August 12, 2016 Reading Time: 2 minutes
ASEAN adopts roadmap to end haze pollution. Image credit - vicspacewalker / depositphotos
Reading Time: 2 min read
Prime Minister of Norway visits Sri Lanka
The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, Erna Solberg, has begun a official two-day programme in Sri Lanka. Prime Minister Solberg was received by the Presidential Secretariat, and will engage in bilateral discussions with President Maithripala Sirisena.
Prime Minister Solberg is also scheduled to deliver the 2016 Lakshman Kadirgamar Memorial Lecture at the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute of International Relations and Strategic Studies.
Prime Minister discusses human capital
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that reforms are underway to improve Sri Lanka’s human capital, at the inauguration of the country’s first Human Capital Summit on 11 August.
Prime Minister Wickremesinghe also discussed the new ‘Education and Employment Act’, which ‘will provide the legal framework for policies for human resources development’.
US encourages Sri Lankan entrepreneurship
The US Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs, Charles Rivkin, has commended the quality of Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial ventures, and articulated US support for entrepreneurial partnerships.
Mr. Rivkin further stated that Sri Lanka could become a major economic power if it enthusiastically pursues innovation and entrepreneurship, and takes business risks.
UN investigates toxic gas attack in Syria
The UN has begun investigating evidence of the use of toxic gas in Aleppo, Syria. Rebels have claimed that government forces used chlorine gas in the attacks.
The UN special envoy to Syria stated that if the use of chlorine is confirmed, it would be considered a war crime. The attack has allegedly left four people dead and many injured.
ASEAN adopts environmental agreement
Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have adopted a roadmap on collaboration to control transboundary haze pollution. Member states hope to create a transboundary haze-free ASEAN by 2020.
The roadmap was announced at the twelfth conference of the parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution.
Polls close to elect Zambian President
Voting in Zambia for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections has concluded. The main presidential candidates are currently President Edgar Lungu and Mr. Hakainde Hichilema.
The European Observer Mission commended Zambia on the large turnout and peaceful election. The results of the election are expected to be released by 13 August.
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