• Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
    Security personnel stand guard after a raid on an anti-government protest camp in Colombo early on Friday, amid Sri Lanka's economic crisis. Reuters
  • Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
    Anti-government protesters speak with members of Sri Lankan security forces. AFP
  • A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
    A policeman walks past slogans against the newly elected Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickramasinghe in Colombo. AFP
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
    Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as the new president of Sri Lanka by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya. Reuters
  • Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
    Mr Wickremesinghe, centre, arrives at his swearing-in ceremony in Colombo. EPA
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
    Ranil Wickremesinghe leaves a Buddhist temple in Colombo after he was named as Sri Lanka's eighth executive president. Reuters
  • Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
    Sri Lankans protest after Mr Wickremesinghe defeated Dullas Alahapperuma, a member of the breakaway faction of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party, by 134 votes to 82 in a parliamentary vote to pick the next president. Getty
  • Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
    Dinesh Gunawardena, centre, leader of the House of Parliament, arrives at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. Getty
  • Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
    Soldiers stand guard at the Presidential Secretariat after Mr Wickremesinghe was announced as Sri Lanka's new president. Getty
  • Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
    Protesters watch a live broadcast of the parliamentary vote to pick Sri Lanka's new president. EPA
  • A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
    A screen grab of Mr Wickremesinghe, bottom left, during the vote count announcement in Sri Lanka's Parliament. AFP
  • Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
    Mr Alahapperuma, bottom right, during the parliamentary vote in Colombo. AFP
  • A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
    A supporter celebrates in Colombo after Mr Wickremesinghe was elected as president. Reuters
  • Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
    Mr Wickremesinghe's supporters celebrate in the capital after his election as Sri Lankan president. Getty
  • Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
    Sri Lankans protest after the announcement of Mr Wickremesinghe as president. Getty
  • Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
    Demonstrators watch a public screen as voting begins in Sri Lanka's Parliament. Reuters
  • Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
    Protesters in Colombo demand Mr Wickremesinghe's resignation as prime minister and acting president before the parliamentary vote. AP
  • Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
    Demonstrators carry an effigy of Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
  • Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
    Demonstrators take part in a procession against Mr Wickremesinghe. AFP
  • Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
    Demonstrators shout slogans. AFP
  • Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
    Sri Lankan demonstrators take part in a celebration in Colombo to mark the 100th day of protests. AFP
  • After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
    After months of street protests, Sri Lanka’s parliament will elect a new president to replace Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Wednesday. AFP
  • The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
    The country faces its worst economic crisis in decades due to the lack of foreign reserves, resulting in severe shortages of food, fuel, medicines and imported goods. Getty
  • Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
    Soldiers lower the national flag at Galle Face Green in Colombo. Getty
  • A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
    A demonstrator writes a slogan against acting president Ranil Wickremesinghe. AFP
  • Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
    Mr Wickremesinghe is a top contender in the race to succeed Mr Rajapaksa. AFP
  • People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
    People light candles in the capital in memory of protesters killed or wounded since the demonstrations began. EPA
  • Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
    Police officers stand guard outside Parliament in Colombo. Reuters
  • The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
    The vandalised office of the Sri Lankan president inside his official residence in the capital. Getty
  • Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
    Police officials gather evidence at the president’s official residence after it was overrun by anti-government protesters on July 9. AFP
  • Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
    Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, right, is sworn in as acting president by Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in Colombo. EPA
  • Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
    Parliamentary Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena addresses the media in Colombo. AFP
  • People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
    People dance in Colombo as they celebrate the resignation of Mr Rajapaksa amid the country’s economic crisis. Reuters
  • Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
    Demonstrators cheer after hearing news that Mr Rajapaksa had emailed his letter of resignation after fleeing months of anti-government protests. Bloomberg
  • Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
    Members of the media wait outside the VIP complex of Changi International Airport in Singapore for the arrival of Mr Rajapaksa, his wife and two bodyguards. Sri Lanka's president left the Maldives on July 14 aboard a Saudia Airlines plane bound for Singapore. AFP
  • A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
    A Saudia Airlines plane believed to be carrying Mr Rajapaksa arrives on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. EPA
  • Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
    Police officers walk outside Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the building, when he was named acting president. AFP
  • A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
    A Saudia airline Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for Singapore and carrying Sri Lanka's fleeing president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, his wife and bodyguards prepares to take off at the Velana International airport, in the Maldives. AFP
  • Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
    Sri Lankan soldiers stand guard near the parliament building in Colombo, a day after thousands of anti-government protesters stormed the prime minister's office. AFP
  • A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
    A soldier walks past a demonstrator sitting in a meeting room, at the prime minister's offices. AFP
  • Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
    Soldiers patrol the buildings of the prime minister's office. AFP
  • Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
    Troops make their way to an anti-government protest at the prime minister's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Bloomberg
  • Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
    Demonstrators takes pictures inside the complex housing the Sri Lankan prime minister's offices. AFP
  • An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
    An injured protester lies in an ambulance after clashes with police near parliament in Colombo. AP
  • People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
    People wait to enter the presidential palace in Colombo, Sri Lanka. AP
  • Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
    Protesters in Colombo hold Sri Lankan flags as they stand on top of the office of acting Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, amid the country's economic crisis. Reuters
  • Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
    Protesters demand the resignation of Mr Wickremasinghe. Bloomberg
  • Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
    Police officers stand guard in Colombo. Reuters
  • Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
    Police fire tear gas to control the crowds. Reuters
  • A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
    A protester pours water on a man as tensions soar. Reuters
  • Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
    Protesters throw teargas shells. AP Photo
  • Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
    Protesters storm Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's office in Colombo, Sri Lanka and demand his resignation, after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the economic and political crisis for the Maldives. AP
  • Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
    Police use tear gas to disperse Sri Lankan protesters outside the prime minister's office. AP
  • A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
    A protester sleeps on vandalised furniture inside the presidential palace in Colombo, which has been occupied by demonstrators for days. Getty Images
  • A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
    A satellite image shows people gathered outside Sri Lanka's Parliament building in Colombo amid the country's economic and political crisis. AFP
  • Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
    Youths play carrom inside the Sri Lankan prime minister's official residence, which was stormed by protesters at the weekend. Reuters
  • People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
    People sit on a couch inside the prime minister's official residence. The protests against the government have simmered since May, but erupted again last Saturday. Reuters
  • Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
    Army cadets march past people queuing to get inside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. AFP
  • People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
    People visit Mr Rajapaksa's official residence in Colombo. It was reported on Wednesday that he had fled the country for the Maldives. AFP
  • A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
    A man takes a selfie at the presidential palace. AP
  • Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
    Sri Lankans line up to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
  • Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
    Crowds flock to take in the presidential palace. EPA
  • A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
    A man takes a rest inside the prime minister's official residence in Colombo. EPA
  • People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
    People sing songs inside the prime minister's official residence. EPA
  • Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
    Protesters erect a banner on the presidential palace three days after it was stormed by anti-government demonstrators in Colombo. AP
  • People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
    People wait in a queue to collect gas at a distribution point in Colombo. AFP
  • Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
    Sri Lankans quarrel as they wait for gas at a distribution point. AFP
  • A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP
    A driver of an autorickshaw sleeps inside his vehicle while waiting in a queue to buy petrol at a fuel station in Colombo. AP

