Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will present his first budget in Parliament later today as the country reels under its worst financial crisis since its independence.

Sri Lanka's reform-oriented 2023 budget to be presented today

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to present 2023 budget today

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday presented the budget in the parliament as the minister of finance after a whirlwind year that saw the country face its worst-ever economic crisis.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday presented the budget in the parliament as the minister of finance after a whirlwind year that saw the country face its worst-ever economic crisis. Sounding optimistic, Wickremesinghe said the Sri Lankan economy can script a turnaround by the end of 2023. The president said economic difficulties had eased in the last few months and that talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were ongoing to achieve economic stability. However, he asserted that economic reforms will not be limited to the IMF agreement. Notably, in September, IMF announced a $2.9 billion bailout package for the island nation after prolonged talks between an IMF team and the Sri Lankan government headed by Wickremesinghe and treasury secretary Mahinda Siriwardana. Through the budget, the government is looking to ensure that the bailout money is quickly dispatched to usher in the reforms. Read more: Sri Lanka and IMF reach staff-level agreement for $2.9 billion bailout loan During the speech, Wickremesinghe attempted to correct the mistakes of his predecessors who tried to close the Sri Lankan market. “I would like to define the new economy that we are going to build as a social market economy or an “open economic system of social Protection”. In this new economy, we focus on the following three main things, an export-oriented competitive economy, an environmentally friendly green and blue economy, and a digital economy.” said Wickremesinghe. WATCH | Sri Lanka economic crisis explained in one minute × The Sri Lankan government expects to achieve high economic growth of 7-8 per cent in the coming year, based on reforms and modernisation. It wants Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) of more than $3 billion in the next decade. A presidential committee will also be set up to explore state-sector reforms. Additionally, a proposal has been put forth for the appointment of a revenue authority. Wickremesinghe also appealed to the youth of the country and asked them to take a new approach to build the economy. “To ensure a better future for the youth of our country, let’s create a new economy tailored to meet the expectations of the youth through a new approach that goes beyond traditional protests, struggles, and strikes.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lanka President announces budget; aims for a turnaround by the end of 2023

26 crew members including 16 Indian and eight Sri Lankan sailors of an oil vessel have been detained and handed over to the Nigerian Navy for alleged oil theft.

Nigeria: 26 sailors charged for attempting to steal crude oil, vessel seized by Navy

In Sri Lanka, Colombo court has issued an order to record a statement from former President on the $18 million Sri Lankan rupees that were found by anti-government protesters.

WION Dispatch: Colombo court issues order to record statement from Rajapaksa

A Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been accused of raping a woman while in Australia for the T20 World Cup. Court documents alleged that he choked her so forcefully that she was left "fearing for her life".

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka accused of rape

Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka was arrested on rape charges. He has been denied bail. The Sri Lankan cricket board has suspended him from all forms of the game.

Gravitas: Sri Lankan Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka charged with Rape

From the COP27 climate summit in Egypt to the Poya festival in Sri Lanka, here are some impactful images from around the world on 07 November, 2022.

World in Pictures: COP27 climate summit in Egypt; Poya festival in Sri Lanka

Mere hours&nbsp;after the Sri Lankan men's cricket team ended its unsuccessful campaign at the T20 World Cup in Australia, a member of the team, Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested by the Sydney city police.

Reportedly,&nbsp;Gunathilaka has been arrested and charged over the alleged sexual assault of a woman in the city. The Sri Lankan top-order batter was escorted out of the team hotel on Sussex Street and sent to police custody.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-world-cup-england-beat-sri-lanka-by-4-wickets-to-qualify-for-semi-finals-as-australia-bow-out-531442">Read more:&nbsp;T20 World Cup: England beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to qualify for semi-finals as Australia bow out</a>

According to local media reports,&nbsp;Gunathilaka has been charged with four counts of rape. He allegedly sexually assaulted a 29-year-old woman last week at a Rose Bay home after meeting on a dating app.&nbsp;

"The woman met with the man after communicating with him for a number of days via an online dating application; it's alleged he then sexually assaulted her on the evening of November 2," said the police.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-virat-kohlis-hotel-room-filmed-530053">WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Virat Kohli's hotel room filmed</a>

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"Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, shortly before 1am today. He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent."

