CEB reforms from political parties

OLD CITY - Almost 13,000 people packed Penn’s Landing to enjoy everything about that beautiful country down south and celebrate Mexico’s independence.Southwest Philadelphia resident Gloria Velazquez declared, "We are very happy we are very proud to be Mexican and American, too. We are proud!"Pride in the heritage, culture and people of the neighbor to the south.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The initial executive council meeting of the 'Uththara Lanka Coalition' is due to be held on Sunday (18).Sri Lanka Communist Party Vice President and Member of Parliament Weerasumana Weerasinghe stated that it will be held today at 2 pm at the Communist Party headquarters, and future plans of the coalition will be discussed at the meeting.The coalition also aims to meet with Ambassadors and religious leaders in the near future.On September 5th, several independent Parliamentarians including MP Wimal Weerawansa, MP Udaya Gammanpila, MP Prof.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Elections Commission of Sri Lanka will be entitled to call for a local government election after coming Tuesday,  the 20th of September.The Elections Commission will be such entitled according to the provisions of the Local Government Polls Act.The Chairman of the Election Commission, Attorney-ar-Law Nimal Punchihewa, stated that the ECSL has already initiated the necessary preliminary work to hold the local government elections before March 20th next year.The chairman stated that the date of the local government election will be decided after the certification of the 2022 voter list by October 31st.He said that discussions with political parties in this regard will also be held.Currently, the minister in charge has taken steps to extend the term of office of the local government bodies including local councils, urban councils and municipal councils by one year and postpone the elections until March next year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Auditor General has advised officials to monitor the recovery of compensation for the damage caused by the X-press Pearl ship, which went up in flames off Sri Lankan waters.Auditor General Chulantha Wickramaratne stated that monitoring the process of recovery of compensation was recommended taking into consideration the facts presented by various parties regarding the assessment of the damage of the ship and the process to recover compensation.The Auditor General stated that a full investigation is expected to be conducted with regard to the process of recovering compensation for the damage caused by the ship.It has been more than a year and three months since the X-Press Pearl ship sank in the Sea of Sri Lanka.The ship was carrying 81 containers of dangerous goods and contained 25 tons of nitric acid.The affected area spanns across 746km from Mannar to Kirinda Hambantota. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Plans have been drawn to livestream the  proceedings of the Finance Committee of the Parliament soon.A spokesperson of the Parliament stated that the Chairman of the Committee, Dr.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says his party was willing to be flexible on the first phase of the Liberal government’s dental-care plan, but in future the New Democrats will bend no further.The government agreed to bring in a federal dental plan for uninsured low- and middle-income families as part of a supply and confidence agreement with the NDP.In exchange for fulfilling its vision for dental care, among other priorities, the NDP agreed not to trigger an election before 2025. Trudeau to unveil new affordability plan during Liberal caucus retreat The agreement stipulates that the government deliver dental care to children under age 12 who meet the criteria by the end of this year.Singh acknowledged in an interview that the timeline was ambitious, which is why the NDP was amenable to an interim measure.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that cricket team captain Dasun Shanaka and the team took advantage of their defeats and made themselves stronger to advance forward to the Asian Cup.The President, speaking further, said that it is not difficult to lead the country towards victory in the face of the world if the team continues to think in the same way.The President also pointed out that working together as a team helped them to win.President Ranil Wickremesinghe was addressing the felictation ceremony held for the Sri Lankan athletes who won their respective Asia-level wins; the Cricket team and the team which won the Asian Netball Championship, in addition to the medalists of Commonwealth Games.Meanwhile, at the request of Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka Cricket took steps to present Rs. 2 million to each player in the Netball team symbolizing its support towards the sport.Sri Lanka won 4 medals in the 22nd Commonwealth Games held recently in Birmingham, Britain.Palitha Bandara won the silver medal in the discus throw event in the para sports category, while Yupun Abeykoon won the 100m event, Nethmi Ahimsa Poruthota in the women's 57kg wrestling competition and Dilanka Isuru Kumara won the bronze medals in the weightlifting 55kg category.The silver medalist was awarded Rs.10 million from the sports fund, each bronze medalist was awarded Rs.

#COVID19 in all countries, but the pandemic is not over and we still have a lot of work to do.So many tools exist that ⬇️ the spread of SARS-CoV-2, prevent long term consequences & save lives.We can do this.

Robert Keith Packer, 57. A Virginia man who stormed the U.S. Capitol while wearing an antisemitic "Camp Auschwitz" sweatshirt over a Nazi-themed shirt was sentenced on Thursday to 75 days of imprisonment.Robert Keith Packer, 57, declined to address U.S.

