Central Bank cancels license of Swarnamahal Financial Services PLC

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, PC is scheduled to make an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 23-27 January 2023.The visit will take place on an invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.The Minister is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Farhan Al Saud and discuss further enhancement of the cordial bilateral relations. The Minister will also meet with the senior officials of the Islamic Development Bank, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Governors of Mecca and Medina.

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (21), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler who are residents of Nanuoya will be performed on Monday (23).Director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

New York analyzes wastewater for flu, RSV and polio, in addition to Covid-19 When the virologist Kirsten St.

LOVE Island's Faye Winer has sparked worry among her loyal fans after admitting her health has taken a "battering." The former estate agent, 27, took to her Instagram page to decompress as she opened up on her state of mind as break-up rumours surround her and Teddy, 26. It came after her Love Island partner Teddy broke down in tears on his own Instagram account. Faye explained her social media absence as she told her followers: "Sorry for the deafening silence but it was needed.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (22), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler, who are residents of Nanuoya, will be performed on Monday (23).The director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

Abbie Quinnen, 25, has bravely opened up about her “never-ending” health woes in an interview with Express.co.uk and other outlets.The star, who was previously in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, 28, described how she might have to undergo another operation for her burns as she spoke to press on the red carpet of Cirque Du Soleil’s newest European Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall.Asked about her recovery following the horror burn incident nearly two years ago, she said: “It’s hard. It’s still an ongoing thing and it’s kind of never-ending at the moment.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Building Research Organization says that the air quality has decreased in many parts of the island.The Chief Scientist of the Air Pollution Management Unit, Sarath Premasiri, stated that the increase in the spread of dust particles with the northeastern monsoon is possibly the cause for it.Due to this, the NBRO warns that people suffering from respiratory diseases, children under five years old, vulnerable patients, pregnant mothers, and others should be very careful.The National Building Research Organization announced that the situation is expected to gradually return to normalcy over the next few days.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 G.C.E.

Here's all you need to know about India's first of its kind Covid vaccine: The iNCOVACC is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. This vaccine candidate was evaluated in phase I, II and III clinical trials with successful results. The vaccine was developed in partnership with Washington University, St.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023.This was confirmed by a senior official and two members of the National Election Commission.The accepting of nominations for the Local Government Election ended at 12 noon today (21).The time for allocated for complaints regarding the nominations for the Local Government Election, ended at 1.30pm today (21). The Commisioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that it would be conveyed via the District Returning Officers that any applications received after the deadline would be considered invalid.

China said on Saturday that the Covid outbreak has infected 80 per cent of its population The possibility of a big COVID-19 rebound in China over the next two or three months is remote as 80% of people have been infected, a prominent government scientist said on Saturday. The mass movement of people during the ongoing Lunar New Year holiday period may spread the pandemic, boosting infections in some areas, but a second COVID wave is unlikely in the near term, Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said on the Weibo social media platform.

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.

Express.co.uk about how new year's resolutions push people to pursue “unachievable” goals through “wellness fads”.Lisa explained: “I want to speak out about wellness fads because, in most cases, they are adopted as part of a January ‘new year, new me’ resolution.“Most people set these extreme resolutions, which have good intentions, but are more often than not unachievable and therefore nobody can stick to them.”In a bid to help people understand the inefficacy of some wellness fads, Lisa has partnered with gut health supplement Symprove to design three spoof health fads - The Bowel Counsellor, The Anal Crystal and ‘Bougie Poo-fumée’ candles.The fake methods aim to highlight just how ludicrous some “wellness fads” can be and why it is important to look after your gut and keep a healthy balanced lifestyle.Lisa elaborated: “This is why I wanted to work with Symprove again as they have such a great way of talking openly about our tummies, guts and bowel movements.“In our partnership, we wanted to spoof some of the funny and more extreme wellness fads that are out there to show that you don't have to go to extreme lengths to look after your gut.”The former Strictly Come Dancing star went on: “Although I personally love crystals, candles and counselling - it’s obvious that counselling for your bowel doesn’t exist, poo candles are simply just hilarious and putting crystals in any body orifice is definitely not recommended.“Symprove and I created these health fads to prove that nobody needs to go that far.“Instead, I believe that making smaller, more realistic changes to your daily routine, can have a bigger impact on your general wellbeing.”Elsewhere in the interview, Lisa opened up about her own gut health and how exercise

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several deaths were reported following a tragic accident that took place in Nuwara Eliya on Friday (20) evening.The Nuwara Eliya hospital director confirmed to News 1st that seven people died, and 30 others were injured following the accident.News 1st correspondent Sampath Jayalal said the accident took place at the Radella 'Keti" Road.He said the road in which the accident took place was considered as a risky route, that is usually used by experienced drivers.He also noted that the van was badly damaged in the accident.A bus carrying a group of students from Thurstan College, Colombo on an education trip had veered off the road and fallen into a precipice in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st confirmed that the bus fell into a 50 feet deep precipice after it collided with a van.

