August 10, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
The UK delays proposed nuclear power plant at Hinkley Point. Image credit - 06photo / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
World Economic Forum increases engagement with Sri Lanka
The Head of the Centre for Regional Strategies of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and Member of its Managing Board, Philipp Rösler, has met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and three other ministers, during a visit to Sri Lanka.
Dr. Rösler conveyed the WEF’s interest in enhancing its engagement with Sri Lanka, and noted the need for reforms in the financial, labour, and education sectors to improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness and foreign direct investment in the country.
Navy rescues Indian fishermen
The Sri Lankan Navy has rescued four Indian fishermen stranded at sea. The fishermen’s boat suffered engine failure, and drifted into Sri Lanka’s western territorial waters.
The rescued fishermen were taken to the Dikowita Fisheries Harbour, and provided with food and first aid by the Sri Lankan Navy.
Refugees return to Sri Lanka
The Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs hasstated that 75 have refugees returned to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu on 9 August.
Their return was facilitated through the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ voluntary repatriation programme. The Ministry will take immediate action to resettle the refugees.
Turkey mends relations with Russia
The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have met in St. Petersburg, on 8 August, to mend bilateral relations. Russia has agreed to phase out sanctions and resume charter flights to Turkey.
The two leaders also pledged to resume the TurkStream gas pipeline and the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which were placed on hold due to tensions between Russia and Turkey.
UK delays power plant agreement
The Prime Minister of the UK, Theresa May, has delayed the USD 24 billion Hinkley Point nuclear power plant project, to be built by France and China. Prime Minister May expressed the need to review the agreement before commencing it in Southern England.
The Chinese Ambassador to the UK, Liu Xiaoming, stated that the delay has brought the UK and China to a ‘crucial historical juncture’ in their bilateral relations.
Rival groups in South Sudan hold peace talks
Opposition groups in South Sudan have signed a ‘roadmap’ with the government, to end hostilities and achieve political reconciliation. Peace talks commenced on 9 August, following the conclusion of the agreement.
The roadmap, brokered by the African Union, lays out a process for achieving a permanent ceasefire, encouraging national dialogue, and providing immediate humanitarian aid. The UN has welcomed the agreement.
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