CEB aims for over 60% tariff hike; Indonesian company to supply coal from February

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill passed in parliament by majority vote.Votes in favor: 97 Votes against: 36During the debate on the bill on Thursday (19) the government refused to accept an amendment put forward by the opposition seeking for the bill not to be applied for an election that has already been announced.Sri Lanka's opposition parties termed the tabling of the bill as another attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka – A glorious past. A sad future. Upul Jayasuriya in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly. Live on YouTube and Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Armed police officers deployed to provide security to the members of the election commission who received threats, said Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa on Thursday (26).Nominations for the Local Government Election are being accepted and a Police investigation is also underway over an incident where two of the five members of the National Election Commission had received death threats.Former Senior DIG K. P. P.

MICHAEL Flatley has assured fans that he’s on the mend after treatment for cancer. The superhoofer posted a picture to say he had been released from the hospital. It had not been known where the Chicago-born dancer was being treated after it was confirmed he was undergoing cancer treatment last week.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the time is now for reconciliation and solve the issues of all communities one by one.He was speaking at the 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama in Colombo on Thursday (19).The President said the government already started discussions with the Tamil community, and will also be talking with the Tamil communities in the Hill Country in order to integrate them into society."We must have a discussion with the Muslim community on the problems you face. What are the issues you face now? I think one example is the 2018 Dhigana riots.

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) –  India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

'Gloomy emotions'  China's leader has expressed similar concern about the impact of the outbreak on rural areas during the holidays. "Xi said he was primarily concerned about rural areas and rural residents after the country adjusted its Covid-19 response measures," state news agency Xinhua reported Wednesday -- a reference to the relaxing of China's strict virus curbs last month. He "stressed efforts to improve medical care for those most vulnerable to the virus in rural areas", Xinhua said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned its commissioners for talks.The meet fixed for Thursday (19) afternoon was scheduled to discuss the issues in the country's energy sector.However, the Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that he was not invited for the meeting.In addition, the officials from the PUCSL have also been informed to appear before the National Council at three in the eveing.PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that he will attend that meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that a nine-hour water cut will be in effect for Colombo and its suburbs on Saturday (21).The water supply for Colombo, Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Kotte, Kaduwela, Ratmalana, Katubedda, Maharagama, Boralesgamuwa, Kolonnawa, Kotikawatte, and Mulleriyawa will be suspended for nine hours from 11 AM to 9 PM on Saturday (21).Essential maintenance by the Ceylon Electricity Board was listed as the reason for the water cut.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Veteran Sri Lankan filmmaker Sumitra Peiris passed away on Thursday (19).Sumitra Peries (born 24 March 1934) was the first qualified Sri Lankan woman filmmaker and was known by all as the "Poetess of Sinhala Cinema". Sumitra was married to the late, great Lester James Peries who was Considered as the father of Sri Lankan cinema.With over 10 films to her name, and having worked as screenwriter, director, producer and even editor of documentaries, Sumitra has emerged as one of the country’s foremost cultural icons.Sumitra also served as Sri Lanka's ambassador to France and Spain in 1996–1999 and was also appointed as the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United Nations by then- President Chandrika Bandaranayake Kumaratunge. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit  Sri Lanka on Thursday (19).Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said that Sri Lanka must fully compensate victims of the Easter Sunday 2019 terrorist attacks.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 rights.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.More than 270 people were killed in the series of explosions at churches and hotels across the island nation. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Sri Lanka to provide full reparations to the victims, including to establish the truth and to ensure justice. “Whilst no amount of compensation can ever erase the suffering and pain of the victims and families, this judgment marks a step in the victims’ struggle for recognition of the harm suffered and their rights to truth, justice and reparation,” said Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, according to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.“In its judgment, the Court expressed ‘shock and dismay’ at the lack of ‘oversight and inaction’ by the security and intelligence officials – ruling that the former President and his top security officials had failed to prevent the attacks, despite detailed intelligence suggesting such attacks were imminent,” said Laurence. The UN human rights office called on the Sri Lankan Government to ensure that victims receive

New Delhi: Lengthy school closures due to the pandemic have undone years of gradual gains in learning levels among India’s school-age students, with a major education report released on Wednesday reporting elementary reading and maths skills comparable to pre-2012 levels. Nearly 43% of class V students tested by education non-profit Pratham Education Foundation could read a class II level text and 26% could divide numbers. In 2012, the figures were 47% and 25%, respectively.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An injured Sri Lankan war hero has decided to start repairing shoes on the pavements of Colombo, as the current employment earnings are not sufficient to make ends meet.This injured veteran is the Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Rights of War Heroes, U.D. Wasantha and he convened a media briefing on the pavement in Fort Colombo.He said the rulers who came into power on the laurels of War Heroes have neglected the veteran soldiers.During the run-up to the 2019 Presidential Election, the Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Rights of War Heroes U.D.

