BREAKING: Supreme Court suspends the accepting of nominations for Kalmunai MC until Thursday (19)

COLOMBO (News 1st); The World Food Program in a recent report has revealed that the vulnerable households in Sri Lanka are bearing the brunt of the food crisis.According to the December assessment results, 33% of households are food insecure. In 2019, food insecurity levels in the country stood at 9.1%.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission has summoned Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners to the NEC today.Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa says the discussion will focus on the preparations for the local government election including setting up polling booths, counting of votes etc.

People across Lanarkshire have joined the UK’s biggest conversation on mental health stigma for Time to Talk Day.

As energy bills continue to rise, many households are turning to wood burning stoves as a cheaper alternative to stay warm.

Two years ago the first Bag o’ Chips walks around Perth for improved mental health began - now hundreds of people have been regularly going out with the group.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (10).General Sahir Shamshad Mirza  arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.Recalling the long-standing close relationship between Sri Lanka and Pakistan as friendly countries, the President joined General Zaheer Shamshad Mirza and others in a cordial conversation.General Sahir Shamshad Mirza also presented a momento to President Wickremesinghe.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Covid-19 Therapeutic Service has surpassed a major milestone - after being in operation for more than a year.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A minor tremor measuring a magnitude 3.0 was reported from Buttala on Friday (10).The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau said the incident took place at approximately 12:11 in the afternoon.It added that the tremors were recorded at the Seismic Stations located in Pallekele, Mahakanadarawa, and Hakmana.According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) two other events were reported in the Indian Ocean.A M 4.6 tremor was recorded off the west coast of northern Sumatra, and M 4.7 tremor was recorded on the Carlsberg Ridge.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has granted permission for the 2023 Local Government Election to go ahead as planned by the National Election Commission.The Supreme Court had noted that the National Election Commission is bound to protect the people's franchise.Further, the Supreme Court noted that orders were not necessary on the matter as the National Election Commission had already undertaken to hold the Local Government Election in terms of the Law.The matter was taken up in the presence of Supreme Court Justice S. Thurairaja, A. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st); General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of Pakistan arrived in Sri Lanka for a three day visit.The visiting General and his entourage arrived in the island at the cordial invitation extended by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil. Commencing the official tour in Sri Lanka, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M) visited the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff where the visiting General was formally received in a colourful Guard of Honour, accorded on his behalf by the troops of the Sri Lanka Army. Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and General Sahir Shamshad Mirza dedicated time for the discussions highlighting the importance of continued close relations between the two friendly nations and recalled the past memories and assistance readily extended to Sri Lanka, particularly during the height of the combat against the LTTE terrorism and remembered the bonds of understanding and goodwill that prevails between two forces throughout the years. Further, CDS conveyed his gratefulness to the Pakistan Defence Forces for the support extended to the defence sector of Sri Lanka in numerous means such as training and modern military equipment to the Sri Lankan Armed Forces. At the same time, CDS thankfully emphasized the assistance extended during the disastrous situations and stated that he looked forward to continuing the strong ties in the same spirit in the future as well.As the cordial discussions drew to a close, General Shavendra Silva symbolized the existing sound working relations by presenting a special memento to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Pakistan while wishing him all

COLOMBO (News 1st); The application filed with the Supreme Court seeking an order to suspend all activities related to the Local Government Election will be taken up on Friday (10).Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Election Commission said that the Finance Ministry is yet to respond to its request for funds for the expenses of the Local Government Election for February.NEC Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the delay in funding could lead to an issue in making payments for the Local Government Election.Recently, the National Election Commission made an official request from the Finance Ministry to release Rs.

Bloomberg: The International Monetary Fund said its approval for a $2.9 billion loan to bail out crisis-riddled Sri Lanka will depend on the island nation securing assurances on debt relief from its bilateral creditors.“Sri Lanka continues to engage with official bilateral creditors to obtain financing assurances and also continues to advance domestic reforms,” an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on the progress of its Extended Fund Facility to the South Asian nation. “As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, the EFF arrangement for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for approval.”The Paris Club – an informal group of rich western creditors — and India have provided formal support to the multilateral lender for the loan recast, leaving China — Sri Lanka’s biggest lender — as a holdout.

