🇱🇰 Lankadeepa
Sri Lanka · SI · https://www.lankadeepa.lk
About Lankadeepa
Lankadeepa is a daily Sinhala-language newspaper owned by Wijeya Newspapers Limited, a private media group founded in 1979 by Ranjith Wijewardene. The Wijewardene family holds a significant majority ownership, collectively owning 99.98 percent of the company. The family has historical connections to Sri Lanka's United National Party.
Lankadeepa is an established Sinhala-language daily newspaper in Sri Lanka. While Wikipedia classifies its political alignment as centrist, other sources indicate that the Wijewardene family's historical ties to the United National Party may influence its editorial stance, and it has faced criticisms for instances of inaccurate reporting and alignment with opposition politics. The broader Sri Lankan media environment is characterized as 'partly-free' by Freedom House, with Reporters Without Borders noting concerns about harassment, intimidation, and self-censorship, which can impact editorial independence.
Reading context
Media systems vary by law, ownership, and editorial custom. We preserve each outlet's framing and add context so readers can compare coverage without treating one country as the default.
Sevenagala Sugar Company Urges Workers to Return to Work, Citing Disruptions
- The Sevenagala Sugar Company has issued a statement urging employees to return to work, citing disruptions to production due to ongoing labor actions. - Production has been halted since August 25th,…
Samagi Jana Balawegaya boycotts joint opposition events
- The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will not participate in the activities of the people's joint opposition. - The SJB will not attend a seminar organized by the joint opposition in Galle. - SJB party …
Parliamentary Committee Invites Youth Forum to Discuss Electoral System
- A special parliamentary committee has invited the Parliamentary Forum for Youth to discuss the provincial council election system. - The committee aims to propose a suitable voting method for these …
Colombo Port ranks among world's top 20 container ports
- Colombo Port has risen to 20th globally in container handling, up from 26th last year, based on Alphaliner data. - The port handled 4.44 million TEUs in the first half of 2023, an increase of nearly…
Provincial election in a bind
- Sri Lanka's provincial council election system faces further delays due to unresolved legal issues. - A parliamentary special committee is working to address these legal challenges, including delimi…
22nd Amendment Only Scraps of the "Government" Remain in Sri Lanka, Says SLPP
- A Sri Lankan opposition party claims the 22nd Constitutional Amendment will only be supported by the "scraps" of the current government. - The party argues the amendment poses a significant challeng…
Former Energy Secretary summoned by Presidential Commission on Coal Transactions
- Former Ministry of Electricity and Energy Secretary Dr. Surendra Batagoda is summoned to testify before a Presidential Commission investigating coal transactions. - He is scheduled to provide a stat…
World's Youngest Ruler, King Oyo Kabamba of Toro Kingdom, Dies at 34
- King Oyo Kabamba of the Toro Kingdom, recognized as the world's youngest ruler, has died at age 34. - While the cause of death was not officially disclosed, reports suggest he was battling cancer an…
Rain Expected in Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces
- Intermittent rain and thundershowers are forecast for Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces in Sri Lanka. - Several other districts, including Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya, will also experien…
Sri Lanka to Reapply for GSP+ Tax Concession by December 2028
- Sri Lanka plans to reapply for the European Union's GSP+ tax concession by December 2028, adhering to new EU regulations. - The country is committed to resolving all issues related to human rights, …
Sri Lanka highways earn over $8 million in two days during holiday rush
- Sri Lanka's expressway system earned nearly 124.5 million rupees ($8.4 million) in just two days during a recent long holiday weekend. - A total of 325,310 vehicles used the expressways, with revenu…
Iranian oil tankers anchor near Sri Lanka amid US blockade
- Around 20 Iranian oil tankers are anchored near Sri Lanka's exclusive economic zone, seeking refuge from a US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. - These tankers are waiting for the opportunity to ret…
Miss Grand Sri Lanka 2026 Pageant Judges Arrive in Sri Lanka
- An international panel of judges has arrived in Sri Lanka for the 'Miss Grand Sri Lanka - 2026' beauty pageant. - The delegation includes key figures from the Miss Grand International organization, …