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.

A special party leaders meeting was held in parliament including the President. The Opposition Leader and  Anura Kumara Dissanayake boycotted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan parliament on Wednesday (18) approved the names of three civil society representatives who need to be appointed to the Constitutional Council formed via the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.Former Minister Secretary Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Former Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Medical Association Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has told the International Monetary Fund that it confirms its strong support for Sri Lanka's prospective EFF-supported program.According to a letter seen by News 1st from Indian authorities to IMF Chief Kristalina Georgieva, India had noted it will commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing/ debt relief consistent with restoring Sri Lanka's public debt sustainability under the IMF -supported program and ensuring that the program is fully financed as projected by IMF staff."In this context, we commit to continuing negotiations with the Sri Lankan government along with the Paris Club on a medium-to-long term debt treatment through maturity extension and interest rate reduction or any other financial operations that would deliver similar financing/ debt relief," noted the letter.According to this letter seen by News 1st, India says that the financing/ debt relief provided by Export-Import Bank of India will be consistent with restoring debt sustainability under the IMF-supported program."We look forward to continuing cordial and in-depth discussions with the Sri Lankan authorities, IMF and the Paris Club with a view to finalizing the specifics of this financingj debt relief in the coming weeks," the letter added. However, it had noted that the Sri Lankan authorities are expected to seek equitable debt treatments from all commercial creditors and other official bilateral creditors, as well as adequate financing contributions from the multilateral development banks. Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF on the $2.9 billion loan that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Election monitoring organizations have expressed concern over the proposed law titled “Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill” has been listed for its Second Reading in Parliament. Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL), People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (PAFFREL), the Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and Institute for Democratic Reforms and Electoral Studies (IRES) have for several years been campaigning for the enactment of a strong law to regulate the role of money in election campaigns.  The collective further reiterates that the introduction of a campaign financing law should in no instance be used as a reason to delay the holding of the local government elections.Statement from Transparency International Sri Lanka: The collective of election monitoring organisations emphasizes that a law that seeks to regulate election campaign financing should prevent undue influence of donors over candidates, parties and independent groups, create a level playing field for all candidates including new entrants and underrepresented groups and reduce excessive and illegal spending on elections including by means such as the misuse of public funds and vote-buying.

NEW DELHI : Nestle India on Wednesday announced the launch of ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener that can be used to help patients with swallowing difficulties especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia. The launch is part of Nestlé India’s Health Sciences division that sells health-focussed and nutrition products.  “Nestlé India has launched ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener that can be used to help patients with swallowing difficulties especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The aft section of the X-Press Pearl wreck was successfully raised from the sea floor and is aboard the semi-submersible FAN ZHOU 10. This was confirmed to News 1st by X-Press Feeders, former operators of the container ship 'X-Press Pearl'.The wreck section will now be transported to a certified decommissioning facility for dismantling, recycling, and disposal.The Shanghai Salvage Companies' onsite team is now focusing on the remaining fore section of the wreck with tandem lifting barges ZR122 and ZR123, planning to raise the last section in the near future, depending on prevailing weather conditions.The alvage works on the wreck have re-commenced after the end of the southwest monsoon season commenced in late November 2022. The focus was cutting the hull into two sections for lifting.Incident Overview:On May 20, 2021, the Singapore -flagged Containership, 'X-Press Pearl' reported smoke from the cargo hold while at Colombo anchorage, Sri Lanka.Emergency procedures were initiated, and Co2 released in the cargo hold.

 

Pawar emphasized on the need for strengthening and empowering communities to become resilient to future health emergencies New Delhi: Pandemic policy must be a defining part of our health policy as any health crisis today leads to an economic crisis, minister of state for health and family welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar said on Wednesday. Addressing the first Health Working Group meeting under G20 India Presidency at Thiruvananthapuram, Pawar noted that pandemic prevention, preparedness and response require diverse multi-sectoral, multi-agency coordinated efforts. She emphasized on the need for strengthening and empowering communities to become resilient to future health emergencies.

Fans of James Martin's Saturday Morning were left in tears as James Martin told chef Brian Turner he loves him after he gave an update on his health.

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) – China has expressed opposition over the invitation extended to the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Hu Wei recently called on the Mahanayake Thero of the Malwathu chapter of Siam Nikaya, Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Theroand stated that the government and people of China including in the Tibet Autonomous Region strongly oppose any foreign country to receive the Dalai Lama in any name.A statement from the Chinese Embassy on twitter noted that this is because the 14th Dalai Lama is absolutely not a "simple monk" as he self-claimed, but the head of the feudal serfdom and the theocracy in Tibet prior to 1951, a political exile disguised as a religious figure who has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and attempting to split Tibet from China.Chargé d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka Hu Wei has emphasized that China and Sri Lanka have been firmly supporting each other on issues concerning each other's core interests, including the Tibet related issue. He had noted that both sides especially the Buddhist communities must prevent a sneaky visit of the Dalai Lama to the island to promote "Tibetan independence" and safeguard the China-Sri Lanka historical relations from being damaged.Sri Lankan Buddhist monks recently invited exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to make his first visit to the island

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Dr Ruchitha Perera, FCIM, Chartered Marketer (UK) has been elected to the Board of Directors of the prestigious Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. The appointment was announced at the Annual General Meeting held recently, at Moor Hall, United Kingdom. His three-year term came into effect in December 2022.Dr Perera is a marketing veteran with over 30 years of experience delivering marketing education, business coaching and training. He has also provided leadership to several global organisations. He also specialises in the areas of sustainability and digital transformation.The CIM, UK Board of Directors is made up of ten members: eight represent the UK and Europe and two represent the rest of the world.

The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has responded to the comments made by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung in a recent interview with the BBC.The Chinese Embassy in a statement said that their US colleague should commit to self-examination rather than play the blame game.Full Statement: “China, China, China!”, our US colleague starts chanting this infamous mantra and blaming China as a “spoiler” to the island’s negotiation with the IMF during her recent interview with a UK television program on Sri Lanka’s debt issue. Before her baseless accusing and lecturing, our US colleague should have at least asked herself: Who is the single largest shareholder of the IMF with a veto power over major policy decisions? Who is keeping printing US dollar, with more than $3 trillion in 2020 alone? Who are those private creditors owning 40% of Sri Lanka’s total external debt stock with the highest interest rates? Who sued Sri Lanka in its federal court immediately after the island’s default?The public may also like to know how the US have walked the talk to help the Sri Lankan people when they have already received 10000 MT of rice, 9000 Liters of diesel, 5 billion LKR of medicines and 3 million fabric meters of school uniform materials gifted by China?  They may also question what are the political pre-conditions of the US Aid, while being assured by China’s “No strings attached” commitment and practice.Isn’t it hypocrisy at its finest for our US colleague to play the blame game instead of a self-examination? After all, why didn’t the US take decisive actions in the IMF for a more comfortable solution for Sri Lanka?or extend grant to the island with the rocket amount of US dollars they print every year, instead of sowing discord

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that a conspiracy is afoot to underminde the people's mandate by implementing various regulations.He told Parliament on Wednesday (18) that he would not allow for the upcoming Local Government Election to be delayed via such conspiracies.The Opposition Leader said that the Election Expenditure Bill is a vital piece of legislation, however, the timing of the legislation is cause for concern.The Ministerial Consultative Committee on Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms on Tuesday (17) decided to postpone the second reading debate of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill by one months’ time.However, Special Party Leaders meeting will has been called for on Wednesday (18) afternoon with the President and Prime Minister in attendance to discuss the Election Expenditure Bill, said the Speaker.The Opposition Leader speaking in Parliament expressed that trying to discuss the Bill while the nomination and bond acceptance process is taking place, creates a state of confusion and concern."If this bill is passed tomorrow, it will become an obstacle for the election that is expected to take place in March 2023," warned Premadasa.He said the Election Expenditure Bill contains a section where candidates are expected to produce a comprehensive report on their campaign expenses, donations, funds, etc.While noting that such articles are of paramount importance, he said failure to produce such a report will be termed as an offense, and when that happens petitions can be filed against the candidate.The Opposition Leader noted that if this Bill is passed ahead of the Local Government Election, it would also apply to the 2023 Local Government

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The proposal containing the electricity tariff amendment that will be in effect from 2023, will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (2).The Cabinet Paper will be presented by Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera.The process that should be followed with respect to amending the elctricity tariffs is mentioned in Article 30 of the Sri Lanka Electricity Act.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board must prepare a proposal and produce it to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Thereafter, the proposal will be reviewed for justification, and when necessary public opinion will also be obtained.If concessions are to be provided, the treasury needs to be consulted and thereafter a process will be adopted to amend the electricity tariff.According to the country's Power & Energy Minister the objective of this tariff hike is to cover the cost of providing a continuous supply of electricity. He made this remark during a media briefing in December 2022.One of the scenarios presented by the CEB engineers will be used for this purpose, and according to the Minister the generation plan is as follows:27% from hydro-power 28% from Coal 13% from Diesel and Furnace Oil 2% Wind Power  12% from Private Diesel or Furnace Oil Power Plants.

