FACE THE NATION: Towards more youth in politics

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (1).She is on an official visit to the country, and she discussed the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, and the ongoing US assistance to the Sri Lankan people.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung accompanied Nuland for the meeting, where both sides further discussed ways both the United States of America and Sri Lanka are working together toward an inclusive, prosperous and secure future for all Sri Lankans.According to the President's Media Division, the President in his meeting with Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, thanked the US Government for their support during difficult times. Under-Secretary Nuland had pledged the US Government’s support for Sri Lanka's ongoing recovery efforts.The discussion also focussed on the on-going discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while the U.S. pledged to continue to support the negotiations with the aim of swiftly resolving the issues.The President outlined the measures being taken in regard to the reconciliation talks with the minority parties in Sri Lanka, including the full implementation of the 13th Amendment.Discussions also focussed on the on-going efforts to combat the growing narcotics trade, with the U.S.

Ozzy Osbourne, 74, has shared one of the "hardest things" he has ever had to do as he announced that he will no longer be touring with Black Sabbath.The legendary singer took to Twitter to share a lengthy statement with his upset fans.Ozzy shared a statement in view of his 5.5 million Twitter followers with the caption: "This is probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to share with my loyal fans..."The statement read: "As you all know, four years ago, this month, I had a major accident, where I damaged my spine."My one and only purpose during this time has been to get back on stage. My singing voice is fine."However, after three operations, stem cell treatments, endless physical therapy sessions, and most recently groundbreaking Cynbernics (HAL) Treatment, my body is still physically weak."I am honestly humbled by the way you've all patiently held onto your tickets for all this time, but in all good conscience, I have now come to the realisation that I'm not physically capable of doing my upcoming European/UK tour dates, as I know I couldn't deal with the travel required."Believe me when I say that the thought of disappointing my fans really F**KS ME UP, more than you'll ever know."Never would I have imagined that my touring days would have ended this way?"My team is currently coming up with ideas for where I will be able to perform without having to travel from city to city and country to country."The statement continued: "I want to thank my family...

COLOMBO (News 1st) ; The Fort Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (1) granted bail to Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation, in three separate cases. Attorney Nuwan Bopage speaking to News 1st said that three cases against Wasantha Mudalige were called up in court on Wednesday (1).He said that based on the fact that he was remanded for a prolonged period, and that the PTA charges were dropped in court on Tuesday (31), the Fort Magistrate granted bail for all three cases.The Attorney said that Wasantha Mudalige will be brought to court later in the day, to secure his release on bail.

Talk of the Town | 01 Feb 2023 | Corruption challenges growth & governance | Attorney Nadishani Perera in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Victoria Nuland, the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, has arrived in Sri Lanka on an official visit.Her visit is said to mark the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, according to the U.S. Department of State.The Department added that the visit will also symbolise the offering of continued U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) compiled by Transparency International (TI) was released yesterday. The CPI scores 180 countries and territories around the world based on perceptions of public sector corruption.

Colombo (News1st) – Watch Nadishani Perera, Executive Director of Transparency International Sri Lanka, in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation for Human Rights in a new report detailing the relentless repression of a peaceful protest movement noted that the Sri Lankan authorities systematically violated international human rights law and standards with complete impunity in their crackdown on the Aragalaya.The protest movement, called aragalaya [“struggle” in Sinhala], was triggered by the government’s protracted economic mismanagement and the growing public discontent over corruption and nepotism. The protests, which initially started in the country’s capital, Colombo, quickly spread across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a note to the Cabinet, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, had stated that the Government revenue at present is far below the monthly expenditure for the month of January 2023.The President's Media Division, and Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardena confirmed that the President had instructed on further curtailing government expenses.The President had noted that the Treasury finds it challenging to meet all expenditures at this moment, except for payments for salaries, pensions, welfare, pharmaceuticals and debt servicing.Therefore, President Wickremesinghe had pointed out that the Government expenditure will have to be curtailed further / postponed until planned revenue to be raised on the recent tax revisions is realized, reported the President's Media Division.He had noted that the Treasury will formulate a priority criterion for this purpose.Furthermore, the President had pointed out that public officers should refrain from obtaining goods/services on credit basis, and any officer who violates this will be held personally responsible for such expenditure, said the PMD."The President informed the Cabinet of Ministers that the revenue for January collected from the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs and the Excise Department was Rs. 158.7 Billion.

SHAZHOU (CHINA) : For years, thousands of tourists flocked almost daily to this village in China’s southern Hunan province—an early stronghold of the Communist forces during the country’s civil war—to steep themselves in revolutionary history. Pandemic-related travel restrictions and lockdowns over the past 12 months slowed that flow to a trickle.

