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PNS Aslat departs island on successful completion of her visit
The Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Aslat which arrived in Sri Lanka on a goodwill visit on 05 Mar 2025, departed the island today (06 Mar).
The Sri Lanka Navy honoured the departing ship with a traditional farewell at the Port of Colombo, adhering to established naval traditions.
Upon leaving, PNS Aslat engaged in a successful Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with SLNS Samudura. The PASSEX involved training exercises in communication and tactical maneuvering, concluding with the traditional cheer ship salute.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the ship, Captain Muhammad Azhar Akram called on Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, during the visit.
In addition, the crew of PNS Aslat took time off to visit some tourist attractions within Colombo as well. Further, members of the Sri Lanka Navy had the opportunity to attend briefings, detailing the ship’s operational capabilities and functions.
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kuthar which arrived in Sri Lanka on 03 Mar 25 on an official visit, departed the island today (06 Mar).
The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Port of Colombo, following naval traditions.
During their stay in Colombo, crew members of INS Kuthar explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. Additionally, they also engaged in training exchange programmes arranged by the Sri Lanka Navy, aimed at enhancing mutual cooperation.
Further, Indian naval personnel participated in a Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) training programme hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron (SBS).
A notable feature on the itinerary was a yoga session conducted by INS Kuthar, which saw naval personnel of both countries participating.
Meanwhile, the enhanced cooperation and interoperability fostered will provide a strong foundation for the Sri Lanka Navy to collectively and effectively respond to emerging trends and challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.
Former Minister Mervyn Silva, who was arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) last night has been remanded until March 17 after being produced before the Mahara Magistrate’s Court this (6) evening.
The former minister and two others were arrested, accused of selling state owned land to a private party on forged documents. The other two suspects have also been remanded till 17th March.
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US President Donald Trump has issued what he called a “last warning” to Hamas to release the hostages being held in Gaza.
“I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say,” Trump said in a lengthy post on his Truth Social platform.
It comes just hours after the White House confirmed it is holding direct talks with Hamas over the hostages.
Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with the group, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with entities it lists as terrorist organisations.
In his social media post, Trump said there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages were not released, while not specifying the nature of the support he was sending Israel.
“Release all of the hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you,” he added.
“For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.”
He also appeared to threaten civilians: “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!”
It’s not the first time Trump has threatened Hamas. In December he said there would be ‘all hell to pay’ if hostages were not released by the time he took office.
The post came after Trump met with a group of hostages in the White House who had been recently released under the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the US has been negotiating directly with Hamas to try to secure the release of the hostages.
Israel had been consulted prior to the talks, she added.
President Trump believed in doing what was in the best interest of the American people, Leavitt told reporters.
[BBC]
INS Kuthar sets sail from Colombo
PNS Aslat departs island on successful completion of her visit
Former Minister Mervyn Silva remanded till 17th March
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