Fitch downgrades Sri Lanka to ‘C’ from ‘CC’

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Reserve Bank of India has extended the duration of the US$ 400 million currency swap for the Central Bank in Sri Lanka which was concluded in January this year.The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka tweeted to state that this is a continuation of India’s unstinted and multi-faceted support to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Public Security Minister told Parliament on Friday (22) that preliminary investigations have revealed that Assistant Superintendent of Police C. W.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of concerned professionals consisting largely of legal and medical practitioners under the banner of “Direction Sri Lanka – Independent Professionals for the Nation” have called on the armed forces to act with care and understanding and exercise utmost restraint when dealing with protestors.In a letter to the Commanders of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Inspector General of Police, the expert group requests that they impress this position on each and every person under their command.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Group of 10 parties, and the Independent MPs from the SLPP handed over their draft for the proposed 21st Amendment to the Constitution on Friday (21) to the speaker.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Four leading companies in Sri Lanka have called for immediate actions to solve the present day socio, economic crisis.John Keells Holdings PLC, MAS Holdings, Hemas Holdings PLC, and Dialog Axiata have issued the following statements.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The remains of the late Chaminda Lakshan who was killed in police fire during a protest in Rambukkana on the 19th of April, was handed over to his relatives on Friday (22).According to the Director of the Kegalle Hospital Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith on Thursday (21) said there is serious doubt as to whether the super-powerful person who obtained all powers in the country, is the reason why a proper investigation is not taking place with regard to the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Archbishop of Colombo speaking at an Easter Attacks memorial at the St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade in the capital Colombo, reiterated that one cannot be pleased with the ongoing investigations.“It is now being revealed that Islamist Extremism alone was not behind the Easter Attacks, and that is a Grand Conspiracy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor G.L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Senior Police Officer apologized to the Kegalle Magistrate on Wednesday (20), for repeatedly using correction fluid on several notes mentioned in the B report produced by Sri Lanka Police over the Rambukkana incident.The Senior Police Officer apologized to the Kegalle Magistrate, after counsel reported facts to the court against Sri Lanka Police over the killing of a protestor in Rambukkana.Counsel alleged that Sri Lanka Police had deliberately changed certain sections of the B report in a conniving manner, and raised their concerns to the Magistrate.The Kegalle Magistrate had announced that the Inspector General of Police will be informed of the matter.Sri Lanka Police had submitted facts to the country via an AR report, however counsel argued that a murder incident cannot be produced to the court via an AR report.Thereafter, the Magistrate had ordered Sri Lanka Police to submit facts via a B report, and adjourned sessions to conduct a site inspection at the location where shots were fired during the protest, and a three-wheeler was set ablaze.The Magistrate during the inspection process also recorded statements from three witnesses, and one counsel informed the Magistrate that one of the witnesses was intimidated by a police officer after providing evidence.The Magistrate ordered Sri Lanka Police to refrain from exerting any influence on the witnesses in the matter.

