Dolawatte wants those below 35 to contest LG polls, Opps says NOT to delay election

GOOD Morning Britain host Kate Garraway gave an emotional update on Derek Draper's health this morning. The 55-year-old star appeared on Lorraine Kelly's show with co-host Ben Shephard when she opened up about her husband. Derek was taken to intensive care with Covid in March 2020 and only allowed home in April the following year.

(Reuters) – International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday that she will travel to Beijing next week with heads of other international institutions to press for quicker action on debt relief for poor and developing countries.The meetings with the country's leadership will focus on China's economic, COVID-19 and debt relief policies and will include officials from China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China, the IMF said."This is the first time, hopefully, we will be able to sit together and discuss the very pressing issues that China, and the world are faced with," Georgieva told the Reuters NEXT conference.Georgieva said that during the Beijing meetings she intends to discuss ways to accelerate China's participation in debt relief for poor and developing countries as the world's largest official bilateral creditor."I am very hopeful that when we have a chance next week to discuss these issues, we will continue on a path of finding better solutions and strengthening the capacity of the common framework to deliver," she said, referring to G20 countries' slow-to-launch common debt restructuring framework.World Bank President David Malpass told the conference that he would join the discussions in Beijing, along with officials from the World Trade Organization, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and others.Georgieva and Malpass have both called for reforms of the common framework to offer heavily indebted countries a freeze in debt service payments when they apply for debt relief and clearer timelines for reaching agreement on debt treatments.Asked if China's slowing growth would limit its appetite for agreeing to debt reductions, Georgieva said she hoped

A new study has revealed that teenagers had a tremendous impact on their mental health due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings claimed that pandemic-related stressors have physically aged the brains of adolescents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Parliamentarian & Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka told Parliament on Friday (2) that the project to dig trenches as a solution to the Human-Elephant Conflict is a failure.Sarath Fonseka said that a ruling party MP from Ampara had proposed for trenches to be dug as a solution to the human-elephant conflict.Fonseka said warned that digging up a trench that is 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep would pose a direct threat to the river systems in the country.He added that even though the Department of Wildlife Conservation had not approved the project on technicalities, a 55-kilometer-long trench has been dug up, and the allegation is that the project is being used to illegally remove soil and sand.His comments were met with strong opposition from the ruling party in the house.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva told Reuters Next on Friday (2) that changes to the G20 Common Framework on debt restructuring were needed to speed up debt treatments, freeze debt service payments once a country requested help, and open the process to middle-income countries like Sri Lanka."We are concerned that there is a risk for confidence in debt resolution to be eroded at a time when the level of debt is very high," Georgieva said."We don't see at this point … a risk of a systemic debt crisis," she said, adding that countries in debt distress were not large enough to trigger a crisis that would threaten financial stability.Source: Reuters

