News

WhatsApp may soon introduce a new way for users to control who sees their status updates. Reportedly, Meta is testing an Instagram-like feature that allows users to create custom contact lists for sharing status posts. 

The feature has reportedly been spotted in the beta version for Android 2.26.5.11 and is still in the development stage.

The reported feature allows users to organise contacts into named lists which display different emojis for their identification. The lists enable users to share their current status without needing to change their privacy settings after each new update. 

Instead, users can easily select a predefined group of contacts associated with that category, minimising the possibility of sharing information with the wrong people.

One of the key additions is a close friends list feature, similar to Instagram. This option would let users share status updates only with selected contacts. Users can add people to the list either through the status privacy settings or directly from the status interface.

Users will reportedly be able to edit their close friends list at any time. However, any changes made after a status is shared will only apply to future updates. Contacts removed from a list will still be able to view a status that was shared with them earlier.

WhatsApp is also said to be testing three additional privacy options for status sharing. Once a status is posted, selected contacts may see a coloured ring around the user’s profile picture, indicating restricted visibility.

 (Source: newswire.lk)

A woman in her 40s has died from Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed, but says the risk of the disease spreading internationally remains low.

According to the WHO, the patient, who lived in Naogaon district in Rajshahi Division, developed fever and neurological symptoms on January 21.

She was admitted to the hospital on January 28, where throat swabs and blood samples were collected. Laboratory tests confirmed Nipah virus infection the following day.

She had no recent travel history but had reportedly consumed raw date palm sap, a known source of infection.

On February 3, Bangladesh officially notified WHO of the confirmed case through the International Health Regulations system.

Health officials have identified and tested 35 people who came into contact with the patient, and no additional cases have been detected so far.

The announcement comes shortly after two cases were reported in India’s West Bengal state, raising regional concern. Some neighbouring countries have increased health screening at airports, although the WHO has not recommended any travel or trade restrictions.

“WHO assesses the overall public health risk posed by Nipah virus to be low at the national, regional, and global levels,” the agency said. “The risk of international spread is considered low.”

Bangladesh has reported 348 cases since 2001, with nearly half linked to the consumption of raw date palm sap. Outbreaks typically occur between December and April, a period that coincides with the harvesting and drinking of fresh palm sap.

There are currently no licensed vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for the virus. The disease has a high fatality rate, estimated at between 40 and 75 per cent.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently described Nipah as a “rare but serious disease”, noting that authorities are strengthening disease surveillance, improving infection prevention in health facilities, and educating the public on protective measures.

What is the Nipah virus?

The virus is carried by fruit bats and can spread to humans through contact with infected animals, consumption of contaminated fruits or raw fruit products, or close contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, especially in homes or healthcare settings.

Symptoms can appear between three and 21 days after infection and include fever, headache, confusion, cough, breathing difficulties, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Severe cases may cause brain inflammation and can be fatal, though early medical care improves survival.

While outbreaks have occurred in parts of Asia, no cases have been confirmed in Sri Lanka.

Outbreaks and deaths

Since it was first identified in 1998, the virus has caused a relatively small number of outbreaks globally, but with a very high death rate. The initial outbreak in Malaysia and Singapore recorded nearly 300 cases and over 100 deaths, mainly among pig farmers.

Since then, most infections have been reported in Bangladesh and India, where outbreaks occur almost every year, often linked to contact with fruit bats or consumption of raw date palm sap.

Several hundred cases have been documented worldwide, with overall fatality rates typically ranging between 40 and 75 per cent, depending on the outbreak and the level of medical care available.

Bangladesh has recorded the highest number of recurring outbreaks and deaths, while India has experienced periodic clusters, especially in West Bengal and Kerala.

Despite its limited geographic spread, the Nipah virus remains a serious public health concern because of its severe symptoms, potential for person-to-person transmission, and lack of a licensed vaccine or specific treatment

(Source:Adaderana.lk)

Former Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, ending a years-long legal battle that has come to define Beijing’s transformational crackdown on the once-freewheeling financial hub.

The 78-year-old self-made billionaire was among the highest-profile government critics charged since Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the semi-autonomous southern city in 2020.

The lengthy sentence – Lai will not be eligible for parole until he is in his late 90s – will likely galvanize international calls for the media mogul’s release in the landmark trial closely watched by Western world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who previously vowed to “get him out.”

Trump is expected to travel to China in the coming months to meet his counterpart Xi Jinping and many of Lai’s supporters will be lobbying him to raise the jailed media mogul’s case.

Lai’s outspokenness over the Hong Kong’s shrinking freedoms – including to top US officials – and his role as the founder of now-defunct Apple Daily, a fiercely pro-democracy tabloid newspaper, had long made him a thorn in Beijing’s side.

He was found guilty of two national security charges and a sedition charge in December following a years-long court battle.

Lai, looking visibly slim in a white jacket, smiled slightly upon hearing the sentence Monday. Before the court session began, he had put his hands together to greet those sitting in the court gallery and turned to see six former Apple Daily colleagues who were also awaiting sentencing.

Those colleagues were jailed too, receiving sentences ranging from 6 years, 9 months to 10 years behind bars. Apple Daily and its affiliated companies were fined 6 million Hong Kong Dollars ($767,000).

Both Beijing and Hong Kong’s government have repeatedly rejected international criticism of Lai’s prosecution and dismissed accusations that his jailing was politically motivated or an assault on press freedom.

Beijing’s national security law has transformed Hong Kong, with authorities jailing dozens of dissidents; forcing civil society groups and outspoken media outlets to disband; and neutering the city’s once-raucous political scene.

City and national authorities say their restrictions have “restored stability” following mass anti-government protests in 2019 that turned violent at times.

Supporters had been lining up for days outside the West Kowloon court since last week hoping to catch the last glimpse of Lai.

“He is the flag of Hong Kong,” Chan Chun-yee, 75, who arrived outside the court on Thursday, told CNN. “I don’t agree with everything he did but I aligned with his spirit and the things he pursued, such as freedom, democracy and justice.”

Another supporter, who asked only to be identified as Andy, said: “Lai and his colleagues deserve a Nobel Peace Prize.”

Police ramped up security outside the court complex, setting up cordon lines and searching those lining up. Judges also warned the public not to disturb the court proceeding or face expulsion.

Source:adaderana.lk

The Department of Meteorology has forecast isolated showers or thundershowers in parts of the Southern and Sabaragamuwa regions later today (09), particularly after 2.00 p.m.

According to the forecast, rain activity may occur at a few locations in the Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Ratnapura districts. Meanwhile, largely fair weather conditions are expected to prevail across the rest of the country.

The Met. Department also noted that misty conditions may develop during the early morning hours in areas within the Sabaragamuwa, Central and North-central provinces, as well as in the Badulla and Kurunegala districts.

Members of the public are advised to remain cautious and take necessary safety measures to reduce potential damage caused by sudden strong winds and lightning associated with thundershowers.

Petitions challenging the proposed Protection of Tenants Bill were taken up before the Supreme Court today, where the Attorney General’s Department informed court that a new committee will be appointed to re-examine the draft legislation.

The matters were heard before a three-member bench comprising Justices Mahinda Samayawardena, Arjuna Obeysekera and Sampath Abeykoon.

Senior Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Dharmawardena, appearing for the Attorney General, informed court that according to a letter dated February 6 issued by the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice, a new committee will be appointed to revisit the draft Protection of Tenants Bill and the related Rent (Repeal) Bill.

He told court that the proposed committee will include representatives of the Attorney General’s Department, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka and eminent members appointed by the Minister of Justice. The committee is expected to consider public representations and the issues raised in the petitions before proposing any necessary amendments to the draft legislation.

President’s Counsel Faizer Musthapha appeared on behalf of the petitioners.

Based on the undertaking given by the Attorney General’s Department that the draft bill would be revisited by the new committee, the petitioners withdrew the cases.

(Source:Newswire)

The digitalisation and decentralisation of the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariat offices have resulted in a significant rise in requests for medical assistance, with applications increasing by 59% within a year, according to the President’s Media Division (PMD).

