Amid Crisis, 12 More Sri Lankan’s in Tamil Nadu

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Special Petition filed challenging the ‘Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill’ in the Supreme Court will be taken up for further examination on Tuesday (6).The 'Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill' was included in the Parliament agenda by the Government on the 23rd of September.The examination of the petition took place on Monday (3) in the presence of a three-member bench comprising Supreme Court Justices Gamini Amarasekara, Mahinda Samayawardena, and Arjun Obeyasekara.Deputy Solicitor General Kanishka de Silva, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney General, pointed out that the relevant bill is not a draft that overrides the constitution and that the Government is ready to amend it during the committee stages if there are any clauses that are felt to be inconsistent with the constitution of Sri Lanka.She has further stated that a person will be rehabilitated only on the orders given by the Magistrate Court and only on the consent of the person subject to undergo rehabilitation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police received a missing persons complaint over the disappearance of a third-year student of the Engineering Faculty of the University of Peradeniya.Sri Lanka Police said that the University of Peradeniya filed the missing person complaint citing the student in question was not seen since this morning.The university student was identified as 25-year-old Pulasthi Pramudith Perera from Ganemulla.The University of Peradeniya had informed Sri Lanka Police that the student who was living in the university dorms was last seen on Saturday (2).The Peradeniya Police is conducting investigations.

PHILADELPHIA - It's been almost one week since a group opened fire at four Roxborough High School football players and another teenager as they walked out of a junior varsity scrimmage. Four students were wounded and 14-year-old, Nicolas Elizalde, died from his injuries.Boys Latin Charter School’s JV team was there when gunfire erupted. Fortunately, none of their students were physically injured, but sophomore, Khary Brown, says he heard the gunshots."When I heard them I ran to the opposite, way to the far side of the field," he says.

Eamonn Holmes has taken to Twitter to share an update on his health after he underwent "risky" surgery for his chronic pain.The GB News host, 62, told how he plans to be back on his morning show, Breakfast with Eamonn and Isabel, soon, after taking time off for his back to heal from the operation.Last week, Eamonn told how he was planning to take time out from his TV presenting responsibilities to have surgery in a bit to help his battle with chronic pain.Eamonn has bravely documented his battle with the condition over the years, including his multiple efforts to relieve the pain.After breaking the news of his operation, the star gave an insight into how long he'll need to recover after the "risky" surgery.Amid his absence on GB News, Twitter user @Nella97_ wrote: "GB News Breakfast isn't the same without Eamonn."Hope you'll be back soon, speedy recovery @EamonnHolmes and the best partnership alongside @IsabelWebster_ #GBNEWS," he added.Eamonn replied: "Thank u Nella."I'll need a week to let my back heal.x"The original poster penned: "Get well soon, coming back better and stronger," alongside a row of hearts.It comes after the former This Morning star told how he's been left "immobile" amid his ongoing battle with chronic pain.The star was every inch the proud grandad as he gushed over his granddaughter Emilia walking for the first time.The one-year-old was seen taking numerous steps before she lost her balance in a cute video adored by many of his fans.Alongside the post, he wrote: "My Granddaughter Emilia chose today to take her first steps.....

Sir Ringo Starr and his All-Starr band have cancelled further shows in the US after the former Beatles drummer tested positive for Covid. On Sunday night, the 82-year-old cancelled performances at the Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, Michigan, and Mystic Lake Casino in Prior Lake, Minnesota, citing illness.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney signed an executive order to abn guns at recreation facilities in the city last week. PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia judge has granted a permanent injunction against Mayor Kenney's recently signed executive order that banned guns from the city's recreations spaces and facilities, according to court documentsThe judge's order came Monday in response to a lawsuit from Gun Owners of America.