The cricketer has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear at a local court where it will be decided if he gets bail or a police remand.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan team has also left the Australian shores without&nbsp;Gunathilaka. Notably, Gunathilaka had sustained&nbsp;a left hamstring tear during the early stages of the tournament which left him out of the squad. However, he travelled with the team.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan cricket board is yet to release a statement regarding Gunathilaka's arrest.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/t20-wc-2022-netherlands-stun-south-africa-as-the-proteas-crash-out-of-the-world-cup-531560">Read more:&nbsp;T20 WC 2022: Netherlands stun South Africa as the Proteas crash out of the world cup</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Mere hours after the Sri Lankan men's cricket team ended its unsuccessful campaign at the T20 World Cup in Australia, a member of the team, Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested by the Sydney city police.

Mere hours after the Sri Lankan men's cricket team ended its unsuccessful campaign at the T20 World Cup in Australia, a member of the team, Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested by the Sydney city police. Reportedly, Gunathilaka has been arrested and charged over the alleged sexual assault of a woman in the city. The Sri Lankan top-order batter was escorted out of the team hotel on Sussex Street and sent to police custody. Read more: T20 World Cup: England beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to qualify for semi-finals as Australia bow out According to local media reports, Gunathilaka has been charged with four counts of rape. He allegedly sexually assaulted a 29-year-old woman last week at a Rose Bay home after meeting on a dating app. "The woman met with the man after communicating with him for a number of days via an online dating application; it's alleged he then sexually assaulted her on the evening of November 2," said the police. WATCH | Gravitas: Virat Kohli's hotel room filmed × "Following further inquiries, a 31-year-old man was arrested at a hotel on Sussex Street, Sydney, shortly before 1am today. He was taken to Sydney City Police Station and charged with four counts of sexual intercourse without consent." The cricketer has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear at a local court where it will be decided if he gets bail or a police remand. The Sri Lankan team has also left the Australian shores without Gunathilaka. Notably, Gunathilaka had sustained a left hamstring tear during the early stages of the tournament which left him out of the squad. However, he travelled with the team. The Sri Lankan cricket board is yet to release a statement regarding Gunathilaka's arrest. Read more: T20 WC 2022: Netherlands stun South Africa as the Proteas crash out of the world cup (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

T20 World Cup: Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka arrested on alleged rape charges

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka has been arrested on charges of sexual assault in Australia and the team reportedly left without him after playing their final match of the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka arrested in Sydney for alleged sexual assault

The civil war in Sri Lanka lasted for 26 years. Even 13 years later, the scars haven't healed. Relatives are still longing for their loved ones who went missing in those deadly times.

South Asia Diary: 13 years after Sri Lanka's civil war

India has expressed its displeasure at Sri Lanka allowing Chinese warships to refuel from the Hambantota port, reported Hindustan Times citing multiple sources. The port was leased out to China for 99 years in 2017 and it hosted the Yuan Wang&nbsp;5 warship couple of months ago.&nbsp;

While tensions between India and China continue to brew in the region, Sri Lanka has also entered the conversation due to the complicated nature of its relationship with Beijing. The Hambantota port provides the perfect solution for Chinese warships to refuel without Indian or United States interference.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-crush-police-should-explain-why-it-failed-to-act-on-time-says-pm-530500">South Korea crush: Police should explain why it failed to act on time, says PM</a>

As a result, the Indian authorities have requested Sri Lanka to take cognisance of the matter and demanded a transparent standard operation procedure (SOPs) for refuelling and docking of ships.&nbsp;

