A meeting of the Special Cabinet Sub-Committee and Officials’ Committee appointed to address the impacts of the El Niño climate phenomenon was held this morning (21) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.&nbsp;The President reviewed the challenges arising from the current El Niño conditions, the progress of measures taken to address them and arrangements to ensure adequate water supplies for drinking and other domestic needs, as well as for agricultural activities, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials of the Ministry of Agriculture noted that crop losses had remained relatively low during the previous Yala season due to advance preparations and timely cultivation. It was also noted that measures had been taken to meet the drinking water requirements of the public.&nbsp;According to forecasts issued by the Department of Meteorology, severe dry weather is expected to affect the entire country again during February, March and April next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;The President therefore reviewed the potential impact on agriculture, plantation industries, freshwater fisheries, water supply and electricity generation, as well as the plans prepared to address these challenges, the PMD stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;The President emphasized the need to ensure the uninterrupted provision of essential goods and services throughout the period that may be affected by the dry conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also stressed the importance of implementing programmes to support people affected by the adverse conditions until their livelihoods and economic activities recover and instructed officials to formulate these programmes in coordination with the Disaster Management authorities.&nbsp;The President also reviewed the current water levels in the major reservoirs, measures to ensure a continuous supply of drinking water, arrangements to provide water for agricultural activities, future cultivation plans and measures being taken to safeguard national food security, the statement said.&nbsp;The President highlighted the need for a comprehensive database providing accurate information on the proportion of consumers supplied by major reservoirs, minor irrigation schemes and small tanks.&nbsp;&nbsp;He also stressed the importance of identifying in advance areas most vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions, the PMD stated.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the event that water restrictions become necessary, he instructed officials not to wait until reservoirs are completely depleted, but to engage with affected communities and establish an orderly and systematic programme in advance.&nbsp;President Dissanayake further emphasized the need to identify areas where tanks, rivers and streams are likely to dry up completely and to map the associated risks and make preparations accordingly, noting that people living in such areas would require water not only for drinking but also for other essential daily needs.&nbsp;The possibility of authorizing Divisional Secretaries to arrange the cleaning and rehabilitation of water sources that have become unusable was also discussed, the PMD added.&nbsp;&nbsp;It was noted that, with the first rains expected in October, preparations are planned to begin by making use of rainwater to prepare agricultural land rather than waiting for water to be released from reservoirs. The President emphasized the need for the Irrigation Department and the Mahaweli Authority to work according to a coordinated plan in this regard.&nbsp;The President also reviewed arrangements to ensure the availability of seed paddy and fertilizer required for the upcoming Maha season, the statement said.&nbsp;&nbsp;The potential impact of El Niño conditions on the freshwater fisheries sector and fish production, as well as measures for advance preparedness, were also discussed. The President instructed officials to formulate programmes to support affected fishing communities until their livelihoods are restored.&nbsp;The meeting also discussed the potential impact on the plantation sector and the measures being prepared to address these challenges, as well as steps that could be taken to ensure adequate water supplies for wildlife in protected areas.&nbsp;The President further stressed the need to expedite the rehabilitation of irrigation systems so that maximum water storage capacity can be secured during the rainfall expected from October onwards, according to the PMD.&nbsp;The meeting also discussed plans to maintain a strategically planned reserve of electricity generation capacity above normal requirements to ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout this year and to address potential energy risks arising from depleted reservoirs during the February - April period next year.

President stresses uninterrupted supply of essential goods and services during El Niño conditions

