The Pakistani Defence Secretary, Lieutenant General (Retired) Muhammad Ali has arrived in Sri Lanka, making an official visit to participate in the Sixth Pakistan-Sri Lanka Armed Forces Defence Dialogue. The Dialogue is scheduled to commence at the Navy Headquarters within the Defence Headquarters Complex in Sri Jayewardenepura, Kotte, today (3). The high-level bilateral Dialogue will provide an important platform for both countries to review the progress of ongoing defence cooperation and exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including regional security, military collaboration, training, and opportunities for further strengthening the longstanding defence partnership between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. During his official visit, Ali is also scheduled to pay courtesy calls on the President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Deputy Defence Minister, Major General (Rtd) Aruna Jayasekara, and the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Sampath Thuyacontha.

Pakistani Defence Secretary arrives 

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at further strengthening cooperation between the Parliament and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) was recently signed.This MoU is expected to further strengthen the legislative process, enhance the institutional capacity of the Parliament, and elevate cooperation between the two parties in policymaking related to population and social development. Accordingly, the two parties will collaborate across several areas, including providing technical assistance for evidence-based legislative decision-making on demographic resilience, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and rights, gender equality, gender-based violence, and harmful social practices. The cooperation will also include the provision of analytical information to the Parliament based on the latest census data and population research. Furthermore, the MoU facilitates the organisation of knowledge-sharing programmes and high-level dialogues involving Parliamentarians, Government officials, subject experts, and other stakeholders, the provision of evidence-based briefings and advisory reports to MPs, and the conduct of training programmes, workshops, and exchange sessions. In addition, the UNFPA has agreed to support efforts to brief MPs on international policy frameworks, inter-Governmental processes, and Sri Lanka’s international commitments related to population dynamics, SRH and rights, and gender equality. &nbsp;During the discussion, the Speaker of the Parliament Dr Jagath Wickramaratne emphasised the need for an in-depth analysis of the country’s current economic situation and demographic challenges. He highlighted the imbalance between the career aspirations of youth and family life, the declining birth rate, and disparities in social care services as issues that must be addressed at the policy level. He also stressed the importance of long-term policy guidance on demographic dynamics and social development. The discussion further focused on the challenges faced by working women and the importance of strong social policies for child care, managing the demographic transition, achieving the work-life balance, and ensuring the needs of future generations. It also highlighted the need for coordinated action among the Government, the Parliament, and other stakeholders.&nbsp;

MoU to enhance Parliament’s institutional capacity 

The Welfare Benefits Board has announced that the June 2026 allowance under the ‘Aswesuma’ welfare scheme for beneficiaries aged over 70 will be credited to bank accounts tomorrow (03). A total of 697,900 beneficiaries will receive payments under the first and second phases.

 ‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to be credited tomorrow

India has asked WhatsApp to pause the rollout of a new feature that would let users chat using unique usernames, saying it could increase online fraud and phishing scams. The feature - which will let people chat without revealing their phone numbers - is expected to be <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1dykk3135xo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rolled out</a> to WhatsApp's three billion global users over the next few months. In a notice, the government asked WhatsApp to explain why action shouldn't be taken against it under Indian law "for launching a feature that may increase cybercrimes". In a statement, WhatsApp said that the feature is not yet live and that it has built in safeguards, including reserving high-profile usernames and ways to detect impersonation and scams. With more than 850 million users, India is the biggest market for WhatsApp, owned by Mark Zuckerberg-led Meta.The move is the latest in a series of steps by Indian authorities to scrutinise how global technology companies design and operate their products in the country. The notice, sent on Wednesday by India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, said it had taken note of WhatsApp's announcement this week allowing users to reserve unique usernames and, once fully introduced, contact other users by exchanging usernames instead of sharing their phone numbers. The ministry said it believed the feature "may materially increase the incidence of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks" by allowing criminals to contact potential victims without disclosing their phone numbers. It also warned that the feature could "facilitate impersonation and identity spoofing", including of individuals, government authorities, financial institutions and public agencies, by permitting usernames that closely resemble genuine ones. The notice - a copy of which the BBC has seen - also asked the company "not to roll out this feature until the consultation on this point is achieved to the satisfaction of the government". The notice cites provisions of India's Information Technology Act and the country's technology rules governing intermediary due diligence, identity theft and impersonation offences. Cybercrimes and digital fraud are a <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3l3p7lzppo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">big concern in India</a>, where millions use digital platforms and payment options every day but often without enough awareness of online safety. Nearly 102,000 <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevp1lvzd8ko" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cybercrime cases</a> were registered in 2024, the latest year for which federal data has been published, up by 18% from the previous year. Nearly three-quarters of those cases involved online fraud. A Meta spokesperson said the company only planned to roll out the feature in phases later this year. "To protect against impersonation, we have held the highest-profile names - think public figures, government entities, celebrities, verified Meta accounts - so they can only ever be claimed by their legitimate owners and lookalike derivatives of known names are held as well," said the spokesperson. The company said users would still need a phone number to create a WhatsApp account and that it had built multiple safeguards into the feature as "layers of defence against scams". "Other users need to know the exact username to message you, we will limit how many new people an account can contact, block repeated attempts to guess someone's username key, and have systems to detect and remove activity showing common impersonation and abuse patterns," the spokesperson said. It also said recipients would be shown information about first-time contacts, including whether they were a new account, already in their contacts, shared common groups or were based in another country, to help them decide whether to respond. The Internet Freedom Foundation, a digital rights organisation, has criticised the government's notice, saying it had "no clear basis in law". In a <a href="https://x.com/internetfreedom/status/2072361878601511181" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">statement</a>, the organisation argued that the notice amounted to an attempt by the government to decide what software features a company could launch, even though the laws cited by the ministry did not give it that power."The power to require prior permission for a feature is not in the [Information Technology] Act, not in the Rules, and cannot be created by a notice," it said. The notice is the latest in a series of changes or announcements by India aimed at increasing oversight of global technology companies. In February, the government amended its rules to require social media platforms to remove unlawful content within three hours of being notified, replacing the previous <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2lrn8q2q24o" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">36-hour deadline</a>. Last month, authorities also <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn074j04l3eo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">temporarily banned Telegram</a> during the retest of a national medical entrance examination. The government argued that features such as username-based interactions and concealed phone numbers created challenges for law enforcement, a position the platform unsuccessfully challenged in court. Source : BBC

India asks WhatsApp to pause username feature rollout over fraud concerns

Nine Buddhist monks were killed and several others in their procession injured when they were hit by an 11-year-old boy driving his parents' pickup truck in north-east Thailand, police said. The group of 35 monks and five lay followers were walking along a road in Mukdahan province during a pilgrimage when the incident occurred. Footage posted online shows saffron robes and belongings scattered by the roadside, and a wrecked vehicle. Five of the monks died at the scene and four others later in hospital, according to police. They said the boy took the pickup without permission before losing control and crashing into the monks, according to Agence France-Presse. Police Major General Pairoj Thaiphutsa said they were still determining the legal process for the boy going forward."The suspect is a child. The vehicle has been taken for forensic examination to determine the cause," he said. Later, Thaiputsa told BBC Thai the boy was still being cared for by a team of officials, including his guardians and his doctor. Preliminary information indicates that he is a child with special needs, but no further details are available yet, Thaiputsa said. Mukdahan Hospital has appealed for urgent blood donations to help the injured monks. Three monks remain in a critical condition and at least five others were seriously hurt. More are being treated for lighter injuries, health authorities said. Phra Sompong, who was a monk in the group, said he was chanting the meditation mantra "Buddho, Buddho" before the crash happened. "I saw a boy driving a pickup truck approaching ... then suddenly the truck hit at full speed and crashed us," he said in a video posted online by local rescue workers. "Luckily another monk and I managed to jump out of the way in time. "The first nine monks in line survived, but others who were hit were thrown into the air." Buddhist monks are highly respected in Thailand as they are entrusted with preserving and passing on the Buddha's teachings. Public processions are not uncommon, with members of the public often giving monks alms of goodwill - such as food and basic necessities - as a sign of respect. Police further said initial inquiries have found that no one was home before the incident except the child suspect, who did not go to school because he was unwell. When the boy's guardians realised the car was missing they notified police. Mukdahan provincial governor Worayan Bunnarat said the case should serve as a wider warning for road safety in Thailand. "We've been very strict on road safety in recent years. This case should be a lesson not just for our province, but for the public in general when it comes to preventing road accidents," he said. "I think everyone involved, especially parents, needs to help, because no one wants something like this to happen." Source : BBC

Nine Thai monks killed after 11-year-old driver collides with procession

Russian forces have launched a major drone and missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv overnight, killing at least 10 people, officials say.&nbsp;Several neighbourhoods were evacuated as strikes rocked buildings throughout the city, hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Russia was preparing for a "massive" attack.&nbsp;Children were among the "significant number" of casualties, Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyiv's military administration, said.&nbsp;"The enemy is once again deliberately targeting residential areas and killing civilians," he said early on Thursday. Russia's Ministry of Defence claimed it targeted energy facilities in response to recent Ukrainian strikes.&nbsp;On Thursday morning, daylight brought clearer images of a crater which appeared to be caused by the impact of explosions.&nbsp;Smouldering cars, buildings and infrastructure could also be seen next to bombed-out debris.&nbsp;Multiple fires broke out across the city and damage was reported at an ambulance station in the city, which left at least one person critically injured.&nbsp;Firefighters were also dousing a blaze destroying a hotel on a central boulevard.&nbsp;Overnight, tracer fire from air defence systems were spotted lighting up the sky, and explosions from drones, cruise and ballistic missiles were heard.&nbsp;Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at least 10 people are confirmed to have been killed so far, with the death toll rising incrementally in recent hours.&nbsp;Ukraine's US ambassador Olha Stefanishyna wrote in a post on X: “Another horrific night for the residents of the city, who were forced to spend it in shelters.”&nbsp;“Fires and the destruction of civilian infrastructure and residential buildings in several districts of the city.”&nbsp;It marks the first large-scale missile and drone strike by Russia on Ukraine in more than a two weeks.&nbsp;Russia also hit military bases in central and eastern Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Defence, quoted in Russian media.&nbsp;It claimed to have targeted Ukrainian defence and energy infrastructure in response to recent attacks on Russian power stations from Moscow to the Black Sea.&nbsp;The attacks led to a rare concession by Russian President Vladimir Putin that his country was facing fuel shortages.&nbsp;On Wednesday, Zelensky cut short his visit to Dublin after he said fresh intelligence had emerged suggesting that Moscow was planning to strike Ukraine.&nbsp;"I urge our people to be especially careful, to protect themselves, their children, and, of course, their families," he said.&nbsp;He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin "has been preparing this massive strike against Ukraine for some time now".&nbsp;Poland has also activated fighter jets to protect its airspace, describing it as a "preventative" measure. There are no reports of attacks on Polish territory.&nbsp;"These actions are of a preventive nature and are aimed at securing and protecting the airspace, especially in areas adjacent to the threatened regions," Poland's military wrote on X.&nbsp;Poland is a member of Nato, a signatory to the military alliance's Article 5 provision that states “an armed attack against one Nato member shall be considered an attack against them all”&nbsp;Russian troops recently advanced into the city of Kostyantynivka, one of Ukraine's last key bulwarks in the east. If Moscow secures the city,&nbsp;it would provide a gateway to the entire Donbas region.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Ukrainian commanders say they have recaptured more territory this year than they have lost, disrupting Moscow's crucial supply lines between the Russian border and occupied Crimea.&nbsp;The war has otherwise stalled for months with each side's troops largely entrenched in their positions.&nbsp;Russia controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, mostly seized in the first few months of its full-scale invasion in February, 2022.&nbsp;Source: BBC