Colombo (News 1st) – United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has recalled the multitude of ways the US and Sri Lanka have come together in 2022 to make a difference."In 2022 alone, the United States has announced more than $240 million in new assistance to Sri Lanka", Taking to Twitter, the Ambassador said."That new assistance supports basic food security and addresses the needs of the most vulnerable communities, including funding for school lunches, fertilizer for small holder farmers, and cash assistance for new and expectant mothers," she said."We are also supporting loans, training & assistance for SMEs in Sri Lanka, as they face the heaviest burden in times of crisis. This assistance is on top of our existing development partnership working with government, the private sector, civil society, and the people of Sri Lanka," she added."The relationship between the two countries, however, is much bigger than just about assistance.

SAFFRON Barker’s older brother was rushed to hospital on Thursday after suffering a near fatal heart attack. Casey, 27, who is also a social media star, revealed he made it “just in time”, as a devastated Saffron begged her followers to wish him well.

Colombo (News 1st) – Over Rs.10.65 million has been stolen from ATM machines of Sri Lankan state banks in Baddegama, Hikkaduwa and Karapitiya.Police said a group suspected to be foreigners hacked into the computer system of the ATMs during the early hours of Friday (30) morning, changed the data in the software and stole the money.Police suspect the same group is responsible for the theft in all three cities due to the manner in which it was carried out. The Police Media Unit said further investigations are underway by the Hikkaduwa, Galle and Baddegama Police stations to arrest the suspects involved in the incident.

STAND-UP comedian Rhod Gilbert's wife remains hopeful he will beat his stage four cancer and return "stronger and better". Sian Harries was inundated with supportive messages after a trip to A&E with Rhod, 54, this week. One fan asked her on Twitter: "How is he doing, the funniest comedy for years.

Instagram to share a heartwarming video of herself on a ski holiday with her husband Bruce Willis, 67, from the beginning of their relationship.The model said the holiday was the moment she "fell head over heels in love" with Bruce as she remembers the early days amid Bruce's battle with aphasia.Emma shared the video reel in view of her 456,000 followers, showing the pair 15 years ago.The video shows the action star enjoying the slopes with the former model in the early days of their relationship.The couple seemed to be having fun in the cold, as they used various equipment and posed together during the romantic holiday.The Sixth Sense star was an avid skier and used to own the Soldier Mountain resort in Fairfield, Idaho, with his ex-wife, Demi Moore.They did however decide to, later on, donate it to a local nonprofit created to manage the property.Emma captioned the touching video: "It was that winter, 15 years ago I fell head over heels in love with him #loveofmylife."Many social media users rushed to the comments to share their thanks to Emma for sharing the video of Bruce.Disneydessi said: "That sweet laugh.Thank you for sharing these precious videos with us, Emma."I'm sure there are millions of fans all over the world waiting for a sign from Bruce. Happy holidays to your beautiful family."CharlotteJones_78 added: "This is so beautiful, thank you for sharing.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Multiple factions allege that motives to commit fraud are linked to the state's delay in procuring coal on time for the continuous operation of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, which is the main power plant in the entire country.A coal shipment is expected to reach Sri Lanka on the 5th of January 2023, and according to marine traffic data the bulk carrier with coal had left a port in Mozambique on Sunday (25) bound to Sri Lanka.What is the Coal Crisis & why is coal so important to us?The coal shipment bound to Sri Lanka from Mozambique will determine if the Norocohcholai Coal Power will continue to operate, as it generates a lions share of the electricity demand in the country.A shortage of coal will eventually lead to a complete shutdown of the power plant.The bulk carrier Darya Rama carrying a shipment of coal had left the Port of Maputo in Mozambique at 7:40 AM on Sunday (25), and it expected to lay anchor off the coast of Puttlam at around 4:00 PM on the 5th of January 2023.The vessel was originally scheduled to dock in Sri Lankan on Wednesday, however certain delays had pushed back its arrival date to somewhere between the 3rd and 5th of January 2023.The Chairman of Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited on the 22nd of December 2022 said that when this shipment reaches Sri Lanka, the existing stocks of coal would have already been exhausted.How much of coal does the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant need to operate on any given day?The Norochcholai Power Plant has three generators, and each of these generators will require 2,500 MT of coal.

