May 19, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Russia and Indonesia sign defence agreement. Image credit - borusikk /depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Cabinet adopts additional international marine regulations
At the Cabinet meeting held on 17 May 2016, a decision was taken to adopt Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL 73/78).
Annex VI contains regulations on air polluting emissions from ships, including ozone-depleting substances and nitrogen oxides.
Sri Lanka to establish higher education institute
The Cabinet has agreed to establish the Asia Institute for Science of Technology (AIST) by a public-private partnership, in order to broaden educational opportunities for local and international students.
The AIST will be part of the planned Science and Technology City in Malabe, under the Western Province Megapolis Project, and will receive funding from Japan.
PM to address National Summit
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is scheduled to address Sri Lanka’s first National Summit on Foresight and Innovation for Sustainable Development, to be held on 24-25 May.
The summit is organised by the United Nations Development Program in collaboration with the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs.
Maldives cuts ties with Iran
The Maldives has severed its diplomatic ties with the Government of Iran. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 2 June 1975.
The decision of the Maldivian Government reflects its opinion that Iranian policies are ‘detrimental to peace and security in the region’.
Russia and Indonesia sign defence agreement
The Presidents of Russia and Indonesia have signed an agreement on defence cooperation, yesterday.
Russia is the world’s second-largest arms exporter after the US, with a current portfolio of arms worth more than USD 50 billion.
Afghanistan signs draft peace deal with militant group
The Government of Afghanistan has signed a draft peace agreement with the leader of the Hezb-e-Islami militant group, led by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. Mr. Hekmatyar was a former Prime Minister of Afghanistan in the 1990s.
The draft peace deal proposes that members of Hezb-e-Islami be offered amnesty. The group would also be recognised as a legitimate political party.
24 Horton Place
Colombo 7
Sri Lanka
A think tank engaging in independent research of Sri Lanka’s international relations and strategic interests, to provide insights and recommendations that advance justice, peace, prosperity, and sustainability.
