International

:Nimal Bandara, Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Israel, says all Sri Lankans in the country are safe.Speaking to News 1st, the Ambassador stated that Sri Lankans residing in Israel have been provided with the necessary safety instructions amid the current situation.He further noted that in case of an emergency, Sri Lankans can contact the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Israel on 00972 9305731.Director General of the ministry of foreign affairs Thushara Rodrigo said that The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with all the Sri Lankan diplomatic missons in the Middle Eastern region and have been and will continue to moniter the development. The ministry noted that So far there has not been much impact on the Sri Lankans in the Middle Eastern region at the moment. The head of the missions are in touch with the Foreign Ministry.

Israel has launched what it has called a "pre-emptive attack" against Iran.In a statement this morning, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz declared a "special and permanent state of emergency" across Israel.Three explosions have been heard in downtown Tehran, according to Iranian media.The Fars News Agency says it has received reports that several missiles have hit the Republic area of the Iranian capital.Further reports of explosions in Tehran are now emerging. The state-affiliated Fars News Agency in Iran is reporting that several new explosions were heard in the north and east of Tehran.This is a developing story. More details will follow as they become available.Source: BBC

Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, a 43-year-old Sri Lankan-born baker, clinched the Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville de Paris 2026 on February 26, beating 142 rivals in his first-ever entry.His bakery, Fournil Didot at 103 Rue Didot in Paris's 14th arrondissement, earned €4,000 and a year-long contract to supply baguettes to the Élysée Palace.The City of Paris event, presided by Deputy Mayor Nicolas Bonnet Oulaldj, judged entries on appearance, taste, baking, crumb, aeration, size, and salt. A jury of pros, journalists, and locals crowned Jegatheepan's baguette supreme among 143 contenders.Customers mobbed the shop post-win, hailing the baker who turned immigrant grit into Parisian legend. In 2023, Sri Lankan-origin Baker Tharshan Selvarajah made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan to win the prestigious competition for best baguette in Paris.

The remarkable story of Sri Lankan runner Ranatunge J.K. Karunananda, the athlete who finished last but ran with unforgettable determination at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, continues to be taught in Japan, the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka has revealed.Speaking at a recent reception in Colombo, Ambassador Akio Isomata highlighted that Karunananda's courage remains part of Japanese school textbooks even today, inspiring new generations with the message of perseverance.Isomata said that the tale, once featured widely in Japanese elementary school textbooks in the 1970s, has most recently been reintroduced in Japanese high school English-learning material. 'Karunananda keeps running in Japan,' he said, noting that the story continues to resonate deeply with Japanese students and educators.The Ambassador shared the story in full, recalling how Karunananda, wearing bib number 67, won the hearts of nearly 70,000 spectators at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics despite finishing three laps behind the leaders in the men's 10,000m race. As he continued running alone after all others had finished, the crowd shifted from laughter and confusion to admiration and emotional cheering, giving him a standing ovation as he crossed the line.Ambassador Isomata began by referencing the recently concluded Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games, before guiding the audience back to Tokyo in 1964.He described how Karunananda, suffering from a bad cold yet determined to represent Sri Lanka with pride, refused to stop running despite falling far behind. As spectators realized his unwavering commitment to finishing the race, the stadium erupted in support.Quoting Karunananda's own words after the race, the Ambassador said:"I had a bad cold this week, but I was chosen to run for my country. So, my only goal was to run the whole race. That's what I did. And I'm happy with that."Karunananda had added that he wished to one day tell his daughter: "Your father didn't win that race, but he never gave up."The Ambassador said the Japanese press honored him the next day with headlines such as "Congrats to the winner, and glory to the last runner."Ambassador Isomata emphasized that the inclusion of Karunananda's story in Japanese textbooks was significant: It was used specifically "to nurture the spirit of never giving up" among schoolchildren, making the Sri Lankan runner a symbol of Olympic values.He stressed that the story has now returned to Japanese education, with a modern publisher once again including "The Runner Wearing No. 67" in a high school English textbook.Adding emotional weight to the moment, Ambassador Isomata announced that Karunananda's son and grandson were present at the event."Karunananda keeps running in Japan. And today... I am honored to have Karunananda's son and grandson here at this reception. Let's give them a big hand."

