa family meet members of the local Islamist group, National Thowheeth Jama’ath (NTJ), that carried out the attack. The person further claims that the plan was hatched over a couple of years to create an "unsafe" security situation that would help bring Rajapaksa back to power. Also watch | Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the Easter bombing? × The Rajapaksa family had ruled Sri Lanka for almost a decade from 2005. While they are credited with ending its bloody, 26-year-long civil war but their alleged use of "death squads" to target critics and journalists gave them widespread notoriety. Mahinda Rajapaksa was ousted in 2015 after a backlash against alleged corruption, but the family had planned a return to power in the 2019 election, this time with younger brother Gotabaya as the presidential candidate. Ravi Seneviratne, the former director general of police who initially led the Easter attacks investigation, told The Guardian that after Gotabaya Rajapaksa was elected president, the government had "prevented the investigation". Also watch | Did Gotabaya Rajapaksa allow the easter bombing? × He claimed his team had already "established links" between state and military intelligence officers and the NTJ suicide bombers. But when Rajapaksa took office by the end of 2019, Seneviratne’s entire team at CID was taken off the case. More than 20 of his officers were transferred without his approval and travel bans were imposed on all 700 CID officers. "The motive was to make them too scared to send a message. Many were too scared to work and some people even applied for transfers out of CID," Seneviratne told the publication. Sri Lanka's defence into documentary's accusations After the Dispatches revelations, the Sri Lankan government said it had set up a special parliamentary committee to probe the allegations. Also read | Sri Lankan government to investigate allegations of military's complicity in 2019 Easter bombings Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry in September defended the country's intelligence chief, saying it “vehemently denounces the accusation of orchestrating the attack and assisting the bombers against a dedicated senior military officer who has served the nation for 36 years.” The move came days after ousted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa denied the alleged role of Major General Sallay in the bombings and that he had benefited from the attacks to win the presidential election in November 2019.

Explained | Did Sri Lanka's Rajapaksa orchestrate Easter bombings of 2019 for return to power?

Sri Lankan foreign minister Ali Sabry is in Nepal for the first meeting of the Nepal Sri Lanka Joint Commission at the foreign ministers' level. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Joint Commission meeting will address bilateral cooperation issues including trade and investment, tourism, education, defence, culture and People to People relations.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister arrives in Nepal

On Thursday, the Nepal-Sri Lanka joint commission conference finished in Kathmandu. Foreign Minister NP Saud and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, who arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, co-chaired the meeting. According to officials, both parties discussed issues of mutual interest as well as new avenues of cooperation.

Sri Lankan FM in Kathmandu: Nepal & Sri Lanka agree to enhance cooperation

Sri Lanka FM Ali Sabry in Kathmandu to expand ties, agreement likely on science & technology

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister in Kathmandu: To attend Nepal-Sri Lanka Joint Commission meeting

Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships. India has shared its concerns with Sri Lanka multiple times on the issue of maritime security. But, still, a new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota port in Sri Lanka by October this year AND is likely to stay till November 2023.

Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships

Sri Lanka has halted foreign research vessels docking after concerns about Chinese spying were raised by the United States and India. The move aims to address regional security concerns. Interestingly, this decision comes only a week after the Colombo Security Conclave that took place on December 7-8, 2023.

Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships amid Chinese spying concerns | WION

<p>In a significant strategic and diplomatic blow to China, Sri Lanka has reportedly imposed a 12-month moratorium on granting permissions to foreign research vessels to operate in its waters.</p>

<p>The Economic Times reported that the decision was taken in a bid to prevent Chinese 'research-cum-spy' ships from docking at Lankan ports.</p>

<p>"The government is considering a year-long moratorium on granting permission for foreign research vessels to conduct surveys in Sri Lankan waters or her exclusive economic zone (EEZ)," a senior Lankan minister told Lankan daily The Daily Morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The arrival of these ships creates serious diplomatic tensions, and it (2024) is an election year. Such ship visits can be highly disruptive for the region and Sri Lanka, because of the pressure the government may come under. So, a moratorium, for one year or perhaps more, is being considered," the minister said.</p>

<h2><strong>Colombo walking a tightrope</strong></h2>

<p>China wanted to dock its marine scientific research (MSR) vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 3, on Sri Lankan ports by early 2024, the report said.</p>

