DAILY BRIEF: WEDNESDAY, 27TH JANUARY 2016

January 27, 2016    Reading Time: < 1 minute

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Sri Lanka destroys millions worth of ivory. Image credit - www.news.lk

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LOCAL NEWS

 
Sri Lanka incinerates stocks of seized ivory

Local authorities seized and destroyed a large stock of ivory yesterday, in a bid to put an end to the illegal trade in ivory.

The ceremony also marked the first ever formal apology issued by a nation, in contrition for having fostered the trade.

Coca-Cola reiterates commitment to Sri Lanka

Coca-Cola reiterated its commitment to Sri Lanka, after the Kelani river spill controversy last August.

Heads of Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia stated that adequate measures have been taken to avoid similar accidents in the future.

Special task force to develop master-plan for industries

A special advisory task force has been commissioned by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen, to develop a plan for the industrial sector.

The model of the envisaged plan focuses mainly on private-public partnerships.
 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

 
Syrian opposition pressed to attend Geneva talks

The United Kingdom has urged Syrian opposition not to boycott the Syrian peace talks in Geneva, this Friday.

The U.K.’s Foreign Secretary stressed that boycotting the talks would allow the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, an undue advantage in the negotiations.

French Minister of Justice quits over terror bill

Christiane Taubira, Minister of Justice in France, has resigned after opposing a terror bill proposed by President Francois Hollande.

The proposed bill aims to revoke French citizenship from convicted terrorists who hold dual citizenship.

Chinese markets in fresh decline

The Chinese stock market plunged anew today, causing a 25% increase in this year’s losses.

The sharp fall marks the lowest ebb recorded by Chinese markets in thirteen months.