According to Hindustan Times, the US has also joined India in asking Sri Lanka to not allow Chinese warships to use the port&nbsp;in order to avoid surveillance. This has also resulted in Colombo finding itself in a difficult situation as it required aid from China to control the prevalent economic crisis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-concerned-of-imminent-iranian-attack-on-saudi-says-will-not-hesitate-to-act-in-defence-530569" hreflang="en">US concerned of imminent Iranian attack on Saudi, says 'will not hesitate to act in defence'</a>

While the accusations continue to haunt China, reports suggest that no warships from the country are currently active in the Indian Ocean and they are now preferring the course through East Africa.&nbsp;

“The Chinese warships continue to ply off the coast of East Africa and the Gulf of Aden while there is hardly any pirate activity in the region. It was the anti-piracy pretext that China used to secure a base in Djibouti,” a Beijing watcher told Hindustan Times when asked about the situation.&nbsp;

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India has expressed its displeasure at Sri Lanka allowing Chinese warships to refuel from the Hambantota port, reported Hindustan Times citing multiple sources. The port was leased out to China for 99 years in 2017 and it hosted the Yuan Wang 5 warship couple of months ago.

India has expressed its displeasure at Sri Lanka allowing Chinese warships to refuel from the Hambantota port, reported Hindustan Times citing multiple sources. The port was leased out to China for 99 years in 2017 and it hosted the Yuan Wang 5 warship couple of months ago. While tensions between India and China continue to brew in the region, Sri Lanka has also entered the conversation due to the complicated nature of its relationship with Beijing. The Hambantota port provides the perfect solution for Chinese warships to refuel without Indian or United States interference. Also read | South Korea crush: Police should explain why it failed to act on time, says PM As a result, the Indian authorities have requested Sri Lanka to take cognisance of the matter and demanded a transparent standard operation procedure (SOPs) for refuelling and docking of ships. According to Hindustan Times, the US has also joined India in asking Sri Lanka to not allow Chinese warships to use the port in order to avoid surveillance. This has also resulted in Colombo finding itself in a difficult situation as it required aid from China to control the prevalent economic crisis. Also read | US concerned of imminent Iranian attack on Saudi, says 'will not hesitate to act in defence' While the accusations continue to haunt China, reports suggest that no warships from the country are currently active in the Indian Ocean and they are now preferring the course through East Africa. “The Chinese warships continue to ply off the coast of East Africa and the Gulf of Aden while there is hardly any pirate activity in the region. It was the anti-piracy pretext that China used to secure a base in Djibouti,” a Beijing watcher told Hindustan Times when asked about the situation.

India urges Sri Lanka to stop mid-sea refuelling of Chinese warships: Report

Protests are still growing strong in Sri Lanka as the country deals with its tanking economy. An anti-government rally was planned in the capital Columbo against the alleged represive program being carried out by the government.

Anti-government rally organised in Sri Lanka

A special operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, led to the arrest of seven Indian fishermen and seizure of their trawler and fishing gear. According to the Sri Lankan Navy, they conducted the special operation in the northern waters of the island nation "to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka's waters".

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It was a Sri Lankan Coast Guard craft attached to the Northern Naval Command that was tasked with this operation, that took place off the Delft island, also known as Katchatheevu. Lankan authorities took the Indian fishermen and their seized trawler to the Kankesanthurai harbour. It is said that the Indian fishermen would be handed over to the Maildai Fisheries inspector for further legal proceedings.&nbsp;

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7 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> fishermen from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/rameswaram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#rameswaram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tamilnadu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tamilnadu</a> arrested, boat seized in a joint op by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLankan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/navy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#navy</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/coastguard?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#coastguard</a> ,on the allegations of poaching in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lankan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lankan</a> waters 
 
They were fishing near the Delft island or Katchatheevu, which fishermen regard as ‘traditional fishing area’ <a href="https://t.co/qARObmscXB">pic.twitter.com/qARObmscXB</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1585525543687974912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to fishermen associations in India's Tamil Nadu, the said boat with the registration number 'IND TN 10 MM 365' had set sail from the Rameswaram harbour on Wednesday. The arrested boat was among the 555 boats that had set sail with permission from the regional fishing authorities. It was added that they headed for what they regard as the traditional fishing area near Katchatheevu or Delft island.&nbsp;

According to Sri Lanka, their Navy regularly conducts patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to prevent illegal fishing activities carried out by foreign fishermen in the country's waters. This is being done to protect the livelihood of its own local fishermen and the island nation's marine biodiversity.&nbsp;

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A special operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, led to the arrest of seven Indian fishermen and seizure of their trawler and fishing gear.