World

Asia

How did Ranil Wickremesinghe become Sri Lanka's president after six terms as PM?

He has been called 'the eighth wonder of the world' by his fellow Sri Lankans

The National

July 20, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Political stalwart Ranil Wickremesinghe became Sri Lanka's president on Wednesday, securing votes from 134 of 225 parliamentarians, despite his United National Party holding only one seat in the chamber.

His election was a blow for many protesters at the secretariat and adjoining protest camp in the commercial capital Colombo, which has been the epicentre of nationwide demonstrations which ousted his predecessor Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Here's what you need to know about him.

Who is Ranil Wickremesinghe?

Mr Wickremesinghe is no stranger to Sri Lankan politics. A lawyer by profession, he was first elected to the country's parliament in 1977.

His constant reappearance on the political scene, despite multiple failures to be elected president, has led him being called the “eighth wonder of the world" by his fellow Sri Lankans.

Mr Wickremesinghe was born into one of the country's most influential families on March 24, 1949. His uncle, Junius Jayewardene, served as the Indian Ocean island's president for 12 years until 1989.

Jayewardene, who died in 1996, was the original architect of his nephew's entry into politics. He appointed Mr Wickremesinghe to his first ministerial post in 1978, making the 29-year-old at the time the country's youngest Cabinet minister.