Rowan University, much like the rest of New Jersey, is facing a coronavirus uptick. GLASSBORO, N.J. - A night out took a terrifying turn for some college students when police say gunfire erupted near Rowan University's campus over the weekend.Police were responding to local ordinance violations on Georgetown Road when several shots were fired just before 2 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The resolution to constitute the Parliament Committee called the "National Council" has now been added to the Addendum to the Order Book for September 20th.Thus, the National Council will consist of the Speaker as the Chair, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the Chief Government Whip, and not more than thirty-five Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from recognized Political Parties in Sri Lanka as determined by the Leaders of the Political Parties.Accordingly, the National Council shall have the jurisdiction and general responsibilities in order to;• Determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of short, medium, and long-term national policies;• Agree on short and medium-term common minimum programs in respect of the stabilization of the economy; • Arrange special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Council, the Chairpersons of the Special Committees, and Youth observers of Youth Organizations.The National Council shall have powers to request reports from Sectoral Oversight Committees, The Committee on Public Finance, The Committee on Public Accounts, The Committee on Public Enterprises, The Committee on Banking and Financial Services, The Committee on Ways and Means, The Committee on Economic Stabilization; and Any Committee controlling Public Finance.The Addendum to the Order Book on the above can be obtain via the below link.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Party Leaders meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (14) under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.The meeting is scheduled to be held at 10.30 at the Parliament complex.Matters relating to the upcoming Parliament Week, Bills, and other legislation will be discussed at the meeting.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks during news conference to announce a new bill on abortion restrictions, on Capitol Hill September 13, 2022 in Washington, DC.

(Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) DOVER, Del. - Democratic Party voters in Delaware are set to decide whether the incumbent state auditor, who is awaiting sentencing on criminal charges, deserves a chance at reelection in November. The Democratic primary for auditor is the only statewide race on Tuesday’s primary election ballot, which also features several legislative contests.RELATED COVERAGEIncumbent auditor Kathy McGuiness is the first statewide elected official in Delaware convicted on criminal charges while in office. She is being challenged by Lydia York. York is an attorney who has been endorsed by the state Democratic party and was one of its presidential electors in 2016.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, the controversial 1987 amendment that has never been completely implemented for 35 years due to vehement opposition from many of the country's Sinhala-dominated political parties.But what is the 13th Amendment that India's representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted, something that was drafted long before most Sri Lankans and Indians of today were even born? Here's a look.13A: Up to 1987, Sri Lanka was ruled from Colombo by a central government, which resulted in areas far from the capital being virtually ignored in development programs and day to day governance. The 13A, as it became known, required devolution of powers to nine Provincial Councils – Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northcentral, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Wayamba (Northwestern).

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal said that the decision to issue summons on State Minister Sanatha Nishantha with respect to the petitions filed alleging that he commited contemt of court, will be announced on the 29th of September 2022.The two petitions were filed alleging that Sanath Nishantha made defamatory comments to the officials of the Attorney General's Department, the Sri Lanka Bar Association, and the magistrates during a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party headquarters on August 23rd.The petitions filed by Attorneys-at-Law Priyalal Sirisena and Vijitha Kumara were taken up for consideration by the court of Appeal judges Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal said that the decision to issue summons on State Minister Sanatha Nishantha with respect to the petitions filed alleging that he commited contemt of court, will be announced on the 29th of September 2022.The two petitions were filed alleging that Sanath Nishantha made defamatory comments to the officials of the Attorney General's Department, the Sri Lanka Bar Association, and the magistrates during a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party headquarters on August 23rd.The petitions filed by Attorneys-at-Law Priyalal Sirisena and Vijitha Kumara were taken up for consideration by the court of Appeal judges Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong and Senior Programme officer Laurence Marzal held discussions with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena about the issues of parliamentary democratic practices in Sri Lanka at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo on Monday (12).The Prime Minister elaborated on the steps taken to strengthen participatory democracy by the establishment of more powerful Sectoral Oversight Committees which included public participation. He also expressed satisfaction over the agreement reached on the formation of the National Council with the participation of all political parties of the House for policy guidance and prioritization of matters of national interest.He also told the IPU delegation that Sri Lanka parliamentary debates are open on live television as it is important to keep the public informed of the activities of Parliament.The IPU Secretary General commended the efforts made by the government in responding to the needs and demands of the people.

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.

Justin Trudeau criticized politicians using “buzzwords, dogwhistles and careless attacks” on Monday, just days after Pierre Poilievre was named the new leader of the Conservative Party.Speaking from the Liberal caucus retreat, Trudeau congratulated Poilievre on his leadership victory — but couched his well-wishes in warnings about the kind of leadership he said Canada needs.“We all need to work together. Now is not the time for politicians to exploit fears and to pit people one against the other.