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 3rd term for all Government & Government-approved schools will commence on Monday (5).The Education Ministry's Additional Secretary for School Affairs Lalitha Egodawala speaking to News 1st said that the 2nd term concluded on Thursday (1) and Friday (2) was declared a holiday for all schools.Christmas holidays for schools will commence on the 22nd of December, and schools will re-open on the 2nd of January 2023.Thereafter, schools will close for a month from 20th January to 20th February 2023 for the G.C.E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's State Ministry of Higher Education says the cut-off marks for university entrance based on the results of the recent A/L examination will be released today (2). The Ministry further said that it has planned to enrol 44,000 students in the universities this year based on the cut-off marks.Over 85,000 students applied for admission to state universities this year.The selected students are scheduled to start their academic activities in each university in January 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chairman of Sri Lanka Thriposha Ltd Deepthi Kularatne says Thriposha production resumed after suitable stocks of maize were made available.Nearly, 60,000 triposha packets are being produced by the company daily and are being distributed across the country.He further said that the production of triphosha products for mothers will continue.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur in Northern and Eastern provinces and in the Hambanthota district.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Fairly heavy showers above 75mm are likely at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa and Central provinces and in Galle and Matara districts.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Pottuvil via Kankasanturai, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers will occur in the other sea areas during the afternoon or night.Winds:Winds will be north-easterly and wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.State of Sea:The sea areas around the island will be slight.Temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fitch Ratings has downgraded Sri Lanka's Long-Term Local-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'CC', from 'CCC', and has affirmed the Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR at 'RD' (Restricted Default). Fitch typically does not assign Outlooks to ratings of 'CCC+' or below.Fitch has also removed the Long-Term Local-Currency IDR from Under Criteria Observation, on which it was placed on 14 July 2022, following the publication of the updated Sovereign Rating Criteria.A full list of rating actions is at the end of this rating action commentary.KEY RATING DRIVERS:Challenging Domestic Financing Outlook: Sri Lanka continues to service its local-currency debt, but the downgrade of the Long-Term Local-Currency IDR reflects our view that a local-currency debt default is probable, in view of an untenably high domestic interest payment/revenue ratio, high interest costs, tight domestic financing conditions and rising local-currency debt/GDP in the context of high domestic fiscal financing requirements, which authorities forecast at about 8% of GDP in 2022.According to authorities, domestic interest payments in 8M22 were LKR718.8 billion, taking the domestic interest/revenue ratio to an estimated 56% in 8M22; the highest among sovereigns rated 'CCC+' and below.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said recently (29) that due to the fuel crisis, steps will be taken to introduce electric motor boats for fishermen from next year.The Minister mentioned this at the meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on fisheries in Parliament.The minister pointed out that it is expected to introduce electric motor boats that can travel 100 kilometres using batteries and the cost is only 86 rupees per day to fishermen engaged in small-scale fishing.The Minister also mentioned that attention has also been paid to providing electricity generation facilities through solar panels and wind turbines for boats using kerosene and diesel.State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha, mentioned that a special mobile service is being implemented successfully by the ministry to solve the problems faced by the fishermen.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President, Prime Minister, Speaker and other public representatives stood in unity with the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for Global Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) on Thursday (1).A wristband given to Parliamentarians with the message “Let’s Unite to end Gender Based Violence” as a sign of support.

NEW DELHI : National AIDS toll-free helpline, lifetime free ART services and regular viral load monitoring for PLHIV are some of the steps taken by the government to strengthen HIV/AIDS and STD response, said Union Minister of state for Health and Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar on Thursday.  Addressing the World AIDS Day celebrations, the minister said that the World AIDS Day is an opportunity to show solidarity with people living with HIV (PLHIV) and create awareness for the same. “The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is ‘Equalize’, which is a slogan for a call to action for all connected with this crusade.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that a bill on gender equality and women's empowerment will be submitted to Parliament soon and he also instructed the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus to prepare the bill. The President emphasized that women's representation should be increased not only in the Parliament but also in other sectors and the public sector as well as the private sector should focus their attention in this regard. The President pointed out that the representation of women in the First Council of Sri Lanka was 2% and 91 years after universal suffrage, the representation of women in the current parliament is only 5.3%. President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations by joining the Committee Stage Debate on the budget proposal for the financial year 2023 in parliament on Thursday (01). Statement issued by the President's Media Division:“I expect to speak especially on the Ministry under me. We thank the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus for commencing a 16-day campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). It was in 1931 that Sri Lankans got the universal franchise.

Sarah Beeny has been inundated with supportive messages from fans today after she shared a positive update following her recent cancer diagnosis.The 50-year-old shared a selfie of her wearing a purple woolly hat as she enjoyed a walk out in the open.Alongside the post, she revealed she was feeling more "human" following a recent picture of her back in hospital for treatment.She wrote: "It may be cold but WHAT a beautiful morning!!"One of my very fav hats I’ve been given and feeling human! You were right - it does pass!"Many of the presenter's 245,000 followers flocked to her post to comment.Zara Tindall's hug with Mike on I’m A Celeb questioned by Ant and DecSusieqbach typed: "Hang on in there, Sarah. Looking marvelous, out there using all your senses, smell that air, hear those birds, see those views."Shelleylilburne wrote: "Very cute hat...

