Armed conflict in Pakistan has claimed more than 15,000 lives since 2003, leaving scores of widowed women and orphaned children. To alleviate the impact of the conflicts on communities, USAID, through its three-year $25 million Conflict Victims Support Program, is working to provide a wide range of support for individuals, families and communities suffering losses from conflict-related violence, a news report published in Dawn said.

The United Nations Security Council late Monday called for an "immediate and unconditional" cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian militants. The call comes amid reports that military action by both sides has slowed in recent hours, International Media reports said.

( By Shenali D Waduge) - The topic was 'India under Modi: Relevance for the Region and the World', organized by the Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies and held at the BMICH moderated by former foreign secretary HMGS Palihakkara. Introducing the panelists was Mr. Sunimal Fernando, Advisor to H.E. the President of Sri Lanka and Chairman/Board of Studies of the BCIS. Prof. Madhav Das Nalapath of Manipal University, Dr. Suresh Prabhu was a former Union Minister under the Vajpayee Government and a member of the Shiv Sena, Dr. Swapan Dasgupta was introduced as a senior journalist and political commentator, Dr. Seshadri Chari was from the RSS and National Convenor of the Foreign Policy cell of the BJP. Dr. Subramaniam Swamy (Former Union Cabinet Minister & Chairman of BJP Committee for Strategic Action) did not require any introduction and Mr. Sunimal Fernando summed up his popularity by saying that if Dr. Swamy was to contest an election in Sri Lanka he would win with a resounding victory.

Mangroves have been declared as natural nature reserves. There are 21 Mangrove varieties in Sri Lanka near Lagoons and 48 near estuaries.