Amnesty International calls for UNHRC to strengthen oversight of SL

Four-alarm fire breaks out at Camden County apartment building. CAMDEN COUNTY, N.J. - Crews spent about five hours fighting a massive blaze that took over an apartment building in Camden County overnight.The four-alarm fire erupted on the 200 block of Branch Avenue in Pine Hill around 11 p.m.Officials say they arrived to heavy fire on balconies, which affected evacuation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – All banks and the Colombo stock market will be closed next Monday (10) in lieu of the bank holiday on Saturday (9).This is due to the fact that a special bank holiday being declared on Monday, the 10th of October for the birthday of Holy Prophet, known as Mila-dn-nabi, which falls on Sunday (9).However, the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Priyantha Mayadunne said that Monday is not a public holiday.

SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Fire Department has launched an investigation into a video posted to social media of a bikini-clad woman exiting a fire truck.The video shared on the San Jose Foos Instagram account Thursday night shows a fire truck with its lights flashing stopped outside the Pink Poodle strip club.A few seconds into the video, a woman wearing what appears to be a bikini gets out of the truck and walks toward the strip club.The San Jose Fire Department said it was aware of the "concerning" video and has started an investigation to determine the facts."If findings of an internal investigation reveal inappropriate behavior of any Department members, appropriate steps will be taken to address the matter," San José Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. said in a statement.

With MediCheck solution, Max Life can access accurate customer medical records at the issuance stage, which will help minimize the chances of claim repudiation under medical grounds Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. has launched ‘MediCheck’, a real-time analytics solution that leverages a digitized health registry to detect inaccurate medical reports and to provide relative health scores of a customer.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people suspected to be involved in the murder of a father-son duo in Maharagama and Panadura areas have been arrested, 31 years after the crime was committed.The police said that a suspect, who was arrested in connection with the two murders, was remanded for up to 14 days after being produced before the Moratuwa Magistrate's Court.Another 55-year-old suspect identified as a resident of Molligoda, Wadduwa area was also arrested on Friday (7) in connection with the murders.The police said that the suspect had assaulted the son with a sharp weapon during a party and had then dumped the body at a swamp near the Bolgoda river.The father-son duo had been killed in 1991.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Iranian fishing vessel with around 200 kg of heroin worth over ₹ 1,200 crore has been seized in a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy, the NCB said on Friday (7).Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (operations) of the NCB, who met reporters, said the agency has arrested six Iran nationals and the boat, along with the heroin, was brought to Mattancherry wharf."The NCB has now seized the vessel and 200 kg of heroin. The six Iranian crew members have also been arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985," Singh said, adding that interrogation was on.He said the drug was found in 200 packets each of which has markings and packing specialties unique to Afghanistan- and Pakistan-based drug cartels."While some of the drug packets had 'Scorpion' seal markings, the others had 'dragon' seal markings.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Railway Department says that train delays may be experienced along the main line and coastal railway lines on Saturday (8).The Department said that a signal fault had caused the delay.Due to the delay, many trains scheduled to run will be delayed, the Railway Department added. Meanwhile, the Uttara Devi Inter-city Express Train which was scheduled to run from Kankasanturai to Colombo has derailed between Tambuttegama and Senarathgama.The Railway Control Room stated that due to this, trains plying the Northern railways line have been disrupted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Patali Champika Ranawaka, was appointed the National Council sub-committee chairman on identifying short-and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization.The first meeting of the said sub-committee was held yesterday (07) in Parliament. The name of Patali Champika Ranawaka for the post of Chairman was proposed by the Member of Parliament Vajira Abeywardena, which was seconded by Mano Ganesan and Naseer Ahmed.The committee members expressed their views on the measures that can be taken for the future economic security of the country, such as developing tea cultivation, increasing milk production, restructuring agriculture, fertilizer production, tourism industry, etc.The members also agreed to discuss with experts in various fields and submit a report to the National Council on the 20th that includes economic development proposals related to each field.Accordingly, the members agreed to call experts on foreign exchange issues, and debt restructuring, as well as officials from the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance before the committee on the 13th, to get their views.Also, it was decided to invite experts and relevant officials in the fields of food, health, transportation, energy, etc.. to the committee on the 14th to get their opinions and suggestions.The MPs also agreed to hold the next meeting of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short- and medium-term programs related to economic stabilization on the 19th.Minister Naseer Ahmed, State Ministers Sisira Jayakodi, and Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, and Members of Parliament Vajira Abeywardena, M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Deputy Minister Eric Prasanna Weerawardena has joined the National People's Power.Earlier, he worked as the secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Youth Front and is also the former organizer of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party in the Senkadagala seat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – News has been published in certain print and social media in a misleading manner to the public stating that Wickramaratne Nandun Chinthaka alias ‘Harakkata’, a notorious drug kingpin was released by the Dubai Police on 03rd October 2022 due to the Defence Ministry’s delay in submitting the file from this country to the Dubai authorities regarding the criminal allegations levelled against him.The National Central Bureau (Sri Lanka Interpol) in Colombo which functions under purview of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) had been informed that the aforementioned individual has been arrested by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 19th August 2022 in response to a Red Notice alert issued by the National Central Bureau. Afterwards, the CID vide their letter number INT 281/21 dated 12th September 2022 had requested the Ministry of Defence to coordinate the extradition of aforementioned individual to Sri Lanka, around 3:00 p.m., same day.Thereafter, on 13th September 2022, in keeping with the instructions of the Secretary, Ministry of Defence, a letter prepared with regard to the above individual and related official documents were handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) by the officers of the Defence Ministry’s Legal Division.Consequently, the MFA had requested instructions from the Attorney General's Department (AG) on 14th September 2022 in this regard which the Attorney General's Department responded on 26th September 2022.