KATE Garraway was close to tears as she grilled former Health Secretary Matt Hancock over flouting lockdown guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic. The emotional Good Morning Britain host, 55, called out the I'm A Celebrity star for his actions and flagged how her husband Derek Draper was left fighting for his life after contracting Covid in 2020.

VICKY Pattison has opened up on a new fertility journey setback and confessed she has spent the majority of the day in tears. The ever-candid Geordie Shore star, 35, has previously told how she has undergone a procedure to freeze her eggs as she plans for a family with fiance Ercan Ramadan. Yet the much-loved reality TV queen told her Instagram fans there had sadly been a hitch, as she posted a teary shot showing her in the hospital ward.

ACTRESS Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on Laverne & Shirley, has passed away after a health battle. The iconic TV star who worked alongside Penny Marshall’s Laverne on the Happy Days spin-off died aged 75, her family revealed on Monday. Cindy, who is survived by her two children Zak and Emily Hudson, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2022, after suffering from a brief illness.

Earlier today, on Good Morning Britain, Kate Garraway grilled MP Matt Hancock on his decision to enter the I'm A Celebrity jungle as she opened up about how the families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic felt about his choice.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : A Sri Lankan Bus Driver has been called a hero after he managed to steer the bus downhill with malfunctioning brakes to avoid falling into a precipice.The incident had taken place on Monday (30) morning, and the bus belong to the SLTB operating from Badulla to Colombo via Diyathalawa.The hero bus driver told News 1st that he realized the brakes were not working when the bus was proceeding pass the Viharagala area in Bergala, Haputhale at around noon.Around 60 passengers were aboard the bus at the time, and he managed to steer the bus along the tricky road to safety without causing any injury. The driver managed to steer the bus along side the mountain until it came to a stop.

₹4,470 per capita). Current health expenditure is Rs.5,40,246 crore (90.6% of total health expenditure) and capital expenditure is Rs.56,194 crore (9.4 per cent of the total).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Convener of Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige was released on Tuesday (31) by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court in connection with the case that was filed against him for allegedly committing offences under Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).Mudalige was arrested in August 2022 under the emergency regulations and was held for 89 days under the provisions of the PTA, and later on 21st November 2022 was moved to remand custody.He has been in remand since then, and will return to remand custody for other pending cases filed against him.

(With PTI inputs)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court is expected to deliver its ruling on bail for Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation. Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation, was escorted to the Colombo Chief Magistrate' Court on Tuesday (31) morning.Mudalige was arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Terorrism Act, and remains in remand custody pending advice from the Attorney General. Activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation engaged in a silent protest opposite the Colombo Chief Magistrate' Court when IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige was escorted to the court. The Keselwatte Police had sought an order from court to prevent the silent protest from continuing, citing that it inconvenienced the public. However, Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis rejected the request and advised the police to act as per the powers vested with Sri Lanka Police if the protest was in fact an inconvenience to the public.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena asked for forgiveness from the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President asked for forgiveness for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware beforehand of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena apologized to the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.Speaking to reporters in Colombo the Former President apologized for such a tragedy taking place during his tenure, adding that he was unaware of the attacks."The ruling does not say that I have committed an offense, but that the President is also accountable for the offenses committed by the officers appointed by the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that applications for the appointment of Members of the Independent Commissions will be called for from 1st February. The deadline to submit applications is 15th February 2023.The Constitutional Council on Monday (30) decided to publish the advertisement on newspapers on 1st February 2023, calling for applications for the appointment as Members of the Commissions. The draft format of the application would be published on the Official Parliament website.Accordingly, applications will be called for positions in the National Elections Commission, Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Judicial Services Commission, National Police Commission, Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, Procurement Commission, National Audit Commission, and the Public Services Commission.The Constitutional Council considered the recommendation of the President to appoint K.P.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

The latest and final series of Happy Valley has left viewers on the edge of their seats as it returns after years off the air.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch Dr. Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu, founder Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA), in conversation with Faraz Shuaketaly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 12,000 affidavits signed seeking the release of Wasantha Mudalige, the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation who remains in remand custody under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, were handed over to the Attorney General on Monday (30).Student activists from the Inter-University Student's Federation along with activists from Mass Organizations visited the Attorney General's Department on Monday (30) morning to hand over 12,000 affidavits that were signed seeking the release of Wasantha MudaligeThese 12,000 affidavits claim that the signees were also engaged in the public protests that took place since March 2022 to bring about change by ending a corrupt and inefficient governance that burdened the people with a failed economy.The signees also claim they were involved in the protests that took place on the 9th of July 2022.They also note that the Inter-University Student's Federation was just one organization among many that took part in those protests, and that Wasantha Mudalige is just one student leader who took part in the demonstrations.These 12,000 affidavits claim that they too should be treated in the same manner as Wasantha Mudalige.The group attempted to hand over these affidavits from the back entrance to the Attorney General's Department, however, those attempts were futile.Thereafter, two representatives were allowed to enter the Attorney General's Department and the affidavits were taken inside the using a Police Jeep."If Wasantha Mudalige is a terrorist for his involvement in the Aragalaya, then the millions who joined the protests are also terrorists.

