SriLankan Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of flights to Kuwait following the escalating military situation in the Middle East. 

The Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka confirmed that services to the Gulf state have been halted from July 20 until July 26 as a precautionary measure.

Passengers seeking further clarification can contact the airline through the instant hotline 1979 or send messages via WhatsApp to +94 11 777 1979 or +94 74 444 1979. 

Additional updates will be available on the official SriLankan Airlines website. (Newswire)

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Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps  (IRGC) says it has hit US fighter jets stationed in Jordan, Iranian state TV reports.

Iranian state media reported that US military communications systems and fuel storage tanks at the Azraq military base in Jordan had been targeted. 

The Jordanian army said it shot down three Iranian missiles targeting the country.

Iran has also claimed to have destroyed High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) platforms and missiles in attacks on Kuwait at several locations, where Tehran said American forces and Israeli-backed fighters are stationed.

Iranian attacks eliminated “a large number of anti-revolutionaries and American special forces [and] the tit-for-tat operations are ongoing,” the IRGC said in a statement. (Al Jazeera/ Reuters)

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Three Sri Lankan nationals are among seven suspects arrested in Kuwait during separate drug‑related operations, according to a report by Arab Times Kuwait. 

The arrests were carried out by the General Department for Drug Enforcement Authority as part of ongoing security operations targeting narcotics trafficking networks.

The suspects include a Kuwaiti citizen, an Indian national, and two Bedouns (stateless individuals), in addition to the three Sri Lankans. 

Authorities said the group was found in possession of narcotics and psychotropic substances prepared for trafficking and personal use, along with packaging and distribution equipment.

Seized items included 2.550 kilograms of hashish, 150 grams of heroin, and 20 grams of methamphetamine. 

Officials also recovered large quantities of prescription and controlled medications intended for illegal distribution, including 6,350 capsules of Lyrica, 500 tablets of Captagon, 50 tablets of Xanax, and 50 tablets of methadone. (Newswire)

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Kuwait has resumed normal air traffic operations following the temporary closure of its airspace earlier today, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed.

According to a report by Gulf News, the DGCA said operations returned to normal after the situation that prompted precautionary measures eased, with Kuwait International Airport now functioning on approved schedules.

The authority noted it continues to monitor developments around the clock in coordination with relevant agencies inside and outside Kuwait to ensure the highest levels of safety and security in the country’s airspace.

It added that any new developments will be assessed immediately, with appropriate measures taken as required.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding passengers and air navigation safety, the DGCA urged travellers to rely on official channels for the latest updates.

Earlier, Kuwait temporarily closed its airspace and diverted flights as a precaution amid regional tensions following Iranian strikes, while Kuwait Airways also suspended all flights during the disruption period. (Newswire)

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Air traffic at Kuwait International Airport was suspended and flights diverted to nearby airports after Iranian missiles and drones struck Terminal One, causing casualties and damage to several facilities.

According to a report by Gulf News, Kuwait’s Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA) immediately activated its emergency plan in response to the attack. 

Spokesman Abdullah Al‑Rajhi said authorities were implementing established protocols to safeguard workers and passengers and secure airport facilities.

Al‑Rajhi added that security and technical contingency measures are being enforced to enable the eventual resumption of operations. 

Technical teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage before repair work begins. (Newswire)

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The United States bombed Iranian radar and drone control sites in Iran after Tehran shot down an American MQ-1 Predator drone this weekend, the American military said Monday. Iran acknowledged launching a retaliatory strike, while Kuwait said it was intercepting incoming drone and missile fire. 

The dueling attacks reflect the fragility of a weekslong ceasefire in the Iran war, which has seen repeated attacks even as American and Iranian officials try to negotiate a deal to extend it. Iran has maintained its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in the meantime, disrupting global energy supplies as a fifth of all oil and natural gas traded once passed through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf.

Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate as Israel extends its occupation of Lebanon beyond the Litani River and as the militant group Hezbollah continues to launch drones into Israel.

US military attacks Iran

The U.S. military’s Central Command said it carried out the strikes in Iran on Saturday and Sunday around the city of Geruk and on Qeshm Island.

“The measured and deliberate strikes occurred … in response to aggressive Iranian actions that included the shootdown of a U.S. MQ-1 drone that was operating over international waters,” Central Command said.

“U.S. fighter aircraft swiftly responded by eliminating Iranian air defenses, a ground control station, and two one-way attack drones that posed clear threats to ships transiting regional waters.”