Britney Spears is having a tough time, according to those closest to her.

The budding Lanarkshire entrepreneur going for glory on hit TV show the Apprentice has had to leave the show.

The Court of Appeal has extended the interim order preventing the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges till the petition is supported.The government recently imposed taxes between 6% to 36% on the salaries of those earning more than 100,000 rupees a month. The Judicial Services Officers Union filed an appeal with the court challenging the decision, and the court issued an interim order suspending the collection of PAYE tax from Judges.When the matter was taken up today (09 Feb.), before a judge bench, comprising Justices Dhammika Ganepola, Neil Iddawela and Sobhitha Rajakaruna the interim order issued to prevent the collection of the PAYE tax from the salaries of judges was extended. The petition will be taken up again on the 21st of this month.   

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is encouraging older people with a physical or mental health condition, or a disability, to check if they are entitled to claim a benefit worth either £61.85 or £92.40 every week.

COLOMBO (News 1st);  Bank employees reported to work dressed in Black to protest against the government's tax regime.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union said that all members reported to work dressed in Black in support of the National Protest Day.The Ceylon Bank Employees Union also said that the government has failed to respond to the amendments put forward by the professionals with regard to the new tax policy, and thus strict trade union action will be instituted.Over 3,000 bank employees from Public, Private and International Banks joined the protest.The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The bodies of two women were discovered in a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Sri Lanka Police said that a mother and her daughter were found dead inside a house in Peraghamulla, Ginigathhena.Neighbours had informed Sri Lanka Police that the mother and daughter were not seen for days, and a foul odour was emitting from the residence.Accordingly, the police discovered the two bodies on Thursday (9) morning.A 50-year-old woman and her 30-year-old daughter were identified as the deceased individuals.Sri Lanka Police said that the deceased woman's husband and son were employed in Colombo.

Reece Donnelly has quit The Apprentice due to health reasons, it has been confirmed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Lanka Sathosa has further reduced the prices of several essential goods with effect from Thursday (9).1kg of Watana has been reduced of Rs. 10/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Inland Revenue Department on Wednesday (8) issued a circular on exempting non-cash benefits provided to employees including vehicle, fuel allowances, housing, medical benefits etc. from the PAYE tax.These also include the value of company shares or the share options offered by employers, the value of the telephone allowances and concessionary rate loans obtained by employees. However, the Government Medical Officers' Association alleged that the amendments to the PAYE Tax were made to benefit only the 225 MPs in Parliament.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Sri Lankan Minister A. H. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court pointed out to the Criminal Investigations Department that MP Diana Gamage can be arrested as it appears that she had violated the Immigration and Emigration Law.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis pointed out the matter to the CID when a private plaint filed by Lakmal Herath was taken up for consideration. The complaint filed with the court notes that MP Diana Gamage is NOT a Sri Lankan Citizen and that she is a British Citizen.

New Delhi: India has reported 109 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, with active cases declining to 1,781, the union health ministry data on Thursday showed. ' The total number of covid cases has reached 4.47 crore, and covid related deaths stood at 530,748 since the onset of covid pandemic. Covid cases are declining across the country with daily and weekly positivity recorded at 0.08%.

The Government of Switzerland has contributed Swiss Francs (CHF) 500,000 through UNICEF to meet the urgent needs of children impacted by the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.With this funding, UNICEF will procure essential medical supplies, including medicines for treatment of illnesses and complications among children and women.In education, the funds will help children in disadvantaged schools continue learning and support catch-up classes to recover learning loss, including by providing transport allowance to teachers and daily snacks to students.UNICEF will also support case management for children facing violence, neglect and family separation, including children with a disability.“UNICEF and partners swiftly responded to the needs of the most vulnerable children from the outset of the economic crisis last year, with thanks to the support of donors. This contribution from the Swiss government and people is crucial in sustaining the response and protecting children from the effects of the crisis as it continues”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri LankaThe Swiss contribution will also be used to support data collection and analysis to assess the impact of the on-going crisis on households’ social and economic well-being and vulnerabilities, to help national and development partners put in place effective response strategies.“Switzerland has worked closely with many partners, including UNICEF in addressing the needs of communities during crises such as the one that Sri Lanka faces now.