Colombo (News 1st) – The depression over Southwest Bay of Bengal has entered through the east coast of Sri Lanka and it is moving across the country. It is likely to move to the western sea area of Sri Lanka by Monday (26).Accordingly, showers or thunder showers will occur at times over Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern, North-Western and Northern provinces.

Colombo (News 1st) – The online service to settle electricity bills through the official website of the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) continues to be disrupted.Several online services have been unavailable on the ceb.lk website for nearly a month, due to ongoing maintenance.The CEB Bill Payments, CEB PIV Payments, CEB Bill Payments via CEBCare App, and the EV Charging Top-up services are currently unavailable. When contacted by News1st, the CEB said it is working to restore the services as soon as possible.The CEB official said customers can settle the bills by using bank mobile applications and at supermarkets.

In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness on adherence to covid appropriate behaviour, Mandaviya said New Delhi: With covid-19 cases surging in China, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday urged all members of Parliament to help spread community awareness about the pandemic and the need to remain alert. Delivering a suo-motu statement in Parliament on the present covid situation and steps taken by the government to check the pandemic, Mandaviya said, “In the last few days, we have seen an increasing trajectory of covid-19 cases across the world.

The number of Scottish clubs on red alert for financial problems has soared over the past six months, a shock new study has revealed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake stated that the Committee on High Posts approved the appointments of Four Ambassadors and two Permanent Representatives recently (13). Accordingly, approval was given for the appointment of Ms. Niroshani Manisha Dias Abeywickrama Gunasekara as the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the French Republic and Permeant Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. Furthermore, the Committee on High Posts has approved the appointment of Ms.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will stop sending workers overseas to serve as housemaids from March 2023, said the country's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara on Monday (19).He said that a program will be introduced to send Sri Lankans as domestic aides overseas by adopting an international standard.The Minister said that measures will be taken to ensure that Sri Lankans leave for overseas employment via legal channels, and for their earnings to be remitted to the country legally.The Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment said multiple programs will be introduced for the benefit of Sri Lankan expatriates, including the provision of a vehicle import permit, and a pension scheme.Sri Lanka recently opened a special gate named the ‘HOPE GATE’ at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake, for workers leaving and returning from foreign countries, where all necessary facilities are provided to expatriate workers at the airport.The Minister said that for the first time in the history of the country, the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau registered and facilitated over 300,000 expatriate workers in 2022.A majority of these workers have travelled to Kuwait, and that figure is 76,579.In addition, a total of 69,992 people left for Qatar, and another 51,421 people left for Saudi Arabia for employment.A further 4,410 Sri Lankans left for Japan for employment as well.

A special operation conducted by the Navy in coordination with the State Intelligence Service and Police Narcotic Bureau in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra led to the interception of 02 local fishing trawlers and apprehension of a large consignment of narcotic drugs with 08 suspects on 14th December 2022. The haul of illegal drugs included over 128kg and 327g of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) and 106kg and 474g of heroin (with their packages).In the same vein, SLNS Samudura also held another local fishing trawler with 06 suspects arrived to replenish fuel to the drug-carrying trawler. The consignment of drugs and the suspects were brought to the Colombo Harbour by the Navy this morning (18th December). Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also arrived at the Colombo Harbour to inspect the consignment.The apprehension was made by SLNS Samudura, after a long surveillance operation on high seas off the southern coast. The coordinated operation has led to the interception of a suspicious local multi-day fishing trawler which was in the seas about 229 nautical miles (424km) off Dondra. During subsequent search of the trawler, 124kg and 327g (including packages) of crystal  ethamphetamine in 94 packages and 106kg 474g (including packages) of heroin in 98 packages were held in 13 sacks, along with 08 suspects on 14th December.The gross street value of the consignment of drugs seized by the Navy during this operation is believed to be over Rs 4586.755 million.The suspects held in the operation have been identified as residents of Tangalle, Nakulugamuwa, Kosgoda and Balapitiya and they are from 29 to 59 years of age. They will be handed over to the Police Narcotic Bureau for onward legal action.

The family of a beloved Lanarkshire dad and husband have donated generous funds to staff at the Intensive Care Unit who cared for him during his final days.