Among patients seen at long-COVID clinics in four countries, older people were the most likely to report symptoms and have abnormal chest imaging and lung function tests, finds a study published late last week in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Police Sergeant who foiled a money heist in Thambuttegama was rewarded on Monday (3).Police Sergeant Buddhika Kumara was hailed a hero when he prevented a heist of Rs. 22.3 Million in Thambuttegama disregarding his own safety.The Police Sergeant was invited to the Ministry of Public Security on Monday (3) where he was recognized for his bravery by the Minister of Public Security, the Inspector General of Police, and other Senior Ranks of Sri Lanka Police.Police Sergeant Buddhika Kumara was promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector and was awarded a cash prize of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power & Energy Kanchana Wijesekera on Monday (3) revealed to Parliament that the price of diesel was not reduced during the recent fuel price revision as only a profit of one rupee was being made per liter."When we compare our import prices with the Singapore Average Price we were making a loss of Rs. 30/- per liter of Diesel.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry will be traveling to Geneva for the concluding segment of the 51st Session of the Council. The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is currently ongoing in Geneva and is scheduled to conclude on 07 October 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy's latest Off Shore Patrol Vessel, orginally used by the US Coast Guard called port in Guam.Sri Lanka Navy officially took delivery of the EX-United States Coast Guard Cutter, USCGC Douglas Munro, provided by the United States, on 26th October 2021.Subsequently, she was designated with the Pennant Number P 627 in SLN Fleet and underwent certain modernization equipped to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy. The ship departed for Sri Lanka from the Port of Seattle, United States on 03rd September 2022.Having covered a long sea voyage of about 5898 nautical miles (10923km) in the Pacific Ocean, P 627 called at Port Apra in Guam for replenishment on 02nd October.During the passage she is also expected to make port calls at Manila in the Philippines and Changi in Singapore for replenishment and services. Meanwhile, P 627 is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Colombo in the first week of November 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Asia’s highest inflation rates and ongoing fuel scarcity continue to threaten food security in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka continues to experience an unprecedented economic crisis with high inflation, rising commodity prices, power shortages and scarcity of fuel.The World Food Program said that Asia’s highest inflation rates and ongoing fuel scarcity continue to threaten food security in Sri Lanka. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), an estimated 6.2 million people in Sri Lanka are facing moderate to severe acute food insecurity, with one in every four households applying negative coping strategies such as reducing the number of meals per day, reducing expenses on other essential things such as healthcare or withdrawing children from school. Female-headed households are seen to be particularly hard it, as are the urban poor and people working in the estate-sector.The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said that given the deteriorating food security and nutrition situation in Sri Lanka and the strong likelihood that the upcoming Maha season will not produce sufficient yields, several countries have pledged further assistance, especially towards improving food security and the critical inputs for the agriculture sector. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced an additional US$20 million in humanitarian assistance, bringing USAID’s total assistance to nearly US$92 million since June of this year. The United Kingdom pledged £3 million in lifesaving support going mostly toward food security and supporting farmers, while the EU released €1.5 million in humanitarian aid which will mainly be utilized for multipurpose cash assistance.The final

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has been categorized as a FAO – WFP Hunger Hotsport or a major food crisis by the UN GRFC.This was revealed in a recent statement by the International Monetary Fund.Sri Lanka is among the 48 countries designated as Hunger Hotspots that are considered as countries highly exposed to fed insecurity. The other countries include a series of nations in the African Continent. Food insecurity has been rising since 2018. Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the increasing frequency and severity of climate shocks, regional conflicts and the pandemic were all taking their toll, disrupting food production and distribution, and driving up the cost of feeding people and families.The situation took an even more dramatic turn with the war in Ukraine.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena on Monday (3) announced that 27 members each have been appointed to the Committee on Public Enterprises & Committee on Public Accounts. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 2.00 pm in Parliament to consider the twenty-second Constitution Amendment Bill to be debated in Parliament on the 6th and 7th.Members of Parliament will also have the opportunity to present their views and proposals regarding this bill in the committee chaired by the Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms, (Dr.) Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Meanwhile, the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Power and Energy is scheduled to meet at 11.00 am on that day under the chairmanship of Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The Committee on Public Finance is scheduled to meet on the 3rd at 1.00 pm and the Committee on Ethics and Privileges is scheduled to meet on the 4th at 3.00 pm.Also, a special meeting of the Select Committee of Parliament to look into and report to Parliament its recommendations to ensure gender equity and equality in Sri Lanka will be held on the 5th at 11.00 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka(PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 03rd October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st); Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 359.1618 Sell 369.9103GBP Buy 396.3452 Sell 412.4602EUR Buy 349.9242 Sell 364.6306JPY Buy 2.4669 Sell 2.5686AUD Buy 231.3223 Sell 242.2604

