News

China urges Philippines to stop infringement on Xianbin Reef: spokesman (Video)

Published

10 months ago

August 28, 2024

editor

China urges the Philippines to immediately stop infringement on China’s sovereignty and cease threatening peace and stability in the South China Sea, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, in commenting on the recent moves of a Philippine vessel in the adjacent waters of Xianbin Reef.

“I would like to reiterate and stress that Xianbin Reef is part of China’s Nansha Islands. On August 25, an official vessel of Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, ignoring China’s firm opposition and repeated dissuasion, intruded into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Reef of China’s Nansha Islands, and acted dangerously by deliberately ramming the China Coast Guard vessel that was carrying out law enforcement operation. The responsibility of causing the collision fully lies with the Philippines. The China Coast Guard took necessary measures in accordance with domestic and international law. Its maneuvers at the scene were professional, restrained and appropriate,” Lin Jian, the spokesman, said at a press conference in Beijing.

“For some time, the Philippines has repeatedly sent coast guard vessels and official vessels to intrude into the adjacent waters of Xianbin Reef in an attempt to send supplies to the Philippine coast guard vessel, which has been anchoring in the lagoon of Xianbin Reef for a long time, and seek long-term presence there. The Philippines’ move seriously infringes on China’s sovereignty, violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and threatens the peace and stability in the South China Sea. China urges the Philippines to stop the infringement and provocation activities and withdraw the vessel immediately. China will continue to take resolute measures in accordance with law to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests and uphold the sanctity of the DOC,” Lin said.

(CCTV +)

News

Islandwide operation against child begging

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

A special operation has been launched by the Bureau for the Investigation of Abuse of Children and Women and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA).

The operation was conducted across multiple police divisions including Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda, Gampaha, Panadura, Kelaniya, Negombo, Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Tangalle, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Kurunegala, Chilaw, Ratnapura, Galle, and Matara.

According to the police media division, the operation has rescued 21 minors found begging or selling goods in unsafe conditions.

They have been placed under protective care, the statement adds.

News

Notice for landowners over uncultivated land

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

The Department of Agrarian Development has issued a notice to landowners with uncultivated land, requesting them to submit reasons for non-cultivation within the next 02 weeks.

Commissioner General – Rohana Rajapaksha highlighted that over 120,000 acres of land, which should have been cultivated, have been abandoned.

News

All President’s Fund services go online from today

Published

2 hours ago

June 21, 2025

editor

All services provided by the President’s Fund to the public will be available through an online system, from today (June 21).

The acceptance of applications for medical assistance under the President’s Fund through Divisional Secretariats island wide commenced on February 07.

Following the successful implementation of that initiative, preparations have now been completed to expand the digital system to include all other services offered by the Fund.

Accordingly, the public will be able to apply online via any Divisional Secretariat across the country for a wide range of services provided under the President’s Fund. These include assistance for poverty alleviation, provision of educational scholarships, recognition of students demonstrating academic excellence, support for individuals with special needs, relief assistance for children affected by wild elephant conflict, recognition of individuals for their national service or contributions to the country, Emergency and disaster relief.

As a result, citizens across Sri Lanka, especially those outside Colombo can conveniently access the services of the President’s Fund without having to travel long distances.