Opposition leader claims government policies are hurting citizens
- Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa claims the Sri Lankan government is using false data to create policies that harm citizens. - He stated that farmers, fishermen, workers, entrepreneurs, children, …
Nearly $4 Million Lost on Failed Projects, Audit Report Reveals
- A new audit report reveals that nearly 400 million Sri Lankan rupees have been lost due to failed projects. - The losses stem from various industrial projects and cultivation initiatives started acr…
Flash Floods Devastate Nepal's Economy, Prime Minister Says
- Flash floods in Nepal have caused extensive loss of life and property, with the death toll reaching 469 and over a thousand people still missing. - Prime Minister Baledra Shah stated that the disast…
Yala National Park animals suffer under El Niño conditions
- Animals in Yala National Park are facing severe stress due to the prevailing El Niño conditions, particularly high daytime temperatures. - Wildlife officials are implementing measures to protect the…
Sri Lanka Responds to UN Envoy on Judicial Reforms
- Sri Lanka officially responded to a UN Special Rapporteur's letter concerning proposed amendments to judicial retirement ages. - The government stated the reforms aim to reduce case backlogs and imp…
Nine Ministerial Bungalows in Colombo to Become Ambassadorial Residences
- Nine ministerial bungalows in Colombo are nearing allocation to serve as ambassadorial offices. - The government plans to generate revenue from these properties and utilize them for economically pro…
Sri Lanka Capable of Repaying Foreign Debt Without Issue for Next Decade, Central Bank Chief Says
- Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, stated the country can repay foreign debt for the next decade without issues. - He cited successful debt restructuring, with annual payme…
Motorcycle and three-wheeler collision kills two in Galle
- A collision between a motorcycle and a three-wheeler in Galle, Sri Lanka, resulted in the deaths of a 59-year-old woman and a 49-year-old man. - The woman died at the scene, while the man succumbed …
Pakistan hospital fire kills 14 newborns in NICU
- A severe fire in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a major Islamabad hospital killed at least 14 newborns. - The fire reportedly originated from a malfunctioning air conditioning unit in th…
US disrupts Chinese state-sponsored hacking tools
- The FBI, working with the Justice Department, has seized and disabled internet tools used by Chinese state-sponsored hackers. - These tools, identified as 'QScan' and 'QT Router,' were used in cyber…
Japanese PM's staff capture and release cockroach from official residence
- Staff at Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's official residence, the Kantei, captured and released a cockroach. - The incident occurred amid rumors of ghosts haunting the historic building, whic…
UN Chief Urges Swift Aid for Flood-Hit Nepal
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent aid for Nepal following severe floods. - The US, China, EU, and India have offered immediate assistance. - The US pledged $500,000, while Indi…
Nepal Floods: Death Toll Surpasses 270 Amid Widespread Destruction
- The death toll from recent floods in Nepal has climbed to at least 270, according to foreign media reports. - Over 1,500 people remain missing, and authorities fear the number of fatalities may incr…
Director General of Health Services Inspects Puttalam Hospitals
- Director General of Health Services Dr. Asela Gunawardena conducted an inspection of emergency services at hospitals in the Puttalam district. - The inspection focused on strengthening emergency tre…
461 officials blacklisted for exam irregularities
- 461 officials have been blacklisted and banned from examination duties due to alleged errors and irregularities, according to a National Audit Office report. - The audit found that the information o…
Sri Lanka Blacklists 461 Officials for Exam Irregularities
- A new report from Sri Lanka's National Audit Office reveals 461 officials have been blacklisted for exam irregularities. - The report found that information on blacklisted officials was not consider…
COPE Committee Reveals Missing Staff Linked to Postal Department Financial Irregularities
- The Committee on Public Accounts (COPE) in Sri Lanka has uncovered that individuals involved in financial fraud and disciplinary breaches at the Postal Department are now missing. - COPE has ordered…
President vows no U-turns on public-friendly decisions
