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

Kathmandu Valley’s crime rate soars with the easing of lockdown restrictions

Crime rate in Kathmandu Valley has gone up ever since the government relaxed the lockdown restrictions on June 10. The government had enforced a nationwide lockdown ease on March 24 to curb the spread of COVID-19

Shahbaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto speak on phone, boost hopes for anti-government alliance

Efforts for forming an anti-government alliance have gained momentum as, after weeks of silence, the top leaders of the two major opposition parties — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — got into touch with each other on Sunday

Special targeted anti-polio campaign to begin in Pakistan

A special targeted case response anti-polio campaign will begin on Monday in selected districts across Pakistan

Pakistan's population continues to grow rapidly: Report

Pakistan's total population is estimated at 220.9 million and it is growing rapidly with an annual fertility rate of 3.6 children per couple, according to a report

Heavy rains to continue in Sri Lanka

The National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) has issued landslide warnings to areas in Colombo, Kalutara, Kegalle and Rathnapura districts after heavy rains pounded the South West of the island yesterday and today July 20

Floods destroyed crops worth Tk 3.49 billion in Bangladesh: Minister

The government has estimated crop losses from flash floods at Tk 3.49 billion, Bangladesh Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said

COVID-19 cases: Bangladesh crosses Germany, currently 16th worst-affected country

Bangladesh is currently in 16th position on the list of worst-affected countries in the world in terms of the number of COVID-19 cases

Taliban blames Afghan government for delay in peace talks

A key member of the Taliban's political office in Doha has blamed the Afghan government for delays in the peace negotiations between the two sides which are aimed at ending the decades-long war in the country

Afghan watchdog records 17 attacks on places of worship

The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission has recorded 17 targeted and suicide attacks on places of worship in the last nine months which claimed the lives of 170 people

Afghan forces take casualties in Taliban attacks in Kunduz

At least 13 Afghan security forces members were killed, and 10 others were wounded, in Taliban attacks in the northern province of Kunduz early Monday morning, according to a security forces source

Border reopening: Over 400 tourists arrive in the Maldives in three days

Statistics shared by Maldives Immigration has shown that over 400 tourists have arrived in the Maldives since the country re-opened its borders on Wednesday

Nation in need of honest, steadfast citizens: President Solih

President Ibrahim Mohamed has said the nation is in need of honest and steadfast citizens

Maldives can assist displaced Palestinian refugees: Speaker

The Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed has stated that the Maldives can play a significant role in easing the plight being experienced by Palestinian refugees

Authorities urge no travel during Eid holidays

Authorities have urged Maldivians to avoid traveling during the Eid Al-Adha holidays later this month

ADB grants additional USD 1 mln for Maldives' COVID-19 response

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Monday approved an additional grant of USD 1 million to support the Maldivian government's emergency response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic