Sri Lanka

by Arundathie Abeysinghe | SRI LANKA

Hansen's disease mainly affects the eastern and western provinces. Although with multi-drug therapy (MDT) Sri Lanka has reduced cases, it remains a ‘high incidence country’. Twelve per cent of patients are under 15 years of age, most between 25 and 45. Leprosy remains associated with strong social stigmas. Health authorities emphasise the importance of early diagnosis and raising awareness.

by Arundathie Abeysinghe

About 13 people have been killed in armed clashes between gangs and criminal groups in the past three months alone. In 2023, 61 people were killed and 47 wounded. Experts believe the phenomenon is facilitated by political connections.

| 14/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

On 6 January, Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, launched the initiative as part of the digitisation process initiated by Dissanayake. A pilot project is active in seven embassies, including Japan, Qatar and Kuwait. Jasintha Subasinghe, Sinhalese in Italy: ‘Visits to the homeland were races for documents’. Cases of abuse of power by officials in some countries.

| 11/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

The government in Colombo has run for cover by buying 35,000 tonnes from India, but in many areas of the country prices have skyrocketed and bad quality salt is being sold. The producers justify themselves with the floods, but workers and nutritionists recall that not even the tsunami 20 years ago led to such a crisis.

| 10/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

Sri Lanka joins many other Asian countries grappling with demographic winter. Some 15 years ago, more than 350,000 children were born a year. Emigration is  a contributing factor. According to estimates, by 2041 one in four Sri Lankans will be over 60 years.

| 07/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Melani Manel Perera

In a video message, the Archbishop of Colombo explained to Sri Lankan Catholics the significance of the Holy Year as an opportunity for spiritual awakening. ‘Doctrine is not something written in a book: it must be reflected in our choices’. The invitation to families: ‘Pray and read the Bible together during the Jubilee’.

| 03/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Utilities have been suspended for non-payment of bills, yet another consequence of the economic crisis that has gripped Sri Lanka for three years. To cope with the situation, demand for solar panels has also increased, but the authorities have been forced to issue a warning to prevent fraud by unauthorised companies.

| 02/01/2025
| SRI LANKA
Editor's choices
 
by Dario Salvi
The archaeological site north of Nablus linked to the memory of John the Baptist targeted by settlers (and the Israeli army) attacks. The death of a 14-year-old boy hit by a soldier's bullets. Scholar Carla Benelli to AsiaNews: ‘Heritage ...
| 04/02/2025
| GATEWAY TO THE EAST
 
by Alessandra De Poli
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| 01/02/2025
| MYANMAR
 
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| 30/01/2025
| RED LANTERNS
 
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| 28/01/2025
| CHINA
 
by Alessandra De Poli
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| 27/01/2025
| SOUTH KOREA
 
by Stephen George
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| 26/01/2025
| ECCLESIA IN ASIA
 
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| 21/01/2025
| AFGHANISTAN
 
Israel celebrates the release of Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher and Emily Damari as part of the fragile truce. However, the fate of the foreign workers still being held hostage in the Strip remains a mystery. These include six Thai nationals ...
| 20/01/2025
| ISRAELE - PALESTINE - ASIA
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