<p>The Sri Lankan side took the decision keeping in mind the reservations shown by New Delhi.</p>

<p>According to media reports, Colombo is refraining from appeasing or irking any of the two Asian giants ahead of the 2024 presidential elections.</p>

<h2><strong>Sri Lanka seeks capacity development</strong></h2>

<p>According to the country’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Sri Lanka would use next 12 months to develop its own marine research capabilities so that it can take part in future foreign research expeditions as an equal partner.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships</strong></p>

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<p>“That is for us to do some capacity development so that we can participate in such research activities as equal partners,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror, a Lankan news outlet.</p>

<h2><strong>China’s presence in Sri Lankan waters</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in October this year, Sri Lanka had allowed a Chinese survey and research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock at one of its ports and conduct its operations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankas-sports-minister-accuses-top-cricket-administrators-of-corruption-652360"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Sri Lanka`s sports minister accuses top cricket administrators of corruption</strong></a></p>

<p>China exploits these research vessels, often referred to as spy ships in international media, to not only collect information about vital strategic assets in southern India but also to gather information about ecological and mineral treasures in the Gulf of Mannar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant strategic and diplomatic blow to China, Sri Lanka has reportedly imposed a 12-month moratorium on granting permissions to foreign research vessels to operate in its waters.

In a significant strategic and diplomatic blow to China, Sri Lanka has reportedly imposed a 12-month moratorium on granting permissions to foreign research vessels to operate in its waters. The Economic Times reported that the decision was taken in a bid to prevent Chinese 'research-cum-spy' ships from docking at Lankan ports. "The government is considering a year-long moratorium on granting permission for foreign research vessels to conduct surveys in Sri Lankan waters or her exclusive economic zone (EEZ)," a senior Lankan minister told Lankan daily The Daily Morning. "The arrival of these ships creates serious diplomatic tensions, and it (2024) is an election year. Such ship visits can be highly disruptive for the region and Sri Lanka, because of the pressure the government may come under. So, a moratorium, for one year or perhaps more, is being considered," the minister said. Colombo walking a tightrope China wanted to dock its marine scientific research (MSR) vessel, the Xiang Yang Hong 3, on Sri Lankan ports by early 2024, the report said. The Sri Lankan side took the decision keeping in mind the reservations shown by New Delhi. According to media reports, Colombo is refraining from appeasing or irking any of the two Asian giants ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. Sri Lanka seeks capacity development According to the country’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, Sri Lanka would use next 12 months to develop its own marine research capabilities so that it can take part in future foreign research expeditions as an equal partner. Watch: Sri Lanka halts docking of foreign research ships × “That is for us to do some capacity development so that we can participate in such research activities as equal partners,” he was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror, a Lankan news outlet. China’s presence in Sri Lankan waters Earlier in October this year, Sri Lanka had allowed a Chinese survey and research vessel Shi Yan 6 to dock at one of its ports and conduct its operations. Also read: Sri Lanka`s sports minister accuses top cricket administrators of corruption China exploits these research vessels, often referred to as spy ships in international media, to not only collect information about vital strategic assets in southern India but also to gather information about ecological and mineral treasures in the Gulf of Mannar. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka’s big blow to China: Year-long moratorium on entry of ‘spy ships’

Sri Lanka's big blow to China: Year-long moratorium on entry of spy ships

<p>A family's vacation in Sri Lanka took an unexpected and thrilling turn when they encountered a wild elephant in Yala National Park. Little did they know that their leisurely jungle safari would turn&nbsp;into a heart-pounding experience.</p>

<p>As the family's van meandered through the park, an elephant emerged from the dense trees, surprising the tourists.&nbsp;What started as a typical wildlife sighting soon escalated into a dramatic event that would be etched in their memories forever.</p>

<p>To the shock of the tourists, the wild elephant took an unconventional approach to satiating its hunger—it smashed through the van's window. Panic surged through the vehicle as the elephant&nbsp;infiltrated their space, leaving the occupants in a state of&nbsp;panic.</p>