Issuing a statement, the PMD said that 5,277 applications were submitted to the President’s Fund in 2025, compared to 3,313 applications in 2024 and 3,456 in 2023. This marks an increase of 1,964 applications from the previous year, attributed largely to the recent reforms.

More than 70% of applicants have already received medical assistance, the PMD noted, adding that applications are now accepted at every Divisional Secretariat office across the island, making the process more accessible to the public.

Regionally, applications recorded notable growth in 2025, with a 253% increase in the Northern Province, 135% in the Eastern Province, 116% in the Central Province, and 108% in the Uva Province.

The acceptance of medical assistance applications through all Divisional Secretariats began on February 7, 2025. Encouraged by the success of this initiative, authorities have begun extending digitalisation to other services offered by the President’s Fund.

As a result, for the first time in its 47-year history, all services of the President’s Fund—previously accessible only in Colombo—can now be applied for at any Divisional Secretariat office, significantly improving nationwide access to benefits, the PMD added.

The Sri Lankan Rupee experienced minor variations against the US Dollar across major commercial banks today (February 9), reflecting a generally steady currency market with only slight movements from the previous trading day.

At Seylan Bank, exchange rates remained unchanged, with the US Dollar buying rate at Rs. 306.65 and the selling rate at Rs. 311.40. Similarly, NDB Bank maintained its earlier rates, keeping the buying price at Rs. 306.15 and the selling price at Rs. 312.65.

People’s Bank recorded a small dip in both rates, with the buying rate easing from Rs. 305.94 to Rs. 305.89, while the selling rate declined slightly from Rs. 312.68 to Rs. 312.63.

In contrast, Commercial Bank reported a modest appreciation, as the buying rate rose from Rs. 304.11 to Rs. 304.36 and the selling rate increased from Rs. 312.50 to Rs. 312.75. Sampath Bank also noted a slight upward adjustment, with the buying rate climbing from Rs. 306.00 to Rs. 306.25 and the selling rate moving up from Rs. 312.50 to Rs. 312.75.

Overall, the currency market reflected mild shifts, with the Rupee showing a mixed performance against the Dollar while maintaining general stability.

Indian refiners are avoiding Russian oil purchases for delivery in April and are expected to stay away from such trades for longer, refining and trade sources said, a move that could help New Delhi seal a trade pact with Washington.

The U.S. and India moved closer to a trade pact on Friday, announcing a framework for a deal they hope to conclude by March that would lower tariffs and deepen economic cooperation.

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum and Reliance Industries are not accepting offers from traders for Russian oil loading in March and April, said a trader who approached the refiners.

These refiners, however, had already scheduled some deliveries of Russian oil in March, refining sources said. Most other refiners have stopped buying Russian crude.

TRUMP SAYS INDIA ‘COMMITTED’ TO HALTING PURCHASES

The three refiners and the oil ministry did not respond to requests for comment. The trade minister on Saturday referred questions about Russian oil to the foreign ministry.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said: “Diversifying our energy sourcing in keeping with objective market conditions and evolving international dynamics is at the core of our strategy” to ensure energy security for the world’s most-populous nation.

Although a U.S.-India statement on the trade framework did not mention Russian oil, President Donald Trump rescinded his 25% tariffs on Indian goods, imposed over Russian oil purchases, because, he said, New Delhi had “committed to stop directly or indirectly” importing Russian oil.

New Delhi has not announced plans to halt Russian oil imports.

India became the top buyer of discounted Russian seaborne crude after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, spurring a backlash from Western nations that had targeted Russia’s energy sector with sanctions aimed at curtailing Moscow’s revenue and making it harder to fund the war.

INDIA’S RUSSIAN-OIL IMPORTS A FRACTION OF 2025 LEVELS

One regular Indian buyer is Russia-backed private refiner Nayara, which relies solely on Russian oil for its 400,000-barrel-per-day refinery. Sources said Nayara may be allowed to keep buying Russian oil because other crude sellers pulled back after the European Union sanctioned the refiner in July.

Nayara also does not plan to import Russian crude in April due to a month-long refinery maintenance shutdown, a source familiar with its operations said.