COLOMBO (News 1st)- Sri Lanka's Public Security Secretary S. Hettiarachchi expects to deploy the Police Special Task Force to crack down on drugs and underworld criminal activity."Prisons are reaching maximum capacity because of the rising number of drug users.

Stephen Robinson insists St Mirren will “play their part” in protecting players from developing dementia after they’ve retired.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan and a Russian died after a three-wheeler collided with a train in Galle on Thursday (1) morning.Sri Lanka Police said the Russian was a female, and the train was travelling from Beliatte to Vavuniya. The three-wheeler had caught fire following the accident at the Maharamba Railway Crossing in Galle.Sri Lanka Railways said that there may be minor delays in operations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Hambantota International Port announced that another luxury cruise MV Azamara Quest is expected to arrive on December 5th.The MV Azamara Quest will become the second cruise ship to dock at the Hambantota International Port this year, after the visit of Mein Schiff 5.Passengers from the Mein Schiff 5 visited Colombo, Yala national park, Udawalawe wildlife park, and the historical rock temple of Mulkirigala.Bundala National Park, Hambantota Botanical Gardens, Galle and Kataragama were popular destinations among the Mein Schiff 5’s passengers. MV Azamara Quest (IMO: 9210218) is a Passenger Ship that was built in 2000 (22 years ago) and is sailing under the flag of Malta.Its carrying capacity is 30277 Gross Tonnage and its current draught is reported to be 5.9 meters.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet approved a hike in electricity tariffs under two steps in January and June 2023.A statement from Sri Lanka Parliament said that although the electricity tariff has been increased in the past, it is not sufficient to cover the loss of the electricity board and thus, the request to increase the electricity bill has received cabinet approval. This was disclosed at the Sub Committee on Identifying the Short & Medium-Term Programmes related to Economic Stabilization of the National Council held on Wednesday (29).Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved increasing the electricity tariffs under two steps in January and June 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena endorsed the certificate on the “Appropriation (Amendment)” Bill which was passed in Parliament on Wednesday (30).This bill to amend Appropriation Act No. 30 of 2021 was presented by the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government Dinesh Gunawardena on 15th of November, 2022.Accordingly, paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 2 of the Appropriation Act, No.

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf has told Scots “I am sorry” over long waits for ­treatment in our crisis-hit NHS.

Covid-19 update: In India, the active caseload has declined to 12,553, according to the Union Health Ministry data. India has reported a single-day rise of 833 new Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, taking the cumulative tally to 4,46,65,643, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The country's active caseload has declined to 12,553, which accounts for 0.03% of the total coronavirus infections.

LINO LAKES, Minn. (FOX 9) - Today, 21-month-old Gabi is a happy and healthy girl who loves playing with her big sister and her parents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting was held in Parliament to discuss the draft bill for the establishment of the Budget Office of the Parliament.The special meeting was attended by the Party leaders and members of the Committee on Parliamentary Business.    The Members of Parliament who were present had a lengthy discussion on the draft bill related to the establishment of the budget office of the parliament. Also, it was decided to meet again in two weeks after further study of this bill.

I'M A Celebrity viewers turned on Babatúndé Aléshé after saying he believed a bonkers conspiracy theory about the Covid vaccine - before making a VERY quick U-turn. The Celebrity Gogglebox star was having a frank discussion with Matt Hancock MP about rumours that swirled during the coronavirus pandemic. Babatunde told Matt: “I’m a conspiracy theorist.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe President told the Parliament on Thursday (10) that the IMF had requested not to release the agreement reached between Sri Lanka and the International Monetary Fund until the current round of negotiations are complete.The President said that previously when the country approached the IMF, talks were only with the International Monetary Fund, however, this time around discussions need to take place with other countries as well."Japan is speaking India and China because they are not members of the Paris Club. Amendments may take place," the President told the house"IMF says don't release it till we finish this round of negotiations. I won't put anyone in to trouble.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court in its determination on the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill noted that subject to the amendments being moved at the Committee Stage of Parliament as proposed by the learned Deputy Solicitor General, the Bill as a whole is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution.The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.The amendments are as follows:(i)Clause 3 The insertion of the following proviso in Section 10(1)— “Provided further, for the purposes of paragraph (vii), the requirement for the registration shall raise from the date on which this Amendment Act comes into operation.”(ii)Clause 4(1) The reference to “September 30, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “November 30, 2022”.(iii)Clause 4(2) The reference to “October 1, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “December 1, 2022”.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to appoint a special committee consisting of four members to further study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of three Standing Committees to be established. This was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently.Accordingly, the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Economic Stabilization are expected to be established as new standing committees.Accordingly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Members of Parliament (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M. A.

