Decision on Bread Prices, today (31)

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that eight suspects have been arrested with drugs and narcotic pills at Weligama beach.This is based on information that a party organized via facebook was taking place on the Weligama beach.The suspects are residents of Weligama, Ranala, Tissamaharama, Kananke, Telijjawila, Syawala and Beliatta areas.The relevant suspects were produced to the Matara Magistrate and were later on released on bail.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena said that operations between Mahawa and Jaffna will be suspended for five months from 2023.He said the operations between those two train stations will be suspended from 15th January 2023.He told Parliament that renovations along the trains were the cause for this decision.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation said that a team of officials have left for the Gal-Ara Buffer Zone belonging to the Yala Park today (28) to investigate the clearing of the area by a group.This is based on the instructions given by the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera to the Secretary of the Ministry Chandra Herath to provide an investigation report on the related incident.Secretary of the Ministry Chandra Herath said that strict disciplinary steps will be taken against the officials responsible for the related incident who have neglected their duties.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 10.6 million liters of diesel donation by China will be provided free of charge, said the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.Fuel will be given free to  232,749 farmers for harvesting 342,266 hectares paddy fields across Sri Lanka in Maha season 2022/23 (20L/hectare)In addition, the 3,796 fishing vessels below 40 feet in Sri Lanka (1,000L/vessel) will also be given free diesel courtesy from China.

Agricultural land in the Thammanawa area in the Hambantota district is now protected with a 15 feet high hanging electric fence that will keep away wild elephants.The Hambantota International Port (HIP) handed over the 5 ½ kilometre fence to the Thammannawa village agriculture committee last week.This area which was frequented by wild elephants will now be safe for villagers who will be able to carry out their livelihoods in peace.The fencing project, which is a part of HIP’s Human Elephant Peace initiative, was done after a scientific analysis was carried out in joint collaboration by the District secretariat and Wildlife Conservation Department.It also included 4 strategically placed roadside warning boards at high risk points and a series of awareness programmes for villages in the area. The next step which has already begun and currently in an exploratory stage is the planting of a Palmyrah tree bio fence.Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), said at the handover ceremony, “HIP undertook this project because it is a burning issue within the community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The court of appeal granted permission to examine the writ application filed seeking a ruling that State Minister Diana Gamage is unfit to become a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament and that she should be prevented from serving as an MP.The writ application was filed by civil activist Osanda Lakmal Anil Herath, and it was called up in the presence of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.State Minister Diana Gamage, the Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, and the Chairman of the National Election Commission among 15 others were named as respondents in the case.The Court of Appeal ordered for notice to be served on the respondents to make their submissions with regard to the matter.The exmination of the petition will commence on the 12th of December 2022, ordered the Court of Appeal.The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration was also ordered by the Court of Appeal to submit all documents related to the citizenship of Diana Gamage to the court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A circular has been issued suspending the expenses incurred for various events of State Institutions by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies Mahinda Siriwardena.The Cabinet had decided on the 13th of June to suspend the spending of funds for events related to their scope as well as other external events in the current limited financial space.However, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies say that it has been reported that such expenses are still being incurred contrary to the relevant rules.Accordingly, the Secretary states state funds should not be used for opening ceremonies and other events at Ministries, Departments, State Corporations, Companies, Statutory Boards, State Enterprises, Provincial Councils, Local Government Institutions and State Banks.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh recently.Minister Sabry and Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contact using air and sea connectivity. The Prime Minister encouraged acquiring more traction for Bangladesh vessels through the Port of Colombo and invited further investments from Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry emphasized the importance of tourism promotion and invited Bangladesh tourists and investors to explore Sri Lanka.Minister Ali Sabry is in Dhaka to attend meetings as the Vice-Chair of IORA, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Fisheries says that steps have been taken to introduce a pension scheme for the fishing community.The Director General of the Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawatta pointed out that the pension system will be implemented through the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 28th & 29th November as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of light showers will occur in the Northern province.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Southern provinces, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or night.The Misty condition can be expected in Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:Several spells of light showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Kankasanturai.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.2922 Sell 371.2929GBP Buy 434.6091 Sell 451.3888EUR Buy 373.0369 Sell 388.6538JPY Buy 2.5825 Sell 2.6902AUD Buy 242.0396 Sell 253.3277

