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Investigation Continues After Woman Found Dead Inside Parked Vehicle in Teldeniya
The investigation began after Teldeniya Police received a telephone call from an unidentified individual reporting that a female body had been found inside the vehicle.
Preliminary inquiries revealed that the woman had been staying at a hotel in Nuwara Eliya from June 3 until June 16. Police further stated that information regarding the incident was reported to authorities by a person believed to be the woman’s fiancé.
The deceased has been identified as a 33-year-old resident of Weligama.
Following a magisterial inquiry, the body was transferred to the mortuary at Teldeniya Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is scheduled to be conducted.
Police said investigations remain ongoing to determine whether the death resulted from homicide or other causes, while further inquiries are being carried out by Nuwara Eliya Police.
Almost all of world’s children exposed to climate hazards, UN agency says
Almost all of the world’s children are exposed to at least one climate hazard, with as many as 1.8 billion put in danger by droughts and 1.2 billion by extreme heat, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a report on Tuesday.
UNICEF said children were “disproportionately affected” by a range of intensifying climate-related risks and governments urgently needed to invest in infrastructure, adaptation and disaster management capabilities to reduce their exposure.
Here are some of the details of UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Report.
The report looked at a broad range of climate hazards, as well as the impact of air pollution and the risks of vector-borne diseases like malaria. It also factored in data about access to water, healthcare and social services across the world.
As many as 1.1 billion children globally were exposed to at least three overlapping climate risks, the report said, warning of a “dangerous cascade of multiple, overlapping hazards” that could overwhelm governments and social services.
“It’s not just the exposure to the single hazards like floods or droughts or heat waves and extreme heat that children face, but it is the exposure to multiple hazards,” said Rohini Sampoornam Swaminathan, UNICEF statistics manager and one of the authors of the report.
As many as 662 million children were at risk from tropical storms, 337 million from riverine floods and 33 million from coastal floods, with 1 billion children also exposed to malaria, mostly in Africa.
In 2024, 242 million children in 85 countries saw their schooling disrupted by climate hazards.
UNICEF identified Somalia, Madagascar, Myanmar, Cambodia and Pakistan as the most vulnerable countries.
The highest numbers of drought-exposed children live in agriculture-dependent economies like Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Tanzania.
Children in landlocked nations were also facing “disproportionate” risks of drought, desertification, heat stress and flash floods, with water stress set to intensify in countries like Botswana and Burkina Faso.
Source: Reuters
Colombia beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in World Cup group match
Colombia winger Luis Diaz dazzled at a raucous Azteca Stadium as his side marked their return to the World Cup with a 3-1 Group K win over tournament debutants Uzbekistan on Wednesday.
Colombia, who missed the 2022 tournament in Qatar, struggled in the early stages but broke through in the 41st minute when a brilliant ball lifted into the area by Diaz was hooked in on the turn by Daniel Munoz, who had ghosted in behind the defence.
Uzbekistan equalised on the hour mark after a shot from striker Eldor Shomurodov was spilled by goalkeeper Camilo Vargas and Abbosbek Fayzullaev was on the line to head in. However, Diaz restored Colombia's lead five minutes later by slotting the ball in from the left of the area.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz headed in a third in stoppage time and Colombia top Group K after Portugal and Democratic Republic of Congo drew 1-1. The South Americans face DR Congo on Tuesday in Guadalajara after Uzbekistan play Portugal in Houston.
Source: Reuters
Showery Conditions and Gusty Winds Forecast Across Several Regions Today
Several parts of the country are expected to experience spells of showers today (16), while certain areas may also see afternoon thundershowers accompanied by localized strong winds, according to the Department of Meteorology.
Weather conditions are forecast to bring intermittent rainfall to the Western, Sabaragamuwa and North-western provinces, along with the districts of Galle, Matara, Kandy and Nuwara-Eliya.
Meanwhile, the department noted that a few locations in Uva and Eastern provinces, as well as the Mullaitivu district, could experience showers or thundershowers after 2.00 p.m.
In addition to rainfall activity, fairly strong winds ranging between 30 and 40 kilometres per hour are expected at times over the western slopes of the central hills, Southern Province, North-central Province and the Trincomalee district.
Authorities have advised the public to remain cautious and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of damage caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.
Court of Appeal to Consider Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Petition Seeking Protection From Arrest
The Court of Appeal is scheduled to take up a petition today (18) filed by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who is seeking an order preventing his arrest in connection with ongoing investigations into the Easter Sunday bomb attacks.
