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Sri Lanka monitors oil spill from burning vessel “X-PRESS PEARL”.

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Sri Lankan authorities said on Wednesday that it is monitoring an oil spill from the burning foreign vessel, “X-PRESS PEARL” registered under the flag of Singapore, near the Port of Colombo.

The container ship, which was carrying 1,486 containers filled with 25 tons of Nitric Acid and several other chemicals and cosmetics from the port of Hazira, India, sent out a distress call on May 20, after it caught fire.

The Sri Lankan Navy immediately dispatched vessels to bring the fire under control and rescue teams from the Sri Lanka Navy and the Indian Navy were involved in joint efforts to douse the flames onboard. 425 kgs of dry chemical powder was dropped by Bell 212 helicopters to help extinguish the fire according to the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The 25 crew members were all rescued by the Sri Lanka Navy on Tuesday, with two injured Indian nationals being sent to a hospital for treatment, according to the Navy.

According to Sri Lankan State Minister of Fisheries Kanchana Wijesekera, by Tuesday evening signs of oil spills were found in the ocean near the burning vessel and the fisheries Department, the Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA), the navy, the coast guard and other authorities were all working to contain the oil spill and minimize the damage to the marine environment on the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

The latest video footage released by the Navy showed that the vessel is still engulfed by flames and rescue teams were trying to douse the fire Public was warned that the oil spill may waft towards the Negombo lagoon in the west coast of the country.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

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Fourth meeting of High-Level Core Group on withdrawal of Indian troops held in Delhi

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The fourth meeting of the High-level Core Group between the Maldives and India took place in Indian capital New Delhi on Friday.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation between nations during Friday’s meeting while discussions were also held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development and defense cooperation.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said it was reiterated that the Indian government will replace military personnel at the last of the three aviation platforms by May 10th, adding both sides expressed satisfaction with the fact that all the logistical arrangements are going ahead as per schedule.

Both sides also agreed that the fifth meeting of the High-Level core Group will be held in Male’ on a mutually agreeable date in June or July.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.

Source(s): sun.mv

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Minister of Islamic Affairs to attend the OIC Summit as the President’s Special Envoy

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The Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed, will attend the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which begins tomorrow, as President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s Special Envoy.

The Minister of Islamic Affairs is scheduled to address the 15th session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as the President’s Special Envoy, which begins tomorrow, at Banjul, The Gambia. His address will be broadcast on television.

The Islamic Summit of the OIC, held once every three years, brings the leaders of the Islamic nations together to deliberate, take policy decisions, and provide guidance on issues pertaining to the Ummah as outlined in the OIC Charter.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will take place in Banjul, The Gambia, from May 4–5, 2024, under the theme “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development.”

Source(s): Presidents Office

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Vice President pledges govt’ support for journalists welfare

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Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef has emphasised President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s administration’s steadfast commitment to supporting journalists, addressing their needs and aspirations.

In an interview with PSM news on its 7th anniversary and in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, Vice President Hussain Mohamed highlighted the administration’s awareness of the challenges faced by journalists, noting President Muizzu’s proactive engagement with them upon assuming office.

Furthermore, Vice President stressed the importance of public trust in the current administration’s ability to effectively address journalists’ concerns, particularly on World Press Freedom Day. He further reiterated that while journalism may not be explicitly delineated in the constitution, it serves as the country’s “fourth power” and urged responsible reporting avoiding misleading information, anticipating positive societal changes with these efforts.

In support of journalist’s financial independence, Vice President confirmed the formulation of a policy allocating a specific percentage of the state budget to them and the resolution of land plots for establishing a special media village.

Additionally, Vice President met with PSM news employees.

Source(s): PsmNews

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