Colombo (News 1st) – Two suspects have been arrested in Rajagiriya when attempting to transporting 1.2kg of heroin in a van last night(20).They were arrested by the Police STF.Police also seized Rs.147,000 found in their possession, allegedly obtained from heroin trafficking.The 39 and 48-year-old suspects are residents of Puttlam and Mattakkuliya.The Police STF says a 41-year-old accomplice, a resident of Arawwala, Pannipitiya, was also arrested.The suspects have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation.

The family from Dik Oya comprised the father Abdul Raheem, 55, mother Aysha Fathima, 45, and daughters Mariam, 13, and Nadeeha, 8, The son, an A-level student was injured. They had been on their way in a hired van to visit a relative when tragedy struck on the main road near Somerset Estate.

A new Covid strain has been identified by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as a likely contender to become the most dominant across the UK.

With agency inputs

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Director General of the Disaster Management Center Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe confirmed to News 1st that school students are NOT among the fatalities reported following an accident in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Seven people died in the accident, and six of them were those traveling in the van, and the other was a three wheeler driver.The accident took place when a bus carrying a group of students from Thurstan College, Colombo collided with a van and a three-wheeler along the 'Keti' Road in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Director General of the Disaster Management Center Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe said that 41 students were admitted to the hospital and all of them are out of harms way.News 1st correspondent Sampath Jayalal said the accident took place at the Radella 'Keti" Road.He said the road in which the accident took place was considered as a risky route, that is usually used by experienced drivers.He also noted that the van was badly damaged in the accident. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A bus carrying a group of students from Thursday College, Colombo on an education trip had veered off the road and fallen into a precipice in Radella, Nuwara Eliya.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st confirmed that the bus fell into a 50 feet deep precipice after it collided with a van.The injured are currently being admitted to the Nuwara Elia hospital.News 1st correspondent Sampath Jayalala said the accident took place at the Radella 'Keti" Road.He said the road in which the accident took place was considered as a risky route, that is usually used by experienced drivers.He also noted that the van was badly damaged in the accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Consumer Affairs Authority says it will impose control prices for eggs.The control prices are as follows:White Egg: Rs. 44/- Brown Egg: Rs. 46/-

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police on Friday (20) prevented a protest march organized by the University Teachers.The Federation of University Teachers' Associations organized this protest march against the government's new income tax regime that imposes a tax between 6% to 36% for anyone with a monthly income of over Rs. 100,000/-.  The protest march commenced from opposite the University of Colombo.However, when they reached the Nelum Pokuna Theatre Sri Lanka Police prevented them from marching forward by blocking the road.As Sri Lanka Police continued to obstruct the protest march, the FUTA members boarded several buses and reached the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations then joined with the protest that was organized by the Professionals Trade Union Collective opposite the Finance Ministry.The Federation of University Teachers Associations, Government Medical Officers' Association, Ceylon Bank Employees Union, CEB Engineers Union and several other professional bodies joined the protest.Vehicular movement along Lotus Road in Colombo came to a standstill due to the protest.

People in West Lothian who have given up smoking in recent years are being encouraged by a health charity to share their experiences about how they have successfully managed to quit.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Treasury Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena had informed the Supreme Court via an affidavit on Thursday (19) that sourcing funds for the election has become a challenge.He had directed an affidavit to the Supreme Court in relation to the writ application filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

