Reuters, Colombo
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena switched the finance and foreign ministers in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday in a bid to restore confidence in the administration’s handling of the economy.
Managala Samaraweera, who has been foreign minister since January 2015, was appointed as finance and media minister. He swaps roles with Ravi Karunanayake, who takes over at external affairs, the president’s spokesman Dharmasri Ekanayake told Reuters.
2,100 migrants rescued in Mediterranean
AP, Rome
Some 2,100 migrants have been rescued at sea to be brought to safety in Italy, the Italian coast guard said Saturday.
Among those rescued Friday and early Saturday was a 6-week-old boy, one of seven migrants transferred to a coast guard motorboat to be sped to a medical facility. One body was recovered.
4 killed in Iraqi training camp bombing
AP, Baghdad
Two Iraqi officers say an attack on a military training center in Diyala north of Baghdad has killed at least four soldiers and wounded four, including two officers.
The officers say six attackers struck the base Monday morning. Five detonated suicide vests once inside the center and the situation is now under control.
Philippine President leaves for Russia visit
AP, Manila
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte left Monday for a four-day official visit to Russia, where he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and witness the signing of several agreements, including on defense cooperation and trade.