Ukraine is formally applying for a fast-track membership to the NATO military alliance, but experts say it will likely take years for the country to actually become a member.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says that the law must apply to all those who are responsible for the economic crisis.Speaking at an SJB press conference held on Sunday (2), the MP cited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who said in Parliament that all should be held responsible for the current economic crisis is now refuting his own statement and opposing the condemnation of economic crimes. Pointing out that the former President has now returned and is at Malalasekara Mawatha enjoying his comforts, the MP emphasized that it is Rajapaksa along with his accomplices who should be blamed for the economic crisis. MP de Silva also states that it is not the President who implemented the High Security Zones, but the Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne Kamal Gunaratne.He predicted that an inevitable catastrophe of Kamal Gunaratne's action would be a socio-political explosion. "That group including Kamal Gunaratne only operate according to a single model, which is the same model of the past.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched an e-channeling appointment system in collaboration with SLT Mobitel on 29th September to render better and more efficient services to the public, who seek authentication services from the Consular Affairs Division in Colombo and its regional offices in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Kandy, Kurunegala and Matara.Accordingly, public who needs authentication services may schedule an appointment through the e-channeling appointment system dialing 225 (Mobile subscribers) or 1225 (landline subscribers) and visiting Mobitel e-channeling (www.echannelling.com) or official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.mfa.gov.lk).Addressing the gathering at the launch, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry expressed that there is a demand for migrant workers from Sri Lanka. As a result, the services from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has doubled and resulted in long queues at the Authentication Section of the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The public has been inconvenienced as a result of this and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs set out to offer a better service to the people, the Minister said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved 2 hours 20 minutes power cuts for Monday (03) as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  1hour during daytime and 1hour and 20minutes during night.  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry welcomed investments from Australian Companies in Sri Lanka in the energy and education sectors.The Foreign Minister met with the Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens at the Ministry on 30th September, 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has planned to initiate an investigation into the causes of the economic crisis in the country.The HRCSL said that special attention will be given to the impact of ever-changing political reasons that resulted in policy changes within the economy.Moreover, the Commission  expects to pay attention to the way in which authorities have acted in making policy decisions that caused the economic downturn, such as ignoring national interests while separating ministries from their scope.The commission also stated it expects to record statements from officials at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Finance, the ministries related to the implementation of national policies, which are directly related to the economy of the country, and those who are currently working at those institutions in addition to those who had worked at the relevant ministries in the past.Accordingly, the support of several economic experts will also be obtained for the relevant matter.The Human Rights Commission emphasized that the investigation is being conducted due to the violation of people's right to life through the economic crisis.Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Commissioner had also explained facts regarding the economic crimes in Sri Lanka in the report presented to the 51st Human Rights Council session held recently.In that report, she pointed out that in order to obtain a permanent solution to the economic crisis that has affected the human rights of all communities, attention must be paid to the corruption that is rooted in this country.The United Nations Human Rights Commissioner also emphasized the need to take action regarding past and recent human rights

