Election Commission seeks assistance to hold free and fair elections

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan professionals continue to oppose the governments' unjust tax regime and the failure to address the medicine shortage that is crippling the health sector by the day.The Government Medical Officers' Association decided to declare the period from today to the 27th as a black protest week against the conduct of the government, and this effort is supported by multiple other trade unions.At the same time, the GMOA warned that it would file an official complaint with the World Health Organization over the government's lethargic approach to solve the medicine shortage in the country.Minor staff across hospitals in Sri Lanka went on strike on Monday (23) against the governments' arbitrary tax regime, and the failure to address the medicine shortage.The minor staff attached to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital supported the strike.They stepped away from their duties, and protested opposite the hospital premises demanding a solution to the issues.Similar scenes were witnessed at the Ragama Teaching Hospital, and the Kurunegala General Hospital. 

New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed. While active cases have declined to 1,934, the country’s total covid cases have reached 4.47 crore so far. The overall death toll stood at 5,30,735 since the onset of covid pandemic.

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.

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 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) – 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

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.

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) – 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.

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.

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.

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) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J.

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.

NEW DELHI : Nestle India on Wednesday announced the launch of ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener that can be used to help patients with swallowing difficulties especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia. The launch is part of Nestlé India’s Health Sciences division that sells health-focussed and nutrition products.  “Nestlé India has launched ThickenUp Clear, a food and beverage thickener that can be used to help patients with swallowing difficulties especially in oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Pawar emphasized on the need for strengthening and empowering communities to become resilient to future health emergencies New Delhi: Pandemic policy must be a defining part of our health policy as any health crisis today leads to an economic crisis, minister of state for health and family welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar said on Wednesday. Addressing the first Health Working Group meeting under G20 India Presidency at Thiruvananthapuram, Pawar noted that pandemic prevention, preparedness and response require diverse multi-sectoral, multi-agency coordinated efforts. She emphasized on the need for strengthening and empowering communities to become resilient to future health emergencies.

Fans of James Martin's Saturday Morning were left in tears as James Martin told chef Brian Turner he loves him after he gave an update on his health.

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

Bella Ramsey has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons.The 19-year-old English actress reflected on her departure from The Worst Witch that she announced in February 2020 in an Instagram post in which she urged her followers to prioritize their mental health.'I know it's sort of been publicized a lot that I left [The Worst Witch] for mental health reasons,' Bella told Elle in an interview while promoting her new HBO series The Last Of Us. Opening up: Bella Ramsey, shown earlier this month in Los Angeles, has opened about her departure from The Worst Witch children's television series after leaving the CBBC show in 2020 after three seasons 'I would say the more accurate description is that I had resolved a lot of my mental health problems by that point.

According to a recent media report, in answer to an RTI inquiry, ICMR and CDSCO acknowledged ‘multiple side-effects’ of COVID-19 vaccinations. The Union Health Ministry has reiterated that only a small percentage of patients who receive the COVID-19 vaccine may develop serious adverse events depending on certain predisposing circumstances, refuting the reports of various side effects of the vaccine.

CHANELLE Hayes has revealed she has been given a heartbreaking health diagnosis at the age of 35. The TV personality, who rose to fame on Channel 4 show Big Brother back in 2007, took to her Instagram stories to open up about her secret health battle.

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) – A 32-year-old man was injured following a shooting close to the 'Kalu Palama' in Peliyagoda on Tuesday (17) morning.Sri Lanka Police said that two men on a motorcycle had visited the residence of the victim and carried out the shooting.The injured man was rushed to the Colombo National Hospital for treatment.On Monday (16), a 36-year-old man was injured following a shooting in Kumbuka, an area located along the Piliyandala – Horana road.He is currently receiving treatment at the Horana Hospital, and Sri Lanka Police said that he was injured in the neck.Police investigations are underway over the shootings.

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.

Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to explain why she missed the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night.The Scarface star, 64, was nominated in the Best Actress in a Limited Series or Movie Made for Television category for her work in The First Lady, however she could not attend after testing positive for COVID-19.The Hollywood legend - who was going to present Jeff Bridges with a Lifetime Achievement Award - shared a photo of her fellow actor explaining how disappointed she was to miss the special moment. MIA: Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram to explain that she missed the Critics' Choice Awards on Sunday night after testing positive for Covid 'I'm so sorry to be missing the Critics Choice Awards today.

Jeff Bridges is opening up about his recent health battles.

