CID probe on threats made to election commission officials

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Nugegoda Magistrate's Court has issued an order against the Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige, Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Ven.

Under the Covid vaccination drive, more than 220.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 1,60,769 vaccine doses were administered New Delhi India has reported 128 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry data. The total number of Covid cases reached 4.47 crore, with 530,745 Covid-related deaths since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."

On Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, Gammadda gave the people of Hengamuwa village in the Kobeigane region of the Kurunegala District something to celebrate, by providing a source of safe drinking water to the entire community, with the presentation of a Reverse Oscillation (RO) Plant.This community, which relies on agriculture and whose produce feeds thousands in the nation, had no source of healthful drinking water. The water in the wells was not of suitable standard for drinking and authorities seemed deaf to the pleas of the villagers.

Michael Mosley has been raving about a certain 'overlooked' form of exercise that can have countless health and weight loss benefits.

An expert has outlined the potential problems that can arise as a result of going to the toilet when you don't really need.

Colombo (News 1st) – Violence broke out in Maradana close to the city centre in Sri Lanka’s capital city as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of peaceful protesters practicing a satyagraha.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across Great Britain, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years' worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Udeni Wickramasinghe & Mohan Samaranayake have informed the President that they would be resigning from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.Mohan Samaranayake in his letter of resignation had noted that the work environment, and the work style of the PUCSL has become highly unprofessional, unpleasant, and intolerable.He added that the situation has degenerated to such an extent that on 20th January 2023 when a special meeting of the commission was held, a group of thugs was organized and allowed inside the commission premises who indirectly threatened him with physical assault and destruction of property.He noted that the act of hooliganism was justified by the insinuation by the PUCSL Chairman at the National Council meeting on 24th January 2023 with the participation of the members of the commission.Samaranayake noted that the justification of threats against him indicated he run the risk of being threatened and even assaulted in the future.He also noted that the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka by violating Section 9 (5) of the PUCSL Act continues to make decision and statements purported to be that of the commission without the concurrence of the rest of the members, thereby making other members redundant.Mohan Samaranayake said that he had been humiliated and painted the villain before the society.He also noted that the failure on the part of the government authorities to counter legal and other arguments against the proposed electricity tariff hike with irrefutable facts, leave the people in a quandary.Udeni Wickramasinghe noted that he decided to resign from the PUCSL due to personal reasons. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board informed the Supreme Court on Friday (3) that it would be withdrawing the assurance that it gave to refrain from imposing power cuts until the Contempt of Court application filed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is taken up for consideration, and the matter is concluded.President's Counsel Romesh De Silva appearing for the CEB made the announcement to the court.The matter was taken up in the presence of Justices Gamini Amarasekera, Kumuduni Wickremesinghe, and Shiran Gunaratne for consideration.Thereafter, the President's Counsel noted that the assurance will be withdrawn with effect from Friday (3).President's Counsel Upul Jayasuriya appearing for the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka requested for an interim order to prevent the CEB from imposing Power Cuts during the period of the Advanced Level Examination is over, if the respondent is withdrawing the assurance that it gave to the Supreme Court on Thursday (2).However, the Supreme Court rejected the request and fixed the matter to be taken up again on the 7th of February at 1:30 PM.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had moved to the Supreme Court against the Ceylon Electricity Board for failing to follow the directive to provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity until the end of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st); US President Joe Biden has conveyed his best wishes to President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the people of Sri Lanka on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Sri Lankan Independence.The communication from President Biden was handed over to President Wickremesinghe by the US Under-Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland when she called on President Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (01), at the President's Office.US President Joe Biden had stated that he looks forward to strengthening and deepening the bilateral friendship even further and, together, continuing to advance the shared values and vision for a peaceful, prosperous and secure future for the people of the two countries.He pointed out that this milestone independence anniversary, coincides with the 75 years of diplomatic relations between the US and Sri Lanka.President Biden acknowledged that the longstanding partnership has helped to advance peace and prosperity across the region and globally. The US President recalled that both nations – throughout their shared history – “have tackled formidable global challenges, including the combatting of climate change, addressing the scourge of human trafficking and maintaining a secure, free and open Indo-Pacific”.President Biden pointed out that bilateral trade and economic ties have been strengthened and deepened, and that Sri Lanka and the U.S., as democracies, have always been stronger when standing together, while being united in a shared commitment to freedom, opportunity and equality, said the President's Media Division.Source: PMD

