A delegation from Sri Lanka, comprising professionals from the fields of music, filmmaking, acting, film production and distribution, animation, and gaming participated in the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 held at the Jio World Convention Centre, in Mumbai, India, from 1 to 4 May, the Indian High Commission said in a release.

It said: WAVES 2025, a flagship initiative envisioned by the Prime Minister of India, brought together leading voices from across the globe – industry veterans, policy-makers, and creative professionals – fostering cross-border dialogue, creativity, and commercial collaboration. The summit was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on 1 May.

At WAVES 2025, the Global Media Dialogue culminated in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration, emphasising the need for cross-cultural collaboration and responsible storytelling in a rapidly evolving global media environment. Participating nations recognised the power of films and individual stories in bridging divides and promoting peace. The dialogue underscored the importance of using technology responsibly, enhancing youth skill development, and fostering global co-productions, with India leading initiatives like the Create in India challenges to promote multilingual creative talent worldwide.

The Sri Lankan delegation actively participated in discussions, exhibitions, and networking events that spanned the full spectrum of the industry, including cinema, digital entertainment, animation, and gaming. The experience was highly enriching for all participants, who gained valuable insights and exposure to cutting-edge trends and collaborative opportunities in the global media landscape.

WAVES 2025 marked a significant step toward deepening regional ties in media and entertainment, offering a dynamic platform for talent exchange, co-productions, and sustainable industry growth globally.

Bangladesh has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to strengthening regional cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction during the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES), held in Colombo, the High Commission of Bangladesh said in a release.

Speaking at the high-level conference, Secretary of the Bangladeshi Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), Md. Mostafizur Rahman, emphasised the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community-centred approaches in building a safer, more climate-resilient future.

“Bangladesh reaffirms its unwavering commitment to working with RIMES and strengthening regional cooperation to build a safer, more climate-resilient future. We believe that through partnerships, innovation, and people-centred approaches, we can translate early warnings into early actions, and not only protect lives but also safeguard the livelihoods of millions.”

Rahman led the Bangladeshi delegation, which included Ahmadul Haque, Additional Secretary and Director of the Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP), Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR), and Momenul Islam, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD).

The 4th RIMES Ministerial Conference, hosted by the Government of Sri Lanka, marks a strategic milestone for the institution as it sets the course through the adoption of the RIMES Master Plan 2026–2030. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya inaugurated the Conference and welcomed representatives from 62 RIMES member and collaborating states to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Held under the theme “Actionable Early Warnings and Climate Services for All,” the event convened representatives from 62 RIMES member and collaborating states, along with development partners, to advance regional resilience in the face of escalating climate and disaster risks.

“Back in 2017, our Ministerial Conference led to the creation of our Data Exchange Platform and country-customised decision support systems. This year, we take a bold step forward – aligning our priorities under a shared Master Plan,” declared Arjunapermal Subbiah, Director General of RIMES.

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES) is an international and intergovernmental institution owned and governed by its Member States. It plays a critical role in building capacity for the generation and application of people-centred multi-hazard early warning information.

RIMES has been a key partner of Bangladesh for over two decades in reducing disaster risk, enhancing multi-hazard early warning systems, forecasting and climate services and mainstreaming anticipatory action for shifting the paradigm from reactive to proactive approaches. Through this collaboration, it has supported the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in utilising advanced forecasting tools to enhance community resilience. The partnership has significantly contributed to Bangladesh’s transition from reactive disaster response to proactive, anticipatory action.

The robust cooperation between the Government of Bangladesh and RIMES continues to improve the country’s forecasting capabilities, disaster preparedness, and climate service delivery.

Tourist arrivals in the first week of May surged by 18.87% compared to the corresponding period last year. About 33,910 foreign tourists visited Sri Lanka, according to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA).

India remained the top source of tourists, with 10,620 visitors accounting for 31.3% of total arrivals. The United Kingdom followed with 2,676 visitors, representing 7.9% of the total. China came in third; 2,445 Chinese tourists visited Sri Lanka and they accounted for 7.2% of arrivals. As the European summer travel season kicks off, France also made a notable contribution with 1,573 visitors, comprising 4.6% of the weekly total.So far this year, 930,794 tourists have visited Sri Lanka.