LANGHORNE, Pa. - Local animal shelters are doing everything they can to assist furry friends in Florida after Hurricane Ian and they are seeking help."I reached out to shelters in south Florida and somebody called me back instantly. Her voice was cracking. They need help, they’re running out of food!" owner of Town and Country Pet Care Center Liz Carpino said.Each day, a clearer picture of just how much devastation Hurricane Ian left behind in many parts of southwestern Florida and help, in the form of Red Cross workers and other aid is being rushed in to those in need.RELATED COVERAGE:Another crisis less known that is playing out simultaneously is the large number of dogs separated from their owners.Liz Carpino is the owner of Town and Country Pet Care Center in Langhorne.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three people, including a Sri Lankan woman who attempted to sell an infant via social media for 12,000 Dirhams, have been arrested in Dubai.Dubai media revealed that a 35-year-old Indonesian woman attempted to sell her newborn baby boy in need of money.Two associates, including a Sri Lankan woman, have helped her in her efforts to find a buyer.The 45-year-old Sri Lankan woman had posted an advertisement online last February to sell the 2-month-old baby.After receiving information about this incident, the Dubai Police has initiated an investigation to find the suspects.Accordingly, a policewoman contacted the Sri Lankan woman and went under the pretense of attempting to buy the child, and in the process, arrested the three suspects.In the trial held last week, all three were found guilty at the Dubai Courts for human trafficking.Accordingly, one suspect has been sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of four thousand dirhams.Due to their illegal stay at the United Arab Emirates, they have been sentenced to an additional month's imprisonment and a fine of 1,000 dirhams.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – China is a most sincere and reliable friend of Sri Lanka, notes the Ambassador Qi Zhenhong in a statement released by the Embassy in commemoration of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.The Ambassador also visited several key Chinese enterprises and projects in Sri Lanka to meet with the local and the Chinese staff to pass wishes for the National Day holiday in China.The full statement of the Chinese Embassy is as follows:On the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and with the approaching of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, I would like to wish the country prosperity and progress, our people health and happiness, and best regards to all the Chinese fellow citizens working, studying and living in Sri Lanka! I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Sri Lankan friends from all walks of life, who have always been following and supporting the development of China and China-Sri Lanka relations!In the past year, the world has gone through tremendous changes. Under the strong leadership of CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we have overcome adverse effects brought by complexed international challenges，sporadic outbreaks of COVID-19 pandemic and unpredictable earthquakes, floods and droughts, and China’s economy has maintained a stabilized and increasing momentum with much potential to be released.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The former Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Ambika Satkunathan has filed a petition at the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the Bill titled “Bureau of Rehabilitation Act”, emphasizing that the provisions of Bill are inconsistent with the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition states that the Bill purports to establish a Bureau for the rehabilitation of “drug dependant persons, ex-combatants, members of violent extremist groups and any other group of persons who require treatments and rehabilitation”.Moreover, the petitioner alleges that these categories have not been properly defined and do not clarify how persons may qualify for rehabilitation under these categories, in addition to assuming that “members of violent extremist groups” and “drug dependent persons” require that same approach to rehabilitation. The Bill, Sathkunathan states, uses vague and arbitrary classifications, leading to persons being detained for rehabilitation for even participating in protests, as recent arrests of protestors under the Prevention of Terrorism Act have demonstrated. The petitioner further states that under this bill, the rehabilitation process has been militarized, and allows the President to designate any member of the armed forces to exercise, perform and discharge the powers, duties and functions under the Act.The petitioner therefore requests the Supreme Court to declare several sections of the Bill as outlined in the petition inconsistent with the Constitution of Sri Lanka as they violate the fundamental rights and Sovereignty of the People.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The World Children's Day program organized by MTV Channels (Pvt) Ltd. is currently being held at Viharamaha Devi Park.The longest painting in the country was unveiled on Saturday (1), created by the efforts of hundreds of children covering all 25 districts across the country for more than a month.The title of the painting is, "United we stand."This effort is a mission to enhance the creativity of our children during this challenging time, and to enrich them with artistic abilities as well as leadership qualities for the future.The painting started from Independence Square and Jaffna on 30th August and is due to be completed in Colombo today.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The social security levy of 2.5% will be implemented from Saturday (01).The State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe stated that the price of certain goods may increase through this levy.The State Minister said that the levy, which was passed in Parliament on 8th September, is expected to assist those who are in poverty and extreme poverty in Sri Lanka as a short term solution. The tax is levied at the rate of 2.5 percent on the turnover of importers, manufacturers, service providers and wholesalers and retailers with an annual turnover of more than 120 million.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Auditor General has initiated a special investigation into the unilateral termination of the Light Rail Project by the Government of Sri Lanka.Auditor General W.P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.

