Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is due to testify behind closed doors on Thursday to a congressional committee investigating the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, though it is not clear how much new information will come to light. Clinton, the 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, has said she has little information to provide and has accused the Republican-led panel of trying to shift focus away from President Donald Trump’s ties to Epstein, who died by suicide in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex-trafficking charges. She and her husband, Democratic former President Bill Clinton, initially refused to testify before the House of Representatives Oversight Committee, but relented when lawmakers moved to hold them in contempt of Congress. Hillary Clinton is due to deliver a closed-door deposition to the committee at 11 a.m. ET (1600 GMT) in Chappaqua, New York, near their main residence. Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify at the same time on Friday. A spokesperson for the Clintons did not respond to a request for comment. Committee chairman James Comer of Kentucky, a Republican, has said transcripts of their interviews will be made public. Hillary Clinton’s ties to Epstein are unclear. Bill Clinton flew on Epstein’s plane several times in the early 2000s after he left office. He has denied wrongdoing and expressed regret for his association. According to Comer, Epstein visited the White House 17 times while Clinton was in office. Trump also socialized extensively with Epstein in the 1990s and 2000s, before his 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Comer said evidence gathered by the panel does not implicate Trump.Trump’s Justice Department has released more than 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents over the past several months to comply with a law passed by Congress. The Justice Department sought to draw attention to photos of Bill Clinton, but the documents also have revealed Epstein’s ties to a long list of business and political leaders, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Overseas, they have prompted criminal investigations of Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Duke of York, and other prominent figures. Source: Reuters

Hillary Clinton to testify in congressional Epstein probe

Health authorities have reported an increasing incidence of colon and rectal cancers among Sri Lankans aged 30 to 50, mirroring a global trend. Consultant Community Physician Hasarali Fernando noted at a Health Promotion Bureau briefing that early screening, timely diagnosis, and public awareness are vital to address the rise. She urged individuals not to ignore early symptoms and to seek medical advice promptly.

Rise in colon and rectal cancers among 30–50 age group in Sri Lanka

US Billionaire David Blitzer is eyeing a majority stake in an Indian Premier League cricket team and is holding talks with two franchises, two sources said, stoking a bidding war against Manchester United co-chairman Avram Glazer and Indian tycoons. U.S.-based Blitzer, co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports &amp; Entertainment and an executive at asset manager Blackstone Group, is conducting due diligence on Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals, two people with direct knowledge of the discussions said. The talks value Royal Challengers Bengaluru, last year’s IPL champions, at around $1.8 billion, three sources said. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals declined to comment.&nbsp; Blitzer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A stake in the IPL would further diversify Blitzer’s global sports portfolio, which includes stakes in the major North American professional sports leagues. His holdings include the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Glazer, co-owner of Premier League soccer club Manchester United and owner of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has also submitted initial bids for both the IPL teams, according to five people familiar with the matter. Glazer’s talks have been previously reported and he did not respond to a request for comment. Reuters is reporting Blitzer’s interest in the IPL for the first time. The growing interest in IPL franchises is driven by rising team revenues and the Twenty20 league’s record valuation, which investment bank Houlihan Lokey put at $18.5 billion last year. Global investors KKR and Blackstone are among others competing for a stake; KKR is evaluating both teams, while Blackstone has shown interest in Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Reuters reported last week. TALKS ONGOING FOR FORMING CONSORTIUMS The India arm of UK-based drinks giant Diageo launched a strategic review of its 100% holding of the Bengaluru franchise in November, labeling the team “non-core” to its primary alcohol business. Rajasthan Royals are majority owned by London-based venture capitalist Manoj Badale. Diageo declined to comment, while Badale did not respond to a request for comment. Blitzer’s family office, BOLT Ventures, has progressed to the second round of negotiations for both IPL teams, and is conducting “serious work” as he weighs a move for either franchise, one person close to the negotiations said. Both Glazer and Blitzer are in talks with investors and debt providers to form consortiums to secure a majority stake in one of the two teams, four people added, without naming the other parties. INDIAN TYCOONS ALSO INTERESTED The deadline for final bids is set for mid-March, sources said. The next IPL season starts on March 26, and will feature 84 matches played in the cricket-mad nation over two months. Any deal requires approval from the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the world’s richest cricket board.Raine Group is advising the Rajasthan Royals; Citigroup is managing the process for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both Raine Group and Citigroup declined to comment. Royal Challengers Bengaluru reported revenue of $56 million for 2024-25, a 73% increase over a three-year period. Rajasthan Royals recorded a 136% revenue jump over the same period. The continent-spanning bidding war also includes Adar Poonawalla, CEO of vaccine maker Serum Institute of India, who has said he will make a “strong and competitive bid” for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Indian billionaire and Manipal Education and Medical Group chairman Ranjan Pai is also eyeing a stake in the Bengaluru team, two sources familiar with the matter said. Pai did not respond to a request for comment. Source: Reuters

