January 29, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
The 1st Chinese Film Festival commenced yesterday. Image credit - www.news.lk
Reading Time: 2 min read
Chinese Film Festival commences
The opening ceremony of the 1st Chinese Film Festival, jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy and the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka, took place yesterday.
The film festival, scheduled to coincide with the Chinese New Year, will screen eight movies for free public viewing at the National Film Corporation theatre.
Zika virus screening facilities set up at BIA
Passengers returning from overseas are to be screened for the Zika virus at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The World Health Organization has called for urgent action to curb the spread of the virus, in the wake of 26 countries reporting cases.
Seminar on human rights to be held for parliamentarians
The Commonwealth Secretariat, Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the Sri Lankan branch of the CPA is organising a seminar on the role of parliamentarians in the promotion and protection of human rights.
Delegates from Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Maldives and Pakistan will be attending the seminar, to be held in early February.
Bank of Japan adopts negative interest rates
In a surprise move, the Bank of Japan has introduced a benchmark interest rate of -0.1%, marking the first ever adoption of negative interest rates by the country.
The move, voted in by a 5 to 4 majority, aims to save the rapidly declining markets and avoid global repercussions.
Syrian peace talks likely to commence without the participation of the opposition
The Syrian opposition remains adamant over the boycotting of today’s peace talks, despite the international community’s advice against it.
Among other demands, the Syrian opposition wants an end to the ongoing air strikes and sieges in Syria.
Iran renews relations with France
Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, states that Iran is ready to “turn the page” and strengthen relations with France.
The statement was made during his visit to the Élysée Palace in France and was preceded by the signing of a set of contracts between the two countries.
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