NEWTOWN, PA - MAY 17: Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mehmet Oz greets supporters after the primary race resulted in an automatic re-count due to close results on May 17, 2022 in Newtown, Pennsylvania. Television personality Oz, endorsed by former P FOX NEWS - Democrats hold the advantage in battleground Pennsylvania, as GOP candidates haven’t closed the sale with Republican voters. In the U.S.

FILE - An individual purchases cannabis at a dispensary on the morning that cannabis sales became legal in New Jersey on April 21, 2022, in Paterson, New Jersey. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) There has been increasing support for marijuana legalization in the United States over the past few decades, with a majority of Americans now overwhelmingly in favor, according to polling — and many states enacting laws to allow for its legal use and sale.On the federal level, marijuana remains illegal.

Of all the COVID variants, Delta is the deadliest one, a new study has revealed. Five different coronavirus variants were studied for the research that include Alpha, Delta, and three others that emerged before Alpha.

PHILADELPHIA - It's been 21 years since the terror attacks on the World Trade Centers, but their effects are still being felt today - emotionally and physically.Former Philadelphia Police Sgt. Greg Masi was part of the city's initial response team to New York City following the tragic events of September 11."Throughout the entire day we all realized we didn't know what was going to happen next," Masi said.Masi, who is currently the chief of Philadelphia 2nd Alarmers, says an unaccounted aircraft was headed to Philadelphia from Paris. "Philadelphia being the birthplace of the nation, they thought that they maybe we were a potential target," he said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given an ultimatium to the political parties to decide on electoral reforms."I'm going to call the parliament to say once and for all that they must agree on electoral reform. This has been going on. The parties are arguing among themselves.

COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power told Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesighe that political reform agenda and the economic agenda go hand in hand.She said that the United States trying to engage the business community to look at Sri Lanka now and to see the opportunities that exist here.She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s vibrant private sector and said measures should be taken to unleash the potential of the private sector. "You have such an incredible private sector, such entrepreneurship.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The final match of the 2022 Asia Cup cricket tournament will be held at 7.30 pm in Dubai on Sunday (11).The match will be played between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.Sri Lanka qualified for the finals of the Asia Cup cricket tournament on 11 previous occasions, however won the title only five times.Pakistan has qualified for the finals on 4 occasions and won the title twice.Sri Lanka enters the final this year as an unbeaten team in the Super Four round.Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka said that the team remains prepared for the match today.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The establishment of the Committee on Public Business and the Committee on Public Accounts of the Parliament has been delayed for over a month.Although more than a month has passed since the new session of the Parliament was inaugurated on August 3rd, due to the non-establishment of the relevant committees, the power of public financial supervision of the Parliament has been severely hampered.In the recently held party leader meeting, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya made a request to the Speaker to give the chairmanship of the committees including COPE and COPA to the Opposition.However, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has requested the Speaker to appoint the chairmanship of the committees, including COPE and COPA, based on the majority consent of the members of those committees.As a tradition, the ruling party has the right to appoint the majority of members of the parliamentary committees.A group including the former Central Bank Governors Professor W.D. Laxman, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, former Finance Ministry Secretaries Dr.

‘Battle for soul’ of Conservative Party looking more like a rout Coupled with significant backing from the party’s elected caucus and unelected senators, that means Poilievre is unlikely to face the internal skepticism and backbiting that plagued Erin O’Toole’s brief leadership.Poilievre is also unlikely to be forced into the tightrope act former leader Andrew Scheer attempted, keeping the party united behind him after winning the 2017 leadership by the slimmest of margins.Instead, Poilievre and his team will have the kind of free hand enjoyed by Stephen Harper – the only Conservative leader who won power – during the party’s years in government between 2006 and 2015.The most pressing question now is what they intend to do with that mandate.In the depths of the Ottawa winter, as trucks and protesters clogged the nation’s capital filling it with fumes and endless horn blows, a black flag appeared on the back of a big rig. It read “Pierre Poilievre for Prime Minister.”It appeared just weeks after the Conservative caucus met to show Erin O’Toole the door after the party’s disappointing showing in the 2021 general election.

Ottawa, where by the end of the evening they will meet their new leader.More than 1,000 people were expected to attend the announcement of the party’s leadership election results, which is happening under a more sombre atmosphere because of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Conservative leadership race: Over half of members have voted a week before deadline That means whichever of the five candidates vying to replace former leader Erin O’Toole won’t be greeted by a blast of confetti as was planned initially.