US billionaire David Blitzer joins bidding war for IPL cricket teams

The Director of Communications for the Archdiocese of Colombo, Rev. Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, called on all parties to refrain from interfering with the ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday terror attacks.&nbsp; He emphasised that obstructing the probe would be a grave injustice to the nearly 300 victims and their families.&nbsp; Fr. Fernando highlighted the importance of uncovering the truth behind the coordinated bombings at churches and hotels in Colombo, stressing that the investigation is being conducted independently by the Criminal Investigation Department.&nbsp; He urged the public and stakeholders to remain patient and assured that justice and transparency remain the priorities in revealing the motives and potential political involvement behind the attacks.

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday attack investigations – Fr. Cyril Gamini

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has introduced a new insurance scheme for fishermen engaged in diving activities. The scheme operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. It provides Rs. 1.2 million compensation to beneficiaries in the event of death while engaged in diving related to the fishing industry. Coverage is also provided for temporary disabilities caused by accidents during sea or inland diving. Insurance plans of Rs. 1.2 million and Rs. 1.5 million are available, with an annual premium of Rs. 1,920.

New insurance scheme for fishermen engaged in diving

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara stated that the national team must evolve after their exit from the 2026 T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka were eliminated following a 61-run defeat to New Zealand national cricket team at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on February 25. Chasing 169, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 107, marking their second Super Eight defeat. Posting on X, Sangakkara noted that Sri Lanka have failed to reach the semi-finals for the fifth successive time since winning the title in 2014. He stated that the team must adapt to changes in international cricket or risk becoming irrelevant.

Sangakkara calls for change after Sri Lanka’s World Cup exit

Lanka IOC PLC has announced a revised fuel dealer commission effective 1 March, 2026. Company-owned filling stations will receive 2.75% of the retail selling price, while franchisee-owned stations will receive 3.00%, the company stated. The revised commission will remain fixed for six months from March 1 and will be reviewed based on market conditions and company policy. Lanka IOC noted that any upward revision in retail fuel prices during this period will result in a corresponding revision of dealer commission.

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer commission from March

SriLankan Airlines unveiled new strategies to strengthen air links between India and Sri Lanka during a press conference in Delhi, held alongside SATTE 2026, South Asia’s premier travel and tourism expo.&nbsp; The airline highlighted plans to introduce new destinations and engage with Indian media to enhance awareness in its largest market. Currently operating nearly 90 weekly flights between the two countries, India accounts for approximately 30% of SriLankan’s passenger traffic and 23% of all visitors to Sri Lanka. In 2026, the airline aims to increase its weekly services to India, covering major cities including Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli.&nbsp; Ahmedabad will soon become SriLankan’s tenth Indian destination, serving six of India’s eight major metropolitan hubs. These expansions are projected to boost Indian passenger numbers by up to 12% this year. The airline also partners with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (STPB) to promote the island’s festivals, cuisine, wellness, beaches, wildlife, history, and spirituality. Its Ramayana Trail campaign encourages Indian travelers to explore sites inspired by the legendary epic.

SriLankan Airlines announces new initiatives to boost air connectivity with India