States have been asked to continue monitoring incoming international travelers, undertake constant genome sequencing and step-up vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 811 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, while active cases slipped to 13,559, the health ministry said in an update on Wednesday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Dr. Harsha De Silva is the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance and he told the Parliament on Tuesday (8) that the state expenses would increase by Rs.

Sri Lankan cricket star Danushka Gunathilaka will remain behind bars after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Sydney's eastern suburbs during the T20 World Cup.   Gunathilaka unsuccessfully applied for bail in Downing Centre Local Court on Monday in a hearing that was closed to the public. Police had been granted a suppression order restricting access on what could be reported about the 31-year-old's alleged crimes.The top-order batsman spent Sunday night behind bars after being charged with raping a 29-year-old Australian woman.He faces four counts of sexual intercourse without consent allegedly committed over a two-hour period at Rose Bay on November 2. Gunathilaka appeared in the Downing Centre by audio-visual link from Surry Hills police station.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka said on Monday (7) that around 75 – 100 detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center had fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that around 25 of the escapees had surrendered themselves to the Sri Lanka Army Checkpoint positions on the Somawathiya – Kandakadu Road.A brawl took place between two groups of detainees at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday (6) night.One injured detainee and one Sri Lanka Army soldier were admitted to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that several detainees had attempted to approach the armoury at the premises, and that escalated the brawl.Sri Lanka Army personnel attached to the 9th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery who were assigned to the security detail of the armoury had foiled the attempt, and the armoury of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center was secured by the Sri Lanka Army, said Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Journalist Tharidu Jayawardena had filed a private complaint against ASP Nalin Dilruk, and SSP Roshan Dias for alleged obstruction caused during a protest on the 10th of October 2022 in Colombo.The Attorney General on Tuesday (1) had filed an ex-parte motion to call for the matter, and on Wednesday (2) counsel appearing for the complainant expressed their objections over this move.Appearing for the complainant President's Counsel Saliya Peiris told the court that the Attorney General is not a person with special privileges.The President's Counsel pointed out that the Attorney General was not a party to the private plaint filed against two police officers, and noted that summoning the case via an ex-parte motion to obtain orders sets a negative precedent.He added that if the Attorney General wanted to call for the case via a motion, the Attorney General must inform the complainant or his counsel.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that Senior State Counsel Saminda Wickrama appearing for the Attorney General had concealed the fact that he did not inform the complainant or the counsel from the Magistrate, and presented facts over the matter.He informed the court that he was only made aware that the case was called up via a motion on Tuesday (1) following media reports on the matter, and that the counsel for the state had told the court that the complainant had made false submissions to the court.President's Counsel Saliya Peiris stressed that the complainant or the counsel have never produced any false fact to the country, and had never misled the court.He pointed out that the submissions made by the Attorney General's Department were published in the media, and though the Attorney General had

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) has established a disability unit within the premises of the Human Rights Commission.Commissioners Anusuya Shanmuganathan and Dr. Nimal Karunasiri with National Democratic Institute (NDI), Disability Organizations Joint Front Sri Lanka (DJOF), and other relevant stakeholders with whom the HRCSL is working closely to safeguard disability rights, seeks the indulgence of the Minister, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's National Water Supply and Drainage Board said that Rs. 6.5 Billion in unsettled bills are pending from consumers.Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Tuesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Trade Minister Nalin Fernando says that steps will be taken to give the people the benefit of the reduction in commodity prices.He further said that many businessmen do NOT give that benefit to the people.Accordingly, he added that he will discuss this with the representatives of food distribution associations, including supermarket chains, and provide necessary solutions.