<p>The elephant, driven by its quest for food, began rummaging through the driver's seat. A video capturing the intense moment shows&nbsp;the elephant's powerful trunk exploring the interior of the van.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is what happens when elephants get used to being fed by humans in passing vehicles!! <a href="https://t.co/t56QpEIA9y">pic.twitter.com/t56QpEIA9y</a></p>
— Evarts (@r_evarts) <a href="https://twitter.com/r_evarts/status/1734436484470685945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Chips to the rescue</strong></h2>

<p>In a desperate attempt to calm the elephant, one of the tourists offered a packet of chips. Surprisingly, the elephant, momentarily satisfied, withdrew into the lush jungle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kasun Basnayake, an Australian on vacation with his family, shared his perspective on the harrowing encounter with the BBC.&nbsp;The driver's advice to offer any available food items, including his son's leftover sandwich, played a crucial role in appeasing the elephant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gypsy-driver-held-at-jim-corbett-national-park-after-tiger-charges-at-tourists-588015">Also read |&nbsp;India: Driver held at Jim Corbett National Park after tiger charges at tourists</a></p>

<p>Despite the tense nature of the encounter, there were no reported casualties. The family's resourceful actions and the driver's skillful maneuvering helped them escape unscathed from this unexpected rendezvous with the wild elephant.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Top Chinese pharmaceutical companies use parts of endangered animals as ingredients: Report</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-chinese-pharmaceutical-companies-use-parts-of-endangered-animals-as-ingredients-report-650291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>This incident joins a series of viral moments in Yala National Park, where wildlife encounters take unexpected turns.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A family's vacation in Sri Lanka took an unexpected and thrilling turn when they encountered a wild elephant in Yala National Park. Little did they know that their leisurely jungle safari would turn into a heart-pounding experience.

A family's vacation in Sri Lanka took an unexpected and thrilling turn when they encountered a wild elephant in Yala National Park. Little did they know that their leisurely jungle safari would turn into a heart-pounding experience. As the family's van meandered through the park, an elephant emerged from the dense trees, surprising the tourists. What started as a typical wildlife sighting soon escalated into a dramatic event that would be etched in their memories forever. To the shock of the tourists, the wild elephant took an unconventional approach to satiating its hunger—it smashed through the van's window. Panic surged through the vehicle as the elephant infiltrated their space, leaving the occupants in a state of panic. The elephant, driven by its quest for food, began rummaging through the driver's seat. A video capturing the intense moment shows the elephant's powerful trunk exploring the interior of the van. Watch the video here: This is what happens when elephants get used to being fed by humans in passing vehicles!! pic.twitter.com/t56QpEIA9y — Evarts (@r_evarts) December 12, 2023 × Chips to the rescue In a desperate attempt to calm the elephant, one of the tourists offered a packet of chips. Surprisingly, the elephant, momentarily satisfied, withdrew into the lush jungle. Kasun Basnayake, an Australian on vacation with his family, shared his perspective on the harrowing encounter with the BBC. The driver's advice to offer any available food items, including his son's leftover sandwich, played a crucial role in appeasing the elephant. Also read | India: Driver held at Jim Corbett National Park after tiger charges at tourists Despite the tense nature of the encounter, there were no reported casualties. The family's resourceful actions and the driver's skillful maneuvering helped them escape unscathed from this unexpected rendezvous with the wild elephant. Also watch | Top Chinese pharmaceutical companies use parts of endangered animals as ingredients: Report This incident joins a series of viral moments in Yala National Park, where wildlife encounters take unexpected turns. (With inputs from agencies)

Wild elephant charges, smashes van window for snacks in Sri Lanka safari drama. Watch

<p>Sri Lanka is currently under the state of a nationwide power outage. The outage was attributed to a "systemic failure" by a government official.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening in Sri Lanka due to power outage?</strong></h2>

<p>The power outage on South Asian island nation has reportedly resulted in internet disruptions.</p>

<h2><b>Sri Lanka power outage: What's the reason?</b></h2>

<p>The power outage across Sri Lanka has been due to a breakdown of the Kotmale-Biyagama transmission line, according to the reports.</p>

<p>Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the country's power monopoly, is working to restore power, its spokesperson Noel Priyantha said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Blackout* Sri Lanka is experiencing a nationwide power outage due to a system failure. Internet disruptions reported‼️<br />
<br />
<a href="https://t.co/Z5wjuoATjK">pic.twitter.com/Z5wjuoATjK</a></p>
— Aqssss (@AqssssFajr) <a href="https://twitter.com/AqssssFajr/status/1733479844271321167?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The CEB has also assured the nation that efforts are on to restore the power supply in the remaining affected areas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sri Lanka is currently under the state of a nationwide power outage. The outage was attributed to a "systemic failure" by a government official. What is happening in Sri Lanka due to power outage?

