Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe

Sri Lanka needs well-designed political and economic policy changes for long-term recovery

The government has taken steps to address shortages of fuel and gas to some extent when compared to the earlier situation which had long queues that stretched for kilometres outside fuel and gas stations. But a well-planned recovery plan still cannot be seen that can address the long-term food security issues. 

More on REGION

Bangladesh reports 16 more virus deaths, cases surge by 1,617

Bangladesh has registered 16 new deaths from the novel coronavirus infection in a daily count, bringing the total to 386

Virtual court hearings: 200 children among 14,096 get bail in 6 days

A total of 14,096 people, including around 200 children -- accused of criminal charges -- have secured bail from the courts across the country in last six working days through virtual process after a 46-day gap

492 new COVID-19 cases reported in Afghanistan, total 8,145

Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health on Wednesday said that it registered 492 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours --bringing the total positive cases to 8,145

10 killed, 14 injured in twin attacks in Afghanistan

At least 10 villagers were killed and 14 others wounded in two separate gun shootings in Afghanistan, authorities said on Wednesday

PTI lawmaker succumbs to COVID-19 in Lahore

Ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Shaheen Raza who had contracted coronavirus passed away on Wednesday at Mayo Hospital in Lahore

Search operation on in Pakistan for killer of 2 teenage girls

Police in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province have launched a search operation to find the culprits behind the brutal murder of two teenage girls, who were killed in North Waziristan last week

Cyclone Amphan to affect parts of Bhutan for the next two days

With the “extremely severe” cyclone Amphan making landfall this afternoon, authorities have warned of possible floods, swollen streams, and asked residents near river banks to be alert for the next 72 hours starting 3:30 pm today

25 cases confirmed on Wednesday, COVID-19 tally climbs to 427

Nepal's Health Ministry in its daily media briefing confirmed that 25 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 on Wednesday. With the latest addition, the total number of cases of transmission has climbed from 402 to 427

Govt officially unveils new political map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani

The Government of Nepal, in a follow-up of its recent decision to endorse the issuance of a new political map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, has officially unveiled the map today

Parliamentarians push to ‘take the risk’ and reopen economy

Some parliamentarians, on Wednesday, pushed for the government to take the risk and reopen the Maldivian economy, warning that an extended lockdown was not a solution and could result in severe economic repercussions

COVID-19 cases rise to 1,186 with 43 new infections

Health Protection Agency (HPA), on Wednesday, announced 43 more people have tested positive for COVID-19

Pakistan waives restrictions on Afghan exports

Pakistan has fully removed restrictions on imports of products from Afghanistan, officials of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said on Tuesday, as measures taken to combat the COVID-19 pandemic have shut down commercial ties across the region

COVID-19: Total tally in India mounts to 106,750, death toll 3,303

With 5,611 new novel coronavirus cases and 140 new fatalities in the last 24 hours, the total tally of such infections in India stood at 1,06,750 on Wednesday, the Health Ministry data revealed

Super cyclone Amphan to hit India,Bangladesh this afternoon

Heavy rains lashed Digha in West Bengal and Paradip Coast in Odisha on Wednesday morning as super cyclone Amphan was expected to hit the coastal areas of both the Indian states and also of neighbouring Bangladesh this afternoon

Glucose packets, slippers, free phone calls for walking migrants

While cooked food and water is being regularly distributed by the NGOs and individuals among the migrant workers who are walking home, groups of people have now started taking a more practical view of the situation and are distributing items that are normally not considered as 'essential'