- President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated the government will not make decisions against public interest and will not reverse those made for the people. - He emphasized the new constitutional amendm…
Opposition leader calls for preparedness against El Niño
- Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa emphasized the need for a new, proactive plan to prepare for disasters such as El Niño. - He noted that many reservoirs have dried up due to the current El Niño co…
Sri Lankan Village Suffers Double Blow from Cyclone 'Sitara' and El Niño
- Residents of Kalugahakandura village in Sri Lanka are facing severe hardship after Cyclone Sitara damaged their livelihoods. - The ongoing El Niño phenomenon is exacerbating the situation, causing r…
Drinking Gregory Lake water could be fatal, environmental authority warns
- The Central Environmental Authority has warned that drinking water from Gregory Lake in Nuwara Eliya could be fatal. - The authority confirmed the severe pollution scientifically at a District Devel…
El Niño Drought Affects Over 84,000 in Sri Lanka
- El Niño-induced dry weather has affected 84,545 people across 26,457 families in Sri Lanka. - The drought has impacted 25 Divisional Secretariat divisions in seven districts, with Monaragala, Ampara…
Sri Lanka Railways Bans Social Media Use During Work Hours
- The Sri Lanka Railways Department has issued a special circular prohibiting social media use during working hours. - The ban aims to prevent the dissemination of sensitive operational information th…
Sri Lanka's COPE questions 68 bank accounts at Peradeniya University
- Sri Lanka's Parliament's Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) questioned the continuous operation of 68 bank accounts and various funds at the University of Peradeniya. - COPE raised concerns abou…
Third Randoli procession takes to the streets
- The third 'Randoli' procession of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera took place on the streets. - The procession featured the sacred relic casket carried by the Singaraja elephant, accompanied by two…
Three Parliament executives given duty-free vehicles bypassing rules: Loss of 10 million
- Three executive officers in the Sri Lankan Parliament were allegedly granted duty-free vehicle permits illegally. - The National Audit Office reported that the permits, valued at LKR 108 million, we…
Sri Lanka to host WHO Universal Health and Preparedness Review
- Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved hosting a Universal Health and Preparedness Review, recommended by the World Health Organization. - The review aims to enhance the country's capacity to identify, pr…
22nd Amendment Bill Added to Parliament's Agenda
- Sri Lanka's Parliament has included three constitutional amendment bills in its latest agenda. - These bills aim to extend the retirement age for judges in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and lo…
Sri Lanka: Coordinate community empowerment efforts, minister urges
- Sri Lankan Minister of Rural Development, Social Protection, and Community Empowerment, Dr. Upali Paninna, urged all responsible state institutions to coordinate efforts for community empowerment an…
Syria removed from terror list
- The United States has stated that Syria is no longer considered a state sponsor of terrorism. - Consequently, Syria will be removed from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. - The announcem…
Suspected criminal arrested in Dubai, extradited to Sri Lanka
- Kananagarage Lalith Kananagarage, also known as Bus Lalith or Kudu Lalith, was arrested in Dubai and brought to Sri Lanka. - He is accused of involvement in crimes, murders, and drug trafficking acr…
Colombo-Gampaha water supply halted due to emergency situation
- Water supply to parts of Colombo and Gampaha districts has been temporarily halted. - The disruption is due to an emergency situation affecting water quality from the Kelani River intake. - The Nati…
Continuous Electricity Supply at Risk Due to El Niño, Sri Lanka Explores Renewables
- Sri Lanka faces a potential electricity crisis due to the El Niño phenomenon, which could reduce hydropower generation. - The Public Utilities Commission is exploring renewable energy sources as a s…
Easter Bombings Case Verdict Set for September 22
- A Sri Lankan court has set September 22 for the verdict in a case involving 24 defendants accused in the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. - The charges include conspiracy and aiding and abetting the att…
Former Sri Lankan Speakers spent over $220,000 on fuel for official vehicles
- Former Speakers of Parliament used 299,146 liters of fuel worth over 75 million rupees between 2016 and 2024, according to a national audit report. - Fuel consumption for the Speaker and Deputy Spea…