long Covid symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, fatigue, chest pain, and palpitations, as compared to men. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); US Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu says the U.S. welcomes Sri Lanka & IMF working towards a sustainable solution to relieve the economic hardships for its people.The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs said that Assistant Secretary Lu, Sri Lankan Finance Minister Sabry & Central Bank Governor Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s main opposition faction, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya on Thursday (21) submitted its draft proposals for the 21st Amendment to the constitution, to the speaker.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa handed over the necessary documentation to party General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara on Thursday (21) morning, and thereafter it was submitted to the speaker.The documentation comprises the proposals to abolish the executive presidency, amendment for a tripartite separation of powers in a balanced manner, repeal the 20th Amendment to the Constitution, establishment of independent commissions, as well as the establishment of a National Security Council.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Three years ago people were celebrating Easter in churches across the country.Church bells have rung out across Sri Lanka, marking three years since 269 people were killed by a group of suicide bombers who targeted Churches, Hotels, Restaurants, while SCOAlthough 1095 days have passed since the attack, justice has NOT YET been served for the victims of the terror attacks.Several events were organized on Thursday (21), to remember the lives that were lost.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India will provide an additional $500 million in financial assistance to Sri Lanka for it to buy fuel, Sri Lanka’s foreign minister told reporters on Wednesday (20), adding Bangladesh was also willing to postpone a $450 million in swap repayments, reported Reuters.“Assistance by the IMF will take about six months to come to us and it will come in tranches,” Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Venerable Theripaha Siridhamma Thero who championed the movement demanding cleaning drinking water for the people of Rathupaswala in 2013, commenced a fast unto death opposite the President’s Office in Colombo.The Occupy Galle Face protest site which saw thousands converge on the iconic Galle Face stretch since the 9th of April became the site for a fast unto death after Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities opened fire at protestors in Rambukkana on Tuesday (19), killing one person and injuring over a dozen.On Tuesday (19) night, the horns at Occupy Galle Face went silent and protestors observed silence and lit candles in memory of their fellow Sri Lanka who was killed in police fire in Rambukkana for demanding solutions to the crises in the country that have affected people from all walks of life.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.Venerable Theripaha Siridhamma Thero who commenced the fast unto death demanded the immediate resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and vowed to continue his fast unto death until they resign.At the same time, Weightlifter Prasanna Peiris who commenced a 24-hour satyagraha (fast) handed over the baton to Venerable Rajanganaye Saddharatana Thero, who will continue a 24-hour satyagraha.The Venerable Thero urged the Police and the Security Forces to refrain from protecting the rouges.

Colombo (News 1st): The Police Curfew that was imposed on the 19th of April for the entire Rambukkana Police area was lifted at 5 AM on Thursday (21).A Police Curfew was imposed following the unrest that broke out when Police used force to disperse protestors who were obstructing the Rambukkana Railway Crossing.One person was killed and scores were injured.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.The Incident:Angry locals organized protests at the Rambukkana town on Tuesday (19) to express their dismay over the fuel price hike.Entry points to the Rambukkana town from Mawanella, Kegalle, and Kurunegala were blocked during these protests.Protesters had used wooden railway sleepers to block the railway line in the area.At least one person was been killed after police opened fire to disperse protesters who were protesting by obstructing the railway tracks at Rambukkana. Scores were injured.Investigation:Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (20) said that a 20-member police team led by a Senior Superintendent of Police was appointed to investigate the shooting in Rambukkan on Tuesday (19), which led to the killing of one protestor.Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Ajith Rohana, who is also the Senior Police Spokesperson, told News 1st that the investigations are taking place under the supervision of Avissawella SSP Wasantha Kandewatte.“There is a note that an attempt was made to set fire to a fuel bowser, and a filling station.

