Srilanka

Police curfew will be re-imposed in Sammanthurai, Kalmunai and Chavalakade areas from 9.00 p.m. today (01) until 5.00 a.m. tomorrow (02), says Police Media Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara.Security concerns remained high after extremist militants opened fire and set off explosives at Sainthamaruthu in Kalmunai as the security forces closed in to raid their safe house on Friday (April 26th).

JAPAN : Emperor Akihito of Japan formally stepped down Tuesday, the first abdication for 200 years in the worldoldest monarchy, as his son Naruhito prepared to take the Chrysanthemum Throne and usher in a new imperial era. In the &Room of Pine& in TokyoImperial Palace, the popular 85-year-old performed the abdication ritual in the presence of the imperial regalia -- an ancient sword and sacred jewel that are considered to legitimise an emperor.

The island wide search operations being carried out by Tri Forces, Police and STF are continuing and security has been tightened. Maximum security has been provided to all places of worship by the Tri Forces, Police and STF. Investigations carried out by the CID and TID have been successful and the Police believe that they have been able to identify all collaborators of the extremists and also believe that the ongoing operations have been very effective in weakening the extremists as well as preventing them from causing more damage and harm to the country.

Ex-England captain Nasser Hussain has analysed Pakistanchances for success in this summerICC MenCricket World Cup in England - Wales, and henot ruling them out of a potential triumph.Hussain, who played 96 Tests and 88 one-day internationals for England, described Pakistan as a ‘mercurial& outfit, before tipping some of the young stars to be the catalyst for a strong tournament. &Many Pakistani fans will say they have followed their team for too long and had their hearts broken many times, but I love them, and I love their cricket,& he said to PakPassion.net