Nayara did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Indian refiners may change their plan and place orders for Russian oil only if advised by the government, sources said.

Trump’s order said U.S. officials would monitor and recommend reinstating the tariffs if India resumed oil procurement from Russia.

Sources said last month that India was preparing to cut Russian oil imports below 1 million bpd by March, with volumes eventually falling to 500,000–600,000 bpd, compared with an average 1.7 million bpd last year. India’s Russian oil imports topped 2 million bpd in mid-2025.

The intake of Russian oil by India, the world’s third-biggest oil consumer and importer, declined to its lowest level in two years in December, data from trade and industry sources show.

Indian refiners have been buying more oil from Middle Eastern, African and South American countries as they scale back Russian oil purchases.

Source:adaderana.lk

Japan’s conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi swept to a landslide victory in a snap election on Sunday, marking a historic turnaround for her party, which had been hemorrhaging voter support in recent years — until she stepped to the helm.

Since she was elected more than four months ago – becoming Japan’s first female leader in a country where men have long dominated politics – Takaichi has enjoyed high approval ratings and a glowing endorsement from US President Donald Trump.

She won over many voters with her notoriously strong work ethic, savvy social media game and charisma, marked in viral moments such as a recent impromptu drum session with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung – stoking public enthusiasm to levels not seen since former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

It was a gamble to call a snap election. But Takaichi hoped to translate her own popularity into a stronger mandate for her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) – which has been weakened in recent years by a scandal involving the misuse of political funds.

Her risky move paid off. The LDP won more than 310 of the 465 seats in Japan’s lower house of parliament, marking the first time since World War II that a single party has secured a two-thirds majority. The broader ruling coalition won more than 340 seats.

Crucially, the two-thirds supermajority in the lower house will allow Takaichi’s party to override votes in the upper house of parliament and to propose amendments to the constitution.

Putting her leadership on the line

Takaichi, a longtime lawmaker, rose to the top of Japanese politics last fall after her predecessor, Shigeru Ishiba, resigned amid pressure from his own party following a series of bruising defeats for the LDP.

She won the LDP presidency on October 4, her third attempt at the job, and was elected prime minister on October 21 – a surprising triumph in Japan’s deeply patriarchal political system.

Her decision to dissolve parliament three months later, she said in a January 19 press conference, was a “profoundly weighty decision,” adding that “by doing so, I am also putting my position as prime minister on the line.”

Takaichi has enjoyed unusually high approval ratings during her short tenure, in which she has made waves for her relaxed, friendly interactions with other world leaders.

During a meeting with the US president just one week into her term, Trump and Takaichi looked more like old friends than world leaders.

“She is a delight,” Trump told business leaders after they met. “I got to know her pretty well in a short period of time.”

Days before the election, Trump gave his “total endorsement” of Takaichi, writing in a post to Truth Social that she “has already proven to be a strong, powerful, and wise Leader, and one that truly loves her Country.” He added he plans to welcome Takaichi to Washington in March.

Trump also enjoyed a close bond with Takaichi’s mentor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was assassinated in July 2022.

Takaichi’s decisive leadership style and support for traditional values have drawn comparisons to Margaret Thatcher, whom she cites as inspiration.

But it hasn’t all been sunny for Japan’s first woman leader. She has been scrutinized for her relentless work schedule, which included calling a 3 a.m. meeting with aides.

Comments she made about Taiwan, the democratic island claimed by China, also cratered Tokyo’s relationship with Beijing.

Takaichi broke Japan’s long tradition of ambiguity on Taiwan when she told parliament in November that a Chinese attack on the island – which lies just 60 miles (97 kilometers) from Japanese territory – could trigger a military response from Tokyo.

(Source: newswire.lk)

Police have launched an investigation after a body was discovered in a canal near Delgas Junction along the Matugama–Agalawatta main road.

The deceased has been identified as a 41-year-old resident of Ittapane, according to police sources. At this stage, authorities say the exact cause of death has yet to be established.

The body has been transferred to the Nagoda Hospital morgue, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine further details.

Matugama Police are continuing inquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.