Regular listeners of Zoe Ball’s Radio 2 Breakfast show were left confused this morning when the star was absent from her slot due to illness.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Ceylon Electricity Board said that there will be power outages on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Nalinda Illangakoon, the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, confirmed that there will be no power cuts on Monday (30) and Tuesday (31).Over the past four days, the Ceylon Electricity Board imposed daily power cuts of two-hours and 20 minutes without the approval of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka.The PUCSL last gave approval for power cuts on the 25th and 26th of January 2023.The public were not made aware of the power cut schedule for the past four days, and the only source to ascertain the power cut period was the CEBs official website.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has directed the Ceylon Electricity Board to provide an uninterrupted power supply during the period of the G. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka's Port Workers have warned of a continued struggle if the government does not withdraw if unjust tax regime.Hundreds of port workers protested on Monday (27) in Colombo during the lunch break.The Sri Lankan government has imposed an income tax regime from 6% to 36% on all monthly earnings of over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has filed a Contempt of Court case with the Supreme Court against the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.The Human Rights Commission (HRC) has determined that the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board, and the Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation have failed to abide by the settlement arrived at before the commission with regard to the continuous supply of power during the period pertaining to the Advanced Level Examination commencing from 23rd January to 17th February 2023.The HRC notes that the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board is guilty of the offence of contempt under the provisions of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka Act No.

RADIO 2 listeners were left shocked this morning after Zoe Ball was replaced on her Breakfast Show. The broadcaster revealed she had to miss her early morning slot after a health emergency on Monday. Zoe, 52, was replaced by former Radio 1 host Vernon Kay for her weekday morning show.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission says that more than four election monitoring bodies will be permitted to monitor the upcoming Local Government elections.The Chairman of the commission Nimal Punchihewa said that People's Action for Free & Fair Elections or PAFFREL, Campaign for Free and Fair Elections or CAFFE , Centre for Monitoring Election Violence (CMEV) and other organizations would be given permission to monitor the Local Government Election.The Chairman of the National Election Commission further added that only two election monitoring bodies are permitted to enter the polling station to monitor the election process.Executive Director of People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi says that around 7,000 independent observers would be deployed for the upcoming local government election. He added that the number of election monitors deployed at district level would be increased from next week. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that no Independence Day rehearsals will take place on Monday (30), and none of the roads in the area will be closed.Sri Lanka Police said that the special traffic plan for the 75th Independence Day celebrations will be in effect from the 1st of February to the 4th of February.According to this traffic plan, 20 roads around Galle Face will be closed from 5 AM to 12 noon.During the said time period, residents can use those roads based on the directives issued by the Traffic Police Officers. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission said that it cannot be satisfied with the status of investigations taking place with regard to the death threats made to three members of the NEC.A senior official at the National Election Commission speaking to News 1st said that various factions are continuing to make undue influence on the NEC in order to delay the Local Government Elections.He added that certain state officials, attached to several State Institutions that should be involved in ensuring a Free & Fair election takes place, are neglecting their duties.The Senior Official said that those who appointed the state officials who are neglecting their duties must be held accountable for the dereliction of duty.The Chairman of the National Election Commission, Attorney Nimal Punshihewa has requested the President to intervene over the death threats made to the members of the National Election Commission.The NEC Chairman in a letter to the President requested that an environment favourable to conduct a free and fair election be created.News 1st also inquired from the Criminal Investigations Department on the progress made with regard to the investigations on the death threats made to members of the National Election Commission.A Senior Official at the CID said that investigations revealed that the threatening phone calls were made from Dubai.He said that a telecommunication analysis reports has been called for from the service providers.

Lethal new pills on the street have sparked a major warning they could fuel Scotland’s drug death toll.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Former Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (27).The Former President of the Maldives is currently in Sri Lanka on a personal visit, and was accopanied by his son Faris Maumoon on his trip.Gayoom met with Wickremesinghe at the Sri Lankan President’s Office, where the two spoke about the bilateral ties between the two countries. The two spoke about ways of improving the longstanding cooperation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : The National Election Commission on Monday (30) said that there is no requirement for the members of the NEC to sign the relevant gazette notification to commence the Local Government Election process.National Election Commission Chairman Attorney Nimal Punchihewa speaking to News 1st said that the District Returning Officers would be issuing a necessary gazette notification.The National Election Commission said the relevant gazette will be sent for printing on Monday (30) or Tuesday (31).The Gazette notice with the signatures of the Chairman and other members of the Election Commission required for the commencement of the Local Government Election process had not yet been sent to the Government Press for printing, said the Government Information Department on Sunday (29).