Indian Union minister L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Retired Major Attorney Ajith Prasanna was found guilty by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (24) for contempt of court. He was sentenced to 4 years rigorous imprisonment and was also fined Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige rejected a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, a defendant in the case filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses including the Millennium City safe house.Counsel made the request to acquit and release the defendant without calling for evidence.The case was filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses between 1st of January 2002 and 3rd of September 2002 in Colombo, Athurugiriya, Kandy and Kadugannawa, seizing their military equipment and taking photographs and videos of the said equipment.In addition, the case was filed for arresting Military Intelligence personnel and exposing military secrets.The Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige issuing the order on the request made by the counsel appearing for the Former ASP noted that the court has decided to continue with the case by calling for evidence from the defense based on the evidence produced to the court by the prosecution.The Colombo High Court Judge ordered for the case to be called up again on the 21st of February for the evidence from the defense, and ordered for the evidence list to be produced to the court ahead of that date.Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva appearing for the Attorney General had requested the court to reject a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, without calling for evidence from the defense.

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.This means Americans would no longer have to keep track of how many shots they’ve received or how many months it’s been since their last booster.The proposal comes as boosters have become a hard sell.

clinician, has long been a powerful tool “for unpacking and making sense of our thoughts and feelings,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York. Sometimes it can feel like the latest in mental health treatment is overwhelmingly tech-heavy or experimental—hello, and and post-traumatic stress disorder—but the recent rise in interest surrounding writing therapy feels refreshingly grounded and old school. “There are numerous studies linking journaling about our thoughts and feelings to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

Colombo (News 1st) – Entry of heavy vehicles to the Radella Short Cut Road, Nuwara Eliya, has been temporarily suspended, following the fatal Nanu Oya accident. Four people from the same family lost their lives in the tragedy on the Radella Shortcut last evening (20) when a bus filled with students from Thurstan College, Colombo, who were returning from an educational tour of Nuwara Eliya, collided head-on with a van and a three-wheeler. Those who died from the family from Dik Oya were the father Abdul Raheem, 55, mother Aysha Fathima, 45, and daughters Mariam, 13, and Nadeeha, 8. A 14-year-old boy, Raheem, who was a relative of the family also died in the accident. The van driver, Nesaj Pillai, 55, was also killed, as was the three-wheeler driver Shanmuga Raj, 25 of Nanu Oya.

Colombo (News 1st) – Entry of heavy vehicles to the Radella Short Cut Road, Nuwara Eliya, has been temporarily suspended, following the fatal Nanu Oya accident. Four people from the same family lost their lives in the tragedy on the Radella Shortcut last evening (20) when a bus filled with students from Thurstan College, Colombo, who were returning from an educational tour of Nuwara Eliya, collided head-on with a van and a three-wheeler. Those who died from the family from Dik Oya were the father Abdul Raheem, 55, mother Aysha Fathima, 45, and daughters Mariam, 13, and Nadeeha, 8. A 14-year-old boy, Raheem, who was a relative of the family also died in the accident. The van driver, Nesaj Pillai, 55, was also killed, as was the three-wheeler driver Shanmuga Raj, 25 of Nanu Oya.

