European Commission says Freedom of Expression is essential in Sri Lanka , & GSP+ to be assessed soon

Two Lanarkshire health and social care heroes are up for top awards for their dedication to help people in their communities.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The IUBF Convenor Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who is held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was moved to the Colombo National Hospital for residential treatment after being diagnosed with Dengue.He was moved out on Saturday (29).A Senior Official at the Colombo National Hospital told News 1st that the Venerable Thero was moved out on Saturday (29) evening.Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero is currently in detention for 90-days under the PTA.He was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after falling ill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Reports have surfaced with regard to an attempt to cut down trees that have been standing tall for over a century, under the guise of development.Sri Lankan authorities have allocated Rs. 20 Million under the Suhuru Project series for the renovation of the Ulpath Wewa at the Devata village in Horowpathana.The project is directly supervised by the Kekirawa Irrigation Engineer, and local farmers allege that permission has been given to cut down 17 tall Kumbuk trees and 1 Oak tree located on the banks of the tank.The Chairman of the National Govijana Collective, Anuradha Tennakoon pointed out that cutting down 18 trees would pose serious risks to the ecosystem, as the Ulpath Wewa was formed when the water from a number of nearby springs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – As many Sri Lankans have cut down on their meals, the demand for staples has also seen a drop.Usually, more than 200 to 300 Sri Lankan fishing boats set out to sea, however after the economic crisis hit, coupled with an acute shortage of fuel most of the Sri Lankan fishermen have been forced to tie up their boats to the piers, hoping for better days."The demand for fish had slumped. The main reason for this is the high cost of fuel and the rising cost of living. A liter of fuel that cost only Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe pointed out that using children as shields in demonstrations is a serious offence according to the law of the country and advised the Sri Lanka Police to take immediate measures to prevent the perpetuation of such conduct.President Wickremesinghe issued these instructions during the special discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (12) on the protection of children’s rights.Highlighting sub-section 13 of Article 27 of the Constitution, “The State shall promote with special care the interests of children and youth, to ensure their full development, physical, mental, moral, religious and social, and to protect them from exploitation and discrimination,” the President emphasized that protecting children is the prime responsibility of a government.Steps were also taken to assign the responsibilities of child protection to the Sri Lanka Police and related government institutions.The President upheld the need for an Act to protect children’s rights to prevent them from being used for sexual activities and protect their fundamental rights. He also advised the officials to discuss this issue with the Attorney General to take necessary steps in this regard.The President drew attention to the detention of the children, who were among the people who were arrested for illegally migrating to India, and therefore separated from their parents. He said that this situation needs to be rectified immediately and arrangements made to return the children to their parents.The President also requested special attention to be paid to the education of children in orphanages and the protection of their rights and advised the officials to submit a report on those with special

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Welfare Benefit Fast Track Program ‘Leave No One Behind’ targeting low-income families, which was initiated as per the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has so far received 2.3 million applications, according to the Welfare Benefit Board.The applications are being promptly entered into the system through Welfare Benefit Information Units established in 341 Divisional Secretariats throughout the country and as of today (12), 624,714 applications have been entered into the system.It is expected that the 600,000 families that have been downgraded to the low-income category, in the face of the second COVID-19 wave and the economic crisis faced by the country, as reported by the United Nations Development Program, are also eligible to apply for this Welfare Benefit Fast Track Program. This is in addition to the 3.3 million families that are currently receiving welfare benefits or those who are already on the waiting list.Accordingly, it is estimated that 3.9 million families would apply for this social welfare program.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 9.6 million Sri Lankans have been affected by poverty, revealed a new study by the University of Peradeniya.Professor Wasantha Athukorala of Peradeniya University's Department of Economics and Statistics says that 9.6 million Sri Lankans are currently suffering from poverty.In 2019, nearly 3 million people lived below the poverty line, but that number has increased to 9.6 million in October 2022.Professor Wasantha Athukorala further stated that the study revealed that 42% of the people living in Sri Lanka are currently suffering from poverty.

COLOMBO (News 1st)-  Former Norwegian government minister Erik Solheim has been appointed as a International Climate Adviser together to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, along with Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed.He called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (12) and tweeted that the President has a great vision for green economic revocery and for Sri Lankan climate leadership.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – After the economic crisis hit, the prices of books spiked by over 50% due to import costs, forcing Sri Lankans to look for the alternative.Almost every Sri Lankan knows about the Lotus Tower standing tall in Colombo built at a massive cost of USD 113 Million. But, this is not about a structure that added a colossal weight on to Sri Lanka's debt.Tucked away not far from the Lotus Tower, is a line of book shops.Now, these are not your ordinary books shops with publications fresh out of the press.These are Colombo's second hand book shops that have been catering to book worms over the years.One of the main reasons why these establishments are popular among readers, is that the second books here are cheap and are in good condition.However, when Sri Lanka's economic crisis hit, these book stores were also in dire straits."Business is not that great because of the low number of customers. There is a demand for second hand books.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It is no secret that the prevailing economic crisis has led to the disruption of the day-to-day lives of the general public. How many families have been impacted by this unprecedented economic crisis? Has sufficient attention been given to those who are severely affected? The Gammadda Door to Door initiative continues to identify a range of issues faced by average Sri Lankans. On Monday (10), which was Day Six of the Sixth edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, the team that completed it's tour in the Jaffna district reached the Killinochchi district.They visited the Malayalapuram area in the Karachchi Divisional Secretariat, where most of the residents are day-wage earners.Unfortunately, the economic crisis left them with no work, ruining their chances of providing for their families. Gammadda teams in the Ratnapura district visited Handagirigoda, Handagiriya, Kolonna andSuriyakanda villages in the Welligepola Divisional Secretariat and met with the poverty-stricken estate workers living in Suriyakanda. People in this area do not have the luxury of enjoying cell phone services as the area lacks the basic facilities. Unlike most areas in Sri Lanka children in the area do not have access to online education.Gammadda teams in the Polonnaruwa district toured many areas in the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat. On top of the economic crisis, people in this area face wild elephant threats. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe noted that the country needs a national policy that does not change with every government that comes to power and invited everyone to commit to building the country on one national policy without party differences.The President pointed out that to build a developed economy and raise Sri Lanka to the pinnacle of the world, a solid economic policy as well as political stability is a must. Hence, he invited everyone to join hands to discuss the national policy framework using the "Jathika Sabhawa" (National Council) as a platform.President Wickremesinghe stated this while declaring open the first life-saving pharmaceutical manufacturing plant established in Sri Lanka on Monday (10).The President also pointed out that he is working towards establishing a national policy to prepare an export economy using competitive and modern technology.Expressing his views further, the President said, “This company has taken steps to develop our export industry, not only to supply medicines needed domestically but also by producing medicines needed internationally. We sincerely hope that this project commenced by this young entrepreneur will progress to greater heights.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that to live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and to deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him, in his message commemorating Milad-un-nabi.The full statement is as follows;The birthday of the Prophet Muhammad who is venerated by the Sri Lankan Muslims as well as the Muslim brethren around the world is celebrated today (09).It is my belief that doctrine of Prophet Muhammad as the religious leader of the Islamic devotees around the world will help to alleviate the situation in the society today more than ever before.To live with the qualities that Prophet Muhammad preached and deal with others with a sense of understanding is a tribute to him rather than attempting to overcome them.The coming of the Prophet Muhammad and his vision signified the protection of the entire human community as well as their respect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa says that President Ranil Wickremesinghe will continue to have the support of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna to move the country forward.The former President and former Prime Minister, attending a public meeting held in Kalutara, said that he believed that President Wickremesinghe has returned to a 'better path'.SLPP MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena organized the public rally under the theme, "Let's rise together from Kalutara", at his coordination office which was burned down previously.Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and many MPs of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended the event.The former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking at the event said that despite Sri Lanka facing many challenges today, the party has the strength to overcome those challenges, and should go forward with programs that the people of the country needs. "I believe that the duty of a government is to understand the needs of the people and fulfill their needs. Therefore, we say that today we have taken steps to fulfill that role.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that social media carries positive as well as negative information, which is one of the major problems that the entire world is facing.Ranil Wickremesinghe visited a workshop organized for the Media Secretaries of the Cabinet Minister, State Ministers, and Governor on Friday (7) in Colombo."Unlike Print and electronic media, currently we are all facing social media problems. It carries positive as well as negative information, which is one of the major problems that the entire world is facing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed to expedite the program to provide welfare benefits to 3.1 million low-income families in Sri Lanka.This program has been planned to cover all the districts of the country under the theme ‘Don’t Leave Anyone Behind’. Under this program, the benefits will be available for the families or individuals receiving benefits under Samurdhi, Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, and Kidney Disease Assistance Program. People who are on the waiting list expecting subsidies as well as people who are affected by the current economic crisis and who are expecting government welfare benefits will also receive this benefit, the Minister revealed.Minister also said that calling for applications has already started and the closing date has been extended to October 15.The relevant application form can be downloaded via the www.wbb.gov.lkBy calling for new applications, the government hopes to include all eligible beneficiaries and to provide benefits to all those who deserve benefits through the Social Welfare Benefit Board, the Minister further said.Denying the rumor that has been circulating among the public regarding the cut-down of the allowances according to the agreements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he said the government needs to organize the data in a correct system. It needs to include the group who are currently receiving welfare benefits as well as the group who are not receiving welfare benefits but are expecting. We expect to gather all the information and give the allowance to the necessary, appropriate, and correct individual."We are united in the national responsibility that no one should be left behind.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has decided to conduct a study on the quality of food being consumed by Sri Lankans.Its Food Control Unit said the study hopes to establish the quality of both imported and locally produced foods.The unit also said that more than 25 types of essential foods will be selected for this study, and the collection of samples is to start next month.In recent weeks concerns were raised over the quality of food items being imported to Sri Lanka, and thus the Health Ministry decided to conduct a study on the different types of food consumed by Sri Lankans.

(Reuters) – Japan has not yet reached an agreement to co-chair a debt summit with Sri Lanka's creditors, a government official in Tokyo said on Thursday, as the island nation struggles to find a way out of a crippling economic crisis.Sri Lanka has to renegotiate around $30 billion of foreign debt, including with bilateral creditors such as China, Japan, and India, with one of them likely to co-chair the talks."We have not reached such an agreement. It might be their wishful thinking but the situation remains unchanged," a senior Japanese government official with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on condition of anonymity.The denial from Tokyo came less than an hour after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe's office said on Thursday that Japan had agreed to co-chair the meeting with negotiators.Wickremesinghe's office later issued a clarification saying Sri Lanka had requested Japan to co-chair the summit.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (6) that he hopes to visit New Delhi to brief Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sri Lanka's postion.However, he did not specify when he would fly to India in his special statement to the Parliament.Noting that Sri Lanka is slowly reaching stability, the President said that a majority in Sri Lanka support the efforts that have been made, while there are some who are against it."They will not support the recovery of an ailing economy, and are waiting for the economy to breathe its last. They believe that when the people start to die in hunger, they can obtain power over the dead.