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 8 PM on Saturday (21).Essential maintenance by the Ceylon Electricity Board was listed as the reason for the water cut.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Final Rites of the late Dr. Sumitra Peries will take place at the Independence Square in Colombo on Saturday (21) after 4 PM, announced the Ministry of Home Affairs.It added that the final rites will be performed with State Honours.Kalakeerthi Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (20) morning where both sides had agreed to implement a joint program between Sri Lanka and India.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister at the President's Office where the duo engaged in cordial discussions.Prior to the official meeting, President Wickremesinghe hosted the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar for breakfast and tea at his official residence at Paget Road, Colombo.During the official meeting held between the President and Indian Foreign Minister Dr S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The bilateral agreement related to raising the limit of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) implemented in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India was signed during the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (20).The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, signed the agreement on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay signed on behalf of India.This agreement guides many community development projects in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India.This agreement related to community development projects in Sri Lanka was signed in May 2005.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Samagi Jana Balavegaya Parliamentarian Mujibur Rahuman has decided to resign from Parliament.Making a shock announcement in Parliament, the Parliamentarian said he will be contesting for the post of Mayor at the Colombo Muncipal Council at the upcoming Local Government Election.In his comments to the house he urged the government to refrain from making any attempt to delay the Local Government Election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical for political devolution.He was speaking in Colombo on Friday (20) alongside Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, and with President Ranil Wickremesinghe present at the President's Office."He President briefed me on the political devolution and his thinking.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission said that the passage of the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill will not be an obstacle to hold the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Election Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that following the passage of the bill, the necessary measures for election campaign financing need to be prepared.The Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill was passed in Parliament on Thursday (19) with amendments with a majority of 61 votes.The bill received 97 votes favour and 36 against.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister  Dr. S.

Nick Carter's benefit concert in memory of his estranged late brother Aaron Carter raised $150k for a children's mental health charity.Songs For Tomorrow - which Nick, 42, and N*Sync's Lance Bass, 43, headlined at West Hollywood's Heart on Wednesday - raised money for On Our Sleeves: The Movement for Children’s Mental Health.Former child star Aaron was found dead in his bathtub at his Lancaster, California home on November 5 at age 34. His fiancee Melanie Martin and mother Jane have recently claimed he died from an overdose and did not drown in his bath as previously suspected.

Olympic cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, 30, opened up to Express.co.uk about how she will be taking a different approach to her son’s health after becoming concerned in a new exclusive interview.The athlete, who tragically suffered through a harrowing ectopic pregnancy last year, recently shared the happy news that she is expecting a second child with husband Sir Jason Kenny.Speaking in a wider interview about eating healthy with the #TwoBeforeTenChallenge from the Dried Fruit Alliance, Dame Laura described how she was shocked to find her five-year-old son Albie wasn’t getting the nutrition he needs.The sportstar explained how she became “worried” once she realised that Albie wasn’t getting his five fruits and vegetables a day due to her own preference for “bland food”.She spoke about how people probably “find it surprising” that, as an athlete, she wasn’t getting her own five a day in. “It’s not really,” she mused.

Physical activity benefits even those at higher risk for complications People who exercise regularly had lower rates of hospitalization and death from Covid-19 in a study published recently in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

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

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) – The President has issued an extraordinary gazette declaring several essential services.1. All services connected to the supply of electricity, 2.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways said that multiple train operations scheduled for Monday (2) evening are likely to be cancelled.A Senior Official at Sri Lanka Railways said that the shortage of staff had led to a situation of trains likely being cancelled.Ten office trains scheduled for Monday (2) morning were cancelled.The Railways Control Room said that these trains were to operate on the Kelani Valley, Coastal, Puttlam and Main routes.Around 30,000 Public Sector employees retired on the 31st of December last year, and around 500 workers from Sri Lanka Railways also went on retirement.Railway Trade Unions said that this has put multiple operations at Sri Lanka Railways in limbo.However, Sri Lanka Railways was granted permission to re-employ on a contract basis around 300 essential service employees who were set to retire at 60 years of age on 31 December 2022.Permission was granted based on the recommendations made by the Committee led by the Prime Minister's Secretary, as well as the President's Secretary.Sri Lanka Railways said that these employees will be in service on contract basis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all to work together to ensure that Sri Lanka returns to normalcy by the end of 2023.The Head of State made this remark during an event held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (2).President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that no one can shirk their responsibilities for the country in the year 2023, which is a crucial year for the Sri Lankan economy, and invited all public servants to dedicate themselves towards making Sri Lanka a prosperous nation in the New Year.He extended this invitation to the Presidential Secretariat staff during the oath-taking ceremony for the New Year 2023 before commencing their duties on Monday morning (02)."Five and a half months ago, we took over a historic task at this office. During those five and a half months, we took steps to establish normalcy in the country at a time when the government had collapsed and the economy had also collapsed.