PHILADELPHIA - Catalytic converter thefts are up in Philadelphia since last year, according to police. The recent spike in thefts combined with supply chain issues and worker shortages, is making for a long wait time at the shop and an expensive bill for victims of catalytic converter theft. Authorities say there were more than 3,400 thefts in 2021 and now in 2022, there has been more than 1,300 so far. Depending on the car you own, local auto repair shops say that it could take a month or longer to get the necessary car parts in. Mike Schafer, owner of Schafer’s Auto in South Philadelphia, says that in his 21 years of running the auto shop, he’s never seen anything like what’s been happening recently—6 to 13 cut catalytic converters a week from mostly Mitsubishis, Hondas, and Toyota Priuses."Three days, one month, 3 months wait time for them [parts] to come in," Schafer said.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday (20) said that a 20-member police team led by a Senior Superintendent of Police was appointed to investigate the shooting in Rambukkan on Tuesday (19), that led to the killing of one protestor.In addition, the police curfew imposed for the Rambukkana Police area is still in effect, said Sri Lanka Police.13 people who were injured when the protest in Rambukkana was dispersed continue receive treatment at the Kegalle Hospital, and the hospital director said three of them are in critical condition.Moreover, 15 police officers who were also injured during the unrest are receiving treatment for their injuries.One person who was rushed to the hospital after police opened fire to disperse the protest on Tuesday (19) died upon admission and he was identified as 41-year-old Chaminda Lakshan, a father of two from Narambedda.Senior DIG Attorney-at-Law Ajith Rohana, who is also the Senior Police Spokesperson, told News 1st that the investigations are taking place under the supervision of Avissawella SSP Wasantha Kandewatte.“There is a note that an attempt was made to set fire to a fuel bowser, and a filling station. If the fuel bowser that was filled be petrol was set on fire, it could led to a disaster turning the Rambukka town into rubble.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith has strongly condemned the shooting of protestors in Rambukkana by Sri Lankan law enforcement personnel.He also expressed sorrow to all the families for the loss of life and those injured during the unrest in Rambukkana.“The people who are on the streets are people who are affected by the terrible economic disaster that has hit our country, due to mismanagement by the government and its financial operations,” said the Cardinal adding that it is the right of the people to protest, and their right needs to be respected as it is allowed as per the provisions of the constitution.Recalling similar incidents in Rathupaswala, the Free Trade Zone, and Chilaw where people were killed by shooting by the authorities, the Archbishop of Colombo said such incidents should not happen in the country, which is a religious-minded country with principles.He appealed to all those in governance to ensure there is no repeat of such incidents and also called on people who protest not to let their emotions cloud their judgment, and also not to allow unscrupulous parties to set up one against the other, as these plots may be part of the way that the authorities seek to exert control.“Engage in protests in a dignified and a humane fashion. Do not let your emotions carry you and cause you to react violently towards the authorities, and towards others,” he added.His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Rajith said the government must change its ways and listen to the voice of the people to ensure democracy functions in the proper way, and the request by the people for change is implemented.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist Sects in Sri Lanka in an open letter have held the President, and every single member of parliament responsible for the crisis that the people have to face due to their insensitive actions towards the people who are dying while waiting in queues day and night.The letter was addressed to the President, Prime Minister, Opposition Leader, and all political party leaders represented in Parliament.Further, the Mahanayakes have expressed their dismay for their proposals addressed to the President seeking immediate relief to the people dated the 4th of April 2022, being disregarded.The Mahanayake’s strongly believe that the appointment of a new cabinet of ministers will not solve the crises.In addition, they strongly note that the authorities pay heed to the calls of the people who are peacefully protesting, and provide immediate solutions to them, while refraining from engaging in any act that is against the people.While expressing their condolences over the death of a protestor on the 19th of April 2022, the Mahanayakes stressed that it is the responsibility of the government and all other stakeholders to ensure that such an unfortunate environment is NOT created in Sri Lanka.Further, the Mahanayake Theros have called on all Public Representative to act fast to abolish the 20th Amendment to the Constitution that created an imbalance between the Executive and the Legislature, and bring forth a new constitution with reasonable facts mentioned in the 19th Amendment to the Constitution.The Mahanayake Theros of the three main Buddhist Sects in Sri Lanka said that all successive governments must be responsible for the economic crisis in the country.The Mahanayake

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Finance Ali Sabry P.C. and his delegation, met with the top officials of the World Bank & the International Finance Corporation (IFC) including Country Director (World Bank) Faris Hadad-Zervos and Managing Director of IFC Makhtar Diop in Washington DC on 19th April 2022.The discussion premised on the areas of assistance and possible paths for economic growth and economic stability.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that the Ministry of Public Security has appointed an independent investigation body to probe if the use of force to disperse protestors in Rambukka was done as per the legal provisions.The members of the investigation body are;1. S.T. Kodikara, Secretary State Ministry of Community Police Services2.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A heated exchange broke out in parliament over Wednesday’s (20) lunch break, as opposition MPs requested to be allowed to make their comments even during the break.MP Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam was in line to address the house ahead of the lunch break, and he requested for the break to be delayed as the parliament was discussing crucial matters regarding the death of a protestor who was killed in police fire in Rambukkana on Tuesday (20).Minister Dinesh Gunawardena said it was agreed to follow today’s debate and conclude proceedings, and that the opposition leader had proposed for the debate to continue on Thursday (21) based on fresh information.However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said what was agreed was to bring fresh information for the debate tomorrow, but for today’s debate to continue the lunch break needs to be used as well.“When the people are suffering without food, what is the urgency for the MPs to have their lunch? Cancel the lunch break and allow for discussions to continue. If you (government) want to eat, go ahead.