COLOMBO (News 1st)  – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa revealed on Friday (30) that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna cooked up a plan to destroy his political career by appointing him as the country's Prime Minister.Sajith Premadasa told reporters that Gotabaya Rajapaksa made a request for him to take up the post of Prime Minister."He did not off me the post for the benefit of the people or the country. I became aware that they planned to bring forward a motion of no-confidence against me after I am made the Prime Minister," he said adding that at the time the SLPP had a majority of the MPs."134 votes were cast in favor of the main protector of the Rajapaksas, the current president.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday Ukraine was formally applying for fast-track membership of the NATO military alliance and that Kyiv was ready for talks with Moscow, but not with President Vladimir Putin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – UNICEF welcomes the contribution of US$ 500,000 from the Japanese Government to support the provision of nutrition services for children and families affected by the current crisis that Sri Lanka faces.In coordination with the Ministry of Health and partners, the funding will be used to procure micronutrients urgently needed to care for children, carry out screening and provide the necessary follow-up, including counseling for malnutrition. 

(PTI) Indian RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that it was only India which helped Sri Lanka and Maldives when these countries were in distress while other countries were interested in finding business opportunities.Spirituality is the "soul of India", he said, addressing a program organized by Bharat Vikas Manch, an organization associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He said that countries like China, United States and Pakistan turned their attention to Sri Lanka when they saw business opportunities there.The RSS Chief added that now when Sri Lanka is in trouble, it is only India that is extending support.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 01st & 02nd October as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Food Inflation had spiked to 94.9% in September 2022, said the Deaprtment of Census and Statistics on Friday (30).It also said that Year on Year Inflation was measured at 69.8% in September 2022.        

COLOMBO (News 1st) – JICA has decided to provide additional support to procure medicine, responding to serious medicine shortages in Sri LankaJICA will provide additional support to procure medicine as part of the “Project for Strengthening COVID-19 Response”.Original Input from JICA for this project was to provide Rs.300mn worth essential equipment for the base hospitals in Teldeniya, Warakapola, Walikanda, Pimbura, Nawalapitiya, Hingurakgoda, Karawanella, and Avissavella (for mainly treatment) and District General Hospital Hambantota (for particularly PCR tests) and to provide online training, for strengthening capacities in the preparedness and development for diagnostics and treatment services to combat infectious diseases including COVID-19.JICA has decided to provide additional support to procure medicine under this project, responding to the serious medicine shortages in Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka is still facing serious shortages of medicine due to the ongoing crisis. Some hospitals need to suspend their surgeries because of lack of medicines and surgical equipment. The prices of medicines are rapidly increasing, which are mostly imported but unable to import because of the current situation in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed to establish an International University on Climate Change in Sri Lanka with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in order to enable students from any country in the world to engage in educational activities.President Wickremesinghe made this proposal during a meeting with the President of the Asian Development Bank Masatsugu Asakawa, held this morning (30) at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila.The ADB President welcomed President Wickremesinghe upon his arrival at the ADB Headquarters.President Wickremesinghe, who expressed his gratitude to the President of the Asian Development Bank for the emergency assistance provided to Sri Lanka in the past, discussed the further strengthening of the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and the ADB.The ADB President assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would continue to cooperate with Sri Lanka.President Wickremesinghe also briefed the President of the Asian Development Bank on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund.Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also engaged in a discussion with professionals working at the Asian Development Bank.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB MP S. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) says that the operations at the Kelanitissa power plant have resumed. The CEB says that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) had taken the necessary steps to provide the required diesel and furnace oil for the operations of the Kelanitssa Power Plant.Repairs have begun on Generator 3 at the Norocholai Power plant following the breakdown that took place on 27th September, and the CEB says that it will be added to the main grid by next Monday (3).On the 27th of September 2022, Sri Lanka's energy regulator approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said on that day that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated from the Norochcholai Power Plant.The Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant has also recommenced its operations to generate electricity after being provided with the necessary stocks of furnace oil.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that 300 MW of electricity will be added to the National Grid.It added that the reactivation of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant will allow authorities to limit power cuts to two hours and twenty minutes without extending them,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant has recommenced its operations to generate electricity after being provided with the necessary stocks of furnace oil.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that 300 MW of electricity will be added to the National Grid.It added that the reactivation of the Kerawalapitiya Yugadanavi Power Plant will allow authorities to limit power cuts to two hours and twenty minutes without extending them, despite issues at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.On the 27th of September 2022, Sri Lanka's energy regulator approved for the Ceylon Electricity Board to purchase power from Private Plants until Norochcholai Power Plant is restored.Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation will provide the necessary Diesel, Naphtha, and Furnace Oil requirements to the CEB to maintain power generation without extending the power cuts.This announcement came after Generator 3 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant failed.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that the Generator failed due to a fault.Generator 2 at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plan is already out for repairs.Accordingly, only 300 MW of a total of 900 MW is being generated from the Norochcholai Power Plant.

