OWSA Contributor

The pilot in Galle is seen as a potential blueprint for nationwide replication, with implications for addressing water inefficiencies throughout Sri Lanka. If successful, it could also serve as a model for other countries in the region facing similar challenges.

Speaking at a business forum attended by around 100 Chinese companies eager to explore investment and trade opportunities in Sri Lanka, Minister Wang called for accelerating negotiations on the FTA.

Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.

The massive profits coupled with a weak legal framework have drawn influential individuals with political connections into the sand mining business, making it dangerous for environmental activists and journalists to speak out.

The high-stakes meeting brought together 20 leaders from various political parties and organisations in two separate sessions, as Yunus sought to shore up support amid reports of internal tensions within his interim government and growing external pressure.

Beyond trade, both nations expressed keen interest in enhancing vocational training collaboration, with a specific focus on developing industry-aligned skills for Sri Lankan youth.

In Upper Kohistan, 98 out of 718 babies – roughly 13.65 per cent – were born underweight, making it the most affected district in the province. Kolai Palas followed with a 9.04 per cent rate (34 out of 376), while Upper Chitral recorded 76 such cases out of 1,212 births, translating to 6.27 per cent.

The army, which played a key role in ushering in the interim setup, has grown wary of Yunus's intentions.