The Predator has been phased out of service by the U.S. Air Force, which now flies the MQ-9 Reaper, though the U.S. Army still flies the Predator. The U.S. military said no American troops were hurt in the attacks.

Kuwait reports incoming fire

Kuwait meanwhile said its air defenses had opened fire early Monday morning to intercept incoming drone and missile fire. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard in a statement carried by the state-run IRNA news agency that U.S. forces had targeted a telecommunications tower.

The Guard said it responded with an attack without saying where, likely referring to the attack on Kuwait. The country is home to U.S. Army Central, the Mideast forward command for the Army.

Iranian state television later shared footage of the ballistic missile launch, including a close-up showing a sticker on its body depicting a bruised U.S. President Donald Trump overlaid on a “closed” Strait of Hormuz with the caption: “Until the last American soldier leaves the region.”

Attacks rattle ceasefire talks

The attacks represent the latest escalation between the U.S. and Iran, even as both have insisted they are continuing to negotiate, particularly over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Over the weekend, the U.S. fired a missile into the engine room of a Gambia-flagged cargo ship trying to break its blockade of Iranian ports.

A trickle of ships have made it out of the strait, but pressure continues on global energy supplies, as well as chemical fertilizer which has led to fears of food shortages. The Gulf region produces 30% of globally traded chemical fertilizers.

Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide on whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal had not been finalized.

Trump expressed optimism about the talks in a post on his Truth Social platform early Monday in Washington, mocking critics without addressing the ongoing crossfire.

“Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us,” he wrote. “Just sit back and relax, it will all work out well in the end — It always does!” (NPR/ AP)

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Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded crude oil tanker at Dubai port’s anchorage, with the strike damaging the vessel’s hull and raising concerns about a possible oil spill.

Dubai authorities said the drone attack caused a fire on board that was extinguished early on Tuesday, hours after the attack was first reported. The attack came hours after Donald Trump warned that the US would obliterate Iran’s energy plants and oil wells if it does not open the strait of Hormuz.

The strike on the Al Salmi tanker is just the latest in a string of assaults on merchant vessels in the Gulf and strait of Hormuz since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran last month. The month-long conflict has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands, disrupting energy supplies and threatening to send the global economy into a tailspin.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) said the Al Salmi was struck in an Iranian attack while anchored at Dubai port in the United Arab Emirates, causing a fire onboard and other damage to the vessel. It warned of a possible oil spill in surrounding waters, Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA reported.

Dubai authorities said maritime firefighting teams successfully put out the blaze which was sparked by a drone attack and continued to assess the situation, adding that no injuries were reported and all 24 crew members were safe.

Crude oil prices briefly spiked after Kuwait’s state news agency reported the attack on the tanker, which can carry around 2m barrels of oil worth more than $200m at current prices, but retreated slightly after the Wall Street Journal reported that Donald Trump had told aides he was willing to end the war even if the strait of Hormuz remains closed and that military options were “not his immediate priority”.

Brent crude prices are on course for a 59% surge in March, the largest monthly gain on record due to the war in the Middle East.

The jump in oil and fuel prices has started to weigh on US household finances and become a political headache for Trump and his Republican party ahead of the November midterm elections, having vowed to lower energy prices and ramp up US oil and gas production.

In Dubai, work is under way to assess damage to the tanker, said company KPC. It was loaded with 2m barrels of oil from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, according to data from industry trackers. Its destination was listed as Qingdao, China, according to reports.

Attacks by both sides of the conflict are showing no signs of easing, with fears of a wider conflict growing.

Thousands of soldiers from the US army’s elite 82nd Airborne Division have started arriving in the Middle East, part of a reinforcement that would expand Trump’s options to include the deployment of forces inside Iranian territory, even as he pursues talks with Tehran.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump wanted to reach a deal with Tehran before the 6 April deadline he set last week after extending an earlier deadline he had set for Iran to open the strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that normally carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. (The Guardian / Reuters)

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Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has held a series of high‑level discussions with counterparts across the Middle East, underscoring Colombo’s commitment to peace, stability, and the welfare of Sri Lankan migrant communities.

In a call with Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister Herath exchanged views on regional developments and emphasized the importance of de‑escalation and diplomacy in safeguarding stability. He also expressed appreciation for Bahrain’s care towards Sri Lankan expatriates.