Sri Lanka is currently under the state of a nationwide power outage. The outage was attributed to a "systemic failure" by a government official. What is happening in Sri Lanka due to power outage? The power outage on South Asian island nation has reportedly resulted in internet disruptions. Sri Lanka power outage: What's the reason? The power outage across Sri Lanka has been due to a breakdown of the Kotmale-Biyagama transmission line, according to the reports. Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the country's power monopoly, is working to restore power, its spokesperson Noel Priyantha said. Blackout* Sri Lanka is experiencing a nationwide power outage due to a system failure. Internet disruptions reported‼️ pic.twitter.com/Z5wjuoATjK — Aqssss (@AqssssFajr) December 9, 2023 × The CEB has also assured the nation that efforts are on to restore the power supply in the remaining affected areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Vehicle headlights illuminate roads as Sri Lanka goes dark amid nationwide power outage

Embark on a thrilling journey around the globe with our latest travel escapade! In our first story, join WION’s Johan Castell to his adrenaline-pumping adventure in ALULA, Saudi Arabia. Brace yourself for the Giant Swing, conquer the Giant Stairs, and soar through the skies on an epic Zip-Line – a true haven for adventure seekers, located in the heart of the desert. As winter sweeps across Europe, our second story unfolds with the enchanting magic of early snowfall. Ski-resorts in Europe open their doors sooner than expected, turning the German Capital into a winter wonderland. Experience the challenges as a snowstorm brings Munich Airport to a standstill, while northeast China revels in the boost to winter tourism. The Ski Resorts across China open up, and the Czech Christmas lights up Prague's Old Town in a festive glow. Story three takes us to the regal Windsor Castle, where Christmas splendor is revealed in all its glory. Marvel at the festive decorations and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit within the walls of this historic castle. In Story four, join us as Egypt reopens a museum in the ancient Saqqara necropolis, unveiling treasures from the past in a stunning display of cultural heritage. Our fifth story explores the transformation of Medellin, Colombia, 30 years after Escobar's death. Discover how the city looks forward to a brighter future, showcasing resilience and growth. In our Newsdeck segment, stay updated on the latest travel information, including Malaysia's Visa updates – now Visa-free for Indians and offering a 30-day Visa-free option for Chinese travelers. Join the festivities as a Fairy Festival is celebrated in Xizang, SW China, and get insights into a Czech tourist bus colliding with a train in Sri Lanka. Join us for a whirlwind of adventure, winter magic, festive cheer, cultural revelations, and travel updates!

Saudi Arabia's Giant Swing & Europe's Winter Wonderland

<p>Sri&nbsp;Lanka's&nbsp;sports minister&nbsp;on Saturday (Oct 28) accused the country's top&nbsp;cricket&nbsp; administrators of being "traitorous and corrupt", escalating a bitter row between the government and officials running the island's most popular sport. Minister&nbsp;Roshan Fernando and the national&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;board — the richest sporting body in the country — have been at loggerheads over corruption allegations for months.</p>

<p>The dispute could see the International&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;Council (ICC) suspend&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka, which would deprive it of the opportunity to host international competitions. "The spirit of the game has been overwhelmed by a handful of people who are motivated only by money," said Fernando.</p>

<p>"I call the current conduct of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;officials shameless, traitorous, and unfaithful to the&nbsp;cricket-loving community of Sri&nbsp;Lanka." His comments came in a letter to the ICC, which has reportedly threatened to suspend<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;over alleged political interference by the&nbsp;minister.</p>

<p>A 260-page government audit highlighted widespread corruption in&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's participation at last year's T20 World Cup in Australia. The&nbsp;minister&nbsp;appointed a three-member&nbsp;panel&nbsp;to probe malpractice in the&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;administration, which denied the allegations and refused to cooperate, pointing to the ICC rules on political meddling.</p>

