It’s reported that 201 key underworld figures are reportedly coordinating crimes in Sri Lanka, including murders and drug trafficking, while residing abroad, mainly in countries like Dubai.

Police sources say all relevant details about these individuals have been shared with INTERPOL.

Following discussions with authorities in host countries, legal steps are underway to extradite these underworld members. Accordingly, 19 have already been brought back to Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, police have received information that around 65 major organized crime leaders are still residing abroad.

A monitoring mission from the European Union (EU) will visit Sri Lanka from April 28 to May 7, 2025, to assess the country’s progress in meeting the conditions required for continued access to GSP+ trade preferences. This visit is part of the EU’s regular biannual review process.

During the mission, EU representatives will engage with government officials, institutions, politicians, civil society, trade unions, and business associations, and will also conduct site visits across the country.

Sri Lanka is one of eight low- or lower-middle income countries benefiting from the GSP+ scheme, a special incentive arrangement for Sustainable Development and Good Governance. Eligibility requires the ratification and effective implementation of 27 international conventions related to human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, climate change, and good governance.

The EU, comprising 27 member states with a population of 450 million, is Sri Lanka’s second-largest export market. In 2024, Sri Lanka exported goods worth €2.7 billion to the EU, with 85% of these exports enjoying duty-free access under GSP+.

(News 1st)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News 1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

Dozens of world leaders and thousands of mourners are gathering for the funeral of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday aged 88.

The service will begin at 10:00 local time (09:00 BST) in front of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

More than 250,000 people came to pay their respects to the late pontiff over the three days he was lying in state, the Vatican says.

Preparations have begun for the conclave, the process by which cardinals will elect the next Pope.

In Sri Lanka, the government has declared today a national day of mourning in honour of the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath will represent the Government of Sri Lanka at the funeral.

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