June 13, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski wins Peruvian presidential elections. Image credit - ncousla /depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
China drops Port City compensation claim
The Deputy Minister of Megapolis and Western Development, Lasantha Alagiyawanna, has informed Parliament that Chinese investors in the Colombo Port City project have agreed to cancel their claims for compensation for losses related to project delays.
A fresh round of negotiations has begun with the investors, with the objective of signing a new agreement that could provide 20 hectares of land on a 99-year lease rather than on a freehold basis.
New project aims to boost fisheries industry
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has provided preparatory technical assistance for a project aimed at reviving the fisheries sector under the Northern Province Sustainable Fisheries Development Project. The bank’s assistance was provided at the request of the Sri Lankan government.
The ADB project, worth USD 62 million, aims to revive the fisheries industry in the Northern Province and to develop fisheries harbours, anchorages, landing sites, and related infrastructure facilities.
Agreement signed for Indian-assisted housing project
The High Commission of India has granted contracts to four agencies to implement a housing project in the Central and Uva provinces, as part of India’s pledge to construct 50,000 houses in Sri Lanka.
Under the project, 4,000 houses will be built using a community-driven model, in which the Estate Workers Housing Cooperative Societies and beneficiaries would work in collaboration with the appointed agencies.
President Nicolás Maduro postpones referendum
The Venezuelan President, Nicolás Maduro, has announced that a recall referendum against him will not take place in 2016 due to time constraints.
The opposition is trying to call a referendum before January 10, 2017, as a successful recall vote prior to that deadline would initiate a fresh election. President Maduro stated that the government will ask the country’s Supreme Court to revoke the petition requesting a referendum, on grounds of fraud.
European leaders warn against Brexit
The Swedish Foreign Minister, Margot Wallström, has stated that Britain’s referendum to leave the EU could result in lasting damage to the EU as a whole, as other countries may follow suit.
In addition, the president of the European Council, Donald Tusk, stated that if voters choose to leave the EU in the 23 June referendum, the UK could face up to seven years in limbo until a new EU-UK agreement is reached.
Presidential elections conclude in Peru
Pedro Pablo Kuczynski has won the Peruvian presidential elections, after receiving 50.1% of the vote.
Keiko Fujimori, the other major presidential candidate, conceded defeat to her opponent on Friday. She stated that her party would lead a responsible opposition in Peru’s congress. Mr. Kuczynski will take office on July 28.
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