Minister Herath also spoke with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, reaffirming Sri Lanka’s commitment to peace and stability. Both sides agreed that restoring regional peace is a top priority, with Herath thanking Jordan for its support to the Sri Lankan community.

In a discussion with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi, the two leaders shared perspectives on current regional developments and pledged joint commitment to de‑escalation and the protection of civilians through sustained diplomatic engagement.

Meanwhile, in a call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al‑Ahmad Al‑Sabah, Minister Herath reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s shared commitment to peace and security, urged restraint and de‑escalation through diplomacy, and conveyed gratitude for Kuwait’s continued support to Sri Lankan nationals.

The engagements highlight Sri Lanka’s diplomatic outreach at a time of heightened regional tensions, with a strong focus on protecting its citizens abroad while advocating for peace. (Newswire)

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By Ashraff A.Samad

The Kuwait Government has gifted 25 tons of dates in view of the fasting period for the Ramadan Festival commencing next week. 

The Kuwaiti Embassy in Colombo yesterday (08 Feb) distributed dates to 16 Muslim Organizations under a special Ramadan programme. 

The dates are to be distributed through 16 Muslim charitable organizations registered in Kuwait and Sri Lanka.

The Kuwait donors visited Sri Lanka, meeting Dr. Mansoor Jabbar, Charge de affairs of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Sri Lanka. Acting Ambassador Abdullah Al Muhannaz presented the consignment of dates.  

This project was coordinated by the Al Hima organization Director, As-Shekh Noor Ullah Moulavi and Moulavi M. Ishaq. (Newswire)

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Kuwait Airways, one of the oldest international carriers operating to Sri Lanka, has officially relaunched its direct online operations to Colombo after two years of successful codeshare operations with SriLankan Airlines.

The national carrier of the State of Kuwait, which first commenced services to Sri Lanka on 15th October 1978, has now resumed four weekly flights using its state-of-the-art Airbus A320neo aircraft, offering passengers enhanced comfort and seamless connectivity.

The inaugural flight welcoming ceremony was held at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) today (27) with a water cannon salute presented by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, followed by a Kandyan dance performance by Sri Lanka Tourism. Additionally, passengers were warmly welcomed with Ceylon Tea gifts offered by the Sri Lanka Tea Board.

Speaking at the event, Charge d’Affaires of the State of Kuwait, Abdullah Ahmad A.M.A. Almuhana expressed his delight at the resumption. “The return of Kuwait Airways to Sri Lanka marks more than just the restart of flights, it symbolizes the strengthening of friendship and cooperation between our two nations. This reconnection will bring immense value to trade, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he said.

Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, Sunil Jayaratna, welcomed Kuwait Airways back, noting, “Kuwait Airways has a long and historic relationship with Sri Lanka. We are pleased to see the national carrier of Kuwait once again gracing our skies, reinforcing the deep bilateral ties between our countries.”

Commercial Manager – Passenger & Cargo, Sudesh Rupasinghe, highlighted the importance of the relaunch, “Kuwait Airways has been an integral part of Sri Lanka’s aviation landscape since 1978. Under the leadership of Captain Abdulmohsen Al-Fagaan, Chairman of Kuwait Airways, the timely decision to resume direct operations aligns with the growing travel demand between our nations. This relaunch will boost tourism, employment, investment, and multicultural opportunities, while providing passengers with convenient onward connections to over 18 European destinations and New York, USA.”

He further extended appreciation to the Civil Aviation Authority, Airport and Ground Handling teams, and SriLankan Airlines for their continued cooperation and support.

The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting and the exchange of mementos, symbolizing a new chapter in the long-standing partnership between Kuwait Airways and Sri Lanka’s aviation industry. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) has extended financial support to build a house for a Sri Lankan woman who had become physically disabled due to an accident while working in Kuwait.

Accordingly, SLBFE officials handed over a sum of money for the house built in Monaragala with the support of the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment.

The cash was handed over by SLBFE officials, including Chairman Koshala Wickremasinghe to R.M. Kanthirathna Menike on Saturday (22 Mar).

Living in a thatched-roof house, the SLBFE had assisted with building a house for her at a cost of Rs. 1.75 million under the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau’s Housing Welfare Program.

Kanthirathna Menike has lost her husband, while her elder daughter serves in the Sri Lanka Army and her younger daughter is awaiting her GCE Advanced Level Examination results. (Newswire)

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Calling India a “very important partner”, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on Wednesday heaped praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that the West Asian nation believes that the Indian leader is one of the wisest persons in the world.

“I would like to thank you for the invitation and also for the opportunity of meeting Prime Minister Modi, who we believe is one of the wisest persons worldwide. I am sure that the Prime Minister puts India on a better level, and I am sure that he will continue that… India is a very important partner and we count on our relationship,” the visiting Foreign Minister said in his opening remarks at the delegation-level meeting with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar in New Delhi on Wednesday evening.

Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya arrived in India late Tuesday night for an official visit that aims at further strengthening the multifaceted relationship between the two countries.

In the afternoon, he made a courtesy call on PM Modi at his Lok Kalyan Marg residence before holding a meeting with EAM Jaishankar at the Hyderabad House.

“Glad to receive Foreign Minister of Kuwait Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. I thank the Kuwaiti leadership for the welfare of the Indian nationals. India is committed to advance our deep-rooted and historical ties for the benefit of our people and the region,” PM Modi posted on X after the meeting.

India and Kuwait share a historically strong bilateral relationship that has stood the test of time. Rooted in centuries of trade and cultural exchange, the partnership predates Kuwait’s independence in 1961, during which the Indian Rupee served as its legal tender.

“I think the Joint Committee will solve many issues between Kuwait and India. I think we can draw a roadmap between Kuwait and India and proceed as fast as we can,” said Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya.

Kuwait’s economy, before the discovery of oil, thrived on maritime activities, including shipbuilding, pearl diving, and trading goods like Arabian horses, dates, and pearls with India in exchange for wood, spices, and textiles.

This legacy of cooperation was commemorated during the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2021-22.

The Indian community, estimated to be one million strong, forms the largest expatriate group in Kuwait. Known for their diverse contributions, Indians hold roles across various fields, from engineering, medicine, and IT to business and trade.

The robust Indian business community in Kuwait, comprising retailers, distributors, and professionals, has played a pivotal role in strengthening economic ties.

Prominent Indian brands like Lulu Hypermarket and Centre Point have become integral to the Kuwaiti market.

Cultural and social engagement also thrives through more than 200 Indian associations registered with the Indian Embassy in Kuwait. These groups actively organise programs to promote cultural exchange and community welfare, further solidifying the people-to-people connection between the nations. (Social News XYZ)

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A group of 32 out of 104 Sri Lankan prisoners serving sentences for drug-related offences in Kuwait were brought back to Sri Lanka yesterday, it was reported.

According to the Lankadeepa newspaper, the Sri Lankan prisoners were serving their sentences at Kuwait’s Central Jail after being arrested by Kuwaiti security forces and convicted on charges of using, trading, smuggling and transporting dangerous drugs.

They were brought back to Sri Lanka under a prisoner exchange agreement signed between Kuwait and Sri Lanka in 2007, arriving at the Katunayake Airport last afternoon.

The return was facilitated by continuous discussions initiated by Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Kandeepan Balasubramaniam since March. 

Following the discussions, the Sri Lankans were brought back via a C-17 aircraft, the largest in the Kuwaiti Air Force fleet. 

Despite the Sri Lankan prisoners being repatriated, no Kuwaiti prisoners are serving sentences in Sri Lanka at present, while this also marks the first implementation of the agreement. (Newswire)

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Four suspects have been arrested for having kidnapped a Sri Lankan who had arrived from Kuwait on Wednesday.

The Police said the victim had arrived on Wednesday night at the Katunayake Airport and had travelled via a taxi to his hometown, Matale, during which a group in a car had obstructed his vehicle and abducted him in Kurunegala. 

The driver of the victim’s taxi had filed a complaint with the Mawathagama Police on the abduction.

Based on a tip-off, officials from the Rathgalla STF Camp in Kurunegala had found the victim and four suspects in the Narammala area, along with the vehicle used to carry out the abduction.

The suspects, aged 30,32,37, and 39 years old have been identified as residents of Narammala and have been handed over to the Mawathagama Police for investigations.

The Police said the cause of the abduction is yet to be ascertained and as the abduction had taken place in Ridigama, the suspects have been handed over to the Ridigama Police for further investigations. (Newswire)

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Highlighting the expansion of Indian culture and heritage around the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday that the Kuwait government has started a special program on its National Radio in Hindi and thanked the government and people of the country for taking this “wonderful initiative.”

During the 111th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi played the audio clip of the radio program broadcast in Kuwait. In the audio clip, the radio jockey said that they talk about the ties between India and Kuwait and the culture of the two nations. He noted that the radio program broadcast for 30 minutes every Sunday in Hindi features different colours of Indian culture.