U.S. President Donald Trump says he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later ​this year. But his overtures have drawn a frosty response from Pyongyang, suggesting it will set tough conditions to hold such a meeting even if the two men have an "excellent" relationship.&nbsp;Earlier this week, ‌Trump abruptly scaled back joint U.S. military exercises with South Korea, saying they were "hostile" to North Korea. On Wednesday, he said he expects to meet Kim later this year.&nbsp;Trump is eager to restart talks with North Korea and secure a win on the international stage, according to a person briefed on discussions between U.S. and South Korean officials.&nbsp;There is no immediate prospect of an end to the nearly six-month war on Iran, and Trump's reaching out to North Korea comes despite Pyongyang sending troops and equipment, including missiles, to support Russia in its war on Ukraine.&nbsp;South ​Korea has been privately receptive to Trump's strategy, although officials in Seoul still have doubts about reducing joint military exercises with the United States, the source said.&nbsp;Trump may travel to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen ​later this year, creating an opportunity for a meeting in the region if North Korea proves receptive to renewed engagement, according to the source.&nbsp;"The United States remains open to ⁠dialogue with North Korea without preconditions," said a U.S. State Department spokesperson. "The president and Kim Jong Un will meet again at the appropriate time."&nbsp;The White House declined to comment. South Korea's presidential office did not respond to a request ​for comment, but its foreign ministry referred to an earlier statement expressing hope that Trump's comments lead to meaningful dialogue with Pyongyang.&nbsp;North Korea's response so far, however, while praising Kim and Trump's "excellent personal relationship," makes clear that it views their personal ​rapport as separate from any engagement with the U.S., said Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies.&nbsp;"Personal ties will never be allowed to compromise national security interests or efforts to strengthen military capabilities," Lim said.&nbsp;"In other words, Pyongyang is signalling that personal diplomacy has limits and will not override strategic priorities."&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong, Kim's influential sister, has dismissed the scale-back of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, saying its continuation remained aggressive and that the U.S. policy towards North Korea was still hostile. She also denied that Trump and ​Kim had had any contact, although she described the personal relationship between the leaders as "excellent."&nbsp;On Thursday, North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles off its east coast, according to South Korea's military, in what analysts said may have been a protest ​against the ongoing U.S.-South Korea exercises.&nbsp;"If the U.S. side attempts to promote the measures they have taken this time as some kind of 'goodwill gesture,' they will not get the answer they desire," Kim Yo Jong said in her statement, according to state news agency ‌KCNA.&nbsp;PYONGYANG'S CONDITIONS&nbsp;North ⁠Korea has made clear what conditions would make a meeting compelling, and these are very high bars for the U.S. to meet, said Jenny Town, senior fellow at the Washington-based Stimson Center.&nbsp;These conditions would include major changes to U.S. policy towards North Korea to remove elements Pyongyang considers hostile, acceptance of its nuclear status or at least a declaration that denuclearisation is no longer Washington's goal, she said.&nbsp;"How willing Trump is to meet those conditions in order to secure the meeting in the time frame he has now set is an open question," she said.&nbsp;The State Department spokesperson said the U.S. "remains committed to the complete denuclearisation of North Korea".&nbsp;Trump held an unprecedented series of summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019, but ​the diplomatic efforts broke down over U.S. demands that North ​Korea give up its nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Trump has since ⁠referred to North Korea repeatedly as a "nuclear power," although his administration has continued to call for the country's denuclearisation and does not formally recognise it as a nuclear-weapon state.&nbsp;Kim also has less incentive to agree to a meeting than he had back in Trump's first term, when he sought sanctions relief. North Korea has since drawn closer to China and ​Russia, with whom growing trade has helped drive its economy.&nbsp;"North Korea has options and is cultivating relations with states that require no sacrifices but are only win-win propositions," Town ​added.&nbsp;"There is little incentive for him ⁠to rush back into negotiations where there is an expectation for him to concede anything, much less something he considers crucial to the country's defences."&nbsp;STILL OPEN TO TALKS&nbsp;North Korea's response, however, looks calibrated to leave open the possibility of diplomacy, said Hong Min, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, referring to Kim Yo Jong's statement.&nbsp;"The core objective appears to be encouraging a more accommodating U.S. posture," said Hong, noting that Pyongyang likely omitted mentions of Iran to avoid irritating Trump.&nbsp;"Kim Yo ⁠Jong's statement appears ​less a rejection of dialogue than an effort to manage Trump's perceptions, shape his understanding of North Korea and lay the groundwork for possible ​future U.S.-North Korea talks," he said.&nbsp;The statement was also particularly critical of Japan, whose military buildup and security ties with the United States and South Korea have become a growing focus of Pyongyang's ire.&nbsp;Pyongyang is suggesting a U.S.-North Korea framework that marginalises South Korea and treats Japan primarily as a ​military adversary, Hong added.&nbsp;"U.S.-North Korea relations may be entering a phase of mutual probing and signalling," he said.&nbsp;Source: Reuters