In 1994, following assassinations that wiped out several of his senior colleagues, Mr Wickremesinghe became leader of the UNP.

His experience in senior government positions, and a reputation as a shrewd operator, should count in his favour as he seeks a way out of Sri Lanka 's devastating economic crisis.

How many times has he served as Sri Lanka's prime minister?

The 73-year-old has served as prime minister of Sri Lanka six times between 1993 and today.

Speaking about his political survivalism in 2014, he said "politics is more than chess."

"It's teamwork like cricket. It is how you must have the stamina for a marathon. It's a hard game like rugger (rugby) and it is a blood sport like boxing."

His most recent spell on the merry-go-round of senior political positions began in May, when he took over as prime minister for the sixth time after the former president's elder brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, quit the position following clashes between pro and anti-government protesters that triggered a deadly wave of violence.

Since then, Mr Wickremesinghe has been involved in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout package of up to $3 billion, besides working on an interim budget to slash government expenditure.

Has he served as president before?

Despite two attempts in 1999 and 2005, Mr Wickremesinghe managed to ascend to the presidency only this week. Both of those losses were humiliating, leaving him as the only MP for his UNP party in parliament.

Mr Wickremesinghe became acting president last week after Rajapaksa fled on a military plane to the Maldives and then took a commercial flight to Singapore.

He will now complete his predecessor's term until 2024, after beating ruling party lawmaker Dullas Alahapperuma and a third candidate, Anura Kumara Dissanayaka.

Speaking to lawmakers in parliament after his victory, Mr Wickremesinghe urged opposition leaders to work together with his administration, which faces the task of pulling Sri Lanka out of its worst economic crisis in seven decades.

"Our country is facing massive challenges and we have to work on a new strategy to fulfil the aspirations of the people," he said.

Who is his wife?

English lecturer Maithree Wickremesinghe, 57, is now the first lady of Sri Lanka. The academic graduated from King's College London and completed her masters in Women's Studies at the University of Colombo. She later attained a PhD from the Institute of Education at the University of London.

She married her husband in 1995. The couple have no children.

What does Mr Wickremesinghe's election mean for Sri Lanka?