<p>Fernando withdrew the inquiry.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-plot-long-stay-at-premier-league-summit-man-city-play-tottenham-and-newcastle-host-man-united-664868">Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United</a></strong></p>

<p>"The decision of&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;Cricket&nbsp;officials to remain in their offices even after the government audit... is a clear display of the unethical and shameless attitude they carry," he said in his letter to the ICC, asking for its support to tackle corruption.</p>

<p>Sri&nbsp;Lankan&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;has been embroiled in multiple allegations of graft and match-fixing over the years, with the ICC itself penalising several players and officials. The country has not won the&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;World Cup since its sole victory in 1996, with Fernando blaming the&nbsp;board&nbsp;for the &nbsp;"deterioration" of standards since then.</p>

<p>Another cabinet&nbsp;minister, Prasanna Ranatunga, told parliament in August that&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka's 1996 win turned out to be a "curse" in disguise and led to corruption. "The World Cup victory was the biggest curse for our&nbsp;cricket," said Ranatunga, a younger brother of Arjuna Ranatunga, who skippered&nbsp;Sri&nbsp;Lanka&nbsp;to victory in 1996.</p>

<p>"Money started flowing to the&nbsp;cricket&nbsp;board&nbsp;after 1996 and with that came those who wanted to steal."</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Sri Lanka's sports minister on Saturday (Oct 28) accused the country's top cricket administrators of being "traitorous and corrupt", escalating a bitter row between the government and officials running the island's most popular sport.

Sri Lanka's sports minister on Saturday (Oct 28) accused the country's top cricket administrators of being "traitorous and corrupt", escalating a bitter row between the government and officials running the island's most popular sport. Minister Roshan Fernando and the national cricket board — the richest sporting body in the country — have been at loggerheads over corruption allegations for months. The dispute could see the International Cricket Council (ICC) suspend Sri Lanka, which would deprive it of the opportunity to host international competitions. "The spirit of the game has been overwhelmed by a handful of people who are motivated only by money," said Fernando. "I call the current conduct of Sri Lankan Cricket officials shameless, traitorous, and unfaithful to the cricket-loving community of Sri Lanka." His comments came in a letter to the ICC, which has reportedly threatened to suspend Sri Lanka Cricket over alleged political interference by the minister. A 260-page government audit highlighted widespread corruption in Sri Lanka's participation at last year's T20 World Cup in Australia. The minister appointed a three-member panel to probe malpractice in the cricket administration, which denied the allegations and refused to cooperate, pointing to the ICC rules on political meddling. Fernando withdrew the inquiry. Also Read: Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United "The decision of Sri Lanka Cricket officials to remain in their offices even after the government audit... is a clear display of the unethical and shameless attitude they carry," he said in his letter to the ICC, asking for its support to tackle corruption. Sri Lankan cricket has been embroiled in multiple allegations of graft and match-fixing over the years, with the ICC itself penalising several players and officials. The country has not won the cricket World Cup since its sole victory in 1996, with Fernando blaming the board for the "deterioration" of standards since then. Another cabinet minister, Prasanna Ranatunga, told parliament in August that Sri Lanka's 1996 win turned out to be a "curse" in disguise and led to corruption. "The World Cup victory was the biggest curse for our cricket," said Ranatunga, a younger brother of Arjuna Ranatunga, who skippered Sri Lanka to victory in 1996. "Money started flowing to the cricket board after 1996 and with that came those who wanted to steal." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sri Lanka's sports minister accuses top cricket administrators of corruption

<p>In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara on Monday (Nov 27), marking a noteworthy development in Sri Lanka's foreign direct investment landscape.</p>

<p>"The Cabinet has granted its approval on Monday to allow China's Sinopec to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at Hambantota port," Wijesekara said.</p>

<p>The forthcoming petroleum refinery plant by Sinopec, which made its entry into the Sri Lankan market in July of the current year, is poised to become the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka, amounting to a substantial USD 4.5 billion.</p>

<p>The ambitious project is not just limited to refining,&nbsp;it also includes the establishment of an associated products training centre, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capacity building and skill development.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-hambantota-port-with-china-cant-be-used-for-war-sri-lankas-minister-nimal-siripala-de-silva-592152">Also read |&nbsp;Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lankan minister Nimal Siripala de Silva</a></p>