Jason Kenney says he concerned about certain elements that appear to be taking over along the right of the political spectrum.Pointing to the works of traditional conservative philosopher Roger Scruton, Kenney said an important tenet of conservative politics is recognizing the “prosperous and free society” handed down by past generations and being a custodian for future generations.“Conservatism, therefore, means protecting what’s best about what we’ve inherited. Not being opposed to thoughtful reform, but being opposed to radical overnight change and the destruction of institutions,” Kenney told The West Block’s Mercedes Stephenson in an interview airing in full on Sunday..“And so some of what I see now, what I call ‘populism with a snarl,’ is not conservatism.

York Regional Police (YRP) announced they had arrested Andre Marcel Vautour, 47, of no fixed address, who was allegedly wanted in connection with a fraudulent romance scam investigation in Quebec.An online search in Quebec’s court system shows that Vautour is slated to appear in Drummondville, Que., on Monday, Oct. 11.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Iranian fishing vessel with around 200 kg of heroin worth over ₹ 1,200 crore has been seized in a joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy, the NCB said on Friday (7).Sanjay Kumar Singh, Deputy Director General (operations) of the NCB, who met reporters, said the agency has arrested six Iran nationals and the boat, along with the heroin, was brought to Mattancherry wharf."The NCB has now seized the vessel and 200 kg of heroin. The six Iranian crew members have also been arrested under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985," Singh said, adding that interrogation was on.He said the drug was found in 200 packets each of which has markings and packing specialties unique to Afghanistan- and Pakistan-based drug cartels."While some of the drug packets had 'Scorpion' seal markings, the others had 'dragon' seal markings.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Poultry Traders Association said nearly 50% of farm owners have quit egg production.The Chairman of the All Ceylon Poultry Traders Association Ajith Gunasekara said the imposition of a control price for eggs and the shortage of animal feed was the main reason for this.He said that there may be a shortage of eggs during the upcoming festive season.

coronavirus infections.  The Union Home Ministry also informed that India's active Covid-19 cases have declined to 29,251 from 30,362. The ministry had informed that the active covid cases was at 32,282 on Thursday.  The last 24 hours saw a total of 2,66,839 Covid-19 tests being conducted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is the 4th day of the 06th phase of the Gammadda door-to-door peoples campaign launched in search of the issues faced by the rural communities in the countryToday, the Gammadda teams will visit Jaffna, Matale, and Kalutara districts in search of issues faced by the people.The Gammadda door-to-door campaign is done in collaboration with the university of Peradeniya.

The study found an 84% increase in the relative incidence of cardiac-related death within 28 days following COVID vaccination COVID mRNA vaccines significantly increase the risk of cardiac-related death, especially in males aged 18 to 39. Speaking against their use, experts further advised that people with certain heart-related ailments should consult their physician before taking these jabs.  Florida Surgeon General Dr Joseph A Ladapo said, "Today, we released an analysis on COVID-19 mRNA vaccines the public needs to be aware of.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that atmospheric conditions are favorable for evening thundershowers in Uva, Eastern, Northern and North-central provinces.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva, Eastern, Northern, and North-central provinces during the evening or night. Fairly heavy showers above 75mm can be expected in some places.Several spells of showers will occur in Western, Sabaragamuwa, and North-western provinces and Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Galle, and Matara districts.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea area off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Batticaloa via Trincomalee. Showers will occur at a few places in the other sea areas.Winds:Winds will be south-westerly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.Wind speed may increase up to 50 kmph at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Medical Specialists of the Ministry of Health have written to the President not to reverse the proposal on reducing the retirement age in the public sector to 60 years.The Medical Specialists of the Ministry of Health feel that bringing down the retirement age of medical specialists to 60 years will not harm the health service or postgraduate medical education as claimed by the lobbying group that is against the move.They said that though around 250 medical specialists are expected to retire, a fair number of specialists will be available to replace them.This includes 200 specialists who recently returned after completing overseas training, 525 specialists due to arrive in the country within the next two years after completing their training overseas, and 300 trainees who have completed local postgraduate specialty training with eligibility to cover up duties as acting specialists.They said that out of the 250 medical specialists who will retire, the majority are from sub-specialty fields where there are currently enough specialists available in the country.They added that if any specialty is left with a shortage, there is a provision for recruitment on a contract basis. They further added that the younger generation with newer skills and knowledge can provide a better and more efficient service in terms of patient care and post-graduate training if an opportunity is given.

