Iran’s IRGC says it has seized two vessels for “disrupting order and safety in the Strait of Hormuz”,

The IRGC later released an official statement saying two ships were linked to what it called “the enemies”. According to the statement, the vessels were the MSC Francesca and Epaminondas, which it accused of endangering maritime safety by operating without the necessary permits and tampering with its navigation system.

There are two clear messages the IRGC naval forces are trying to send out. First, they are trying to demonstrate that the Strait of Hormuz is under their control and authority. They have previously stated that transits through this vital chokepoint must be approved by them, and they have announced a new pathway for vessels close to the Iranian coastline.

The second message is related to the broader context. The Americans are imposing a blockade on Iranian ships, and this is a retaliatory strategy. Iran is saying the strait will remain closed for as long as the blockade continues to impact Iranian vessels. A number of Iranian-affiliated ships have already been attacked or approached by the US military.

(Aljazeera)

The importance of establishing learning centers at regional level has been identified in order to achieve multiple objectives, including the development of teachers, utilization as a hub for new technology and resource sharing, enhancement of vocational and higher education opportunities, efficient utilization of limited physical and human resources, integration of new technologies with subject-specific knowledge,
sharing of limited resources to ensure equitable access to education, and development of skills in line with regional potential, thereby contributing to the qualitative development of commerce education.

Accordingly, the project to establish 100 activity-based learning centers for the enhancement of commerce education has been included in the Public Investment Programme as a major investment project in general education, with an estimated total cost of Rs. 289 million, to be implemented during the period 2026–2028.

Having considered the proposal submitted by the Prime Minister, in her capacity as the Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Cabinet approval was granted to establish and operationalize 25 regional centres covering all 25 districts.

Approval was granted at the Cabinet Meeting held on 21-10-2025 to carry out a feasibility study and prepare detailed plans for the extension of the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura.

The calling of expressions for this purpose has been conducted under the national Competitive Procurement Procedure, and 8 bidders have submitted their Expression of Interest in that respect.

Following the evaluation of technical proposals submitted by the short-listed bidders, and financial proposals of the 4 eligible institutions have been opened. Subsequent to the evaluation of the aforementioned financial proposals, the Consultant Procurement Committee has recommended awarding
the consultancy for the feasibility study and preparation of detailed plans for the extension of the Kelani Valley Railway Line from Avissawella to Ratnapura to M/s. Resources Development Consultants (Pvt) Ltd at a total cost of Rs. 356.22 million (exclusive of taxes).

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the resolution furnished by the Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development to award the said procurement in line with the above recommendation.