PM Modi said, “Kuwait government has started a special program on its National Radio and that too in Hindi. It is broadcast for half an hour every Sunday on ‘Kuwait Radio’. It includes different colors of Indian culture. Our films and discussions on the art world are very popular among the Indian community there.”

He further said, “I have even been told that the local people of Kuwait are also taking a lot of interest in it. I heartily thank the Government and people of Kuwait for taking this wonderful initiative. Which Indian will not be happy with the way our culture is earning glory all over the world today!”

Earlier in April, the first-ever Hindi radio broadcast started in Kuwait. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait lauded Kuwait’s Ministry of Information for starting a Hindi programme on Kuwait Radio on FM 93.3 and AM 96.3 every Sunday.

During the 111th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, PM Modi also said that Turkmenistan President unveiled the statue of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of their national poet in May.

He said, “In Turkmenistan, the 300th birth anniversary of their national poet was celebrated in May this year. On this occasion, Turkmenistan President unveiled the statues of 24 famous poets of the world. One of these statues is of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. This is honour for Gurudev, honour for India.”

The Prime Minister said that the Indian community in Suriname every year celebrates Indian Arrival Day and Pravasi Diwas on June 5. He further said that nearly 6,000 Indian-origin people in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are proud of their Indian heritage.

PM Modi said, “Caribbean nations Suriname and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in June celebrated their Indian heritage with full zeal and enthusiasm. Every year, the Indian community in Suriname celebrates Indian Arrival Day and Pravasi Diwas on June 5. Along with Hindi, Bhojpuri is widely spoken here (Suriname).”

“Nearly 6,000 Indian-origin brothers and sisters are living in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. They are proud of their Indian heritage. On June 1, the way they all celebrated the Indian Arrival Day with great jubilation reflects their emotions. Every Indian feels proud when we see such an expansion of Indian heritage and culture worldwide,” he added.

Referring to this year’s International Day of Yoga celebrations across the world, PM Modi said, “This month, the entire world celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga with full zeal and excitement. I also participated in the Yoga Programme organised in Kashmir.” This year marked the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Yoga on June 21.

In December 2014, the United Nations unanimously adopted a resolution proposed by India to celebrate the International Day of Yoga on June 21 which is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The proposal was first introduced by PM Modi in his address during the opening of the 69th session of the General Assembly.  

Since 2015, PM Modi has led the International Day of Yoga (IDY) celebrations at various iconic locations, including Kartavya Path in Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ranchi, Lucknow, Mysuru, Kashmir and even the United Nations Headquarters in New York. (ANI)

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At least 41 people have been killed when a fire broke out in a building that housed workers in Kuwait, according to authorities.

The blaze early on Wednesday morning in the southern Mangaf district also injured dozens of people, the Health Ministry said. The area is heavily populated with foreign labourers, but there was no immediate information on the nationality of the casualties.

Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Fahad al-Yousuf al-Sabah ordered the arrest of the building’s owner during a visit to the site.

“Unfortunately, the greed of real estate owners is what leads to these matters,” said Sheikh Fahad, who also runs the interior and defence ministries.

Authorities said the fire had been brought under control and were investigating what caused it.

“The building in which the fire occurred was used to house workers, and there was a large number of workers there. Dozens were rescued, but unfortunately there were many deaths as a result of inhaling smoke from the fire,” a senior police commander told state TV.

“We always alert and warn against” cramming too many workers into housing accommodation, he said, without providing details on the workers’ type of employment or place of origin. (Al Jazeera)

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Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, President of CA Sri Lanka, and Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jalawi, Chairman of KAAA exchanging the MoU.

Heralding a new era for both Sri Lankan and Kuwaiti accounting professionals, the Kuwait Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) is poised to catalyze professional growth and knowledge exchange opportunities for Sri Lankans through an impactful partnership with the Kuwait Accountants & Auditors Association (KAAA).

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, President of CA Sri Lanka, and Mr. Sabah Mubarak Al-Jalawi, Chairman of KAAA, in the presence of Mr. Kandeepan Balasubramanaiam, Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Kuwait, and Mr. Dimuthu Ethugala, President of the CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter, at a recent event at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Kuwait.