  • A demonstrator presents Sri Lanka's new 'Wildlife Minister' at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Cabinet meeting room in Colombo. Huge crowds had poured into the city to protest in previous days amid months of unrest sparked by the country's economic collapse. Reuters
    A demonstrator presents Sri Lanka's new 'Wildlife Minister' at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's Cabinet meeting room in Colombo. Huge crowds had poured into the city to protest in previous days amid months of unrest sparked by the country's economic collapse. Reuters
  • Demonstrators take a break inside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's residence in Colombo. Reuters
    Demonstrators take a break inside Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's residence in Colombo. Reuters
  • Children play the piano inside the president's house in Colombo. Reuters
    Children play the piano inside the president's house in Colombo. Reuters
  • A demonstrator poses for photographs where President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used to hold events. Reuters
    A demonstrator poses for photographs where President Gotabaya Rajapaksa used to hold events. Reuters
  • People wait to visit the presidential residence in Colombo after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled amid the country's economic turmoil. Reuters
    People wait to visit the presidential residence in Colombo after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled amid the country's economic turmoil. Reuters
  • Part of the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was burnt by demonstrators. Reuters
    Part of the private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was burnt by demonstrators. Reuters
  • Demonstrators vandalised part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house in Colombo. Reuters
    Demonstrators vandalised part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's house in Colombo. Reuters
  • Crowds flock to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
    Crowds flock to take a look inside the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
  • Part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence was burnt by demonstrators. Reuters
    Part of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's private residence was burnt by demonstrators. Reuters
  • People take a dip in a swimming pool at the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
    People take a dip in a swimming pool at the presidential palace in Colombo. EPA
  • Protesters pretend to hold a Cabinet meeting in the meeting hall of the president's official residence. AP
    Protesters pretend to hold a Cabinet meeting in the meeting hall of the president's official residence. AP
  • Firefighters try to douse a fire at the residence of Sri Lanka's prime minister during protests in Colombo. AFP
    Firefighters try to douse a fire at the residence of Sri Lanka's prime minister during protests in Colombo. AFP
  • People watch the blaze. AFP
    People watch the blaze. AFP
  • An unidentified man poses for pictures while seated on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s chair at the presidential palace in Colombo, a day after it was overrun by anti-government protestors. AFP
    An unidentified man poses for pictures while seated on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s chair at the presidential palace in Colombo, a day after it was overrun by anti-government protestors. AFP
  • Protesters rest on sofas in the prime minister's residence. AP
    Protesters rest on sofas in the prime minister's residence. AP
  • Soldiers and police gather outside the burnt private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. AP
    Soldiers and police gather outside the burnt private residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. AP
  • A security officer inspects a police vehicle, a day after it was vandalised by protesters in front of the residence of Sri Lanka's prime minister. AFP
    A security officer inspects a police vehicle, a day after it was vandalised by protesters in front of the residence of Sri Lanka's prime minister. AFP
  • Protesters stand on a vandalised police water cannon at the entrance to the president's official residence. AP
    Protesters stand on a vandalised police water cannon at the entrance to the president's official residence. AP
  • Protesters sing and dance after storming the Sri Lankan president's official residence. AP
    Protesters sing and dance after storming the Sri Lankan president's official residence. AP
  • Protesters crowd inside the president's official residence. EPA
    Protesters crowd inside the president's official residence. EPA
  • Protesters cheer inside the president's official residence. EPA
    Protesters cheer inside the president's official residence. EPA
  • A man picks up a tear-gas canister to throw it away as police try to disperse protesters in Colombo. AP
    A man picks up a tear-gas canister to throw it away as police try to disperse protesters in Colombo. AP
  • An injured protester during an anti-government demonstration in Colombo. EPA
    An injured protester during an anti-government demonstration in Colombo. EPA
  • The security forces fire tear gas and use water cannon to disperse an anti-government protest. EPA
    The security forces fire tear gas and use water cannon to disperse an anti-government protest. EPA
  • A protester walks in front of police during an anti-government protest, calling for the resignation of the president over his alleged failure to address Sri Lanka's economic crisis. EPA
    A protester walks in front of police during an anti-government protest, calling for the resignation of the president over his alleged failure to address Sri Lanka's economic crisis. EPA
  • Protesters gather inside the compound of Sri Lanka's Presidential Palace in Colombo. AFP
    Protesters gather inside the compound of Sri Lanka's Presidential Palace in Colombo. AFP
  • Protesters are demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns. AP Photo
    Protesters are demanding that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa resigns. AP Photo
  • Hundreds of people attended the rally. EPA
    Hundreds of people attended the rally. EPA
  • Security forces fire tear gas to disperse an anti government protest rally. EPA
    Security forces fire tear gas to disperse an anti government protest rally. EPA
  • Protesters throw back tear gas canisters fired by security forces. EPA
    Protesters throw back tear gas canisters fired by security forces. EPA

Whether his election will solve Sri Lanka's crushing economic downturn remains to be seen, and his candidacy was criticised by protesters who ousted his predecessor Mr Rajapaksa.

But his political expertise may mean he can enact real change. Mr Wickremesinghe has recently negotiated with the IMF, and enjoys a working relationship with vital donor countries including India.

Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets earlier this month to vent their fury at soaring inflation, shortages of fuel and other vital goods, regular power cuts and what they see as corruption among the ruling elite.

While the focus of their ire was Rajapaksa, a member of the country's most powerful political dynasty before the crisis who fled the country for Singapore, they also demanded that Mr Wickremesinghe stand down — something he refused to do.

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PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

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Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat

Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press 

Profile of Foodics

Founders: Ahmad AlZaini and Mosab AlOthmani

Based: Riyadh

Sector: Software

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Amount raised: $8m through seed and Series A - Series B raise ongoing

Funders: Raed Advanced Investment Co, Al-Riyadh Al Walid Investment Co, 500 Falcons, SWM Investment, AlShoaibah SPV, Faith Capital, Technology Investments Co, Savour Holding, Future Resources, Derayah Custody Co.

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Rating: 4/5

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FOLD5
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Crime%20Wave
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F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

'Skin'

Dir: Guy Nattiv

Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

While you're here
Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

 

 

Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
The specs
 
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
While you're here
How being social media savvy can improve your well being

Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.

As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.

Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.

Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.

Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.

However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.

“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.

People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.

The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
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Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

%20Ramez%20Gab%20Min%20El%20Akher
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TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
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Updated: July 20, 2022, 11:30 AM
Sri LankaAsia