COLOMBO -- Sri Lanka's Defence Ministry on Tuesday ordered the country's armed forces to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to others following a day of violent clashes.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa also urged people on Tuesday to remain calm, and refrain from violence and acts of revenge against others, adding that all efforts will be made to restore political stability through consensus. (Sri Lanka-Crisis-Armed Forces)

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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif took notice of the detection of Omicron sub-variant BA.2.12.1 of COVID-19 in the country and ordered immediate restoration of the National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), the Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday.

The prime minister directed Pakistan's Ministry of Health to provide a detailed report on the current COVID-19 situation in the country, the office said in a statement. (Pakistan-Omicron-NCOC Restoration)

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TOKYO -- The balance of long-term Japanese government debt exceeded 1,000 trillion yen (7.7 trillion U.S. dollars) for the first time in the fiscal year of 2021 to reach its highest-ever level, the Finance Ministry said on Tuesday.

The debt amounted to 1,017.1 trillion yen in fiscal 2021 that ended in March, posting fresh records for the 18th consecutive year, according to the Finance Ministry. (Japan-Debt)

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SEOUL -- Visiting Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and South Korea's newly sworn-in President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed on Tuesday to further bilateral ties and pragmatic cooperation.

As Chinese President Xi Jinping's special representative, Wang attended the inauguration ceremony of Yoon earlier in the day. During the meeting with Yoon, Wang conveyed Xi's cordial greetings and best wishes to him. (South Korea-China-Ties) Enditem

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