do love a good glass of red wine (or two) while you’re cooking. (And doesn’t that have some health benefits? That’s right, you’re in it for the !) Likewise, getting to bed earlier is a forever goal for just about everyone we know, but something always gets in the way–I mean, you’re midway through season two of Indian Matchmaking, and who can watch just one episode at a time? And, of course, there’s healthy eating and physical activity.

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. - Pigs running wild and wreaking havoc in South Jersey and police say the animals have been causing mayhem and getting a lot of attention for a few weeks."He was driving down Kettlebrook in our development. He was trying to make a left on Halloway.

ST. LOUIS - The Phillies Red October is officially underway, with the team taking on the St. Louis Cardinals for the best of three.

NEW YORK (AP) - The latest government study on teen vaping suggests there's been little progress in keeping e-cigarettes out of the hands of kids.The data seems to show more high school students vaping, with 14% saying they had done so recently, according to survey results released Thursday. In last year's survey, about 11% said they had vaped recently.But experts cautioned that a change in the survey makes it difficult to compare the two: This year, a much higher percentage of participants took the survey in schools, and vaping tends to be reported more in schools than in homes."It continues to be difficult to assess (vaping) trends since the pandemic," said Alyssa Harlow, a University of Southern California researcher who studies youth e-cigarette use.Despite its persistence, vaping appears to be less popular than it was: In 2019, 28% of high schoolers said they had recently vaped.Educators say vaping is still a big problem.Anecdotally, the 2021-22 school year was worse than it was before the pandemic, said Mike Rinaldi, principal of Westhill High School in Stamford, Connecticut.

NFL Players Association urged the league on Friday to implement changes to its concussion protocol in time to protect players in this weekend's games.The players' union wants to strengthen the protocol to avoid a repeat of what happened to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Week 3 against Buffalo. Tagovailoa was unstable when he walked off the field following a hit and was evaluated for a concussion, but he quickly returned to the game and the Dolphins said a back injury had caused his wobbly gait.Tagovailoa subsequently suffered a concussion four days later at Cincinnati and is out indefinitely.FILE - Medical staff tend to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins after an injury during the 2nd quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sept.

Also Read: Viruses ‘watch’ us to decide when to attack Fauci was speaking at an event with the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism.There is always a risk of upsurge in the winter, he warned, so people shouldn't let their guard down. Although things appear to be going well, it would be premature to declare that the pandemic is finally finished, he added.

The DVLA could ban motorists from getting behind the wheel if they fail to disclose one of 110 medical conditions.

as suspicions of sabotage remain high.In what could have been the largest methane leak in history, four sites along the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipeline have been examined by Danish and Swedish authorities after first being discovered last week in the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark."There have been detonations near Nord Stream 1 and 2, within the Swedish economic zone, resulting in extensive damage to the gas pipelines," Swedish security police said in a statement reported by Reuters. The area is no longer being cordoned off and the leaks have stopped, but authorities have said the investigation remains ongoing as some material needs additional analysis."The continued investigation will show whether anyone can be suspected of, and later prosecuted for, this crime," the statement continued. Both Moscow and Western nations have pointed fingers at one another over what some have described as intentional "sabotage."Nations like the U.K. and the Netherlands have responded to the leaks by increasing their maritime security presence in the North Sea "to reassure those working near the gas pipelines," the U.K.

GLOUCESTER, N.J. - An 82-year-old woman in Gloucester County, NJ said half of her savings are now gone after scammers pulled on her heartstrings.Libby Maurer of Deptford Township said she received a phone call on September 16. She believed it was her grandson on the line."I was so emotional that I didn’t think straight at all.