Trump wants a new meeting with Kim Jong Un. North Korea says not so fast

U.S. Treasury chief Scott Bessent said the United States will impose "the toughest sanctions in history" on Iran, a move he suggested would lessen the need for new major military operations.&nbsp;Bessent's ​comments on Thursday followed President Donald Trump's threat a day earlier of "Economic Warfare" and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided "any type ‌of lifeline to Iran." Bessent promised details next week.&nbsp;Oil prices rose to more than a three-week high on Thursday following those U.S. threats of financial penalties aimed at forcing an end to a nearly six-month-old war that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil.&nbsp;"I'm not sure why oil has popped up on this," Bessent told CNBC. "If we are doing the maximum economic pressure, then that ​means that likely there will not be a large-scale kinetic restart," he said, using a term referring to military force.&nbsp;Thousands have been killed in the conflict, ​which drew in Gulf nations and shocked markets as Iran flexed its ability to curb shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a ⁠waterway that carried about a fifth of all traded oil before February.&nbsp;The U.S. and Iran have twice announced ceasefire deals, in April and June, aiming to restore the ​free flow of shipping through Hormuz on a path towards ending the conflict, but both quickly crumbled.&nbsp;SANCTIONS DETAIL TO COME&nbsp;Iran has weathered near-continuous, punishing economic sanctions for nearly 50 ​years, since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.&nbsp;Before Bessent spoke, Iran's foreign ministry said it condemned U.S. economic and trade sanctions, calling them "economic terrorism" that would not "create even the slightest hesitation in Iranians’ determination to safeguard Iran’s independence, dignity and national sovereignty."&nbsp;Bessent told CNBC he would share more details on the latest package and "talk about exactly what we're going to do" on Iran at a press conference on ​Monday.&nbsp;"It is a one-two punch. We have the blockade (on Iran), and we are going to have the toughest sanctions in history," he added, referring to a U.S. naval ​blockade imposed on Iran in April and paused for a month in mid-June.&nbsp;"It is going to work in Iran and we are going to collapse this regime. It is time for our ‌allies and the ⁠rest of the world to make a decision," he said.&nbsp;China buys more than 80% of Iran's shipped oil, according to 2025 data from analytics firm Kpler, but engaging in further economic warfare with China, a major exporter to the U.S. including vital rare-earth minerals, risks retaliation against Washington.&nbsp;When asked if the United States could target China for doing business with Iran, Bessent said many conversations were best to have in private.&nbsp;"Keep in mind that the Chinese get 50% (of their) energy... from the Gulf. So it would do them a ​big service to get with the program," ​he said.&nbsp;China's embassy in Washington said "sanctions ⁠and pressure do not help resolve the problem."&nbsp;"China calls on the relevant parties to take responsible actions and resolve the issue through political and diplomatic means," according to an embassy spokesperson.&nbsp;'TREMENDOUS ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES'&nbsp;In a social media message on Wednesday, Trump promised "Economic Warfare and Isolation ​on an unprecedented scale." He did not say what specific steps the U.S. would take or name any country, though ​the warning would appear to ⁠extend to U.S. allies that have helped mediate peace talks.&nbsp;"ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences," Trump wrote.&nbsp;Trump, however, is under pressure at home to end the unpopular war, with high fuel prices dragging down his approval ratings and potentially threatening his ⁠party's control of ​Congress in midterm elections in November.&nbsp;Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called Trump's comments an attempt to divert ​American public opinion from domestic financial problems, including record debt and rising interest rates.&nbsp;He said Washington's insistence on policies he described as failed would bring further failures and alienate Iranians.&nbsp;Trump's social media threats and announcements are ​not always implemented as written.&nbsp;Source: Reuters&nbsp;

US says it will impose 'toughest sanctions in history' on Iran

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken to a hospital in the capital, Islamabad, following complaints about his poor health.&nbsp;Khan was taken from Adiala jail and sent to Shifa International Hospital under heavy security, according to his party. There is yet to be official confirmation he has been transferred.&nbsp;The move complied with a ruling by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court which had ordered that the cricketer-turned-politician be taken to the hospital within 48 hours to be examined by physicians.&nbsp;This is the most significant relief Khan has received from the courts since he was imprisoned in 2023 on corruption charges, which he says were politically motivated.&nbsp;As well as being transferred to hospital, this court order also specified Khan should be allowed to see his family, which he has not been able to do in months. On Tuesday night, his sister visited him in prison.&nbsp;Khan's political party, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), is normally quick to claim court decisions that go against him are politically motivated. It has not publicly been drawn on speculation that the Supreme Court's decision indicates political manoeuvring behind the scenes.&nbsp;The area around Shifa International Hospital has been sealed off by police with barriers, officers and police vans in place. Outside the hospital the BBC saw cars being moved with a truck to clear the street while police cars and armoured vehicles patrolled.&nbsp;The Supreme Court told Khan's party not to conduct press conferences outside the hospital. This is a warning not to politicise his hospital stay.&nbsp;The 73-year-old's lawyers have said he's suffering from various health conditions, including poor eyesight, and has been unable to access specialist medical care.&nbsp;In February, Khan's lawyer said his client had 15% vision left in his right eye after prison authorities failed to take action - an allegation the government disputed.&nbsp;In Tuesday's court order, the panel wrote: “We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation... to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of the prisoner.”&nbsp;Judges said an eye specialist would be involved in Khan's hospital treatment.&nbsp;The judges and members of PTI issued warnings to supporters not to gather outside the hospital - that would be a breach of the court order.&nbsp;Khan, who previously captained the Pakistan national cricket team, served as the country's prime minister from 2018 to 2022.&nbsp;He was imprisoned in August 2023 and has faced charges in more than 100 cases, ranging from leaking state secrets to selling state gifts - all of which he decried as politically motivated.&nbsp;Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi were both sentenced to 17 years late last year.&nbsp;His jailing triggered large-scale protests by supporters, which were met with a crackdown by authorities.&nbsp;Despite his jailing, Khan remains a significant presence in Pakistani politics with a large number of supporters.&nbsp;Source: BBC

Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Sri Lanka’s overall inflation rate, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index (NCPI) on a year-on-year (YoY) basis, increased to 7.2% in July 2026, up from 6.5% recorded in June 2026, according to the Department of Census and Statistics.&nbsp;The Department stated that the year-on-year inflation rate for the food category rose to 4.9% in July 2026 from 3.3% in June 2026. Meanwhile, non-food inflation increased to 9.2% in July 2026, compared to 9.3% recorded in the previous month.

Sri Lanka’s inflation rises to 7.2% in July 2026

MP Namal Rajapaksa left the Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID), a short while ago, after providing a statement to investigators, said Ada Derana reporter.&nbsp;The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian arrived at the FCID this morning (21) in response to a summons issued in connection with an ongoing investigation.&nbsp;He appeared before the FCID to record a statement as part of the investigation being conducted by the division.

Namal Rajapaksa leaves FCID after providing statement

The Supplementary Estimate seeking approval for the allocation of Rs. 7.5 billion required by the Government to purchase paddy during the 2026 Yala season was presented to Parliament today (21).&nbsp;The Supplementary Estimate was presented by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha.&nbsp;Accordingly, this Supplementary Estimate is scheduled to be taken up for debate until 12.30 p.m. today.

Rs. 7.5 billion supplementary estimate for paddy procurement tabled in Parliament

Compensation payments of Rs. 2 million each were handed over today (21) to the families of prison officers who lost their lives during the recent deadly outbreak of violence at the Negombo Prison.&nbsp;Under this initiative, the compensation amount of Rs. 2 million per deceased officer was handed over to their families at the Prison Headquarters.&nbsp;A total of 10 officers attached to the Prison Emergency Response Unit lost their lives during the deadly clashes at the Negombo Prison.&nbsp;&nbsp;Accordingly, this compensation was paid to their relatives today under the Agrahara Insurance Scheme of the National Insurance Trust Fund (NITF).&nbsp;Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of the NITF, Yushan Tharanga, stated that in such an unexpected situation, the NITF decided to disburse this compensation promptly to the families of the prison officers who faced this situation, without waiting for all the required information.&nbsp;Acting Commissioner General of Prisons Prasad Hemantha Kumara, who also attended the event, said the Department of Prisons had initiated a programme to provide various relief measures to the families of the deceased officers in addition to the compensation payment.

Compensation paid to families of prison officers killed in Negombo Prison clash

Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated that steps will be taken to issue a Gazette notification regarding the provision of captive elephants for the Kandy ‘Esala Perahera’ and other religious and cultural activities.&nbsp;Speaking in Parliament today (21), he stated that the Government has not taken any decision to issue orders or impose any restrictions on the provision of elephants for cultural activities.&nbsp;The Deputy Minister further stated that the Government continues to provide the necessary facilities for such cultural events. He added that steps are currently being taken, in consultation with an expert panel, to issue a Gazette notification on the matter, and that the draft notification is now in its final stages.&nbsp;Elaborating further, Deputy Minister of Environment Anton Jayakody stated, “It must be emphasized that the Government has taken no decision to issue any orders or impose any restrictions whatsoever on the provision of elephants for the Dalada Perahera or other religious activities. The Government continues to provide the necessary facilities for such events.”&nbsp;“The Government has decided to issue a Gazette notification on this matter in consultation with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and an expert panel. The relevant team is currently drafting the notification, which is now in its final stages, specifically regarding the provision of captive elephants for Peraheras and other cultural activities,” he added.

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Sri Lanka’s inflation rises to 7.2% in July 2026

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Trump wants a new meeting with Kim Jong Un. North Korea says not so fa ...

Trump wants a new meeting with ...

US says it will impose 'toughest sanctions in history' on Iran

US says it will impose 'toughe ...

Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Kh ...

Sri Lanka’s inflation rises to 7.2% in July 2026

Sri Lanka’s inflation rises to ...

Namal Rajapaksa leaves FCID after providing statement

Namal Rajapaksa leaves FCID af ...

Rs. 7.5 billion supplementary estimate for paddy procurement tabled in ...

Rs. 7.5 billion supplementary ...

Compensation paid to families of prison officers killed in Negombo Pri ...

Compensation paid to families ...

Gazette to be issued on providing captive elephants for ‘Peraheras’ – ...

Gazette to be issued on provid ...

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