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro says that there is a high demand for domestic LP gas due to the festive season.Litro said that accordingly, 40,000 gas cylinders will be distributed to the local market today (28).Further, cooking gas has been released for factories, hotels, and other essential services.Meanwhile, Litro points out that a vessel carrying 4,000 MT of LP gas is scheduled to reach the country on the 30th.In addition, Litro says that over 100,000 cooking gas cylinders will be distributed to the local markers from the 1st of December.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 FIFA World Cup surprises keep coming as Morocco beat the world's second best side, Belgium 2-0. Thanks to late goals by Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, Morocco pulled off just its third-ever win at a World Cup. Belgium had 10 shots, but they only had three on target.

(Reuters) – Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Saturday after her strategy to frame local elections as showing defiance to China's rising bellicosity failed to pay off and win public support.The elections for mayors, county chiefs and local councillors are ostensibly about domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crime, and those elected will not have a direct say on China policy.But Tsai had recast the election as being more than a local vote, saying the world is watching how Taiwan defends its democracy amid military tensions with China, which claims the island as its territory.The main opposition party the Kuomintang, or KMT, was leading or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei, compared to the DPP's five, broadly in line with expectations and similar to the results of the last local elections in 2018."The results failed our expectations. We humbly accept the results and accept the Taiwanese people's decision," Tsai told reporters at party headquarters as she quit as party head, which she also did after 2018's poor results."It's not like the DPP has never failed before," Tsai, who will continue serving as president until 2024, added.

Demonstrations have erupted in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities Protests are erupting in major cities in China over President Xi Jinping‘s zero-tolerance approach to Covid-19, an unusual show of defiance in the country as the economic and social costs from snap lockdowns and other strict restrictions escalate.

Colombo (News 1st) – In yet another shock win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Costa Rica scored their first goal of the tournament to beat Japan 1-0. Japan beat the mighty Germans 2-1 just a few nights ago.Keysher Fuller made Costa Rica's first shot on target count! Despite his side carrying no goal threat all game, Fuller beat the keeper from the edge of the box to keep their dream of reaching the last 16 alive.Costa Rica suffered a 7-0 humbling to Spain on Wednesday (Nov.

A group of Lanarkshire pals have kickstarted a new initiative to improve local men's mental and physical health through football.

prostate cancer fears in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.The iconic fitness guru is taking on the challenge of a lifetime after his own experience with the disease.  Derrick will be running an impressive 26.2 miles this January in support of Prostate Cancer UK.The GMTV star gave a rare insight into his own health, as he discussed how prostate cancer had left a lasting impact on both him and his loved ones. Sadly, one in eight men are affected by prostate cancer, and Derrick was shocked to recently learn that black men face double this risk, as the disease affects one in four of them. Derrick, who rose to fame with his motivational live fitness sessions on breakfast television, spoke about how he had been personally impacted by the illness.  “There was a period, about two years ago, when I noticed that my flow was not as strong,” Derrick remembered.“So I went to get it checked and my prostate was slightly enlarged,” he continued.“And we just watched it, but we kept going back and the doctors and specialists kept saying, ‘Well look, your fitness is definitely keeping you ahead of the curve.’ “And there was a point at which it did get enlarged really badly and I was really having serious difficulty passing water.