A special operation conducted by the Sri Lankan Navy and Coast Guard during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, led to the arrest of seven Indian fishermen and seizure of their trawler and fishing gear. According to the Sri Lankan Navy, they conducted the special operation in the northern waters of the island nation "to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lanka's waters". It was a Sri Lankan Coast Guard craft attached to the Northern Naval Command that was tasked with this operation, that took place off the Delft island, also known as Katchatheevu. Lankan authorities took the Indian fishermen and their seized trawler to the Kankesanthurai harbour. It is said that the Indian fishermen would be handed over to the Maildai Fisheries inspector for further legal proceedings. 7 #indian fishermen from #rameswaram #tamilnadu arrested, boat seized in a joint op by #SriLankan #navy & #coastguard ,on the allegations of poaching in #lankan waters They were fishing near the Delft island or Katchatheevu, which fishermen regard as ‘traditional fishing area’ pic.twitter.com/qARObmscXB — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) October 27, 2022 × According to fishermen associations in India's Tamil Nadu, the said boat with the registration number 'IND TN 10 MM 365' had set sail from the Rameswaram harbour on Wednesday. The arrested boat was among the 555 boats that had set sail with permission from the regional fishing authorities. It was added that they headed for what they regard as the traditional fishing area near Katchatheevu or Delft island. According to Sri Lanka, their Navy regularly conducts patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to prevent illegal fishing activities carried out by foreign fishermen in the country's waters. This is being done to protect the livelihood of its own local fishermen and the island nation's marine biodiversity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Sri Lankan forces arrest seven Indian fishermen, seize vessel for alleged poaching in Lankan waters

An amendment has been passed that aims to strengthen anti-corruption safeguards until help find the way out of Sri Lanka's financial crisis. The country has been reeling with political and economical turmoil. Sri Lankans accused the former President Rajapaksa for the crisis.

Sri Lanka parliament passes amendment; Opposition parties slam it

Elected representatives from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have expressed sorrow over an incident involving the Indian Navy and an Indian fishing boat, near the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary. According to the Navy, the Naval vessel had fired warning shots (as per standard operation procedures) with the intention of stopping it, as a suspicious boat near the Palk Bay area, didn't stop despite warnings. It is notable that the Palk Bay region is a porous strip of sea that is widely used for trafficking and the illegal influx of refugees.&nbsp;

Anitha Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister said that it was a "sorrowful incident", where the Indian Navy had fired upon Indian fishermen (from Tamil Nadu), who were out fishing at sea. He added that the victim of the firing sustained pellet wounds in the abdomen and thigh. "The victim(fisherman) is undergoing treatment at the Madurai Government hospital, and he is conscious, will be given full medical treatment".&nbsp;

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The Minister added that the said fishing boat had set sail on October 15th&nbsp;from the Karaikal port in Tamil Nadu, with 10 crew onboard. When queried about the boat not having stopped despite warnings to do so, he said that he would have to get the complete details on the same.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Had the Sri Lankan Navy fired (at our fishermen), we would've taken this up with the Indian Government. The Indian Navy has shot its own country's fishermen!" (in Tamil) tweeted Venkatesan, a member of India's Lower House of Parliament, elected from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He added that this incident was condemnable and demanded action against those responsible for it.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-vaccine-maker-sii-forced-to-destroy-100-million-doses-of-expired-covid-vaccine-527386" hreflang="en">India: SII forced to destroy 100 million doses of expired Covid vaccine</a>

In a statement, the Indian Navy said that the incident had occurred during the early hours of Friday and&nbsp;"one of the crew onboard the suspicious boat is reported to have sustained an injury. The injured person was administered first aid by the ship and evacuated by an Indian Navy Chetak helicopter to INS Parundu (Naval base)."&nbsp;

It was also added that the injured person had been shifted to the Government hospital in Tamil Nadu for further medical management and his condition is stable.&nbsp;An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident, said the Navy.&nbsp;

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Elected representatives from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have expressed sorrow over an incident involving the Indian Navy and an Indian fishing boat, near the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary.

