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Tokyo SkyTree reopens after elevator halt

Staff members of Tokyo SkyTree tower announce the reopening of its observation deck to visitors on Feb. 26, 2026, after a three-day suspension due to an elevator malfunction. Twenty visitors were trapped for more than five hours starting on the night of Feb. 22 when an elevator stopped about 30 meters above street level while descending from the 350-meter-high observation deck.

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

This photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows the exit of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Wang Fei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

This photo taken on December 21, 2025 shows a view of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

An aerial drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows a view of Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Wang Fei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

An aerial drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows a vehicle on the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in Hejing County, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Wang Fei/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

An aerial drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows a view of Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

An aerial drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows a view of Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

This photo taken on December 20, 2025 shows a view of the rescue station of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

An aerial drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows a view of Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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World's Longest Expressway Tunnel - Urumqi

A drone photo taken on December 23, 2025 shows the entry of Tianshan Shengli Tunnel on Urumqi-Yuli Expressway in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world's longest expressway tunnel, and the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway that traverses the Tianshan Mountains via the tunnel, will be open to traffic by the end of this year, enabling a new shortcut linking southern and northern parts of Xinjiang. The 22.13-kilometer tunnel will reduce the time it takes to drive across the middle section of the Tianshan Mountains from several hours to about 20 minutes. Once operational, the travel time from the regional capital of Urumqi, north of the Tianshan Mountains, to Korla, south of the Tianshan Mountains, will be shortened from seven hours to about three hours. Photo by Hu Huhu/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Japan: Heavy Rain Floods Roads and Homes in Joetsu City

Early on September 3, Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture experienced heavy rain caused by a developing raincloud system, resulting in flooded main roads as well as water entering homes. The downpour, which began just after 6 a.m., continued intensely for about three hours. Sections of the expressway were closed to traffic, and some train services were also suspended.

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump (not in the picture) after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025. The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) arrive for a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) addresses a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

(250816) -- BEIJING, Aug. 16, 2025 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025. The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025. The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Shadows of U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin are seen as they attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) arrive for a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R, Rear) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L, Rear) attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) addresses a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump addreses a joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin (not in the picture) after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Shadows of U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin are seen as they attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump (not in the picture) after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump (not in the picture) after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Putin and Trump Summit Press Conference in Anchorage - Alaska

U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin attend a joint press conference after concluding their talks in Anchorage, Alaska, the United States, on Aug. 15, 2025.The talks, held at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in the city of Anchorage, lasted about three hours. Photo by Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, looking at the horizon, holds her daughter on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The town's cultural vibrancy is a testament to the community's resilience. On this final d

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, standing in the water and looking at the horizon, on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women wearing red on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. Th

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two young women taking a selfie in front of the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim po

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A Muslim woman in the water cares for her child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim populati

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Two Muslim women in the water together care for a child in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Muslim families gathered on the beach in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The to

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A group of women together in the water in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim population. The t

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

Three children playing in the water gaze into the lens in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home to a large Muslim p

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The Beach A Temporary Escape for Muslims - Sri Lanka

A woman seen from the back, along with four children at the water's edge, in Weligama, Sri Lanka, on January 2nd, 2022. In Sri Lanka, the Muslim community has faced increasing challenges since the 2019 Easter bombings, when coordinated attacks on churches and hotels by a local Islamist extremist group claimed over 250 lives. In the aftermath, anti-Muslim sentiment surged across the island, leading to heightened discrimination and hostility. The situation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the government introduced a series of stringent policies impacting the Muslim community. These measures included banning the burqa and niqab in public spaces, closing over 1,000 madrasas, and requiring all Islamic texts entering the country to be reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Defense. These actions have raised significant concerns about religious freedom and the marginalization of Muslims in Sri Lankan society. Weligama, a picturesque coastal town located approximately three hours south of Colombo, is home

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

This photo taken on June 30, 2024 shows a scene at a ceremony marking the opening of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze, held in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Kalsang Baljor/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM

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Lhasa-Xigaze Highway Opening - China

An aerial drone photo taken on June 27, 2024 shows a view of a high-grade highway linking Lhasa and Xigaze in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. A high-grade highway linking the two largest cities in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region officially opened to traffic Sunday June 30, 2024 cutting travel time between the cities in half, said the regional transport department. The highway, linking the regional capital Lhasa and Xigaze, the region's second-largest city, stretches 245 km. The four-lane highway cuts down travel time between Lhasa and Xigaze from about six hours to three hours. So far, the mileage of high-grade highways in Xizang has reached 1,196 km. The highway is one section of the national highway that links the city of Ya'an in southwest China's Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in the Kashgar Prefecture of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Photo by Tenzing Nima Qadhup/Xinhua/ABACAPRESS.COM