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the IMF staff-level agreement cannot be released until the IMF Executive Board ratifies it and until Sri Lanka reaches agreements with its main creditors.He told Parliament that the Minister of Justice is in the process of introducing a new corruption law that will include the provisions of the United Nations that have been referred to in the IMF Staff Level Agreement.He was responding to Opposition Legislator M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka hopes to reach a common agreement with creditor nations including Japan, China & India.He told Parliament on Thursday (6) that the country already commenced dialogues with Ambassadors from other countries, that have already provided debt to Sri Lanka.President Wickremesinghe said that after reaching an agreement with the creditor nations, and private lenders Sri Lanka will be able to secure an IMF assurance.The President said thereafter, Sri Lanka will be able to access bridging finace with lenders like the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.He said that Sri Lanka hopes to access around USD 1 Billion through bridging finace.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Japan has said that it is ready to assist Sri Lanka in the Credit Reconciliation process, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told the Parliament on Thursday (6) morning.He also said that Japan has agreed to co-chair the summit in negotiation with the Debit countries,The President further said that the Asian Development Bank has agreed to provide USD 500 Million loan to Sri Lanka.All steps have been taken to provide fertilizer & seeds required for upcoming Maha season, President Wickremesinghe also told the Parliament.Watch Here:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an Extraordinary Gazette placing several state institutions under the Ministry of Public Security.According to the Gazette, the Department of Registration of Persons, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board have been placed under the purview of the Public Security Ministry.Read Gazette here: 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is day two of the 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, which was launched to gather scientific data on the issues faced by average Sri Lankans, analyse them and propose sustainable solutions thereafter. On Thursday (6) Gammadda teams will visit rural Sri Lankan villages in Jaffna, Matale, and the Kalutara District.The University of Peradeniya has joined hands with Gammadda similar to previous years to make this initiative a success. The primary task of this year's campaign is to comprehend the ground reality faced by Sri Lankans across the island owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis that ensued thereafter. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 6th Phase of the Gammadda Door-to-Door program commenced on Wednesday (5) morning centering three district.The Gammadda Door to Door program is joined by the University of Peradeniya as well. The 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program is currently underway in the Jaffna, Matale, and Kalutara Districts.Gammadda is well known among all Sri Lankans, young and old, as the people's force that brings about a new beginning for the villages and towns of Sri Lanka.Gammadda implements these projects by identifying the real needs of the local population.The needs of the people were identified following an extensive and streamlined study of the findings in the Gammadda Door to Door program that was implemented five times before along with the University of Peradeniya.The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Economic Crisis have forced the people of Sri Lanka to undergo various hardships.Gammadda is ready once again to identify the socio-economic issues of the people of Sri Lanka. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, President of Iceland congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, has further assured to strengthen the bond of friendship between the two countries.He also expressed confidence that the people of Sri Lanka will successfully deal with the economic challenges while preserving the social harmony, which must be quintessential to Sri Lanka, said the President's Media Division on Tuesday (4).President Guðni Th.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed to establish an International University on Climate Change in Sri Lanka with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in order to enable students from any country in the world to engage in educational activities.President Wickremesinghe made this proposal during a meeting with the President of the Asian Development Bank Masatsugu Asakawa, held this morning (30) at the Asian Development Bank Headquarters in Manila.The ADB President welcomed President Wickremesinghe upon his arrival at the ADB Headquarters.President Wickremesinghe, who expressed his gratitude to the President of the Asian Development Bank for the emergency assistance provided to Sri Lanka in the past, discussed the further strengthening of the long-standing relationship between Sri Lanka and the ADB.The ADB President assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe that he would continue to cooperate with Sri Lanka.President Wickremesinghe also briefed the President of the Asian Development Bank on Sri Lanka’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund.Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe also engaged in a discussion with professionals working at the Asian Development Bank.