El Niño affects seven districts in Sri Lanka, impacting over 81,000 people
- El Niño has affected 22 Divisional Secretariat Divisions across seven districts in Sri Lanka, impacting 81,605 people from 25,563 families. - Authorities have provided drinking water to approximatel…
Sri Lanka's government ruling by lies and fraud, says opposition MP
- Namal Rajapaksa, national organizer of the Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), accused the government of ruling through lies and fraud. - Rajapaksa claimed the government is attempting to suppress issues face…
Salley's wife appeals to President over husband's health
- The wife of former State Intelligence Service Director Maj. Gen. Suresh Salley has appealed to the President of Sri Lanka to transfer him from CID custody to remand prison due to a severe heart cond…
Businessman Remanded for Alleged 50 Million Rupee Vehicle Sales Fraud
- A businessman operating a vehicle sales center has been remanded in custody for allegedly defrauding customers of nearly 50 million Sri Lankan rupees. - The suspect was arrested following complaints…
US-Canada Trade War Erupts
- The United States has imposed tariffs exceeding 50% on Canadian goods, escalating a trade dispute. - Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced retaliatory tariffs on American products in respons…
Panama-flagged ship carrying iron ore sinks off Indian coast; rescue underway
- A Panama-registered cargo ship carrying 1,700 tons of iron ore sank off India's Odisha coast. - The Indian Coast Guard and Navy launched a major rescue operation for the 24 crew members. - The vesse…
Chinese Robot Smashes Usain Bolt's 100m World Record
- A humanoid robot developed in China has broken Usain Bolt's 100-meter world record. - The robot completed the race in 9.39 seconds at the Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing. - Usain Bolt's record, set …
Nanda Malini awakened hearts with wisdom
- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a message of condolence on the passing of renowned singer Dr. Nanda Malini. - Dissanayake praised Malini for using her singing talent to advocate…
Presidential Fund to offer scholarships for children of lottery vendors
- The Sri Lankan government has decided to implement an educational scholarship program for the children of lottery ticket vendors through the Presidential Fund. - The program, which begins in 2026, w…
Sri Lanka to Include Meteorology in University Curriculum Amid El Niño Concerns
- Sri Lanka plans to include meteorology, covering phenomena like El Niño and La Niña, in its university curriculum. - The move aims to equip students with knowledge to aid decision-making in governme…
Court Halts Sale of Sri Lankan Vehicle Factory Amid Contract Dispute
- A court issued an injunction preventing the sale or closure of a vehicle modification factory in Kaduwela, Sri Lanka. - The order was issued to an Indian company, Gaup Automotive Technologies Privat…
Drought affects 73,000 across Sri Lanka
- Over 73,000 people across Sri Lanka are severely affected by a severe drought, impacting 23,377 families. - The drought conditions are attributed to prolonged dry weather across the country. - Disas…
Low-Budget Chinese Animation Film Sets Box Office Records
- A low-budget Chinese animation film, "Niu Lai," made by a mother and son over five years, is achieving unexpected box office success in China. - Despite poor graphics and a weak storyline that initi…
Party on luxury yacht near Port City busted; unlicensed alcohol seized
- Sri Lankan authorities raided a party on a luxury yacht near Port City, seizing a significant quantity of local and foreign liquor. - The raid also targeted two restaurants operating without license…
Sri Lanka Police Seize Over 120 Million Rupees Worth of Methamphetamine in Bandaragama
- Police in Bandaragama, Sri Lanka, arrested an individual with approximately 120 million Sri Lankan rupees worth of ice methamphetamine. - The suspect is allegedly a member of an organized crime netw…
Four bank managers sent money from 89 accounts
- Four private bank managers have been arrested for illegally transferring money from 89 accounts. - The illicit transfers, totaling 74 billion Sri Lankan rupees, were detected following a complaint f…
Petitions filed by three parties against the 22nd Amendment
- Three parties, including the Sri Lanka Bar Association, have filed petitions against the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution. - The amendment proposes extending the retirement age for Supreme Court a…
Man Climbs Coconut Tree After Complaint Delay