Elected representatives from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu have expressed sorrow over an incident involving the Indian Navy and an Indian fishing boat, near the India-Sri Lanka Maritime Boundary. According to the Navy, the Naval vessel had fired warning shots (as per standard operation procedures) with the intention of stopping it, as a suspicious boat near the Palk Bay area, didn't stop despite warnings. It is notable that the Palk Bay region is a porous strip of sea that is widely used for trafficking and the illegal influx of refugees. Anitha Radhakrishnan, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister said that it was a "sorrowful incident", where the Indian Navy had fired upon Indian fishermen (from Tamil Nadu), who were out fishing at sea. He added that the victim of the firing sustained pellet wounds in the abdomen and thigh. "The victim(fisherman) is undergoing treatment at the Madurai Government hospital, and he is conscious, will be given full medical treatment". Also read | UK Politics LIVE: Johnson, Sunak and Mordaunt lead race for new PM The Minister added that the said fishing boat had set sail on October 15th from the Karaikal port in Tamil Nadu, with 10 crew onboard. When queried about the boat not having stopped despite warnings to do so, he said that he would have to get the complete details on the same. "Had the Sri Lankan Navy fired (at our fishermen), we would've taken this up with the Indian Government. The Indian Navy has shot its own country's fishermen!" (in Tamil) tweeted Venkatesan, a member of India's Lower House of Parliament, elected from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He added that this incident was condemnable and demanded action against those responsible for it. Also read | India: SII forced to destroy 100 million doses of expired Covid vaccine In a statement, the Indian Navy said that the incident had occurred during the early hours of Friday and "one of the crew onboard the suspicious boat is reported to have sustained an injury. The injured person was administered first aid by the ship and evacuated by an Indian Navy Chetak helicopter to INS Parundu (Naval base)." It was also added that the injured person had been shifted to the Government hospital in Tamil Nadu for further medical management and his condition is stable. An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the incident, said the Navy.

'Sorrowful incident' says minister on at-sea incident involving Indian Navy at Ind-SL boundary

After Sri Lanka made it to the Super 12 round, of the T20 World Cup, with a 16-run win over the Netherlands in the qualifiers on Thursday (October 20), the onus was on Namibia to join them with a victory over UAE in Group A's last encounter. Namibia, who beat Sri Lanka in their tournament opener, failed to chase a modest 149 and were restricted to 141 for 8 in 20 overs to lose by seven runs and miss out on a Super 12 berth. From Group A, Sri Lanka will join Pool A in the next round whereas the Dutch line-up will be a part of the Team India-starrer Pool B.

Talking about the contest, UAE won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on&nbsp;Muhammad Waseem's 41-ball 50, UAE were off to a cautious start. In the last few overs, the upped the ante courtesy of vital knocks from skipper&nbsp;Chundangapoyil Rizwan (29-ball 43) and&nbsp;Basil Hameed's 14-ball 25 not out. Namibia paid the price for leaking as many as 33 runs in the last 12 balls as UAE posted a competitive 149 for 3.&nbsp;

In reply, Namibia were off to a nervy start and lost wickets at regular intervals to be reeling at 46 for 5. Their chase was going nowhere before all-rounder David Weise's 36-ball 55 and&nbsp;Ruben Trumpelmann's 24-ball 25 kept them alive. Weise's big hits brought the chase alive and infused an intense battle in the last few overs before he fell with his side needing 10 off 3 balls.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/if-they-do-not-win-this-time-sunil-gavaskar-rates-indias-chances-at-t20-wc-before-pakistan-clash-527051">'If they do not win this time...' - Sunil Gavaskar rates India's chances at T20 WC before Pakistan clash</a>

Waseem, who returned with the Player-of-the-Match award, kept his nerves to bowl a fantastic last over and conceded only half a dozen runs to take his side to a thrilling seven-run win as they bowed out of the showpiece event with a win from three games. For Namibia, they will be gutted about missing out on a Super 12 berth as they only needed a win to go past the Netherlands line-up and progress ahead.