EAMONN Holmes has suffered a fall at his Surrey home - leaving the star with a fractured shoulder and in "an awful lot of pain". The 62-year-old former This Morning star has been left "gutted" by his latest health setback, his rep said today. The tumble means Eamonn - who recently had spinal surgery to try and ease chronic pain in his back and legs - will remain off air.

Dame Judi Dench, 87, has discussed how she had to get her partner David Mills to “cut up her food” for her due to her declining health.The star also revealed that she cannot read or write anymore due to suffering from advanced macular degeneration. The James Bond actress revealed that, while out for dinner recently with her partner David, he had to cut up her food as she couldn't see it on her plate.“He cut it up and handed something to me on a fork and that's the way I ate it,” she recalled.However, the legendary star has insisted that she will not be retiring from acting anytime soon despite her condition. Nonetheless, Judi admitted that her health was in a “bad” state as she opened up about the way her life has changed as a result. “I don't want to retire,” she said. “I'm not doing much at the moment because I can't see.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The family of a Surinamese woman arrested with cocaine in Sri Lanka have appointed a Surinamese lawyer to appear for her case.The government of Suriname has refuted media reports that a Surinamese woman arrested in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death on suspicion of drug smuggling. The woman was arrested by the Customs Narcotics Control Bureau on October 18 for possession of over two kilograms of cocaine at the Katunayake Airport.The 25-year-old woman, who had arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport through Doha, Qatar from Brazil, was questioned by the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Bureau officers, due to her suspicious behavior.During the investigation, the officers discovered 2,553 grams of cocaine, in tins, labeled as containing food.The suspect was subsequently detained and charged with the offense of drug smuggling.The Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation has become involved in the matter on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Traffic’ (Arts 5 and 36 paragraph 1c) and ‘the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Traffic’, adding that information is requested from Sri Lanka.The Surinamese government has taken steps in accordance with these preconditions and the embassy in New Delhi, India, immediately contacted the authorities in Sri Lanka.After confirming the suspect’s arrest, the Surinamese embassy in New Delhi immediately requested permission from the Sri Lankan authorities for consular access to the person concerned, either virtually or physically.In the meantime, a Surinamese lawyer has been appointed by the suspect’s family as a contact person, and information is exchanged with the family via this communication

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Twenty-first amendment to the constitution will effect from Monday (31).Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena endorsed the certificate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill passed by a special majority in Parliament recently.The 22 Amendment to the Constitution Bill was presented to the Parliament on August 10, 2022, by Minister Dr Wijedasa Rajapaksa. Then, according to the Supreme Court determination related to the petitions against the bill, amendments were made at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Judicial Affairs and approval was obtained.On October 20 and 21, the debate on the second reading of the twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution Bill was held.At the end of the second reading, there were 179 votes in favour and 1 vote against. After that, in the voting held for the third reading of the bill, 174 votes were in favour and one vote was against.Accordingly, the twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution Bill will come into force as the twenty-first amendment to the constitution from today (31).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India and Sri Lanka are two sides of a coin. Both countries have their differences in culture and religion.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine so far, ever since the covid vaccination for the age group 1ṁ2-14 years started on 16 March 2022 New Delhi: India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219 crore as per the provisional data till Sunday morning, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Covid vaccination for the age group 12-14 years started on 16 March 2022 and so far, over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine. The precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years started from 10 April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have been arrested for maintaining two printing presses at Ward Place in Borella and for forging fake documents.Police said that forged birth certificates, Grama Niladhari certificates, open university certificates, student performance indicators, water bills, bank passes, ordinary and advanced level certificates were found being printed at the respective printing presses.73 fake rubber stamps, two driving licenses and computers used to forge documents were also found, and were taken into police custody.The raid was carried out by a group of officers from the Panadura Walana Central Anti-Corruption Squad.The arrested suspects are to be produced before Maligakanda Magistrate Court.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – TNA Parliamentarian M. A.