Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 19

TOKYO -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Tuesday, with the benchmark Nikkei finishing at a two-week-high above the 40,000 threshold, as a weaker yen boosted export-related issues.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 263.16 points, or 0.66 percent, from Monday at 40,003.60. (Japan-Tokyo Stocks)

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COLOMBO -- Over 500,000 tourists have arrived in Sri Lank