Sri Lanka's humiliating defeat at the hands of the Kiwis at the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup has triggered widespread public outrage, with fans on social media, at stadiums and across cricket forums demanding sweeping changes, including dropping non‐performing players and replacing the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) administration entirely. Many supporters say they are tired of 'repeated failures,' 'poor planning,' and 'a lack of accountability,' arguing that the sport needs a complete reset.From stadium boos to social‐media backlash, supporters expressed that the team 'let the nation down,' especially after entering the tournament as co‐hosts with high expectations.While Sri Lanka began the World Cup with promise, the campaign unraveled rapidly, exposing deep issues in consistency, strategy and batting temperament.Sri Lanka opened their tournament with a 20‐run win over Ireland at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, successfully defending 163/6 to bowl out Ireland for 143.They followed it with a dominant performance in Kandy, posting 225/5 against Oman and securing a 105‐run victory, one of the biggest winning margins in the group stage.Their final group match, against Zimbabwe on February 19, had both teams already qualified, but the match was highlighted as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage. Though widely expected to win, Sri Lanka's batting fragility would become a recurring concern heading into the Super Eight.After progressing to the Super Eight, expectations were high, but what followed was a disastrous collapse.Sri Lanka were outplayed in Kandy, losing by 51 runs. England's Super Eight win put Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.New Zealand delivered the knockout blow in Colombo, crushing Sri Lanka by 61 runs. Early wickets, a fragile chase and a collapse inside the powerplay ended Sri Lanka's semifinal hopes. The defeat officially knocked them out of the tournament.Sri Lanka will play Pakistan next, but the match is now a formality with the team already eliminated.One of the biggest flashpoints came after Sri Lanka chose to field first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, despite failing to chase 146 in their previous outing against England. Former Indian all‐rounder Irfan Pathan publicly criticised the decision, mirroring the sentiments of Sri Lankan fans:"Why would Sri Lanka win the toss and choose to field at RPS Colombo? After failing to chase 146 against England in the last game? When the team has lost confidence in chasing, batting looks fragile, and the pitch has turn, why chase again? Had raised this question during the pre‐show too."The commentary was among the many sparked widespread debate online, with many Sri Lankan supporters insisting the team's leadership "got the tactics wrong again."Sri Lanka T20 captain Dasun Shanaka addressed the media after the heavy defeat to New Zealand, acknowledging the team's poor performance and apologising to fans.Across X (Twitter), Facebook groups, TikTok commentary and WhatsApp cricket communities, fans are urging a complete rebuilding of the T20 squad, some noting that several senior players seen as 'past their peak,' while others call to rebuild around younger talent.Fans argue that the same issues have persisted across tournaments with no visible improvements. Many supporters believe that a new leadership group, including a new captain and coaching staff, is necessary to rebuild the team ahead of the next ICC event.The anger is not aimed solely at players and coaches. A large portion of the backlash is directed at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed a major digital milestone, becoming the first world leader and politician to amass 100

(AJ) Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak of Russia has said his government is discussing the possibility of providing fuel to Cuba, as the United States continues to restrict oil resources going to the island nation.Wednesday's statement, reported by the RIA state news agency, comes days after Russia's deputy foreign minister also said Moscow would provide "material supplies" to Cuba.Until recently, Russia has been among the top suppliers of oil to Cuba along with countries like Mexico and Venezuela.But Cuba's fuel supply was disrupted last month, in the wake of a US attack on Venezuela.On January 3, the US launched a military operation to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Shortly thereafter, US President Donald Trump announced he would cut off Cuba's supply of Venezuelan oil and money.Then, on January 29, he issued an executive order threatening sanctions against any country that provides oil shipments to Cuba.Countries like Mexico and Russia have been trying to negotiate the fuel blockade, as the United Nations warns of the potential for a humanitarian "collapse" on the island.Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed Trump's executive order as "unacceptable" while meeting with Cuban ⁠Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Moscow.Prior to the fuel blockade, Cuba's economy already struggled under a decades-long US embargo, stretching back to its alliance with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.Economic and political crises have also spurred unrest and migration. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, the island's tourism sector cratered, prompting a mass exodus. As many as two million people left, more than 10 percent of its population.The fuel blockade is poised to heighten tensions on the island. Its electricity grid, for instance, relies primarily on fossil fuels. But Cuba produces only about 40 percent of its required fuel, making it heavily dependent on foreign shipments.The Trump administration has signalled it would like to see Cuba's communist government collapse.Analysts, however, have warned that efforts to topple Cuba's government through supply restrictions would likely have a devastating toll on the country's population.While Russia and China remain closely aligned with Cuba, they have so far avoided offering more than symbolic support.On Wednesday, Canada became the latest country in the region to pledge food aid to Cuba, worth $8 million Canadian dollars (US$6.7m)."As the people of Cuba face significant hardship, Canada stands in solidarity and is providing targeted assistance to help address urgent needs," Foreign Minister Anita Anand said in a statement, adding the aid would be delivered via the World Food Programme and UNICEF.Anand told reporters she did not discuss the decision to provide the aid with the US.A second humanitarian aid deployment from Mexico also arrived in Cuba on Wednesday.The two Mexican navy vessels had departed the port of Veracruz on Tuesday, carrying 1,193 tons of supplies, according to the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Earlier this month, Mexico dispatched more than 814 tonnes of food and hygiene products as part of an initial shipment to Cuba.