Pierre Poilievre, one of the first members of Parliament elected under the Conservative party’s banner, won the leadership race Saturday night.The party veteran and former cabinet minister, known for his combative style, won a resounding first-ballot victory – with 68 per cent of support – that prompted applause to erupt in the room of Conservative faithful at a downtown Ottawa convention centre.Jean Charest, the former Quebec premier who likely had the best chance of preventing Poilievre from winning the leadership, earned just 16 per cent of support on the first ballot, placing him in distant second place.Poilievre also earned widespread support across the country, being the first choice for Conservative party voters in nearly every riding. This is Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative party.

What was billed as a “battle for the soul of the Conservative Party” is looking increasingly like a rout.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Power and Energy has met with World Bank Country Manager yesterday (9) at the Ministry of Power and Energy.Further, the Minister said that the World Bank Technical experts in the Energy sector joined online.Productive discussions were carried out on the Proposed reform plans of CEB & CPC, Technical & financial assistance for development, Renewable energy, and transformation of the Energy sector.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Aragalaya Activist Lahiru Weerasekera will be produced to the Maligakanda Magistrate Court today (10).Aragalaya Activist Lahiru Weerasekera was arrested in Colombo on Friday (9) evening.Sri Lanka Police said he was arrested down Duplication Road in Colombo.Police Spokesperson SSP Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that Weerasekera was arrested for the obstruction of duties of police officers during a protest in Maradana, being party to an unlawful assembly, and several other charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Aragalaya Activist Lahiru Weerasekera was arrested in Colombo on Friday (9) evening.Sri Lanka Police said he was arrested down Dupliation Road in Colombo.Police Spokesperson SSP Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that Weerasekera was arrested for the obstruction of duties of police officers during a protest in Maradana, being party to an unlawful assembly, and several other charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power, who is also the Administrator for the US Agency for International Development or USAID will visit Sri Lanka on Saturday.USAID Administrator Samantha Power will make an official visit to Sri Lanka on Saturday and will remain in the country until Sunday.The purpose of the two-day visit is to discuss problems related to the prevailing economic crisis and strengthen the development partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka. She is expected to hold bilateral meetings as well.When she visited visited New Delhi in July, Ambassador Power said the Joe Biden administration and the Indian Government are “deeply concerned” by the economic collapse and crisis that has befallen the Sri Lankan people.The Administrator will meet with government officials, private sector representatives, as well as farmers and other Sri Lankans most impacted by the complex emergency to discuss how their lives have been affected and how the United States can best support them as they rebuild and recover. She will also meet with parliamentary leaders representing various parties to learn their views on how to address the economic and political crises in Sri Lanka. During her trip, the Administrator will highlight the United States’ enduring support for the people of Sri Lanka and discuss issues related to food security, fuel and essential item shortages, economic stability, and the impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine on the region.Administrator Power’s visit will underscore the United States’ commitment to addressing the urgent and intermediate needs facing Sri Lankans and to supporting a return to stability.  The Administrator will also reinforce USAID’s support for inclusive

The federal government intends to temporarily hike GST rebate cheques in a bid to ease some of the hurt of inflation for lower income Canadians.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The fundamental rights application filed on behalf of eight journalists of MTV Channel (Private) Limited over the assault carried out against them on 9th July 2022, was taken up before the Supreme Court earlier today.Journalists Sarasi Peiris, Waruna Sampath, Janith Mendis, T. Sinthujan, Imesh Sutherland, W. Weerakoon, V.

World record-breaking cyclist and mental health campaigner Josh Quigley has teamed up with Livingston FC and a football charity to help promote sport’s role in positive health and mental well-being.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leader of the House Minister Susil Premajayantha on Thursday (8) said that no agreement has been signed with the Staff Delegation of the International Monetary Fund.Minister Susil Premajayantha noted that the Sri Lankan Authorities have 'reached' a Staff-Level Agreement with the International Monetary Fund.He said there is a clear difference between reaching an agreement and signing an agreement noting that parties are bound to the contents of the agreement only after it is signed.Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Leader of the National People's Power said the people have a reasonable right to be made aware of the IMF Agreement, as it is not a mere land transfer agreement between two parties, but one that is linked to Sri Lank's economy.He expressed alarm over the fact that the Cabinet of Ministers was not made aware of the contents of the agreement, and noted that the if the contents are concealed from Parliament, and the Public it could be detrimental to the people and the economy of the country.Independent MP Professor G. L.