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Israel, Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat struck an upbeat, candid note in an exclusive interview with NDTV, calling India “a gateway to Asia” and predicting that a long-awaited India-Israel Free Trade Agreement could be clinched sooner than expected. “Oh, it’s really exciting. All of Israel, we love India. We love the Indian people. We love the people-to-people relationship,” Barkat said, underscoring the warmth that has come to define ties between the two democracies.&nbsp; He pointed to the personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a force multiplier. “The fact that Prime Minister Netanyahu and Prime Minister Modi get along so well--that matters,” he said. Fast-Tracking The FTA On the trade front, Barkat revealed that negotiations are firmly on the “fast track.” “We have a mission from Israel in India negotiating the free trade agreement between us,” he said, adding that momentum picked up after India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal visited Israel late last year.&nbsp; “We really understood that we want to move on the fast track...We want to make something significant as soon as this year. And I believe it’s possible.” Pressed on timelines amid India’s expanding trade footprint--from interim arrangements with the US to deals with the UK, New Zealand and Oman--Barkat remained optimistic. “Hopefully so,” he said of a 2026 target, before adding with a smile, “This puzzle thing is possible.” Why India Matters To Israel Asked why India’s economy is so critical for Israel, Barkat framed the relationship as deeply complementary. “What we do--we’re innovative, we have new ideas, cutting-edge technology--but we’re 10 million people,” he said. “So it’s difficult for us to scale to the magnitude that India knows how to do.” India’s size and trajectory, he argued, complete the picture. “India today is becoming the third largest economy... 1.4 billion people. We view India as a gateway to Asia--that’s 59 per cent of the world population.”&nbsp;“We are out-of-the-box thinkers, but we need to get in the box, right? And India is the box,” he added. IMEC: Beyond A Corridor The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced at the G20 and stalled by regional conflict, also featured prominently.&nbsp; With a ceasefire holding, Barkat said the vision could now move from concept to execution. “First of all, it’s a beautiful vision. And I believe now that there’s an opportunity to fulfil that vision.” IMEC, he stressed, is “not just a corridor...It’s for energy, for information and data, transportation--way over and beyond just a little corridor.” Israel, he said, is planning its gateways--from the Haifa port toward Europe and eastern links toward Jordan and Iraq--while acknowledging that “additional steps with the Saudis and Iraq” will be needed. Haifa, Adani And Infrastructure On Indian investment in Israel, Barkat welcomed the Adani Group’s stewardship of the Haifa port. “Adani was very smart. We know that they own a lot of the ports in India.&nbsp; Now he owns one of the ports that we have in Haifa,” he said. “We’re here to help them succeed,” Barkat added, signalling openness to more Indian bids in Israeli infrastructure. “I’m committed to helping Indian companies succeed in Israel.” ‘Tough Negotiators’ And Ancient Ties The minister shared a lighter moment about negotiating styles. Calling Goyal “tough on the outside, but really soft on the inside,” Barkat said the two sides have “cracked how to make this work together.”&nbsp; He also invoked shared civilisational roots. “We’re two ancient people--thousands of years of history... We’re also challenged by terror. We’re so alike in many, many ways.” Make In India--And Defence On manufacturing and defence cooperation, Barkat was clear that scale dictates strategy. “You’re 150 times larger than Israel. We cannot produce large products and ship them to India.&nbsp; It doesn’t make sense,” he said, advocating joint ventures and local production. “If you’ve got big products to market, then it makes sense to go and make in India.” Asked directly about defence cooperation and the possibility of manufacturing systems like Iron Dome in India, Barkat was careful but open. “There are talks all across all sectors -- defence, economy, culture, friendship,” he said. “If you’re talking about a huge amount of products, then yes, it makes sense to have production in India.” Summing up Israel’s priorities, Barkat said, “Side by side with what we’re doing with the Americans, my highest priority is making sure that Piyush Goyal and Prime Minister Modi are happy with the relationship with Israel.” As Prime Minister Modi’s visit approaches, the message from Jerusalem is clear: India is not just a partner, but a central pillar in Israel’s economic and strategic future. Source: NDTV&nbsp;

Hillary Clinton to testify in congressional Epstein probe

Rise in colon and rectal cancers among 30–50 age group in Sri Lanka

Rise in colon and rectal cance ...

US billionaire David Blitzer joins bidding war for IPL cricket teams

US billionaire David Blitzer j ...

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday attack investigations – Fr. Cyril Gamini

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday ...

New insurance scheme for fishermen engaged in diving

New insurance scheme for fishe ...

Sangakkara calls for change after Sri Lanka’s World Cup exit

Sangakkara calls for change af ...

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer commission from March

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer ...

SriLankan Airlines announces new initiatives to boost air connectivity ...

SriLankan Airlines announces n ...

“India Gateway To Asia”: Israel prepares free trade agreement with Del ...

“India Gateway To Asia”: Israe ...

Rise in colon and rectal cancers among 30–50 age group in Sri Lanka

Rise in colon and rectal cance ...

US billionaire David Blitzer joins bidding war for IPL cricket teams

US billionaire David Blitzer j ...

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday attack investigations – Fr. Cyril Gamini

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday ...

New insurance scheme for fishermen engaged in diving

New insurance scheme for fishe ...

Sangakkara calls for change after Sri Lanka’s World Cup exit

Sangakkara calls for change af ...

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer commission from March

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer ...

SriLankan Airlines announces new initiatives to boost air connectivity ...

SriLankan Airlines announces n ...

“India Gateway To Asia”: Israel prepares free trade agreement with Del ...

“India Gateway To Asia”: Israe ...

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Rise in colon and rectal cancers among 30–50 age group in Sri Lanka

Rise in colon and rectal cance ...

US billionaire David Blitzer joins bidding war for IPL cricket teams

US billionaire David Blitzer j ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday attack investigations – Fr. Cyril Gamini

Do not obstruct Easter Sunday ...

New insurance scheme for fishermen engaged in diving

New insurance scheme for fishe ...

Sangakkara calls for change after Sri Lanka’s World Cup exit

Sangakkara calls for change af ...

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer commission from March

Lanka IOC revises fuel dealer ...