Tokyo, Japan (Kyodo) – Japan is prepared to "do its part" over Sri Lanka's debt issue, but other creditors, such as China and India, should also be involved in efforts to resolve it, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Thursday (29).Suzuki made the remarks after meeting with Ranil Wickremesinghe, president of Sri Lanka, which has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a $2.9 billion loan as the Asian nation needs to restructure its massive debt.Suzuki said he urged Sri Lanka during Thursday's meeting to provide the necessary information, make its own efforts to get China, India and other creditors involved and boost transparency."Japan will do its part if such preconditions are met," Suzuki told reporters without elaborating in the Philippine capital Manila, where he attended a meeting of the Asian Development Bank.During his visit to Japan, the Sri Lankan president met Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and discussed the debt issue. The leaders recognized the importance of "fair and transparent" debt restructuring that involves all creditor nations, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt earlier this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of the government’s commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability. Therefore, he expressed hope and expectation that Sri Lanka’s creditors, and all stakeholders, will support Sri Lanka in these efforts to restore the country’s debt sustainability and help put the country back on the path of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.President Wickremesinghe presided over the annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors on Thursday (29) which was held at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines and attended by Governors and official government delegations.President Wickremesinghe noted that the government has already undertaken major macroeconomic policy reform measures and this program is aligned with the commitment of the government to implement an ambitious and comprehensive package of reforms that will help restore the sustainability of the country’s public finances, addressing external imbalances, and restarting the growth engine through structural reforms and improvements in governance.“Amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of our commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st on Thursday (29) that the people who were displaced following the blaze that ripped through over 80 houses in Kajimawatte are being provided with relief.At the same time, LOLC Holdings also provided these families with essential relief packages via its Divi Saviya social welfare program.Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 300 plus people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The area that was burnt to the ground is a place where people were housed temporarily until they can be moved to a housing complex owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was on an official visit to Japan, had instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balavegaya filed Fundamental Rights applications with the Supreme Court challenging the gazette issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring High-Security Zones in Colombo.The applications were filed by SJB MPs Harshana Rajakaruna, and Mujibur Rahuman on Wednesday (28).The FR applications name the Attorney General as the respondent and note that the President has no right to declare High-Security Zones, and no law allows the President to do so.The petitioners request the Supreme Court to rule that the conduct of the President had violated the Fundamental Rights of the people of Sri Lanka, and thereby issue an order to invalidate the said gazette.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest report from the World Food Program reveals that four in ten housholds in Sri Lanka are consuming inadequate diets.The World Food Program said that the intensifying economic crisis continues to threaten food security, and the persistence of high food and fuel prices has pushed food further out of each. The WFP warned that in the face of inaction, the situation could deteriorate even further.Highlighting the fact that diets are in a precarious state among Sri Lankans, the World Food Program said that four in ten  households are facing insufficient food  consumption, with many consuming far less diverse diets as food prices remain high across the country.To date, WFP has received a total of US$29.35 million from the  governments of Australia, Italy,  Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United States and  Switzerland, as well as from the UN Central  Emergency Response Fund, private sector partners, and multilateral donors. This represents nearly half of its emergency appeal for US$63 million. 

(New York) – The Sri Lankan government should reverse a new regulation that unlawfully restricts protests in large areas of the capital, Colombo, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday (27). On September 24, 2022, a day after the measure was issued, police arrested 84 people and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters calling for the release of student activists being held under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act.On September 23, the Sri Lankan government invoked the Official Secrets Act to designate public streets and government buildings in central Colombo “high security zones,” where written permission from the police is required to hold any public gathering. Under the regulation, police have wide-ranging authority to arrest anyone inside these zones and only the High Court can grant bail to those detained.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 220 people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The Government Analyst will be summoned on Wednesday (28) to determine the cause of the fire.Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st that steps will be taken to provide relief to the people who were displaced by the fire.He said a proposal was put forward to award the displaced families houses from housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta complex in Thotalanga, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.Accordingly, all relevant departments have already taken steps to provide the maximum intervention required to douse the fire and provide all other necessary facilities promptly.The President has further stated that special attention should be provided to attend to the needs of

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the need at the moment for the island nation is an agreement with its three main creditors – India, China, and Japan."We've had discussions with the IMF. We have come to a staff-level agreement.

 tOKYO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong in Tokyo on Tuesday (27), and said that his priority was to bring into effect the Free Trade Agreement with Singapore.During the discussions President Wickremesinghe informed the Singaporean Prime Minister that an international trade office was being established in the President’s office.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong welcomed the news, and stated that Singapore was looking forward to investing in Sri Lanka once again.President Wickremesinghe invited the Singaporean Prime Minister to visit Sri Lanka next year when the country celebrates its 75th Independence Anniversary.