Conservative party’s leadership election — but its members still need to wait until Saturday to find out who their next leader is.Ballots had to be received by a deadline of 5 p.m. on Tuesday in order to be processed, validated and counted in time for this weekend’s announcement.The party is using a ranked-ballot system to choose its next permanent leader among five hopefuls: Pierre Poilievre, Jean Charest, Leslyn Lewis, Scott Aitchison and Roman Baber.

Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation, a UN report urges today, calling for accountability and deeper institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of past violations. The report acknowledges that Sri Lanka is at critical juncture in its political life, and is in the midst of a serious economic crisis which has severely impacted the human rights of all communities and people of all walks of life. This has spurred broad-based demands by Sri Lankans from all communities for deeper reforms and accountability, and gives the Government a fresh opportunity to steer the country on a new path.For sustainable improvements to take place, however, it is vital to recognise and address the underlying factors which have contributed to the economic crisis, including embedded impunity for past and present human rights violations, economic crimes and endemic corruption.“Fundamental changes will be required to address the current challenges and to avoid repetition of the human rights violations of the past,” says the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.The report calls on the Government to immediately end the reliance on draconian security laws and crackdowns on peaceful protest, reverse the drift towards militarisation and show renewed commitment to, and deliver on, security sector reform and ending impunity.While the security forces recently showed considerable restraint in response to mass protests, the Government has since taken a harder line approach, arresting some student leaders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and violently suppressing peaceful protests.

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States during a FIFA World Cup qualifier game between Panama and USMNT at Exploria Stadium on March 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images) We’re only a few months away from one of the biggest sporting events in the world when the 2022 World Cup takes place. This year’s tournament marks the return of Team USA after they missed it in 2018. The club has made 10 World Cup appearances and their best finish of third place occurred in 1930. This year, the 14th-ranked Americans open against No.

FILE PHOTO - State Attorney General Letitia James leaves the podium after announcing a lawsuit against e-cigarette giant Juul on November 19, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Electronic cigarette maker Juul Labs will pay nearly $440 million to settle a two-year investigation by 33 states into the marketing of its high-nicotine vaping products, which have long been blamed for sparking a national surge in teen vaping.Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced the deal Tuesday on behalf of the states plus Puerto Rico, which joined together in 2020 to probe Juul's early promotions and claims about the safety and benefits of its technology as a smoking alternative.The settlement resolves one of the biggest legal threats facing the beleaguered company, which still faces nine separate lawsuits from other states that are suing the company.

FILE-People on line to vote in a primary election in Boston, Massachusetts in 2021. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) BOSTON - Massachusetts Republicans are weighing which candidate has the best chance of keeping the governor's office in GOP hands as they vote in Tuesday's primary: a former state lawmaker endorsed by Donald Trump or a political newcomer who's cast himself as the more moderate choice.Massachusetts Republicans are weighing which candidate has the best chance of keeping the governor's office in GOP hands as they vote in Tuesday's primary: a former state lawmaker endorsed by Donald Trump or a political newcomer who's cast himself as the more moderate choice.Geoff Diehl and Chris Doughty are vying for the chance to replace incumbent Republican Gov.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission had decided to investigate the tragic death of a schoolboy who was trapped inside a storm drain for over an hour during a torrential downpour in Kurunegala on Monday (5) afternoon.Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission Retired Supreme Court Justice Rohini Marasinghe told News 1st that all relevant parties will be summoned for the investigations.The post-mortem revealed that the young boy, identifed as Sajith Gunaratne, had drowned, resulting in his death.The parents of the Sajith Gunaratne, would have never imagined that their son who was supposed to walk back home, would return one last time on the shoulders of his loved ones on Tuesday (6).Sajith Gunaratne, a Grade 9 student from the Maliyadeva Model School in Kurunegala, passed away under tragic circumstances when returning home from school on Monday (5) afternoon.Sajitha who was walking back on the Wehera Kanda Udawatte Road had moved aside to give way for a van that was traveling on the road, and thereafter had fallen into the storm drain.Locals banded together to rescue Sajitha from the storm drain, however, their efforts proved futile.Sajith who was pulled out after almost an hour and a half was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Kurunegala Teaching Hospital, where he breathed his last.Sajith Gunaratne, who was a resident from Wehera, Kurunegala was the youngest in the family with two sisters.The Kurunegala Police on Tuesday (6) inspected the location where the tragedy took place.Locals said that when it rains the storm drain is not large enough for the flow of flood waters.According to the locals, school children from two schools use the Wehera Kanda Watte Road and warned that there are several

here today but for having faith in the UNP even during the difficult period. Therefore, I extend my gratitude to you all. Today we commemorate our past leaders D.S.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Incoming prime minister Liz Truss leaves Conservative Party Headquarters on Sept. 5, 2022, in London, England.