(CNN);Cuba said its forces fatally shot four people attempting to "infiltrate" its territory on a Florida-registered speedboat on Wednesday, amid simmering tensions between the communist island and the US.Cuban border guard troops approached the boat to identify it after it entered Cuban territorial waters in Falcones Cay, Villa Clara Province, just over 100 miles from Florida, the country's interior ministry said in a statement.A passenger on the speedboat shot at the Cuban vessel, wounding its commander, and prompting Cuban forces to shoot back return fire, according to the statement. Six other people aboard the speedboat were wounded and are receiving medical attention.The passengers were Cuban residents of the US and were armed, the interior ministry later clarified in a statement published by state-run news website Cubedebate. Assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails were seized from the speedboat.According to "preliminary statements" of the six surviving passengers, who are now in detention, the group "intended to carry out an infiltration for terrorist purposes," the interior ministry statement said.Two of the surviving passengers were previously wanted by Cuba for terrorism, the ministry added.Another individual who was sent from the US to "facilitate the reception of the armed infiltration" was arrested and has since confessed, the statement said.The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the US and Cuba as Washington has blocked virtually all oil shipments from reaching the communist-run island. The oil shortage has brought Cuba's economy to its knees, with the Caribbean nation experiencing its worst era of economic uncertainty in decades.Earlier US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US embassy in Havana was looking into the incident after being informed of it by Cuban authorities.

(NDTV): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has crossed a major digital milestone, becoming the first world leader and politician to amass 100 million followers on Instagram.He joined Instagram in 2014, and over the last decade his account has grown steadily, emerging as one of the most followed and engaged political profiles in the world.The platform has been used to share glimpses of official engagements, international visits, public outreach initiatives, cultural moments, and personal reflections, helping him connect with a wide and diverse audience.With this achievement, PM Modi now ranks number one among global leaders on Instagram, maintaining a significant lead over his international counterparts. The Prime Minister's follower count is more than double that of US President Donald Trump, who holds the second position with 43.2 million followers.Other world leaders trail far behind, including Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto with 15 million followers, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva with 14.4 million, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with 11.6 million, and Argentine President Javier Milei with 6.4 million followers.Notably, the combined follower count of the next five major world leaders remains lower than PM Modi's individual total, highlighting the scale of his digital reach and influence. Observers point out that the Prime Minister's Instagram presence resonates strongly with younger audiences, both in India and abroad, reflecting changing modes of political communication in the digital age.The gap is equally striking within India's political landscape. PM Modi is far ahead of all other Indian political leaders on Instagram. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath occupies the second spot with around 16.1 million followers, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi follows with approximately 12.6 million followers. The difference underscores the Prime Minister's dominant position on social media platforms among domestic political figures.The milestone reflects a broader trend of leaders increasingly using visual and interactive platforms like Instagram to engage directly with citizens, bypassing traditional communication channels. For PM Modi, social media has remained a key tool for outreach, governance messaging, and public engagement.