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankabhimanya Award –  the country's highest civil honour was conferred upon Former Parliament Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya on Friday (3) morning.The award was presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's House.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya represented the Parliament from the Gampaha District and became the 20th Speaker of Parliament in 2020.He served as the Mayor of Colombo from 1997 – 1999.In addition, he also held several government ministerial portfolios including Public Administration and Home Affairs, Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs.Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya also served as the Deputy Chairman and Chairman of the United National Party and is considered an exemplary figure in Sri Lankan politics.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") in a letter to the IMF Managing Director has confirmed it is prepared to engage, through its Steering Committee, with the Sri Lankan authorities in restructuring negotiations consistent with the parameters of an IMF Programme and the targets specified therein (the "IMF Programme Targets").The Ad Hoc Group of Sri Lanka Bondholders (the "Bondholder Group") has acknowledges the Sri Lankan authorities' engagement with their official creditors towards a resolution of the current crisis and restoration of debt sustainability.The Bondholder Group further acknowledged that such engagement has recently resulted in the Government of India (in its letter to the IMF, dated January 16, 2023 (the "India Letter")) delivering letters of financing assurances, committing to support Sri Lanka and contribute to its efforts to restore debt sustainability by providing debt relief and financing consistent with the IMF Extended Fund Facility Arrangement (the "IMF Programme") and the IMF Programme targets indicated in the India Letter.Similarly, the Bondholder Group through its Steering Committee stands ready to engage quickly and effectively with the Sri Lankan authorities to design and implement restructuring terms that would help Sri Lanka restore debt sustainability and allow the country to re-gain access to the international capital markets during the IMF Programme period.The Bondholder Group understands that the IMF Programme's debt sustainability targets are identified as (i) reducing the ratio of public debt to GDP to 95% by 2032,  (ii) limiting the central government's annual gross financing needs to GDP ratio to 13% in the period between 2027 and

COLOMBO (News 1st); The car that belonged to millionaire businessman Roshan Wanninayake, the owner of a retail clothing chain, who was found dead in a rooftop swimming pool at a house in Pelawatte, Battaramulla was located from St.

Colombo (News1st) – Chevaan Daniel in converstaion with Faraz Shauketaly on the Talk Of The Town 

