WhatsApp allows users to edit messages

Published

2 years ago

May 23, 2023

editor

WhatsApp says it will allow users to edit messages, in a move that will see it match a feature offered by competitors like Telegram and Signal.

The firm says messages can be edited for up to 15 minutes after being sent.

The instant-messaging service is part of US technology giant Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram.

The feature will made be available to WhatsApp’s 2 billion users in the coming weeks. It counts India as its largest market, with 487 million users.

“From correcting a simple misspelling to adding extra context to a message, we’re excited to bring you more control over your chats,” the messaging service said in a blog post on Monday.

“All you need to do is long-press on a sent message and choose ‘Edit’ from the menu for up to fifteen minutes after,” it added.

Edited messages will be tagged as “edited”, so recipients are aware that the content has been changed.

However, they will not be shown how the message has been tweaked over time.

WhatsApp’s announcement came after the feature was offered by messaging services Telegram and Signal.

The edit function was introduced by social media platform Facebook almost a decade ago.

Around that time, Facebook revealed that more than half its users accessed the site on mobile phones, which are more prone to typing errors.

On Facebook, updates that are modified are marked as edited. A history of the edits is also available for users to view.

Last year, Elon Musk’s social media platform Twitter said it was giving its paying subscribers the ability to edit their tweets.

Tweets can be edited a few times in the 30 minutes after posting.

“Tweeting will feel more approachable and less stressful,” Twitter said in a blog post at the time.

“You should be able to participate in the conversation in a way that makes sense to you and we’ll keep working on ways that make it feel effortless to do just that,” the platform added.

(BBC News)

UK’s relaxed trade rules to boost SL exports

Published

2 hours ago

July 11, 2025

editor

The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) has unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka after upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).

The changes, announced as part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer, aim to support economic growth in partner countries, including Sri Lanka, while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.

New measures include simplifying rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries such as Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Philippines can enter the UK tariff-free, even when using components from across Asia and Africa.

These changes are expected to be in place by early 2026.

This move strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in its second-largest apparel market, supporting exports, jobs, and economic growth.

The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick, said: “This is a win for the Sri Lankan garment sector, and for UK consumers. With the UK being the second largest export market and garments making up over 60% of that trade, we know manufacturers here will welcome this announcement.

“We want Sri Lanka to improve the utilisation of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme for a wider range of goods, not just garments. With the Sri Lankan government’s ambition to grow exports, and with the simplification of rules of origin for other sectors too, we strongly encourage more exporters to explore how they can benefit from the preferences offered by the DCTS. The UK remains committed to working towards creating shared prosperity for both our countries.”

BIZ

Milk tea price upped by Rs. 10

Published

3 hours ago

July 11, 2025

editor

The All Island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced a Rs. 10 increase in the price of a cup of milk tea.

Association President Harshana Rukshan stated that the decision was made in response to the recent rise in the price of imported milk powder.

BIZ

China to drift away from SL with Mazagon Dock’s purchase of CDPLC?

Published

22 hours ago

July 10, 2025

editor

International relations researcher – Dr. Hasith Kandaudahewa says there is a visible trend of China gradually distancing itself from Sri Lanka since 2023, a process that could accelerate with India’s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. acquiring a majority stake in Colombo Dockyard PLC (CDPLC).

Speaking to the BBC Sinhala Service, Dr. Kandaudahewa has noted that CDPLC’s reputation in global shipbuilding makes the acquisition strategically significant for India, especially when viewed alongside India’s newly opened Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala.

This shows that India is steadily strengthening its port infrastructure across the Indo-Pacific and increasing its strategic influence in the Indian Ocean, he has said.

Dr. Kandaudahewa has further pointed out that with China already holding Hambantota Port on a 99-year lease, India’s move to secure the majority stake in CDPLC signals a clear challenge to the Chinese presence in Sri Lanka.

“While China is holding the Hambantota Port on a 99-year lease, India is also trying to show its dominance in Sri Lanka. India is trying to pose a challenge to China by securing a majority stake in the CDPLC. Why, because these two countries are staking their claim to two of the most strategic locations in the same country. Similarly, we are seeing China gradually distancing from Sri Lanka from 2023. The CDPLC seems to be accelerating it even further.”

“In the long term, India is investing in renewable energy programs in Sri Lanka. Even though India may not gain much profit from this, it is trying to further retain Sri Lanka as their closest neighbor.”

Mazagon Dock deal confirmed

The Colombo Stock Exchange has already confirmed that Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, a public sector undertaking (PSU) of the Government of India, will acquire a 51% stake in CDPLC currently held by Japan’s Onomichi Dockyard Co. Ltd for USD 52.96 million.

The deal is to be completed in the next 06 months.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai, an ISO 9001: 2015 Company is one of the leading shipbuilding yard in India.

Since it was taken over by the Indian government in 1960, Mazagon Dock MDL has built a total 805 vessels including 30 warships, from advanced destroyers to missile boats and 8 submarines.