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El Niño expected to intensify between July and September, WMO warns
Ada Derana reported that the World Meteorological Organization expects the current El Niño event to intensify between July and September. The report said countries near the equator, including Sri Lanka, could face risks to water availability, agriculture, hydropower generation and heat-related health conditions.
China reaffirms long-term development partnership with Sri Lanka at Colombo forum
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said China is ready to deepen development cooperation with Sri Lanka, including in ports, modern agriculture, the digital economy, renewable energy and poverty reduction. Speaking at a China-Sri Lanka Readers Forum in Colombo, he said the latest volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China offers guidance for Sri Lanka’s development and that next year will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.
Xi’s governance book offers roadmap for Sri Lanka’s development, Chinese Ambassador says
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong said the latest volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China offers guidance for Sri Lanka’s development and new opportunities for bilateral cooperation. Speaking at a China-Sri Lanka Readers Forum in Colombo, he pointed to possible cooperation in port economy, modern agriculture, the digital economy, renewable energy and poverty reduction.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Speaker and Rauff Hakeem attend Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran
Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih and MP Rauff Hakeem represented Sri Lanka at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in Tehran. Ada Derana, Daily Mirror and Newswire reported that foreign representatives attended the ceremony, with Khamenei’s body lying in state at the Mosalla Grand Mosque before burial arrangements in Mashhad. The reports said Khamenei was killed during the first day of US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Keiko Fujimori officially declared winner of Peru presidential race
Peru's National Jury of Elections has officially declared right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori the winner of the presidential race. The final tally gave Fujimori 9,223,000 votes against 9,173,000 for left-wing Congress member Roberto Sanchez, and she is expected to take office in late July.
Thousands forced to evacuate in Colorado as wildfire spreads
A fast-moving wildfire southwest of Denver has forced thousands of people to leave their homes as strong winds spread the Aspen Acres Fire across southern Colorado. The blaze has grown to 272 square kilometres, destroyed more than 160 structures, and prompted evacuation orders for about 2,200 people, while officials warned smoke was reducing visibility on nearby roads.
French heat wave death toll rises to 2,025
France reported 2,025 additional deaths between June 22 and 28 during a record-breaking European heatwave, according to Public Health France. Deaths were 29% higher than the previous week, with the Paris region seeing a 62% increase, while Belgium and the Netherlands also reported excess deaths linked to the heat.
Sri Lanka calls for Asia-Pacific support for blue carbon and climate action frameworks
Sri Lanka called for stronger Asia-Pacific cooperation to advance integrated climate action and blue carbon financing through shared frameworks. Environment Deputy Minister Anton Jayakody made the appeal at a Bangkok session on regional cooperation for blue carbon financing, highlighting the role of mangroves, seagrass and salt marshes in climate resilience.
Sri Lanka, Pakistan discuss stronger cooperation in maritime and aviation sectors
Sri Lanka and Pakistan agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime and aviation sectors during a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation. Minister Anura Karunathilaka and a Pakistani delegation led by Defence Secretary Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Ali discussed air connectivity, flight frequency, ports expertise, and Sri Lanka's role as a regional transport and logistics hub.