- A 53-year-old man in Payagala, Sri Lanka, climbed a 70-foot coconut tree to protest the police's alleged delay in investigating his complaint. - The man had filed a complaint the previous night afte…
Sri Lanka to Distribute Water to Drought-Hit Districts Amid El Niño Concerns
- The Sri Lankan government will distribute drinking water to districts like Batticaloa, Monaragala, and Ampara, which are suffering from dry weather conditions. - This decision was made during a spec…
Sri Lankan MP Questions Judicial Independence Amidst Imprisonment Prediction
- Namal Rajapaksa, a Member of Parliament in Sri Lanka, questioned whether ministers, not the judiciary, are deciding court verdicts. - He stated that a minister predicted his imprisonment, raising co…
Bollywood stars refuse to promote unhealthy products
- Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan stated he will not endorse unhealthy food and beverages. - Khan, along with actors Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff, made this commitment in response to a request from India…
Trump Reportedly Warns Oman of Bombing if It Interferes with U.S. Actions Against Iran
- U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly warned Oman that it would face bombing if it interfered with U.S. actions against Iran. - This is reportedly the second direct warning from Trump to Oman. - Th…
Sri Lanka's 'Asuswema' Welfare Payments Due August 19
- The 'Asuswema' welfare benefit payment for August will be credited to beneficiaries' bank accounts on August 19. - Over 999,000 families in the first phase will receive over 9.24 billion rupees, and…
Nearly 500,000 vehicle number plates unprinted in Sri Lanka, causing public hardship
- Nearly 500,000 vehicle number plates remain unprinted in Sri Lanka, causing significant public inconvenience. - The issue stems from a contract dispute and delays in printing, with a new supplier st…
Two Sri Lankan Police Officers Arrested for Allegedly Accepting Bribe
- Two police officers from the Saindamarudu police station in Sri Lanka were arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe. - The officers reportedly solicited 20,000 Sri Lankan rupees. - The bribe was all…
Sri Lanka to Introduce 22nd Amendment Based on People's Mandate
- Sri Lanka's Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekera, stated the 22nd amendment to the constitution will be introduced as per the people's mandate. - T…
Sri Lanka sets minimum stay for tourists in Minneriya, Kaudulla parks
- Sri Lanka's Environment Ministry will implement a minimum stay duration for tourists in Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. - The move aims to enhance tourism, develop infrastructure, and increas…
Sri Lanka to Seek Fuel Price Revision or New Subsidy
- Sri Lanka's Energy Minister Anura Karunatilake stated that a request for a fuel price revision or new subsidy is imminent. - The government is reviewing the costs associated with importing fuel into…
Senior Officials Cannot Evade Responsibility, Says Top Prosecutor
- Senior state officials cannot evade responsibility by passing documents to subordinates with a note "for appropriate action," according to Additional Solicitor General Dileep Peiris. - He stated tha…
Government Approval Drops by 15% in Five Months
- Public approval for the Sri Lankan government has dropped significantly to 50% in July, a 15% decrease since February. - Confidence in the country's economic outlook has also sharply declined, with …
Nine Killed by Elephants, 13 Elephants Killed by Humans in Sri Lanka's Kurunegala District This Year
- Nine people have been killed by elephants and 13 elephants have been killed by humans in the Kurunegala district of Sri Lanka this year. - In the past week alone, three people died from elephant att…
Sri Lanka Allocates 45 Billion Rupees to Complete Stalled Hospital Projects, Opens Renovated Units at Nagoda Teaching Hospital
- Sri Lanka's Health and Media Minister inaugurated renovated units and improved infrastructure at Nagoda Teaching Hospital. - The development project, costing over 134 million Sri Lankan rupees, aims…
Eight hunters arrested in Somawathiya reserve
- Eight individuals were arrested in the Somawathiya National Park for hunting various animals. - Authorities seized 8 kilograms of deer meat, hunting tools, and other equipment from the suspects. - T…
Father and Son Drown in Maha Oya River; Father Missing
- A father and son drowned in the Maha Oya river near Mirigama, Sri Lanka, while swimming. - The son, 19-year-old Thisara Sampath Jayakody, died, and his father, Dinesh Chandika Jayakody, 47, is missi…
Rain expected in several Sri Lankan provinces today
