India has reacted strongly to Sri Lanka Government claims that New Delhi would build only 5,000 houses and repair 45,000 others on a “fully funded grant” extended by it. The Indian High Commission in Colombo said the “bulk” of India’s project would be for “construction of new dwelling units. It will also cater to the needs of “a smaller number” who may wish to have their damaged houses repaired, it said.

A Sri Lankan woman was reported dead in Jordon a few days ago, just two weeks after she went there to work as a domestic aide, raising the death toll among Lankan migrant workers to its highest level this year. According to Sri Lankan foreign ministry officials, her post-mortem examination showed poison in her blood. While the police in Jordon continued investigations, the foreign ministry officials here said indications were that the 21-year-old woman from Kandy committed suicide.