'Most massive' Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 18

The US has declined to renew the landmark US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) in its current form, according to a senior US official.This decision means the trilateral trade pact will miss out on an automatic 16-year extension. The official said the administration "chose not to rubber stamp a USMCA renewal without addressing existing issues," and "the United States did not agree to renew the USMCA in its current form". If the countries fail to unanimously agree to renew the agreement, "it essentially sets a ten year shot lock to termination," per the official. Under the pact guidelines, each country must decide whether to renew the agreement for another 16-year term. While the free trade deal remains in place for now, the lack of a long-term commitment creates fresh economic uncertainty across North America. The agreement, which underpins around $2tn (£1.5tn ) in trade each year, is facing pressure over unresolved disputes. US trade officials are pushing for major changes before committing to a long-term extension. Washington has consistently raised concerns over automotive rules of origin, dairy market access, and stopping third-party countries like China from exploiting the regional agreement. Under the USMCA's original terms, unanimous agreement on an extension would have seen the trade deal kept in place until 2042. The US opting out will force the nations to meet every year to negotiate changes. Business groups across the continent had called for the pact to be extended. The decision also kicks off a ten-year countdown towards the deal expiring as early as 2036. The US Chamber of Commerce had warned that sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture rely heavily on cross-border certainty. However, US domestic trade groups such as the American Iron and Steel Institute and the Steel Manufacturers Association have welcomed the shift, arguing annual reviews give American negotiators leverage to fix parts of the deal. The friction comes six years after the USMCA entered into force, replacing the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It updated rules around digital trade, workers' rights, and regional manufacturing, specifically requiring more vehicle parts to be made within North America. Source: BBC

US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal

Qi Zhenhong says inter-party relations are an important part of China–Sri Lanka ties. Speaking at an event in Colombo marking the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, the Ambassador said China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Sri Lankan political parties. He said both countries will work to implement the consensus reached between Xi Jinping and Anura Kumara Dissanayake and expand bilateral cooperation.

China highlights political party ties with Sri Lanka

The government has introduced bank card payment facilities at all 13 Divisional Secretariat Offices in the Colombo District, allowing the public to make payments using credit and debit cards. The new POS payment system was launched today at the Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya as part of the government's digitalisation programme.

Pakistani Defence Secretary arrives

MoU to enhance Parliament’s institutional capacity

MoU to enhance Parliament’s in ...

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to be credited tomorrow

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to ...

India asks WhatsApp to pause username feature rollout over fraud conce ...

India asks WhatsApp to pause u ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 11-year-old driver collides with processi ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 1 ...

'Most massive' Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 18

'Most massive' Russian attack ...

US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal

US blocks long-term renewal of ...

China highlights political party ties with Sri Lanka

China highlights political par ...

Card payment facility introduced at all Colombo Divisional Secretariat ...

Card payment facility introduc ...

MoU to enhance Parliament’s institutional capacity

MoU to enhance Parliament’s in ...

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to be credited tomorrow

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to ...

India asks WhatsApp to pause username feature rollout over fraud conce ...

India asks WhatsApp to pause u ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 11-year-old driver collides with processi ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 1 ...

'Most massive' Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 18

'Most massive' Russian attack ...

US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal

US blocks long-term renewal of ...

China highlights political party ties with Sri Lanka

China highlights political par ...

Card payment facility introduced at all Colombo Divisional Secretariat ...

Card payment facility introduc ...

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MoU to enhance Parliament’s institutional capacity

MoU to enhance Parliament’s in ...

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to be credited tomorrow

‘Aswesuma’ June allowance to ...

Bringing the news paper to your fingertips

India asks WhatsApp to pause username feature rollout over fraud conce ...

India asks WhatsApp to pause u ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 11-year-old driver collides with processi ...

Nine Thai monks killed after 1 ...

'Most massive' Russian attack on Kyiv kills at least 18

'Most massive' Russian attack ...

US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal

US blocks long-term renewal of ...