The matter was previously mentioned before the Court of Appeal yesterday, where it came up before a bench comprising President of the Court of Appeal Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Priyantha Fernando, according to an Ada Derana reporter.
During yesterday’s proceedings, the President of the Court of Appeal directed that the petition be called again today for verification of facts.
Accordingly, the case is due to be considered today before a different bench consisting of President Justice Rohantha Abeysooriya and Justice Sarath Dissanayake.
19-Hour Water Cut Announced Across Multiple Areas in Gampaha District
Residents across several parts of the Gampaha District are set to experience an extended interruption to water supply following emergency maintenance work scheduled at the Karasnagala Water Treatment Plant in Attanagalla.
According to the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), the temporary suspension will remain in effect for 19 hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. today (16) and continuing until 3:00 a.m. tomorrow (17).
The interruption is expected to impact areas administered under the Gampaha Municipal Council, Gampaha Pradeshiya Sabha, and Mahara Pradeshiya Sabha.
Water supply disruptions will also extend to Weliweriya, Balummahara, Rathupaswala, Minuwangoda, Asgiriya, Udugampola, Opatha, and nearby localities.
Additionally, residents in the Ranpokunugama Housing Scheme, Urapola, Attanagalla, Bataleeya, Watupitiwala, Nittambuwa, Veyangoda, Kalagedihena, Thihariya, Naiwala, and surrounding areas have been advised to expect interruptions during the maintenance period.
The NWSDB stated that the temporary suspension is necessary to facilitate emergency work at the treatment facility.
Investigation Underway After Unidentified Body Found Near Kelani Bridge
Police have launched an investigation following the discovery of an unidentified body near the Kelani Bridge in Sedawatta, within the jurisdiction of the Grandpass Police Division.
The body was recovered after officers received information that a corpse had washed ashore in the area, prompting an immediate response and initial inquiries at the scene.
Authorities stated that the identity of the deceased remains unknown at this stage. Preliminary observations suggest the individual is a male estimated to be between 35 and 40 years of age.
Police further noted that the deceased was approximately 5 feet 5 inches in height, had hair measuring around one inch in length, and was found shirtless while wearing blue shorts.
Following the magistrate’s inquiry, the remains were transferred to the Colombo National Hospital morgue for further examination.
Grandpass Police are continuing investigations to establish the identity of the deceased and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Three Killed in Separate Road Accidents Across Country; Several Others Injured
One of the incidents was reported from Wahigala Road in Matale, where a motorcycle travelling towards Kaduwela collided with a cable that had been unsafely stretched across the roadway.
The rider, a 48-year-old man, suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene. Two 14-year-old children who were travelling as pillion passengers on the motorcycle were injured in the incident and admitted to Matale Hospital for treatment.
In another accident reported from Hakurukumbura along the Mirigama–Nalla Road, a pedestrian was struck by a motorcycle travelling towards Nalla.
The injured pedestrian was rushed to Mirigama Hospital but later succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment. Police identified the deceased as a 59-year-old resident of the Nalla area. The motorcyclist involved in the collision has been arrested as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, a third fatal accident occurred at Godamada on the Delvita–Kiribathgalla Road when a three-wheeler travelling towards Delvita collided head-on with a bus moving in the opposite direction.
The three-wheeler driver, a 40-year-old resident of Delvita, died following the collision. Two female passengers travelling in the vehicle sustained injuries and were admitted to hospital for treatment.
Police said the bus driver has been taken into custody while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
Gold prices climb over 1% on US-Iran interim deal
Gold prices rose more than 1% today, recouping losses from the previous session, as a drop in oil prices following a U.S.-Iran interim agreement dampened inflation expectations and supported bullion.
Spot gold was up 1.4% at $4,316.42 per ounce, as of 0242 GMT, after declining 1.7% on Wednesday. U.S. gold futures for August delivery fell 1% to $4,336.70.
"It's a bit of short position unwinding (in gold) given yesterday's steep fall and the reason for the short unwinding is also due to the positive news coming out from the Middle East, which has caused oil prices to fall," said Kelvin Wong, a senior market analyst at OANDA. The United States and Iran released the text of their interim agreement on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments.
The 14-point agreement extends the ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days to allow the two sides to negotiate a final truce.
Oil prices fell, reversing gains made on Wednesday after Trump said he could resume his bombing campaign if Iran's leaders "don't behave".