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan will be visiting Colombo to participate in the celebrations connected with the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka on 4 February 2023.The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that his visit will take place at the invitation of the Government of Sri Lanka.During the visit, the Minister of State will also have separate bilateral interactions with President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former Archbishop of Colombo His Grace the Most Rev. Dr Oswald Gomis was called to eternal rest at the age of 90 during the early hours on Friday (3).The remains of the late Most Rev. Dr Oswald Gomis will be moved to the Bishops' House at noon on Friday (3).His Grace the Most Rev.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided not to attend the 75th Independence Day celebrations in Colombo on Saturday (4).Speaking to News 1st the Opposition Leader confirmed his decision to boycott the grand event.In addition, the group of MPs led by Dullas Alahapperuma who left the government to become independent have also decided to boycott the 75th Independence Day celebrations.Speaking to News 1st MP Alahapperuma said he decided to boycott the event as he cannot agree with the programs carried out by the present government.Sri Lanka will be celebrating the 75th Independence Day at Galle Face on Saturday (4) in a three-hour long event starting from around 8 AM.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary to the Prime Minister has instructed to issue a gazette notification regarding the name of the area which has been known as Slave Island in English until now, as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in the three main languages used in the country.The Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake has informed the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Local Government and Provincial Councils, the Postmaster General and the Commissioner of Colombo Municipal Council regarding this decision which has been taken on the advice of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in line with the 75th commemoration of Independence.Accordingly, road signs, postal usage, assessment and names of voters and voters’ registers associated with, Kompagngna Veediya / Kompanna Vidiya, Colombo 2, will be renamed as Kompanna Vidiya / Kompagngna Veediya in Sinhala, Tamil and English since the nomenclature of “Slave Island” used during the colonial period signifies a different meaning. The name "Slave Island" was coined during the period of British colonial rule and was a reference to the usage of the island under Portuguese rule as a holding area for African slaves, most of them from the Swahili coast and Portuguese East Africa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The ‘75th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal’ was introduced to the Sri Lankan Tri-Forces recently. Symbolising the bestowal of the new medal, the Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, and a cross section of the tri services that is comprised of both officers and other ranks were ceremonially awarded the medal by the the president Ranil Wickremesinghe.Addressing the event in Kandy on Wednesday (1), President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that although lives lost during the war cannot be regained, the income lost during the economic war could be regained.The President also pointed out that the stability of political and territorial integrity of a country is the best factor to win over the economic war.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning has retaliated to comments made by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland during her visit to Sri Lanka that terms extended by China to Sri Lanka for getting IMF debt relief are not enough."Rather than jabbing fingers at China’s close cooperation with Sri Lanka, the US might as well show some sincerity and actually do something to help Sri Lanka weather through the current difficulties," Ning said responding to journalists at a regular press conference on Thursday (02)."What was said by the US side does not reflect the truth. The Export-Import Bank of China has already provided Sri Lanka with the letter to express support for its debt sustainability.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Convener of the Inter-University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige attended a media briefing for the first in 167 days on Thursday (2).At this media briefing, he made certain startling revelations about what he experienced during his detention.According to Wasantha Mudalige he was arrested by a police officer identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliygaoda Special Police Unit.Mudalige said he was taken to the Peliyagoda Police and thereafter to an emptied out Enderamulla Police where ASP Mahinda Wiloarachchi from the Peliygaoda Special Police Unit had a pistol on the table pointed at him in a bid to instill fear."At the Enderamulla Police, the person identified as ASP Mahinda Wiloarachch placed a pistol on the table pointed towards me, and asked if I recall what happened to Wijeweera and Vijaya Kumaratunga. He said that is what I deserved, however given the situation I would not be killed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

₹800 for private markets while for the supplies to Union and State governments, Bharat Biotech has kept the price at ₹325. The nasal vaccine for now is not available on CoWin.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission in a letter to the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has inquired over the possibility of making available the facilities required for the upcoming election.The letters inquired the Central Banks' position to provide US dollars for the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Ceylon Electricity Board to supply electricity and fuel for the election.At the recent meeting with the National Election Commission, the CPC and the CEB had pointed out that they are short of US Dollars to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.They had requested the National Election Commission to inquire from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on supporting them to avert a dollar crisis.

A meeting of the Constitutional Council will be held on Wednesday (25) at 9.30 am, Chief of Staff and Deputy General Secretary of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said, according to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the President appointed the non-members of Parliament as members of the Constitutional Council based on the nominations submitted by the Speaker with the agreement of the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Accordingly, Dr. Pratap Ramanujam, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission has addressed a letter to the Finance Ministry requesting a clarification on whether funds can be provided for the local government election.The Chairman of the National Election Commission in the letter had sought a clarification from the Treasury Secretary.The cost for the Local Government Election is estimated at Rs. 10 Billion.The National Election Commission said that the Treasury Secretary is expected to provide a detailed response on whether the funds will be made available.Dr.

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.

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

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) – 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) – 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) – 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) – 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.

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

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) – 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.

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.

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 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

LOVE Island's latest sizzling line-up have only just stepped foot in South Africa - yet one contestant has broken a huge show rule. Viewers gushed over new host Maya Jama, 28, as she met the unlucky-in-love singletons in the lavish villa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Freedom Party has decided to contest under the symbol of the Hand for a majority of the Local Government Institutions, and contest under the symbol of the Helicopter for a few Local Government Institutions at the upcoming elections.The Sri Lanka Freedom Party Media Unit said that this was the decision reached by a majority membership of the political committee of the SLFP that met under the Chairmanship of Former President Maithripala Sirisena.