Violent clashes across the country started after Rajapaksa supporters unleashed violence against unarmed protesters

Protesters and police trade charges of instigating violence first

"I must say if the police didn't take that action, 300 -400 would have been killed by now,"

Members asked BIMSTEC to fast-track activities in sectors such as agriculture, food security, connectivity and energy

The study covered a cross section of universities: old and new unis, and those situated in previous conflict zones.

"Hospital staff noticed a foul smell coming from the water tank. That was when they discovered the body," Thalduwa said.

“We have lost around 40 percent of our daily fish catch due to bottom trawling by Indian fishermen,” he said.

The operation comes in the wake of the death of a 16-year-old domestic worker at MP Rishad Bathuideen's residence.

The victim's mother, R Ranjani, rejected speculation of possible suicide by the girl.

The victim’s mother said she had asked Bathiudeen’s wife to go easy on the child as she was still minor.