Tokyo (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions with Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi in Tokyo on Tuesday (27).During the meeting, Foreign Minister Hayashi welcomed Sri Lanka’s progress with the IMF and expressed his country’s willingness to take a leading role in Sri Lanka’s creditor talks.President Wickremesinghe expressed regret over the breakdown of relations between Japan and Sri Lanka following the cancellation of several investment projects by the former Government. The President stressed that he was keen to restart those projects.The President also indicated that the Government was interested in Japan investing in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy projects.Japan Foreign Minister Hayashi explained that Japan had increased its commitment to renewable energy and would be willing to explore future investment opportunities in Sri Lanka.The Foreign Minister also explained that Japan would begin the skilled worker examinations in January 2023 for Sri Lankan migrant workers.The President appreciated the support extended by Japan on the international stage and expressed the Government’s willingness to support both Japan’s and India’s campaign to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain, the United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (25) and had a productive discussion.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung also joined the meeting.Discussions were carried out considering the ongoing economic hardships on Sri Lankans, as well as exploring the many ways the United States of America & Sri Lanka are working together to meet urgent humanitarian needs.United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka until September 28th to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis.More than one-third of people are struggling to eat and are suffering from shortages of fuel, power, and medicines. Sri Lanka has the fifth largest food price inflation in the world, up 93.7% last month, with rice costing 150% more than this time last year.In a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN General Assembly, Lord Ahmad will set out the UK’s package of £3 million in lifesaving support.The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. UK Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said:The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time. The ongoing crisis is deeply concerning with so many in dire need of help. We are providing £3 million of lifesaving support to the most vulnerable and will continue to work with international partners to help Sri Lanka.This new funding is just part of the UK’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four out of the seven Sri Lankans who were held captive by Russian forces in Ukraine have been identified as medical students in the city of Kupiansk, while the other three were identified as workers.This information is being revealed in contrast to the rumors circulating with regard to the captured Sri Lankans being illegal immigrants, and the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's brief about the seven Sri Lankans being medical students.A report by the Associated Press citing a press conference held at Kharkiv Police states that the Sri Lankans were tortured at a factory in the area which was captured by Russian forces, and were beaten, mainly because they could not understad the language.The former captives include Nilojan Vasanthakumar, 20, Uthayakamar Mary Edid Prema, 50, Sharujan Gianeswaran, 25, Thinees Jokenthhiran, 34, Dilukshan Robertclive, 25, Dilujan Paththinajakan, 20 and Ainkaranathan Ganesamoorthi, 38.According to the captured Sri Lankans, six among the group were held in a large upstairs room, while the seventh, the only woman, was kept in a dark cell by herself. On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. One man said he was shot in the foot by the Russian captors. Another had a toenail ripped off after the soldiers repeatedly bashed it with the butt of a rifle.“Every day we were cleaning toilets and bathrooms,” Dilukshan Robertclive, one of the former captives, said in English.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is due to meet on Monday (26) to discuss the gazette notification issued designating several areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.Several parties, including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Center for Policy Alternatives (CPA) have already expressed concern in this regard, in relation to its legitimacy.On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The  Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN of the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad says the UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis. Taking to twitter, Minister Ali Sabry mentioned that during the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lord Tariq Ahmad set out the UK’s package of £3 million assistance to Sri Lanka.While extending gratitude for the assistance, Minister Ali Sabry also briefed Lord Tariq Ahmad on steps being taken towards reconcilliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence."The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) emphasizes that the section 2 of the Official Secrets Act enables to declare any land, building, ship, or aircraft as a prohibited place, and does not empower the Minister to declare large areas as High Security Zones.On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.  Accordingly, unless the prior written permission of the Inspector General of Police or Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Western Province is obtained, no person shall conduct or hold a public gathering or procession whatsoever on a road, ground, shore or other open area situated within the High Security Zones.The BASL states that it is deeply concerned with regard to the e declaration of certain areas in Colombo as High Security Zones, and whether the purported order of the President also seeks to create offences under the said order which are not found in the Principal Act.The statement reads; " It is also of utmost concern that the purported order imposes stringent provisions in respect of bail by stating that a person taken into custody in connection with an offence under the said orders shall not be granted bail except by a High Court.