At the post-match presentation, UAE skipper CP Rizwan said, "A great moment for UAE cricket. I would like to thank our coach and the management. We had been doing well in patches, but today everything clicked together. (On Waseem's bowling at the death) He used to bowl a lot of death overs in our domestic cricket, and with the dew I backed my instinct of bowling medium pacers. This win is really big for UAE cricket, it can tell the world that we are here!"

After Sri Lanka made it to the Super 12 round, of the T20 World Cup, with a 16-run win over the Netherlands in the qualifiers on Thursday (October 20), the onus was on Namibia to join them with a victory over UAE in Group A's last encounter.

After Sri Lanka made it to the Super 12 round, of the T20 World Cup, with a 16-run win over the Netherlands in the qualifiers on Thursday (October 20), the onus was on Namibia to join them with a victory over UAE in Group A's last encounter. Namibia, who beat Sri Lanka in their tournament opener, failed to chase a modest 149 and were restricted to 141 for 8 in 20 overs to lose by seven runs and miss out on a Super 12 berth. From Group A, Sri Lanka will join Pool A in the next round whereas the Dutch line-up will be a part of the Team India-starrer Pool B. Talking about the contest, UAE won the toss and opted to bat first. Riding on Muhammad Waseem's 41-ball 50, UAE were off to a cautious start. In the last few overs, the upped the ante courtesy of vital knocks from skipper Chundangapoyil Rizwan (29-ball 43) and Basil Hameed's 14-ball 25 not out. Namibia paid the price for leaking as many as 33 runs in the last 12 balls as UAE posted a competitive 149 for 3. In reply, Namibia were off to a nervy start and lost wickets at regular intervals to be reeling at 46 for 5. Their chase was going nowhere before all-rounder David Weise's 36-ball 55 and Ruben Trumpelmann's 24-ball 25 kept them alive. Weise's big hits brought the chase alive and infused an intense battle in the last few overs before he fell with his side needing 10 off 3 balls. ALSO READ | 'If they do not win this time...' - Sunil Gavaskar rates India's chances at T20 WC before Pakistan clash Waseem, who returned with the Player-of-the-Match award, kept his nerves to bowl a fantastic last over and conceded only half a dozen runs to take his side to a thrilling seven-run win as they bowed out of the showpiece event with a win from three games. For Namibia, they will be gutted about missing out on a Super 12 berth as they only needed a win to go past the Netherlands line-up and progress ahead. At the post-match presentation, UAE skipper CP Rizwan said, "A great moment for UAE cricket. I would like to thank our coach and the management. We had been doing well in patches, but today everything clicked together. (On Waseem's bowling at the death) He used to bowl a lot of death overs in our domestic cricket, and with the dew I backed my instinct of bowling medium pacers. This win is really big for UAE cricket, it can tell the world that we are here!"

T20 World Cup: David Wiese's 55 in vain as UAE eliminate Namibia, Netherlands enter Super 12

Hundreds of Sri Lankan students clashed with the police in the suburbs of capital city Colombo. The protesters were marching from the University of Kelaniya to Central Colombo but the police blocked the path.

WION Dispatch: Sri Lanka protests over arrest of union leaders under terror act

Sri Lanka: Students from University of Kelaniya clash with police over arrest of union leaders

Sri Lanka's import of non-essential items is impacting the country's beauty industry hard. Cosmetic items are among the banned imports, leading to a shortage of products across the country.