- The Department of Meteorology forecasts rain in several provinces across Sri Lanka today. - Showers are expected in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North Western provinces, as well as in Kandy, Nuwar…
3,069 Prison Officials Lacked Firearms Training: Audit Report
- A recent audit revealed that 3,069 prison officials in Sri Lanka have not received any firearms training. - The National Audit Office stated that firearms training is essential for prison officials …
Navy vessel accident: One sailor missing off Moratuwa coast
- A Sri Lankan Navy fast attack craft (FAC) was involved in an accident approximately 3 km off the coast of Moratuwa. - Eleven of the twelve naval personnel on board were rescued, but one sailor remai…
Sri Lanka is India's Best Friend
- A recent US-based Pew Research Center survey reveals Sri Lanka has the most favorable view of India globally, with 79% of Sri Lankans holding a positive opinion. - Conversely, Pakistan holds the mos…
Sri Lanka Public Security Minister Inspects Three Prisons
- Sri Lanka's Minister of Public Security, Anura Wijeyapala, visited three prisons: Negombo, Pallansena Open Prison Camp, and Wariyapola. - The minister inspected facilities, focusing on inmate welfar…
Indonesia Earthquake: Flores Island Death Toll Rises to 38
- A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores Island on August 15, 2026, killing at least 38 people, according to the country's disaster mitigation agency. - Search and rescue operations are …
Two Killed in Separate Wild Elephant Attacks in Sri Lanka
- Two individuals, a security guard and a retired army soldier, were killed in separate wild elephant attacks in the Koslanda and Ridimaliyadda areas. - The security guard was fatally trampled while c…
Landslide Blocks Hatton-Colombo Main Road in Sri Lanka
- The Hatton-Colombo main road in Sri Lanka is completely blocked due to a landslide in the Hatton-Kuilwatta area. - The landslide occurred early Friday morning, causing a complete halt to all vehicul…
El Niño's Heat May Impact Mental Health, Sri Lankan Doctor Warns
- Rising global temperatures due to El Niño may increase the number of people suffering from mental health issues, according to a Sri Lankan psychiatrist. - Increased heat can lead to irritability, an…
Suspected drug trafficker Shiranth Basnayake handed over to Colombo CID
- Shiranth Basnayake, a suspected major drug trafficker, was brought to Sri Lanka from Dubai for further investigation. - Basnayake, a resident of Dehiwala, was on an Interpol red notice. - He was arr…
Sri Lanka extends 50% surcharge on vehicle import duties until end of 2026
- Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has extended a 50% surcharge on import duties for vehicles until December 31, 2026. - The surcharge was initially imposed to curb a surge in vehicle im…
Driver Arrested for Selling School Books to Scrap Dealer in Eastern Province
- A driver has been arrested for selling a stock of Tamil language activity and textbooks for first-year students in the Eastern Province to a scrap dealer. - The driver was entrusted with distributin…
Foreign nations cannot pressure Sri Lanka on elections, says minister
- Sri Lanka's Minister of Agriculture, K. D. Lal Kantha, stated that foreign countries have no right to interfere in the country's internal affairs. - He specifically addressed the issue of provincial…
Bill to Extend Judges' Retirement Age Submitted to Parliament
- A bill to extend the retirement age for judges in higher courts will be presented to Sri Lanka's parliament on August 18. - The proposed amendment aims to increase the retirement age for Supreme Cou…
New SLTB depot complex opens in Kegalle
- A new depot complex for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) has been opened in Kegalle, constructed at a cost of 835 million Sri Lankan rupees. - The facility includes a regional office, a driving …
No Advanced Level Exam Papers Leaked, Commissioner Assures Candidates Amidst Incident
- The Examinations Commissioner General has assured that no advanced level exam papers have been opened or released from coordination centers. - Candidates are urged not to be alarmed by false informa…
Incheon Airport named world's busiest international hub
- South Korea's Incheon Airport has been named the world's busiest international airport for the first time. - It served 38.4 million international passengers in the first six months of the year, surp…
Japan Protests Putin's Visit to Disputed Kuril Islands
- Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government has strongly protested Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Iturup Island in the Kuril Islands. - Japan claims sovereignty over the islands,…