Instagram in view of his 1.4 million followers, including one of him on a hospital bed and another of his knee scan.He sported a grey T-shirt and a pair of shorts while wearing a knee brace.Jamie captioned the post: "So I have finally decided to fix my knee and get a full knee replacement."When I was just 18 I had all of the meniscus removed from the inside of my right knee, hence making it bone on bone and taking away the cushion that protects it."It has given me constant problems since.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that a system has been set up to schedule HIV tests online. Specialist Doctor Nimali Jayasuriya says that this online method can be used instead of going to clinics. Accordingly she further sais that bookings for HIV tests can be made at the website www.know4sure.lk News 1st is now on Whatsapp, Viber, LinkedIN and Telegram. Don't miss out on all the latest developments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government says that from next week, every public servant should report to duty in official attire based on the respective institution's policies.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura says that the relevant circular will be issued next week.He said the government aims to encourage all public servants to return to the pre-COVID pandemic dress code. During the pandemic, a circular was issued relaxing the rules imposed on those working in the public sector.

Will Smith has gone viral, but not in a good way. The actor, 54, was planning on surprising an audience who had just watched his film, Emancipation, but ended up testing positive for Covid, sharing a video to show how he took a Covid test prior to the appearance. Will seemed to take the news well, writing a lighthearted 'I went viral' next to the video on social media.  Viral: Will Smith used a lighthearted play on words saying 'I went viral' as the actor revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 Participants at screenings are often required to show negative results before they can attend an event. The action star showed no signs of illness, but bellowed out exaggerated screams of pain as swirled the test swab around his nasal passages, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result. Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.  Surprise: The actor was hoping to surprise an audience who had just watched his new film, Emancipation, but was unable to attend  No signs: The action star showed no signs of illness, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result Zoom: Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.

It’s a damning statistic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commissioner General of Examinations L. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

KYM Marsh has shared an update after it was revealed she won't take part in Strictly this weekend after testing positive for Covid. A statement from hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing said "all being well", ex-Corrie actress Kym Marsh, 46, will return with pro partner Graziano Di Prima, 28, next weekend. But her pro-dance partner shared an update to his Instagram account - hinting that despite the setback, the pair are still focused on the competition.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyabalapitiya says that the consumption of alcohol in the country has decreased by 30%.The state minister said the production of legal liquor has increased by 11%.He further said that the flooding of illegal alcohol in the market has decreased.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

Covid-19 update: The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala. India has reported 389 coronavirus infections, taking the cumulative Covid-19 tally to 4,46,71,219 on Saturday, while active cases declined to 5,395, according to the Union Health Ministry data.  The country's death toll climbed to 5,30,608 with three fatalities, including one reconciled by Kerala, according to the ministry data.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Uva province and Matara, Hambanthota, Ampara and Jaffna districts during the afternoon or night.Mainly fair weather will prevail elsewhere in the country.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Hambantota via Matara.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight. 

South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership has won three awards of national trophies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that electricity tariffs will be increased, again."No matter who becomes, President, Finance Minister, or Government we cannot avoid another hike in tariffs.," he told Parliament on Friday (25) adding that Sri Lanka will not receive rainfall in 2023 as it did in 2022.Therefore, according to the Minister it costs Rs. 56.90 to generate a unit for the CEB to deliver around clock electricity."We charge Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On the 26th and 27th of November, the Dawoodi Bohra community of Sri Lanka will host the Bohra Business Exposition 2022 at the Havelock City Hall, from 10am- 9pm.For generations, the Dawoodi Bohra community in Sri Lanka has played an instrumental role in Sri Lanka's business sphere and continually has had an impact on the lives of million employed and engaged with their sectors. Subsequent to their entry into Sri Lanka's business community in 1830, the Bohra entrepreneurs infiltrated the business community as traders and merchants.

