Connect with us

News

Fears of wider conflict rise as Israeli-linked tanker set ablaze in drone attack off India

Published

on

An attack by an unidentified drone on an Israeli-linked tanker off the coast of India has raised fears that the Gaza War may spread, Indian media reported Sunday.

Indian warships and aircraft are escorting a tanker that was attacked on Saturday night (23rd) and set on fire, 370 km off the coast of Gujarat, India.

The Liberian-flagged tanker ‘Chem Pluto’ which can carry chemicals or oil, was en route to the Indian port of Mangalore from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, when it was hit by a drone in the Arabian Sea. The tanker is part-owned by an Israeli shipping company.

The crew of 21, all of them Indians, were not injured and the fire was doused. The Indian Navy has sent warships and maritime surveillance aircraft to escort the ship to Mangalore.

It was not clear who was responsible for the attack, or where the drone came from. The Houthis of Yemen have carried out dozens of drone and missile attacks on ships in the past several weeks, but those have been close to the coast of Yemen. The attack took place more than 3,000 km from Yemen.

The Houthis are backed by Iran, which has repeatedly threatened to widen the war if Israel does not halt its onslaught against Hamas. Many of the world’s largest shipping firms have halted voyages through the Red Sea due to attacks, and are now routing their ships on the much longer route around Africa, which has had the effect of driving shipping costs up.

The Red Sea shipping crisis has also affected traffic to Colombo, which is on the global east-west shipping route between Europe and the Far East that passes through the Red Sea and the Arabian Seas. Warships of a dozen nations including the US and UK are currently patrolling the Red Sea area to guard against attacks.

Source – News 1st

News

PCB postpones PSL

Published

on

By

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the postponement of the remaining eight matches of the HBL PSL X.

A statement from Pakistan Cricket Board says : 

The last 24 hours have seen a worsening of the situation on the LOC, increased incursion of 78 drones, and the firing of surface to surface missiles from India.

The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan.

The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation.

The PCB recognizes the efforts and support of its partners, franchises, participating players, broadcasters, sponsors, and organizers in having ensured the smooth conduct of the tournament thus far, however; cricket while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition.

We, at the PCB, also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the IPL will also be suspended for a week.

Related News :

IPL suspended for a week over safety concerns

Continue Reading

News

Minister Nalinda elected President of Sri Lanka-India Parliamentary Friendship Association

Published

on

By

Minister of Health and Mass Media and Chief Government Whip Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has been elected as the President of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association for the Tenth Parliament, the Department of Communications of Parliament said.

The revival meeting of the Friendship Association was held on May 08, 2025 in Parliament under the patronage of the Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor. The event was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Rizvie Salih, the Leader of the Opposition, Sajith Premadasa, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Members of Parliament, and the Secretary General of Parliament, Mrs. Kushani Rohanadeera.

At the meeting, Member of Parliament Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana was elected as the Secretary of the Sri Lanka – India Parliamentary Friendship Association, the statement added.

During the meeting, representatives from both Sri Lanka and India highlighted the deep-rooted and enduring relationship between the two nations, spanning centuries. They emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary cooperation through exchange programs and sustained dialogue, according to the statement.

The Speaker expressed appreciation for India’s steadfast support during Sri Lanka’s most challenging times. He also highlighted the recent state visit of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India as a key milestone that has opened new avenues for bilateral collaboration. 

He also expressed his gratitude for organizing the upcoming Capacity Building Programme for newly elected Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to be conducted by the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training of India later this month, it added.

Addressing the gathering, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, recalled the successful visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka and reaffirmed India’s commitment to support Sri Lanka across multiple sectors as a close and trusted neighbor.

In his speech, the newly elected President Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa emphasized the vital role of the Friendship Association as a bridge between the two Parliaments and expressed confidence in fostering meaningful engagement to deepen the already strong ties between Sri Lanka and India, it said.

Delivering the vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Friendship Association he Dr. Kavinda Jayawardhana conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India for its enduring friendship and reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to continued cooperation.

Continue Reading

News

Vesak week commences tomorrow

Published

on

By

The National Vesak Week will commence tomorrow (May 09), under this year’s theme of “Let’s associate with noble people with good qualities.”

According to the secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, W.P. Senadheera said that it will continue until May 16.

The official inauguration ceremony will take place tomorrow at the Nuwara Eliya Buddhist Center, under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

Sri Lanka Railways has announced special train services during the Vesak week and the long weekend.

Meanhwile, the Ministry of Public Administration has ordered the closure of slaughterhouses, meat vendors, casinos, and clubs nationwide from May 12 – 14 May for the state Vesak Festival. 

A circular issued on April 29 instructs all relevant businesses to comply during the period.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved