Kurdish-led SDF resists pressure to disarm amid push for integration into Syria

As pressure mounts for the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate into the Syrian military, representatives have rejected demands to disarm and surrender key regions in the northeast, calling it a “red line”. 
Humanitarian catastrophe deepens in Sudan as RSF announces parallel government
As the conflict between Sudan’s military factions rages on, the country faces a deepening humanitarian disaster, with famine conditions emerging and a new power struggle threatening further instability.
Sri Lanka Supreme Court orders $1 billion in damages for X-Press Pearl disaster
In a landmark ruling, Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court has ordered the owners and affiliated companies of the X-Press Pearl cargo vessel to pay USD 1 billion in compensation for the environmental devastation and economic losses caused by the catastrophic maritime disaster that unfolded off the island’s western coast in 2021.
Sinhala-Buddhist monk disrupts Aadi Amavasai ancestral rites at Kanniya Hot Springs
An incident of religious disruption was reported on 24 July at the historic Kanniya Hot Springs Shivan Temple in Trincomalee, where a Sinhala-Buddhist monk attempted to impose unauthorised restrictions during Aadi Amavasai observances.
March held in Mannar demanding international justice for Tamil mass graves
A peaceful march demanding justice for mass graves uncovered across the North-East was held on Thursday, 24 July, by the Union of Mass Organisations in Mannar.
Israeli human rights groups accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza
Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organisations have issued landmark reports this week, accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and calling on the international community to intervene.
Top Sri Lankan police officer sacked over Easter Sunday attacks, as PM vows legal action 

Sri Lanka’s National Police Commission (NPC) has dismissed former State Intelligence Service (SIS) chief and Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena from service, following a disciplinary inquiry into his role in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 270 people.

Former Senior DIG remanded over alleged false complaint involving underworld threats
Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General (SDIG) of Police Priyantha Jayakody has been remanded until 6 August by the Mahara Magistrate’s Court, following his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on allegations of filing a false complaint involving an underworld threat.
‘Black July was not the end’ – Commemoration held in Amparai
A commemoration was held in Karaitivu, Amparai this week to mark 42 years since the 1983 Black July pogrom, with local officials and residents paying tribute to the thousands of Tamils who were killed during the state-orchestrated violence.
Sri Lanka to launch new oil exploration licensing round in Mannar Basin
Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a new licensing round for offshore oil exploration in the Mannar Basin, Energy Minister Kumar Jayakody announced in parliament on Thursday.
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