With a steady decline in covid cases, several state governments have eased travel norms and mandatory wearing of masks NEW DELHI: India reported 365 fresh coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, pulling down active cases to 5,516, according to an update by the Union health ministry on Friday. Total reported cases in the country since the pandemic hit in 2020 now stands at 4,46,70,830, and death toll at 530,604. Active cases account for 0.01% of total reported infections, while the recovery rate stands at 98.80%, according to the health ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government of China has donated 10.6 Million liters of Diesel to Sri Lanka for farmers and fisheries in Sri Lanka.The "Super Eastern" vessel carrying diesel is scheduled to arrive in the country form Singapore to the Port of Colombo tomorrow (26).The embassy earlier tweeted that China will donate 10.6 million liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka, to upgrade livelihood in the most affected sectors of agriculture & fishery. The shipments are scheduled between November and December, and will be distributed to the needed asap.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A 55-year-old Hotel owner in Ja-Ela was stabbed to death inside his hotel last night, said Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa.He further said his wife was also at the hotel during the murder.The Police noted that further investigations are underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special commemoration speech to mark the 55th death anniversary of the late D.A. Rajapaksa was held yesterday (24) under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Nawarangahala in Colombo.This ceremony was organised by the Rajapakse Memorial Educational, Cultural and Social Services Foundation, and was presided over by the Venerable Anunayake of the Sri Lanka Ramanya Maha Nikaya, Head of the Minuwangoda Patthaduvana Bhikshu Training Institute Venerable Nadagamuwe Vijaya Maitri Thero.Professor Samitha Hettige of the University of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia delivered the keynote address on “The Belt – Road: Lessons for Sustainable Development”.The book containing the Commemoration speech was also presented to the President.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena laid a floral tribute at the statue of the Late D.

DigiLocker can be used as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc New Delhi: DigiLocker, the authentic documents exchange platform under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has completed its second-level of integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the National Health Authority (NHA) said on Thursday. The secure cloud-based storage platform of DigiLocker can be used now as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc, stated NHA. DigiLocker had earlier completed level 1 integration with ABDM wherein the platform had added ABHA or Ayushman Bharat Health Account creation facility for its 13 crore users.

The head of Ayrshire’s ailing health service claims she will work “like a dog with a bone” to turn its fortunes around.

NHS Lanarkshire has been recognised for its commitment to a greener future with an award.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that if the process to restructure debts with India and China is delayed, the process to reach an agreement with the IMF Executive Board could be further delayed till January. Speaking at the 32nd Annual General meeting of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory owners, the President said that Sri Lanka must first ensure that it can get out of bankruptancy, and negotiate with creditors."I went to the Paris Club first. Western countries and Japan are there. But we are in a special place.

COLOMBO (News 1st)- The price of a 450g loaf of bread in Sri Lanka will be reduced by Rs. 10/- with effect from Monday (31).The All Ceylon Bakery Owners Association announced the decision was taken considering the situation in the country, as well as the prices of wheat flour.N.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Legal action has been taken against 100 people who sold bread at a low weight.The Chairman of the Consumer Affairs Authority Attorney Shantha Niriella said that continuous operations are being carried out across the country to trace traders selling bread at low weight.A loaf of bread should be 450g.An individual business owner who sells bread without the relevant weight will be fined Rs.1,000/- to Rs.10,000/-.A fine of 10,000/- to 10,0000/- rupees will be imposed on companies that sell bread at low weight.The Consumer Affairs Authority requested the general public to report the traders who are selling bread at a high price via the hotline 1977.

House prices in Edinburgh and Glasgow have boomed as workers returned to the office.

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed thousands of Sri Lankan lives, and News 1st revealed questionable transactions that took place during the height of the pandemic.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire on Monday, 31st of October 2022.The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health repeatedly requested the people of Sri Lanka to obtain the vaccine doses before delay.Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire, and if it does the value of those vaccines as per the current market rate would be astronomical.While vaccine stocks are about to expire leading to another colossal waste, Sri Lanka also lost a large sum of money when it delayed placing orders for the vaccine.In February 2020, Sri Lanka recorded its first even COVID-19 infection and it didn't take long for the coronavirus to spread across the country.What did Sri Lanka do when other countries devoted their resources to developing a vaccine?Sri Lankan MPs and Minister dropped pots into rivers, and the so-called miracle tonic Dhammika Paniya was promoted widely – while there was absolutely no interest in procuring the vaccines.Experts in the field of medicine repeatedly called for the government to procure vaccines, however as Sri Lankan authorities opted to myth over science, the procurement of much-needed vaccines was delayed.On the 30th of December 2020, the UK granted approval for the emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine prompting many other countries to place immediate orders for the vaccines.As it was also produced by the