Colombo (News 1st) – Acceptance of nominations for the Local Government Election ended at 12 noon today(21).Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri Ratnayake said one and a half hours will be given to raise objections regarding the nominations.Thereafter, the District Election Officers will announce the accepted and rejected nomination papers.The election date of the 2023 Local Government Election will be announced thereafter.Several recognized political parties and independent groups submitted nominations to contest the upcoming election.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch The Brief @ 30, your hourly bulletin throughout the day on TV1. Live streaming on Facebook and YouTube.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court issued an interim injunction order suspending the acceptance of nominations for the Kalmunai Municipal Council.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said the target of Wednesday (18) afternoon shooting down 6th Lane in Kotahena was a relative of wanter underworld gangster 'Kimbula Ele Guna'.Two armed on a motorcycle fired several shots at a person inside a car that was parked down 6th Lane in Kotahena at around 1:30 on Wednesday (18) afternoon.CCTV cameras captured the incident, and the car fleeing the hail of bullets.A 30-year-old man identified as Raveendran Deepan, a resident of Jinananda Mawatha Kotahena, was injured in the shooting.The man who is also known as Dileepan is a relative of wanted underworld gangster Sinniah Gunasekara commonly known as Kimbula Ele Guna.Sinniah Gunasekara commonly known as Kimbula Ele Guna is currently detained by the Indian National Intelligence Agency in Tamil Nadu.Kimbula Ele Guna's relative who was injured in the shooting in Kotahena was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.Thereafter, according to a spokesperson from the National Hospital, Dileepan's relatives had beaten up a man who made inquiries about the injured man.This man too was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital accident ward for treatment.An individual identified as Sajith Ranga aka Mabima Ranga was killed when two men on a motorcycle opened fire at him close to the Kalu Palama in Peliyagoda on Tuesday (17) morningOn the 15th of January, a 36-year-old man was gunned down by motorcycle gunmen in the Kumbuka area located along the Piliyandala – Horana Road.On the 11th of January, a similar homicide was reported from Panamura.On the 31st of May 2022, two men were targetted by motorcycle gunmen in Fort, Colombo and since then over 50 people have been gunned down in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman and members of the Election Commission assured the Supreme Court again on Wednesday (18) that the Local Government Election will be held on time as per the Local Authorities Elections Act and the relevant regulations.The assurance was given to the Supreme Court by President's Counsel Saliya Pieris on behalf of the Chairman and members of the Election CommissionPresident's Counsel Romesh De Silva, and Sandeepa Jayawardena along with other Senior Counsel appearing for the interests of MPs Dayasiri Jayasekera, Lakshman Kiriella, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi was interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline. On YouTube and Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for aiding and abetting in the murder of a man in Bastian Mawatha, Colombo and injuring another.Sri Lanka Police said that it received information about the motorcycle that was used by the gunmen in last year's shooting, and visited Piliyandala to conduct a raid where officers arrested a suspect in possession of the motorcycle.Following the interrogation of the suspect, police officers arrested another suspect from Mattakuliya for handing over the motorcycle to the suspect from Piliyandala.On the 30th of May 2022, One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting near the Private Bus Terminal at Bastian Mawatha, Colombo.Police investigations revealed that the man who was gunned had attended a court hearing at the Hultsdorf Court with three others before he was targeted by two masked gunmen.According to Police, four men had exited the court and one of them had left on a motorcycle. Thereafter, two men on a motorcycle approached the three men at the Bus Terminal and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Investigations revealed that the three men were previously employed as security officers attached to a restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens, and a case was filed against them following an incident said to have taken place at the restaurant.Police officers also uncovered that the men were supposed to pay a certain sum to the court over the incident.An eye-witness told News 1st that the shooters fired several rounds in broad daylight when hundreds were moving in and out of the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Terminal.News 1st inquiries revealed that the three men who were targeted had once served in the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, and after leaving service

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental right.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.The applications contain revelations of reckless failure on the part of the Executive Branch of the government and the Petitioners allege that these illegal omissions effectively betray the people and public trust by recklessly failing to take cognizance and accord due priority to intelligence information received regarding the premeditation of the attacks which could have been prevented if proactive and timely response had been taken.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Maithripala Sirisena:The Supreme Court observed that multiple gazettes bestowed 23 duties on the President as a Minister of Defence, thus an increase of duties vested in the Minister.The Supreme Court observed that an exponential range of powers over security continued to be bestowed on Minister of Defence as the years rolled by and it cannot be gainsaid that the Minister of Defence was the repository of the national security of the country. The Supreme Court noted that the custody of personal liberty and

Colombo (News 1st) – A News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A letter claiming to contain an order made to all District Secretaries notifying them to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections is currently making its rounds on social media.The circular contains the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake slammed the government's efforts to delay the elections.