Elevated oil prices stoke inflation concerns and raise expectations of higher interest rates. Gold tends to lose appeal when rates are high, as it does not yield interest. "I expect gold prices to remain muted on the upside, given the fact that market participants now have repriced a higher possibility of the Federal Reserve to kind of kickstart an interest rate-hike cycle," Wong said.
Nine of the U.S. central bank's 19 policymakers now believe they will need to raise the policy rate this year, according to projections published on Wednesday after the Fed announced its decision to leave the policy rate in its current 3.50%-3.75% range.
Traders now see an 85% chance of a U.S. rate hike in December, jumping from 61% prior to the Fed decision, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.
Spot silver rose 1.8% to $69.18 per ounce, platinum gained 1.2% to $1,757.53, and palladium was up 1.3% at $1,329.99.
Source: Reuters
Yoshitha Rajapaksa Appears Before Court of Appeal Over Money Laundering Case Petition
Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, appeared before the Court of Appeal today to take part in proceedings related to an ongoing legal challenge connected to a money laundering case.
The matter before the court concerns a petition filed seeking a determination that the charge of “conspiracy,” included in the case instituted by the Attorney General under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, cannot be sustained.
The hearing was scheduled to take place before a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justices Amal Ranaraja and Dr. Sumudu Premachandra.
Today’s proceedings focused on the legal arguments surrounding the validity of maintaining the conspiracy-related charge within the broader case framework.
Further developments are expected following the court’s consideration of submissions presented during the hearing.
Suresh Sallay Maintains Hunger Strike as Investigations Continue
Former Director of the State Intelligence Service (SIS), Major General (Retired) Suresh Sallay, has reportedly reaffirmed his decision to continue his ongoing hunger strike while remaining under the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and receiving treatment at the Colombo National Hospital.
According to reports, Sallay conveyed his position during a visit by his personal lawyer, stating that he would not agree to return to the CID detention facility. He was also reported as describing the detention conditions in severe terms and expressing strong objections to returning. During the exchange, he further alleged that the Director of the CID held personal hostility toward him.
The lawyer is said to have briefed Sallay on recent developments surrounding the wider investigation process, including matters currently under review by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, discussions relating to the government’s stance on the possible repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, and a request reportedly submitted to the President by the Chief Prelate of the Asgiriya Chapter.
Despite being urged to end the protest, Sallay reportedly maintained that he would continue the hunger strike.
Meanwhile, the CID has informed the Human Rights Commission that video footage linked to an alleged physical inspection conducted on March 8 is unavailable, explaining that its recording system stores footage for only one month.
In response, the Human Rights Commission is reportedly exploring the possibility of obtaining external technical assistance to recover or retrieve the missing recordings.
The CID has also been directed to provide additional reports connected to the ongoing investigations, with submissions expected before the June 26 deadline.
PM Modi arrives in Slovakia, first Indian PM to visit since 1993
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Slovakia for the second leg of his three-nation European tour, marking the first visit by an Indian prime minister to the country since it gained independence in 1993.
During his two-day stay in Bratislava, Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Prime Minister Robert Fico. He will also engage with leading Slovak business executives to explore opportunities for expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Soon after his arrival, Modi said the visit would help deepen India-Slovakia ties and open new avenues of cooperation. “This visit provides an opportunity to deepen India-Slovakia relations and explore new avenues of cooperation. Looking forward to productive meetings with President Pellegrini and Prime Minister Fico,” he posted on X.
The prime minister arrived in Slovakia after concluding engagements in France, where he held bilateral discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and attended the inauguration of the Bharat Innovates event in Nice.
According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Modi was welcomed by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanr and received a traditional bread-and-salt welcome, a symbol of hospitality, respect and goodwill in Slovakia.
Ahead of the visit, Modi described the trip as historic and said it builds on the growing momentum in bilateral relations. He expressed confidence that discussions with Slovak leaders and business representatives would further strengthen cooperation in key sectors.
The MEA said the visit follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two countries, including President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Slovakia in April 2025 and President Pellegrini’s visit to India for the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
India and Slovakia are expected to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, investment, automobile manufacturing, railway production and emerging technologies. New Delhi also views the visit as an opportunity to further strengthen its engagement with the European Union, of which Slovakia is a member.
After concluding his Slovakia visit, Modi will travel to France to participate in the G7 Summit in Evian on June 16-17. He is expected to hold discussions with G7 leaders and partner countries on global issues such as international cooperation, economic growth and artificial intelligence, besides holding a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit.
The final leg of his tour will take him to Paris on June 18, where he will attend VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest technology and startup event, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron.
Source: India Today
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