South Asia Diary |  Lankan Salons Running Out of Products

The United Nations General Assembly continues to debate whether to demand that Russia should reverse course on annexing the four regions of Ukraine.

WION Dispatch: India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka abstain in condemnation vote

Two men from Australia were arrested in Sydney for bribing Sri Lankan officials in order to win infrastructure contracts worth 14 million dollars.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men, aged 67 and 71, last month after a decade-long investigation spanning several countries.

It is said that the men bribed more than AUD 304,000 ($190,000) to government officials between 2009 and 2016.

The men, aged 67 and 71, worked for a company which has been accused of misconduct in South Asian countries. They will face the court on Tuesday, reports BBC.

The AFP officials added that more arrests and charges are in the offing.

“Corruption undermines fair competition and can have disastrous consequences for developing economies, global anti-poverty and development efforts,” AFP Detective Superintendent Helen Schneider said in a statement.

&nbsp;“The AFP works to fight bribery and corruption both here and overseas to support ethical business practices, national security and the rule of law,” she added.

The AFP’s move follows decades-long investigation into an Australian-based engineering firm, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) International Pvt Ltd, which involved officials from the US, Canada, India and other countries.

The AFP was assisted from police across South Asia and the FBI.

According to the Sunday Morning Herald, the probe started in September 2013 after World Bank investigators found that SMEC was engaged in suspected “fraud and corruption” regarding a power plant project in Bangladesh in 2007. A year later, the police raided the firm’s Australian headquarters.

SMEC and its and four subsidiaries in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were later barred by the World Bank temporarily in 2017 from bidding for any of its contracts.

SMEC, originally known as Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, was formed in 1949 to build an iconic Australian infrastructure project.

It was privatised in 1993 and has since then become a global engineering giant with 5,400 staff in dozens of countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two men from Australia were arrested in Sydney for bribing Sri Lankan officials in order to win infrastructure contracts worth 14 million dollars. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men, aged 67 and 71, last month after a decade-long investigation spanning several countries.

Two men from Australia were arrested in Sydney for bribing Sri Lankan officials in order to win infrastructure contracts worth 14 million dollars. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the men, aged 67 and 71, last month after a decade-long investigation spanning several countries. It is said that the men bribed more than AUD 304,000 ($190,000) to government officials between 2009 and 2016. The men, aged 67 and 71, worked for a company which has been accused of misconduct in South Asian countries. They will face the court on Tuesday, reports BBC. The AFP officials added that more arrests and charges are in the offing. “Corruption undermines fair competition and can have disastrous consequences for developing economies, global anti-poverty and development efforts,” AFP Detective Superintendent Helen Schneider said in a statement. “The AFP works to fight bribery and corruption both here and overseas to support ethical business practices, national security and the rule of law,” she added. The AFP’s move follows decades-long investigation into an Australian-based engineering firm, Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC) International Pvt Ltd, which involved officials from the US, Canada, India and other countries. The AFP was assisted from police across South Asia and the FBI. According to the Sunday Morning Herald, the probe started in September 2013 after World Bank investigators found that SMEC was engaged in suspected “fraud and corruption” regarding a power plant project in Bangladesh in 2007. A year later, the police raided the firm’s Australian headquarters. SMEC and its and four subsidiaries in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were later barred by the World Bank temporarily in 2017 from bidding for any of its contracts. SMEC, originally known as Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation, was formed in 1949 to build an iconic Australian infrastructure project. It was privatised in 1993 and has since then become a global engineering giant with 5,400 staff in dozens of countries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Two Australians arrested for bribing Sri Lankan officials to secure infra contracts

The Sri Lankan cabinet has approved a proposal to downgrade the country's status from a middle-income country to a low-income country. The cabinet spokesperson says Sri Lankan GDP is expected to decline further and that this step was being taken to unlock more financial support from international institutions.

WION Dispatch | Sri Lanka to be downgraded to a low-income country?

Sri Lanka seeks 'low income country' status; move to ease financial support

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