Shania Twain shared her very scary experience with Covid pneumonia, which got so bad that she had to be air-evacuated to a hospital for treatment.The Queen of Country Pop, 57, revealed that after getting sick during the height of the pandemic she was struggling to breathe at which point her husband Frédéric Thiébaud, 53, organized an air lift from their home in Lake Geneva, Switzerland.'It was progressively getting worse. My vital signs were getting worse… and in the end I had to be air evacuated,' the star — who recently opened up about the childhood sexual abuse she experienced — told The Mirror in a new interview.

Colombo (News1st) – "At least 140 types of essential medicines are completely out of stock in state hospitals," exclaimed Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, the Media Spokesperson for Government Medical Officers Association.Access to medicines and medical supplies have dropped significantly in Sri Lanka while the island nation continues to struggle under the weight of its worst economic crisis in recent history.Medical professionals point out that the medicine shortage has now turned into a crisis. Medical associations explain that the shortage of medicines, medical equipment, and delays in testing have exposed patients in hospitals to many risks.

The actor Zachary Levi left fans wondering if he was opposed to vaccinations after he posted tweets critical of the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer in the early hours of Sunday.The Shazam! Fury Of The Gods star — whose new DC Comics film is set to hit theaters on March 17 — set off the controversy after he quote tweeted a post from an account espousing anti-vaccine views that claimed Pfizer was 'a real danger to the world.'Levi wrote in his retweet, 'Hardcore agree

India Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday (12) aid that Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have shown their keenness to import ethanol from India.The minister of road transport and highways said that he discussed about ethanol with the government of both the countries—Sri Lanka and Bangladesh."I was able to discuss this matter with PM of Bangladesh and even the Sri Lankan minister.

Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (12) granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.A senior official of the central bank, on condition of anonymity, said the board of directors of Bangladesh Bank has extended the repayment tenure.The Island nation, which has been facing an acute greenback shortage for months, borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh in May 2021.The country was scheduled to repay the loans by April last year, but it failed to do so.In April last year, Sri Lanka announced defaulting on its entire $51 billion of external debt.As per the agreement between the two countries, Sri Lanka was supposed to repay the loan by March.But the Island nation is still facing an acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which has compelled it to request BB to extend the repayment period.BB has extended the deadline at a time when its foreign exchange reserves are depleting at a faster pace.As per the new deadline, Sri Lanka will have to repay the loan by September this year.Bangladesh has already sought credit support from several multilateral lender agencies, including the International Monetary Fund.The reserves of Bangladesh stood at $32.52 billion on January 11 in contrast to $44.92 billion in the same period a year ago, according to data from the central bank.– Daily Star

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for aiding and abetting in the murder of a man in Bastian Mawatha, Colombo and injuring another.Sri Lanka Police said that it received information about the motorcycle that was used by the gunmen in last year's shooting, and visited Piliyandala to conduct a raid where officers arrested a suspect in possession of the motorcycle.Following the interrogation of the suspect, police officers arrested another suspect from Mattakuliya for handing over the motorcycle to the suspect from Piliyandala.On the 30th of May 2022, One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting near the Private Bus Terminal at Bastian Mawatha, Colombo.Police investigations revealed that the man who was gunned had attended a court hearing at the Hultsdorf Court with three others before he was targeted by two masked gunmen.According to Police, four men had exited the court and one of them had left on a motorcycle. Thereafter, two men on a motorcycle approached the three men at the Bus Terminal and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Investigations revealed that the three men were previously employed as security officers attached to a restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens, and a case was filed against them following an incident said to have taken place at the restaurant.Police officers also uncovered that the men were supposed to pay a certain sum to the court over the incident.An eye-witness told News 1st that the shooters fired several rounds in broad daylight when hundreds were moving in and out of the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Terminal.News 1st inquiries revealed that the three men who were targeted had once served in the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, and after leaving service

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multiple Senior Police Officers including several DIGs have been given transfers with immediate effect.The National Police Commission has approved the transfers that were made based on urgent service requirements.Sri Lanka Police said that DIG K. B.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka heads towards local polls. Watch Live on 4th January at 8:30 p.m. on TV1. Livestreaming on Facebook and Youtube. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that bus fares on the Southern Expressway will be reduced by 10%, and bus operators are expected to pass this benefit on to the passengers.Speaking to reporters in Colombo on Wednesday (4), the Minister also said that with effect from midnight the Semi-Luxury Bus service from Kataragama to Colombo, that is operating on the Galle Road, will be terminated."There will be no Semi-Luxury Bus anymore. Following the termination of this service, the Rs.