<h2><strong>Strategic significance of Hambantota port</strong></h2>

<p>Hambantota, the second-largest port in Sri Lanka after Colombo, holds strategic importance.</p>

<p>Opened in 2010, the port has been jointly managed since 2017 through a partnership between the Sri Lanka Port Authority and China Merchant Ports, known as the Hambantota International Port Group.</p>

<p>The port's construction was initially funded through a commercial loan from the Exim Bank of China.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-shin-yan-6-in-question-is-china-arm-twisting-sri-lanka-to-comply-with-its-demands-653135">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | Shin Yan 6 in question: Is China arm-twisting Sri Lanka to comply with its demands?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Continued Chinese investments in Sri Lanka</strong></h2>

<p>This significant investment by Sinopec follows earlier initiatives by China, including the state-run China Merchant Port Holdings' 99-year lease of Hambantota port in 2017.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China's influence in Indian Ocean region a concern of India</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shi-yan-6-ship-bhutan-border-talks-chinas-influence-in-indian-ocean-region-a-concern-of-india-652171/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Additionally, a substantial million-dollar deal was struck for the construction of a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port, highlighting the continued economic collaboration between China and Sri Lanka.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port.

In a significant move, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has provided the green light for China's energy giant, Sinopec, to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at the strategic Hambantota port. The announcement was made by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekara on Monday (Nov 27), marking a noteworthy development in Sri Lanka's foreign direct investment landscape. "The Cabinet has granted its approval on Monday to allow China's Sinopec to establish a new petroleum refinery plant at Hambantota port," Wijesekara said. The forthcoming petroleum refinery plant by Sinopec, which made its entry into the Sri Lankan market in July of the current year, is poised to become the largest foreign direct investment in Sri Lanka, amounting to a substantial USD 4.5 billion. The ambitious project is not just limited to refining, it also includes the establishment of an associated products training centre, reflecting a comprehensive approach to capacity building and skill development. Also read | Exclusive: Hambantota port with China can't be used for war, Sri Lankan minister Nimal Siripala de Silva Strategic significance of Hambantota port Hambantota, the second-largest port in Sri Lanka after Colombo, holds strategic importance. Opened in 2010, the port has been jointly managed since 2017 through a partnership between the Sri Lanka Port Authority and China Merchant Ports, known as the Hambantota International Port Group. The port's construction was initially funded through a commercial loan from the Exim Bank of China. Also read | Data Lab | Shin Yan 6 in question: Is China arm-twisting Sri Lanka to comply with its demands? Continued Chinese investments in Sri Lanka This significant investment by Sinopec follows earlier initiatives by China, including the state-run China Merchant Port Holdings' 99-year lease of Hambantota port in 2017. Also watch | China's influence in Indian Ocean region a concern of India Additionally, a substantial million-dollar deal was struck for the construction of a logistics and storage hub in Colombo port, highlighting the continued economic collaboration between China and Sri Lanka. (With inputs from agencies)

China's Sinopec cleared to build $4.5 billion refinery at Sri Lanka's Hambantota port

According to reports, Sinopec's plans to construct a $4.5 billion refinery close to Hambantota in the country's south have been approved by the government of Sri Lanka. Kanchana Wijesekera, the minister of energy, declared that the cabinet had approved the plans. As previously mentioned, discussions about the refinery project began in 2019.

Asia Pacific: Sri Lankan authorities give green light for Sinopec refinery plans

<p>Sri Lanka cricket has been handed a major jolt after&nbsp;the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (Nov 21) stripped it of the rights to host the U-19 World Cup in 2024. Already under the scanner after being sanctioned by the ICC for government involvement in the board operations, this will be a major setback for the board. However, in some relief, they will still continue to participate in the ICC tournaments and also play scheduled bilateral series.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ICC Board announce new hosts for Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 👀<br />
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<h2><strong>Sri Lanka cricket sanctioned</strong></h2>

