At least 40 bodies, ​mostly of children, have been recovered after an ‌overloaded boat capsized in Nigeria's northwest Sokoto state, local officials and residents said on Thursday.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of veteran singer Visharad Dr. Nanda Malini, describing her as “a true musical legend of our time”.

The remains of the late veteran singer Visharad Dr. Nanda Malini will lie in state at the Nanda Malini Music Ashram in Nugegoda from 10.00 a.m. tomorrow (21) until 3.30 p.m. on Saturday (22) for the public to pay their last respects, according to Professor Sunil Ariyaratne.

The Department of Meteorology has issued an “Amber” advisory for high waves in the sea areas extending from Chilaw to Pottuvil via Galle, Matara and Hambantota.

Professor Amila Isuru says a considerable number of university students use or are addicted to drugs, with around 70%-80% of male students who drop out of universities reportedly found to be addicted to some form of narcotic substance.

A police officer assigned to provide security at the temple of Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero in Rajagiriya has been found dead in a suspected suicide incident.

Veteran Sri Lankan singer Nanda Malini has passed away at the age of 82, according to family sources.

A warm weather advisory has been issued by the Department of Meteorology for residents of the Eastern and North Central provinces, and Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Monaragala districts.

The Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children (Amendment) Bill was passed in Parliament today (20) without a vote.

The Committee on Parliamentary Business, which met today (20) under the chairmanship of Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, decided to take up for debate tomorrow, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Supplementary Estimate seeking approval for the allocation of Rs. 7500

The Department of Meteorology says the likelihood of the current El Nino phenomenon continuing until the first quarter of next year has risen to 97%.

Oil prices climbed to three-week highs on Thursday, driven by concerns that the impasse in the Iran war will continue to disrupt supply from the key Middle Eastern producing region.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasised that children should be given adequate time to enjoy their holidays, ensuring their mental health and rest.

The Ministry of Health has taken steps to launch a new community empowerment pilot project from tomorrow (21), aimed at further increasing public participation in dengue control efforts.

Shashi Weerawansa, wife of former Minister Wimal Weerawansa, has been released on bail by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court in connection with the forged passport case, pending the hearing of the appeal filed by her before the Supreme Court against her two-year prison sentence.