Sri Lankan police arrest 19 over racial violence
Nov 18, 2017
Sri Lankan police say 19 people have been arrested following racial violence in the country's south that started over a dispute between majority Buddhists and minority Muslims
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lankan police said Saturday that 19 people were arrested following racial violence in the country's south that started over a dispute between majority Buddhists and minority Muslims.
Police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said four people were injured in attacks that took place Friday night in areas surrounding the southern town of Galle. Homes, shops and vehicles were damaged in the violence, though the extent of the damage was not immediately known.
A curfew imposed overnight was lifted Saturday morning.
Law and Order Minister Sagala Ratnayake said in a statement that the elite police riot squads and the military were brought in to prevent an escalation of the violence and the situation now is under control. He thanked everyone who "acted with responsibility to avoid a bloodbath."
Ratnayake also warned of stern action against those carrying out racial propaganda and spreading rumors.
Sinhalese Buddhists make up 75 percent of Sri Lanka's population of 20 million, while Muslims make up 9 percent. Even though relations between the communities have been generally cordial, Muslims have been victims of hate speech and their businesses attacked by radical Sinhalese groups in recent years.
MORE NEWS
Asian Games 2026 Day 15 LIVE Updates: 17-Year-Old Kumkum Mohod Creates History, Wins Recurve Gold
Asian Games 2026, October 3 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 15th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across nine sports.
India, UAE expedite setting up two establishments to strengthen cultural initiatives
India and the UAE are enhancing cultural collaboration by expediting initiatives, including the House of India and the Gandhi-Zayed Centre. These initiatives are designed to promote peace, tolerance, and sustainability studies between both nations. Recent discussions at a meeting highlighted progress in heritage and archival cooperation, along with further joint projects planned for the future. Both nations will also expand collaboration in various sectors such as education, sports, and tourism.
Central Asia's biggest state holds month-long initiative to promote AI & digital tech
Kazakhstan is hosting AI MONTH to emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence in digitalization. The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum is a key event highlighting technology advancements and collaborative efforts. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocates for responsible AI development while encouraging talent and investment retention. International experts and leaders gather to discuss global AI governance and partnerships.
Ex-SC, HC judges form independent panel to look into SIR issue
A group of former Supreme Court and high court judges will review the electoral roll revision process. The panel, led by Madan B Lokur, will assess its constitutional validity and methodology. Public hearings will be conducted nationwide to gather opinions from affected citizens and experts. Senior lawyers will provide strategic legal advice to support the commission's work. The commission is responsible for delivering findings and recommendations from their investigation.
Ex-SC, HC judges form independent panel to look into SIR
A group of former Supreme Court and high court judges will review the electoral roll revision process. The panel, led by Madan B Lokur, will assess its constitutional validity and methodology. Public hearings will be conducted nationwide to gather opinions from affected citizens and experts. Senior lawyers will provide strategic legal advice to support the commission's work. The commission is responsible for delivering findings and recommendations from their investigation.
Asian Games Day 14 India full schedule: Men's team eyes cricket gold against Pakistan, hockey title and Olympic quotas
On Day 14 of the Asian Games 2026, India will compete in several significant events. The men's cricket team will face Pakistan for the gold medal, while the men's hockey team will play Malaysia. Important Olympic qualification opportunities are available in archery and wrestling, where multiple athletes will seek medals. Golf, taekwondo, and women's rugby sevens will also feature crucial matches for India.
North Korea test-fires ballistic missile as tensions grow over border mine blasts
North Korea fired a ballistic missile that flew over 700 kilometers into the sea. This launch followed heightened tensions due to land mine blasts injuring three South Korean soldiers. South Korea condemned the missile tests, calling them a violation of U.N. sanctions, while the U.S. stated there was no immediate threat. Kim Yo Jong labeled South Korea's demands for an apology as pathetic and reaffirmed North Korea's hostility.
FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
A FlyDubai flight with 182 people faced a near-crash incident due to an attack on the cockpit. The co-pilot, previously barred from flying in Oman, was hired by the UAE airline. Investigations are ongoing with both Israeli and Emirati officials involved. The UAE has suspended all flights to Israel, complicating travel for many passengers. The captain of the flight, praised for his actions, continues to recover in Abu Dhabi.
US FAA says Boeing 737 MAX software glitch poses no safety issue
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Boeing can proceed with the certification of the 737 MAX 10. A recent panel determined that the software issue does not pose safety concerns for the aircraft. This decision allows for a potential certification of the MAX 10 later this month. Airlines using the MAX 7, which shares the same software, will also benefit from this determination.