<p>With the board operation already in chaos, ICC on Tuesday decided to nominate South Africa as the host for the 2024 junior version of the World Cup. They were the hosts in 2020 while India are the defending champions in the tournament having tasted victory in February 2022. The chaos in Sri Lankan cricket started after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe sacked the entire board after the team’s dismal show in the ODI World Cup in India.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka suffered a terrible exit in the ODI World Cup after they finished ninth in the ODI World Cup held in India. This was also a big spanner in the work for the nation as it&nbsp;missed out on direct qualification to the 2025 Champions Trophy. They won only two matches&nbsp;while suffering disappointing defeats against Afghanistan and India.</p>

<p>In other news, the ICC has now approved new gender eligibility regulations whereby any male or female participant who has been through any form of male puberty will not be allowed to participate in the international women's game. This will see transgender athletes banned from participating in women’s games to safeguard their interests.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/staggering-record-125-million-fans-attended-odi-world-cup-reveals-icc-661072">STAGGERING! Record 1.25 million fans attended ODI World Cup, reveals ICC</a></p>

<h2><strong>ICC bans transgender athletes</strong></h2>

<p>"The changes to the gender eligibility regulations resulted from an extensive consultation process and are founded in science and aligned with the core principles developed during the review.</p>

<p>"Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women's game and the safety of players,” ICC CEO Geoff Allardice after the meet.</p>

<p>The review before taking the decision was led by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee chaired by Dr Peter Harcourt and his team and is bound for international contests only. The sanctions of the ICC are not bound to individual board members and imposing of them solely depends on each member.</p>


Sri Lanka cricket has been handed a major jolt after the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (Nov 21) stripped it of the rights to host the U-19 World Cup in 2024.

Sri Lanka cricket has been handed a major jolt after the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (Nov 21) stripped it of the rights to host the U-19 World Cup in 2024. Already under the scanner after being sanctioned by the ICC for government involvement in the board operations, this will be a major setback for the board. However, in some relief, they will still continue to participate in the ICC tournaments and also play scheduled bilateral series. ICC Board announce new hosts for Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 👀 More ⬇️ — ICC (@ICC) November 21, 2023 × Sri Lanka cricket sanctioned With the board operation already in chaos, ICC on Tuesday decided to nominate South Africa as the host for the 2024 junior version of the World Cup. They were the hosts in 2020 while India are the defending champions in the tournament having tasted victory in February 2022. The chaos in Sri Lankan cricket started after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe sacked the entire board after the team’s dismal show in the ODI World Cup in India. Sri Lanka suffered a terrible exit in the ODI World Cup after they finished ninth in the ODI World Cup held in India. This was also a big spanner in the work for the nation as it missed out on direct qualification to the 2025 Champions Trophy. They won only two matches while suffering disappointing defeats against Afghanistan and India. In other news, the ICC has now approved new gender eligibility regulations whereby any male or female participant who has been through any form of male puberty will not be allowed to participate in the international women's game. This will see transgender athletes banned from participating in women’s games to safeguard their interests. ALSO READ | STAGGERING! Record 1.25 million fans attended ODI World Cup, reveals ICC ICC bans transgender athletes "The changes to the gender eligibility regulations resulted from an extensive consultation process and are founded in science and aligned with the core principles developed during the review. "Inclusivity is incredibly important to us as a sport, but our priority was to protect the integrity of the international women's game and the safety of players,” ICC CEO Geoff Allardice after the meet. The review before taking the decision was led by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee chaired by Dr Peter Harcourt and his team and is bound for international contests only. The sanctions of the ICC are not bound to individual board members and imposing of them solely depends on each member.

Sri Lanka lose hosting rights for 2024 U-19 World Cup after ICC sanctions; South Africa to be new host

Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has ruled on the economic crisis that gripped the nation. The court ruled that the respondents violated the public trust and fundamental rights of the petitioners.