(NDTV) The British Empire once prided itself on being the realm where the sun never set. But in the quiet town of Sehore in Madhya Pradesh, a forgotten piece of paper suggests that even the mighty Empire once needed a sunrise loan from a wealthy local businessman.Nearly 109 years ago, in 1917, as the world was in the grip of war and imperial administration stretched thin, the British government reportedly borrowed Rs 35,000 from Seth Jummalal Ruthia, one of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen of Sehore and the Bhopal princely state. The amount was enormous by the standards of that era, enough to alter fortunes, shape estates, and command influence in royal and colonial circles.What makes the story extraordinary is not the loan itself, but what followed or rather, what did not. According to the Ruthia family, the money was never repaid.Now, more than a century later, Seth Jummalal's grandson, Vivek Ruthia, says he is preparing to send a legal notice to the British government to recover what he calls a "historic and unpaid sovereign debt."Speaking about the discovery, Vivek Ruthia claims the family recently found documentary evidence, including certificates and correspondence among old records and a family will after his father's death. "In 1917, my grandfather, the late Seth Jumma Lal Ruthia, loaned Rs 35,000 to the British government. That amount has not been repaid to this day," he said.According to him, the documents suggest the loan was taken to streamline administrative management in the Bhopal princely state during British rule and was named as a war loan.Seth Jummalal Ruthia died in 1937, nearly 20 years after the loan was extended. The matter, the family claims, remained unsettled and gradually slipped into obscurity until now.The figure of Rs 35,000 in 1917 may appear modest by modern standards, but Vivek Ruthia argues that its present-day value would run into crores."If you calculate the amount based on the gold price of 1917 and compare it to today's rate, the figure becomes significantly higher," he says. In other words, what once may have financed wartime administration could now be worth a fortune.The family is reportedly preparing to invoke principles of international law, arguing that sovereign nations are, in theory, obligated to honor previously incurred debts. Legal experts say that while such cases are rare and complex, historical claims backed by documentary evidence can open unusual legal debates, especially when they involve pre-independence transactions between colonial authorities and private individuals.Before Independence, the Ruthia family was among the most prominent and affluent in the Sehore and Bhopal princely states. Known for their administrative influence and financial strength, they reportedly held vast land and property. Even today, it is said that a significant portion, between 20 to 30 per cent of Sehore's settlements stand on land once owned by the Ruthias.The family continues to own properties in Sehore, Indore, and Bhopal and is involved in agriculture, hospitality, and real estate. However, like many old landed families, they are also entangled in property disputes and cases involving legacy rents fixed decades ago at nominal amounts.

Portugal has agreed to establish a joint committee to conduct preliminary studies on returning Sri Lanka's historical and culturally valuable artefacts currently held in Portugal.The commitment was announced by Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel during an official meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Responding to Minister Herath's proposal on the restitution of artefacts taken from Sri Lanka during the period of Portuguese rule, Minister Rangel said the request was reasonable and confirmed his agreement to set up a joint committee to initiate the required study.Both Ministers also noted the importance of activating the existing cultural agreement between the two countries to begin formal discussions on the matter.Minister Herath also raised concerns over difficulties faced by Sri Lankans who are required to travel to New Delhi to obtain visas for Portugal. He proposed creating a more convenient mechanism to ease this process. Minister Rangel pledged to examine the issue.The meeting further focused on strengthening cultural and people‐to‐people ties, taking into account the longstanding historical relationship between the two countries. The Ministers discussed expanding cooperation in investment, trade and tourism, including renewable energy, and agreed to develop a structured work plan to advance these areas.Both sides emphasised the importance of initiating a political dialogue mechanism to strengthen engagement across all sectors. They also held discussions on regional and global matters of mutual significance, agreeing to maintain ongoing cooperation at the United Nations.During the talks, Minister Herath expressed Sri Lanka's gratitude for the support extended by Portugal following the recent Ditwah cyclone, particularly in providing emergency relief. He noted that Sri Lanka looks forward to continued assistance from Portugal for reconstruction efforts.

Starting today (Feb 25), visitors to Britain from 85 countries must obtain an electronic permit in advance of their trip,

Authorities in Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand, are investigating the deaths of dozens of tigers at a popular

All seven people on board an air ambulance were killed when the aircraft crashed near Simaria in Jharkhand's Chatra district

All seven people on board were feared dead as an air ambulance transporting a burn victim from Ranchi to New Delhi crashed in Jharkhand's Chatra district last night, in the latest safety crisis to hit India's aviation sector.According to authorities, the number of casualties could not be confirmed as the accident site was deep in the forest.The aircraft, a Beechcraft C90 operated by Delhi-based Redbird Airways, took off from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi at 7:11 PM Indian time last night, according to a statement by aviation regulator DGCA. After establishing contact with Kolkata, at 7:34 PM, the aircraft , with the tail number VT-AJV , lost communication and radar contact with Kolkata at approximately 100 Nautical Miles South-East of Varanasi, and shortly after that, the plane went down in the forest near Simaria.The patient who was been transferred, a 41-year-old male, had suffered 63% flame burns following a petroleum-related accident and was undergoing ICU treatment. He was being airlifted from Ranchi to Delhi for advanced care at a higher medical centre when the crash occurred.Source: Hindustan Times

Twenty-five Sri Lankan students have landed in Pakistan to study MBBS in top medical universities through the Allama Iqbal Scholarships

India's energy sector has achieved significant gains in power generation, expanding capacity by three times in just 15 hours, showing

A dozen humanoid robots stand in front of a snow-covered mountain range. They hold machine guns and run across a

The European Commission on Sunday demanded that the United States respect the terms of a trade deal reached last July.