Canada has permanently banned half the membership of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from ever entering Canada, as protests sweep the nation following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini.

study recently published in National Science Review highlights the findings by a team of researchers at Curtin University in Australia.According to researchers, every year the Pacific Ocean decreases in size by a few centimeters, and with depictions from a supercomputer, they expect a new continent will form in 200 to 300 million years."By simulating how the Earth’s tectonic plates are expected to evolve using a supercomputer, we were able to show that in less than 300 million years’ time it is likely to be the Pacific Ocean that will close, allowing for the formation of Amasia, debunking some previous scientific theories," lead author Dr. Chuan Huang, from Curtin University, said in a statement.The movement of tectonic plates is not a new trend, and Huang said over the last two billion years a supercontinent forms about every 600 million years.What a future Amasia configuration could look like in 200-300 million years.

PHILADELPHIA - Authorities say a man was shot by police after he fired several times at officers Friday night in North Philadelphia. The shooting happened just before 6 p.m.

FILE - A car goes through a drive thru at a Taco Bell restaurant. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)QSR Magazine, a publication that provides in-depth information about the fast food industry, released its 2022 drive-thru report which outlines the fastest drive-thrus in the United States, among other things.

COVID activity continued to rise in many European countries last week, up 14% compared to the previous week in people ages 65 and older, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said today in a regular update.

MEDIA, Pa. - A hearing on the controversial closure of Delaware County Memorial Hospital ends without a decision.A Delaware County judge is expected to rule next week on an emergency injunction to stop the for-profit owner of a Delaware County hospital system from changing the operation of an Upper Darby hospital.The Foundation for Delaware County, formed after Prospect Medical Holdings of California bought the Crozer-Keystone Health System, argues under the sale agreement Prospect may not end the hospital’s operation as an acute care facility and close its emergency room without the Foundation’s approval.Frances Sheen, the president of the foundation said, "They can only close one of those as an acute care facility with the permission of The Foundation of Delaware County. They did not seek that permission.

A tractor-trailer crashes into a Ridley Township building after hitting two SUVs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); China said that it firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, maintaining social stability and realizing economic recovery in a statement to the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday (12) in Geneva.Resolution 46/1 of the Human Rights Council is a product of politicization, said the Chinese delegate to the UNHRC adding that "It does not follow the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity.

COLOMBO (News 1st); UN Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al- Nashif has called on the UN Human Rights Council Member States and international financial institutions to ensure Sri Lanka has fiscal space to fulfil its core economic and social rights obligations.Delivering her statement in the UNHRC Comprehensive report and Interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka on Monday (12), the Acting High Commissioner it is essential the Government ensures an environment that respects and promotes free expression, peaceful assembly and inclusive democratic participation. She added that the Sri Lankan Government has a fresh opportunity to steer the country on the path towards justice and reconciliation and to address the legacy of conflict."Continued reports of surveillance and intimidation of civil society organisations, victim groups, human rights defenders, journalists and former LTTE cadres by police, military and intelligence services are of concern.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan delegation in Geneva met with the Core group on Sri Lanka at the UN Human Rights Council.Further, productive discussions took place on a constructive agreement and working together to archive effective and sustainable progress, said the delegation.The Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-first regular session from 12 September to 7 October at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, currently serving as acting High Commissioner, will present the High Commissioner’s oral update at 9 a.m. on Monday, 12 September.At an organizational meeting held on 30 August in preparation for the session, the President of the Council, Federico Villegas, bid farewell to High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, whose term of office ended on 31 August.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Attorney-at-Law Nuwan Bopage left for Geneva on Saturday (10) to address the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva.The Inter-University Students Federation announced that  Bopage has been granted the opportunity to address the  session due to his connection to the IUSF on legal grounds and his active involvement in the Galle Face 'Aragalaya'Accordingly, he is due to brief the international community with regard to the repressive acts carried out against the Inter University Students Federation.The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council will be held from the 12th September to the 7th of October.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-first regular session from 12 September to 7 October at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.Nada Al-Nashif, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, currently serving as acting High Commissioner, will present the High Commissioner’s oral update on Monday, 12th September.Under agenda item two on the annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, the Council will hold separate interactive dialogues on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on promoting reconciliation, accountability and human rights in Sri Lanka.In addition, the following reports will also be taken up:The report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar on the situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar.The report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan.The High Commissioner’s report on the promotion and protection of human rights in Nicaragua.At an organizational meeting held on 30 August in preparation for the session, the President of the Council, Federico Villegas, bid farewell to High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, whose term of office ended on 31st August.  States will have a chance to respond to the High Commissioner’s update and to other reports presented under agenda item two in the general debate on 13th and 14th September.The Council will take action on draft decisions and resolutions on 6th and 7th October, and will also appoint a number of Special Procedure mandate holders before closing the session.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Actress Damitha Abeyratne who was arrested on Wednesday, is being held at the Fort Police, and Sri Lanka Police said she will be produced in court on Thursday (8)Actress Damitha Abeyratne was arrested on Wednesday (7) while taking part in a protest-themed 'The Silent Hour' at the Parliament Round-about opposite Diyatha Uyana.Sri Lanka Police said that the actress was arrested for unlawful assembly, unlawful entry to the President's Office, and other charges.Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa visited the actress at the Fort Police on Thursday (8) morning."She was requested to be present at the Police Station on the 9th. However, she was arrested when taking part in a protest opposite Diyatha Uyana.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan delegation that will represent the country at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) reached Geneva in Switzerland on Tuesday (6) night.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry and Justice Minister President's Counsel Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delegation at the UNHRC.An additional Solicitor General of the Attorney General's Department is also included in the Sri Lankan delegation.The 51st session of the UNHRC is scheduled to be held from September 12th to October 07th in Geneva.The progress made by Sri Lanka concerning its Human Rights record will be up for review.Minister Dr.