Sri Lanka: Supreme court rules on economic crisis, holds Rajapaksa responsible

<p>Sri Lanka's government has unveiled its ambitious 2024 budget, aiming for a lower-than-anticipated deficit while projecting a significant surge in revenues crucial for sustaining its International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program, Reuters reported on Monday.</p>

<p>The fiscal deficit target for 2024 is set at 2.85 trillion Sri Lankan rupees ($8.73 billion), representing 9.1 per cent of GDP, higher than the revised 8.5 per cent in the current year but below the IMF-backed 12 per cent target. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Reuters, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also the finance minister, underscored the budget's role in laying the foundation for Sri Lanka's recovery. He stated that the budget aims to establish the groundwork for Sri Lanka's recovery and emphasised that the nation cannot persist as a community reliant on external support.</p>

<p>The government's projections include total tax revenue of 4.1 trillion rupees for 2024, a substantial increase from the current year's 2.85 trillion rupees. The Goods and Services Tax receipts contribute significantly to this surge. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The budget outlines a record expenditure of 6.98 trillion rupees in 2024, a 33 per cent increase from 2023, with a focus on doubling capital expenditure and allocating 450 billion rupees for bank recapitalisation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The budget deficit is lower than anticipated, but if we add the allocation for bank recapitalisation, the deficit increases,” Reuters quoted Dimantha Mathew, Head of Research at First Capital Research as saying.</p>

<p>Sri Lanka's economy faced a severe setback in 2022, contracting by 7.8 per cent, leading to a default on foreign debt and the worst financial crisis since Independence in 1948. President Wickremesinghe, addressing the parliament, revealed that the island nation plans to allocate 3 trillion rupees for repaying international sovereign bonds in 2024. This is dependant on the finalisation of ongoing debt restructuring talks with bondholders. To accommodate this, Wickremesinghe proposed raising Sri Lanka's debt ceiling by 3.45 trillion rupees to 7.35 trillion rupees.</p>

<p>The central bank anticipates a growth rate of 3.3 per cent in 2024, coinciding with presidential elections. In alignment with IMF requirements, the government aims for a primary account deficit of 0.6 per cent of GDP, marginally smaller than the 0.7 per cent projected for 2023. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The IMF stipulates that the nation must achieve a primary surplus of 2.3 per cent by 2025 and reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 95 per cent by 2032. As of end-December, the debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 113.8 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>

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Sri Lanka's government has unveiled its ambitious 2024 budget, aiming for a lower-than-anticipated deficit while projecting a significant surge in revenues crucial for sustaining its International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program, Reuters reported on Monday.

Sri Lanka's government has unveiled its ambitious 2024 budget, aiming for a lower-than-anticipated deficit while projecting a significant surge in revenues crucial for sustaining its International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout program, Reuters reported on Monday. The fiscal deficit target for 2024 is set at 2.85 trillion Sri Lankan rupees ($8.73 billion), representing 9.1 per cent of GDP, higher than the revised 8.5 per cent in the current year but below the IMF-backed 12 per cent target. According to Reuters, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, also the finance minister, underscored the budget's role in laying the foundation for Sri Lanka's recovery. He stated that the budget aims to establish the groundwork for Sri Lanka's recovery and emphasised that the nation cannot persist as a community reliant on external support. The government's projections include total tax revenue of 4.1 trillion rupees for 2024, a substantial increase from the current year's 2.85 trillion rupees. The Goods and Services Tax receipts contribute significantly to this surge. The budget outlines a record expenditure of 6.98 trillion rupees in 2024, a 33 per cent increase from 2023, with a focus on doubling capital expenditure and allocating 450 billion rupees for bank recapitalisation. "The budget deficit is lower than anticipated, but if we add the allocation for bank recapitalisation, the deficit increases,” Reuters quoted Dimantha Mathew, Head of Research at First Capital Research as saying. Sri Lanka's economy faced a severe setback in 2022, contracting by 7.8 per cent, leading to a default on foreign debt and the worst financial crisis since Independence in 1948. President Wickremesinghe, addressing the parliament, revealed that the island nation plans to allocate 3 trillion rupees for repaying international sovereign bonds in 2024. This is dependant on the finalisation of ongoing debt restructuring talks with bondholders. To accommodate this, Wickremesinghe proposed raising Sri Lanka's debt ceiling by 3.45 trillion rupees to 7.35 trillion rupees. The central bank anticipates a growth rate of 3.3 per cent in 2024, coinciding with presidential elections. In alignment with IMF requirements, the government aims for a primary account deficit of 0.6 per cent of GDP, marginally smaller than the 0.7 per cent projected for 2023. The IMF stipulates that the nation must achieve a primary surplus of 2.3 per cent by 2025 and reduce its debt-to-GDP ratio to 95 per cent by 2032. As of end-December, the debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 113.8 per cent. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit

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