Sri Lanka (News 1st) - Nearly three months after Cyclone Ditwah tore through Sri Lanka with floods and landslides that shattered homes, livelihoods and access to basic services, Gammadda's "Care & Dare" today concluded its 9th and 10th recovery camps in Sri Lanka's Central Province, drawing thousands upon thousands of affected residents to access vital support-right as renewed rainfall keeps the landslide threat alive in the very same region.At the heart of this effort is a partnership that has enabled a rare, world-class model of disaster response-one designed not to fade when the headlines move on. "Care & Dare" was made possible through a generous AU$1 million contribution from the Minderoo Foundation, established by Dr. Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest, a commitment that has helped Gammadda scale its work beyond emergency aid and into sustained recovery, with dignity and coordination.Sri Lanka's recovery burden remains immense. United Nations reporting in the weeks after the cyclone described extensive housing damage-nearly 6,000 houses fully destroyed and more than 108,000 partially damaged-with displaced families and communities still facing broken routines, disrupted incomes and weakened access to services. That gap-between surviving the disaster and rebuilding a stable life-is precisely where "Care & Dare" has aimed its focus.Beyond relief: a recovery camp designed like a one-stop public service lifelineGammadda's model has been to take multiple essential services-normally scattered across offices and long journeys-and bring them into one place, in a structured "camp" format that can reach deeply affected communities quickly. Previous News 1st coverage has described how each camp combines recovery-focused support under one roof, including medical and public health services, legal assistance and help with documentation and claims, alongside pathways for restoring livelihoods through vocational guidance and skills-linked support.In practical terms, families arriving at the Central Province camps today were guided through service "zones" that addressed urgent daily realities-access to safe drinking water solutions, household essentials, nutrition and infant needs, sanitation support for men and women, dry rations, health services, legal guidance, documentation assistance, career guidance, and direct Gammadda support-so recovery could be tackled as a whole, not as a series of exhausting errands. (News 1st)A national journey of recovery-camp by camp"Care & Dare" began its recovery-stage rollout on January 10 in Kotmale, marking a deliberate shift from the first, immediate phase of Ditwah response-rescue and relief-into a longer recovery programme with a clear structure. From there, the camps moved across severely affected areas: Passara (January 24), Madolsima/Lunugala (January 25), and Welimada (January 26)-then into the hill-country and Kandy-facing localities as the recovery phase continued to expand, including programmes covering Nuwara Eliya and Kandy districts, and Gampola. Today's 9th and 10th camps in Matale district, in the Central Province, represented both a milestone and a message: this is not a one-week push, but a sustained commitment-especially important as weather conditions remain volatile, with landslide "red" warnings continuing to be issued for parts of Matale and Kandy districts amid heavy rain.What comes next: from Recover to RebuildCrucially, Chevaan Daniel, the Leader of the Gammadda Movement says that the conclusion of the camp series is not an ending-it is a handover to the next phase."We will unveil the next stage very soon. Our efforts will be relentless", noted Daniel. With the Rescue/Relief stage completed in the immediate aftermath of Ditwah, and the Recover stage delivered through the "Care & Dare" community camps, the movement will now transition into a major Rebuild stage: a nationwide programme intended to support affected communities as they move toward long-term stability-helping families regain secure footing, restore livelihoods, and rebuild the foundations that disasters destroy long after the floodwaters disappear.This is the point of the model: to keep going after the cameras and lights have moved on, and to prove that disaster response can be measured not only by what is delivered in the first days, but by how completely communities are supported back into normal life.With Minderoo's support, and growing national coordination through institutions and professional partners highlighted in earlier phases of the initiative, Gammadda's "Care & Dare" has positioned Sri Lanka's response to Cyclone Ditwah as something more than emergency action-an evolving, recovery-first mechanism designed to reach people where they are, and stay with them until the rebuilding is real.

US President Donald Trump has said that he will impose global tariffs of 15%, as he continued to rail against a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous import taxes.Trump said on Friday that he would replace the tariffs scrapped by the court with a 10% levy on all goods coming into the US.But on Saturday, he announced on Truth Social that this would be increased to 15%.These will come into force on Tuesday 24 February and can only stay in place for around five months before the administration must seek congressional approval.Source: BBC

BBC: Donald Trump's sweeping global tariffs have been struck down by the US Supreme Court.Last year, Trump placed taxes on goods imported into the US, saying it would boost American manufacturing.Instead of getting Congressional approval, the Trump administration used the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Declaring an emergency under the law meant Trump could issue immediate orders and bypass Congress.In August 2025, a US appeals court ruled that most of Trump's tariffs were illegal, but left them in place.The Supreme Court got involved when the White House requested they overturn that appeals court decision.The tariffs affected by Friday's ruling:The country-wide tariffs Trump imposed on most of the world.The ruling centres on Trump's use of a 1977 law, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), that gives the president the power to "regulate" trade in response to an emergency.Trump first invoked it in February 2025 to tax goods from China, Mexico and Canada, saying drug trafficking from those countries constituted an emergency.He deployed it again in April, ordering levies from 10% to 50% on goods from almost every country in the world. He said the US trade deficit - where the US imports more than it exports - posed an "extraordinary and unusual threat".The unaffected tariffsThe industry-specific steel, aluminium, lumber and automotive tariffs, which were implemented under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, citing national-security concerns.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in New Delhi, where the two leaders held a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the Global AI Impact Summit.The meeting took place in the Indian capital as both leaders participated in the high‐level summit focused on advancements, governance and global cooperation in artificial intelligence.Their bilateral engagement hinted at the continuing dialogue between India and Sri Lanka as the region navigates emerging technological and strategic priorities.

(CNBC) U.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday (19) that he would direct the Department of Defense and other agencies to make public government files related to alien and extraterrestrial life.Trump said the files that will be identified and released will also concern unidentified aerial phenomena and unidentified flying objects, as well as "any and all other information connected to these highly complex, but extremely interesting and important, matters."In a Truth Social post, the U.S. president said his move was based on the "tremendous interest" in the subject, without providing additional details. This comes after he accused former U.S. President Barack Obama of leaking "classified information" on aliens."I don't know if they're real or not, but I can tell you he gave classified information," Trump told reporters on Air Force One.Obama said on Saturday in a podcast that aliens were real, "but I haven't seen them, and they're not being kept in ... Area 51.""There's no underground facility, unless there's this enormous conspiracy, and they hid it from the president of the United States," Obama added.Area 51 refers to a classified U.S. Air Force facility in Nevada, and has been the center of conspiracy theories saying the U.S. government has been conducting research and using the facility for storing extraterrestrial materials and technology.Obama had previously said that the first question he wanted answered when he became president was "Where are the aliens?"After the podcast on Sunday, the former U.S. president clarified his stance on a post on Instagram, saying that the universe was so vast that the odds are good that there's life out there.However, he said that he also saw "no evidence" during his presidency that extraterrestrials have made contact with Earth."In late 2024, the Pentagon said it had seen 757 new reports of unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAPs between May 2023 and June 2024, NBC News reported.Of these, 21 "merit further analysis" due to "anomalous characteristics and/or behaviors," the report said, adding that there was no evidence, so far, to substantiate life from another planet being involved in these sightings.

A Japanese city has received an extraordinary donation to help repair its ageing water infrastructure: 21kg (46lb) of gold bars.The gold, valued at 560 million yen ($3.6m; £2.7m), was donated last November by a person who wished to remain anonymous, Osaka Mayor Hideyuki Yokoyama announced at a press conference on Thursday.Osaka, home to nearly three million people and Japan's third-largest city, is a major commercial hub in the Kansai region. But like many municipalities in the country, it faces increasing challenges from deteriorating water and sewage pipelines.According to the city's waterworks bureau, Osaka recorded more than 90 cases of water pipe leaks under its roads during the 2024 fiscal year. Mayor Yokoyama said addressing ageing pipes requires 'a huge investment' and expressed deep appreciation for the donation, calling the amount 'staggering' and saying he was 'lost for words.'The same anonymous donor had previously contributed 500,000 yen in cash for municipal waterworks, the mayor said.In a statement issued Thursday, the city's waterworks bureau said it was grateful for the gold donation and would put it to use in tackling the deterioration of water pipes.More than 20% of Japan's water pipes have exceeded their legal 40-year service life, according to local media. Ageing sewage infrastructure has also contributed to an increase in sinkholes across the country.Last year, a massive sinkhole in Saitama Prefecture swallowed the cab of a truck, killing its driver. The rupture of a sewage pipe was believed to be the cause. The tragedy prompted authorities to intensify efforts to replace corroded pipelines, though progress has been slowed by budget constraints.Source: BBC