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. - One person has died, and nine others are missing after a float plane crashed west of Whidbey Island on Sunday afternoon.The plane went down shortly after 3 p.m. near Mutiny Bay.Initial calls to 9-1-1 indicated that the plane crash-landed nose first into the water.

ATLANTA - A Georgia State University student says workers at an Atlanta Popeyes called the police on her after she tried to buy food for a man experiencing homelessness.Video of the whole ordeal has been seen by more than 5 million people on TikTok.GSU senior Jo Ortega told FOX 5's Rob DiRienzo that she was picking up an order for Doordash at the Popeyes near Ponce de Leon Ave when she noticed a man off to the side who looked hungry.When she went to order him a two-piece, employees at the store weren’t happy."No ma’am, you can’t do it," an employee said in the video."Why? He’s asking for food?" Ortega replied."Ma’am, you can’t do it," another employee said. "I could care less about you recording me baby."The takeout window then slammed shut.Ortega’s initial disbelief that employees wouldn’t let her buy food for the man experiencing homelessness turned to anxiety when the police showed up."At that moment I was terrified, I thought I was gonna get arrested," she said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will not agree to any external mechanism to inquire into its human rights issues.The country's Foreign Minister speaking to reporters in Colombo on Monday (5) said the constitution only allows for a domestic mechanism on Human Rights.The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is scheduled to be held from September 12 to October 07, 2022 in Geneva.The progress made by Sri Lanka with respect to its Human Rights record, will be up for review.The Government of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa rejected the proposal for any external initiatives purportedly established by the Resolution 46/1, which was adopted earlier.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC & Justice Minister Dr. Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe will lead Sri Lanka's delgation to the UNHRC."Specific instructions have been given for engagement, we are looking at holistic solutions or lasting solutions for the problems or the grievances of all parties who have suffered the long term conflict in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group led by Minister of Foreign Affairs  Ali Sabry is scheduled to leave for Geneva on Monday (5) to participate in the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.The full entourage includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Justice Wijeyadasa Rajapaksa, and a group of officials from the Attorney General's Department and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council is scheduled to be held from the 12th September until 7th of October in Geneva.The Minister of Foreign Affairs, states that he rejects mechanisms involving external parties regarding accountability during this session.Moreover, the minister further mentioned that a solution will be reached regarding accountability in Sri Lanka via an internal mechanism.The minister is scheduled to address the 51st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on 12th September.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several International envoys have expressed positive reactions towards Sri Lanka arriving to a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), including the Australian High Commission, the representatives of the European Union and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee of the United States.China and India too expressed their sentiments, with the Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijan stating that China supports relevant financial institutions in consulting with Sri Lanka for proper solutions.Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi acknowledged that the staff agreement is an evolving situation, however, India has been advocating for assistance to Sri Lanka. The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung noted that US stands ready to assist Sri Lanka, as the IMF represents the best tools, approaches, and resources to enable Sri Lanka to overcome the ongoing economic crisis.The Senate Foreign Relations Committee mentioned that the IMF initial agreement is an important first step to get Sri Lanka on the path to economic stability and to address systemic corruption. "Now Sri Lanka’s creditors, including China, must negotiate in good faith to provide Sri Lankans the debt relief they desperately need," the Senate Foreign Relations Committee stated.The Australian High Commission mentioned that Australia is ready to extend support in every way possible, and lauded Sri Lanka for reaching a staff-level agreement with the IMF.