Eamonn Holmes has been plagued with a number of health issues after undergoing surgery on his back, including fracturing his shoulder.The GB News presenter has since returned to work after taking several months off to recover.The broadcaster has been open about his struggles with a dislocated pelvis and a trapped sciatic nerve, amongst his other health concerns.The 63-year-old was visited by his pal Rylan-Clark on Sunday evening who couldn't resist using the presenter's latest at home machinery.Eamonn and Ruth have since purchased a stair lift to help Eamonn move more freely around their home.Rylan, 34, who jokingly referred to Eamonn as "dad" took the opportunity to get on the former This Morning presenter's new toy, while Ruth filmed.Ruth was heard saying: "Wait until it stops beeping, don't bloody break it." To which Rylan replied: "Can I just do it now? It's the noise! Oh, this is great," before mimicking a royal wave as the stair lift started moving down.The Loose Women presenter starts giggling which in turn sets off Rylan with a fit of giggles before she sarcastically asks "Are you Rylan? Can I have your autograph?"Rylan quipped: "Can I just say, I know you've been through it Dad, but you've got an easy life here!"Eamonn retorted: "It's a fun fair, it's the fun palace," to which Rylan replied: "Honestly, you could rent this out."The BBC Radio 2 presenter took to Instagram and shared the clip with his 1.6 million followers, and captioned the post: "Well someone had to go and check out the tech…. @eamonnholmes.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricty Board says that a special discussion will be held on Monday (16) regarding the continuous supply of electricity for the GCE Advanced Level Examinations. The General Manager of the Board Rohan Senaviratne says that a request has been made by the Department of Education to provide a continuous supply of electricty before the exams, as per the exam schedule. Accordingly he says that a final decision will be reached after the meeting on Monday. Advice from the PUCSL will also be obtained in this regard.

[Warning: Potentially Triggering Content]

The World Health Organization expressed appreciation for China’s sharing of Covid-19 data after Beijing reported around 60,000 Covid-related deaths over the past month, providing the first major accounting of the death toll since the country lifted pandemic restrictions.

Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZ.The 49-year-old Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City star has a little more than a month to go before she is supposed to surrender to federal authorities and begin serving her sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud on February 17.On January 6, a judge sentenced the Real Housewives of Salt Lake star to 6.5 years behind bars at a federal penitentiary in Texas, but with good behavior, she could be out in about five-and-a-half years.  Prison: Jen Shah, 49, Jen Shah has been ordered to take psychiatric medication and get mental health counseling after her release from prison, according to documents obtained by TMZAt her sentencing hearing, Jen entered 'sensitive' information about her mental health saying that, 'Longstanding untreated mental issues caused me to create my own fractured reality. With the proper medication I can now see what happened.'I wish I could have stood outside myself.

Jeremy Clarkson, 62, is fearful he could be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, with the Clarkson's Farm star injecting a Danish drug to prevent it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Member of Parliament J. Sri Ranga was elected President of the Sri Lanka Football Federation in a close contest on Saturday (14th) at the Ministry of Sports.Two candidates including J. Sri Ranga competed for the position of President, alongside Jagath Rohana.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Public Administration & Home Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has apologized to the National Election Commission for issuing a letter directing District Secretaries and Returning Officers to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Election.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake in a statement to News 1st said that the Public Administration Secretary was summoned to the Election Commission to inquire about the letter.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna had told the Election Commission that he issued the letter as per a Cabinet decision and the powers vested in him, and after he realized that it was inappropriate he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out.He had further noted that he had no intention of interfering with the process of the Election Commission, and only executed a cabinet decision.He had noted that as he decided to recall the letter within an hour of sending it out, there was no impact on the bond-accepting process, and it was further evident when 131 political parties and groups placed bonds the following day.Public Administration Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna apologized to the National Election Commission for causing any inconvenience.

A previously healthy young mum claims she has developed asthma from living in a mouldy local authority house for the last few years.

EKIN Su’s boyfriend Davide Sanclimenti reassured fans she was OK last night after the star was forced to pull out of Dancing On Ice training. The Love Island winner, who is partnered with Brendyn Hatfield, was banned from hitting the ice by doctors after falling ill – just days before the first live show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs Neil Bandara Hapuhinna has been summoned to the Election Commission on Friday (13) with regard to a letter he issued to all District Secretaries.The letter in question ordered all District Secretaries to refrain from accepting bonds for the Local Government Elections.The circular contained the signature of the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.Earlier this week, Ministry Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna noted that the Cabinet that met on Monday (9) had instructed him to order all the District Secretaries to refrain from accepting the bonds from candidates until further notice.However, the Commissioner General of Elections had ordered all District Returning Officers to continue to accept the bonds by the candidates, noting that as per the powers vested with the Election Commission via the Local Authorities Elections (Amendment) Act Returning Officers have been appointed for the respective districts.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Treasury has agreed to provide the funds necessary for the election without any disruption, said the Commissioner General of Elections on Thursday (12).Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said officials from the Treasury were summoned to the National Election Commission on Wednesday (11) to make inquiries regarding the views that were being expressed claiming that the funds for the election will not be available.The Treasury officials have noted that as the election is a constitutional matter, the funds will be provided without any disruption.The Chairman of the Election Commission and its members, the Commissioner General of Elections, and the Chief Financial Controller of Election had also attended this meeting.