Tokyo, Japan (Kyodo) – Japan is prepared to "do its part" over Sri Lanka's debt issue, but other creditors, such as China and India, should also be involved in efforts to resolve it, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Thursday (29).Suzuki made the remarks after meeting with Ranil Wickremesinghe, president of Sri Lanka, which has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a $2.9 billion loan as the Asian nation needs to restructure its massive debt.Suzuki said he urged Sri Lanka during Thursday's meeting to provide the necessary information, make its own efforts to get China, India and other creditors involved and boost transparency."Japan will do its part if such preconditions are met," Suzuki told reporters without elaborating in the Philippine capital Manila, where he attended a meeting of the Asian Development Bank.During his visit to Japan, the Sri Lankan president met Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and discussed the debt issue. The leaders recognized the importance of "fair and transparent" debt restructuring that involves all creditor nations, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt earlier this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Iranian government has expressed its willingness to supply Fertilizers to Sri Lanka.The Ministry of Agriculture has decided to obtain fertilizer from Iran, following a meeting with the Iranian Ambassador recently.However, importing fertilizer from Iran has become an issue given international sanctions imposed on the middle-eastern country.The Agriculture Minister said the necessary applications will be made via the Foreign Ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect who stabbed a man during a snatch and grab incident in Pahalagama, Gampaha on the 20th of September, was killed in police fire on Thursday (29) night.The wife of the suspect was arrested by Sri Lanka Police.Police Officers had visited the Maduruwita area in Gampaha to arrest the suspects, and during the arrest, he had attempted to stab a police officer.Police officers had opened fire on the suspect, and he was rushed to the Gampaha Hospital where he died upon admission.The deceased was identified as Janaka Lasantha, a resident from Kosowita, Ganemulla.Investigations revealed that the deceased was a drug peddler, and was involved in snatch and grabs with his wife.The mugging incident that went wrong: Rasika Vinod, a 29-year-old mid-level employee at a State Bank in Sri Lanka was brutally killed while he tried to prevent a mugging attempt recently.On Tuesday (20) night, Vinod tragically died when he attempted to foil a snatching attempt at his doorstep, in Pahalagama in the Gampaha District.According to reports, this is how the tragedy had taken place: His wife and her friend were returning home from work on Tuesday (20) night.When his wife was close to their home, a couple in a motorbike approached them and attempted to snatch a handbag.According to Sri Lanka Police, Rasika was waiting at the doorstep for his wife to return home, along with his father.The duo immediately attacked the motorcycle thieves, and also toppled the two-wheeler onto the ground.During the tussle, the motorcycle rider attacked Rasika with a sharp weapon.The victim of the mugging attempt detailed her ordeal to News 1st's Naveksha Gunasekera who visited the scene of the crime on Wednesday (21)."A motorcycle crossed my