The collaborative effort between CA Sri Lanka’s Kuwait Chapter and KAAA aims to create a dynamic platform for individuals seeking to advance their careers in the accounting and finance fields. By leveraging the resources and expertise of both bodies, the CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter is committed to empowering Sri Lankans to excel in their professional journeys and contribute significantly to the global accounting landscape. The KAAA is a prominent accounting organisation founded in 1973.

Through the MOU, KAAA will host seminars, events, and training programmes, enabling members of CA Sri Lanka to participate and broaden their knowledge, skills, and competencies for career advancement within Kuwait, while the CA Sri Lanka Kuwait Chapter will facilitate participation in seminars, events, and webinars in collaboration with KAAA, providing essential venues and facilities for these programmes. Additionally, technical programs offered by CA Sri Lanka are recognised in Kuwait, enabling government bodies, ministries, and KAAA members to partake in these initiatives, fostering knowledge exchange between the nations.

The MOU will also facilitate CA Sri Lanka students to gain the opportunity to study at KAAA, while KAAA students can explore educational opportunities at CA Sri Lanka, enhancing cross-cultural and cross-border learning experiences. CA Sri Lanka will also offer short-term study programmes in accounting, finance, and audit domains in collaboration with KAAA, enabling Kuwaiti students and members to access valuable educational resources.

Furthermore, CA Sri Lanka will also provide guidelines and measures to enhance services related to corporate governance, technical research and advice, quality assurance, forensic accounting, as well as issues concerning small and medium-sized practices (SMPs), Islamic finance, and continuing professional development (CPD), enriching KAAA’s service offerings.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on taking over as the new Emir of Kuwait.

The Prime Minister expressed his confidence that India-Kuwait relations will further strengthen in the coming years and the Indian community in Kuwait will continue to flourish.

“Greetings and felicitations to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for taking over as the Emir of the State of Kuwait. Confident that our relations will further strengthen in the coming years and the Indian community in Kuwait will continue to flourish,” PM Modi wrote on ‘X’.

Earlier on Wednesday, Kuwait’s new Emir, Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, was formally sworn in before the parliament to begin his rule over the wealthy Gulf monarchy.

The new emir, who took over after the passing of his half-brother, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, took the oath of office during a special session of the National Assembly, as per Al Jazeera.

In his inaugural address, Sheikh Mishal pledged to safeguard the country and its people, adhere to constitutional principles and fight corruption.

He said: “I swear by Almighty Allah to respect the constitution and the laws of the state, to defend the liberties, interests and properties of the people and to safeguard the independence and territorial integrity of the country.”

The 83-year-old Sheikh Mishal is Kuwait’s third ruler in just over three years. He has already been de facto leader since 2021, when Sheikh Nawaf handed over most of his duties.

He earlier served as deputy chief of the National Guard from 2004 to 2020 and head of State Security for 13 years after joining the Ministry of Interior in the 1960s.

As he takes the helm of the OPEC oil producer, he is expected to preserve key Kuwaiti foreign policies, including support for Gulf Arab unity and Western alliances, according to Al Jazeera.

Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah died at the age of 86 on Saturday.

“With great sadness and sorrow, we–the Kuwaiti people, the Arab and Islamic nations, and the friendly peoples of the world–mourn the late His Highness the Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, who passed away to his Lord today,” Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al Sabah, the minister of his emiri court, said in a statement on Saturday, according to Al Jazeera. (ANI)

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Kuwaiti low-cost airline, Jazeera Airways, will increase its flight operations to Sri Lanka starting this October, the Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited (AASL) announced today.

According to the AASL, Jazeera Airways is boosting its service in Colombo with daily flights to and from Sri Lanka. 

“Jazeera Airways, your go-to low-cost carrier, first took off in Colombo in 2021, and now, due to the incredible demand, Jazeera is taking flights daily,” the AASL added. (NewsWire)

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Around 62 Sri Lankan migrant workers who had been stranded in Kuwait without valid visas have been repatriated to Sri Lanka, it was reported.

According to Mawbima, the group was repatriated by the Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait which had issued temporary passports for this purpose.

Among the Sri Lankan migrant workers, 59 are women and three are men. 

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait stated that the group consisted of persons who had been placed at the Embassy’s temporary shelters after having escaped from their place of employment. Some were those who had engaged in employment in various places and those without valid visas.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Kuwait further stated that nearly 2000 migrant workers have registered with the Embassy to be repatriated to Sri Lanka. 

The 62 Sri Lankan migrant workers repatriated from Kuwait arrived at the Katunayake airport today (July 28). (NewsWire)

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