The Queen is set to celebrate her 96th birthday on Thursday - and Her Majesty is in remarkably good shape for her age.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has said that Sri Lanka Police will carry out an impartial & transparent inquiry into the incident at Rambukkana.In a tweet the President said that Sri Lankan citizens’ right to peacefully protest won’t be hindered.The President further urged all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest. Sri Lankan citizens’ right to peacefully protest wont be hindered. @SL_PoliceMedia will carry out an impartial & transparent inquiry re the incident at Rambukkana which led to the tragedy for which I’m deeply saddened.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on Wednesday (20) called for the appointment of an investigation body comprising of retired Supreme Court judges to conduct an impartial probe into the Rambukkana shooting.He said investigations carried out by the police cannot be accepted.Having failed to disperse those who had been blocking the railway line at Rambukkana for over 15 hours in protest against the latest increase in the price of diesel and petrol, the police on Tuesday (19) evening opened fire on protesters. One person was killed, and dozens including police officers were injured.He called on the Speaker to summon the Defense Secretary, Public Security Minister, IGP, and the SSP who ordered the shooting, as well the political forces who stood behind the SSP, so that the party leaders can grill them on the matter.Speaking on the political front, Sajith Premadasa said at the party leaders meeting the Speaker had noted that if the party leaders in unison call for the president to step down, he is prepared to do so.“We are prepared to do it.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 13 people who were injured in the unrest that broke out in the town of Rambukkana, Sri Lanka remain in hospital undergoing treatment. The Director of the Kegalle Hospital said that three of the injured are in critical condition.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.According to reports from Sri Lanka Police, 15 Police Officers were injured in the incident and they are receiving treatment in hospital.One person died after police opened fire at a group of protestors who were obstructing the Rambukkana Railway Crossing for almost 15 hours on Tuesday (19).Following the unrest, Sri Lanka Police immediately imposed a police curfew for the entire Rambukkana Police Area until further notice.POLICE ORDER TO SHOOT BELOW THE KNEE & PROBE UNDERWAY:Sri Lanka’s Police Chief C.

Russia has started its long-awaited offensive in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region in an effort to cut off the territory and finally obtain a battlefield victory.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Protestors have completely blocked the Galle – Colombo Main Road from the Balapitiya Town.Sri Lankans have been protesting against the fuel price hike and the shortage of fuel across many cities and towns by obstructing the roads.Access road to many cities and towns were blocked by protestors who moved vehicles to form barricades to prevent the movement of traffic.The tear gas attack on Matara was the second incident in 24 hours, after police used tear gas and opened fire to disperse a protest in Rambukkana, in the Sabaragamuwa Province, in Sri Lanka.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A group of concerned professionals consisting largely of legal and medical practitioners under the banner of “Direction Sri Lanka – Independent Professionals for the Nation” have called on the president to resign forthwith in response to the demands of the People.They have also called on the Prime Minister to forthwith resign after the election of the Successor PresidentFurther, the group in a statement had called on for a Caretaker / Interim National Government be immediately formed comprising a new Prime Minister and a Cabinet limited to 18 essential portfolios along with an equal number of Deputy Ministers, representing all political parties. 

The public health minister has confirmed the Covid-19 vaccine has no link to a mysterious strain of hepatitis found in 13 Scots children.

COLOMBO (News 1st); One person has died and 12 others are injured after police opened fire to disperse protestors in Rambukkana, Sri Lanka on Tuesday (19) evening.Sri Lanka Police confirmed that the police opened fire to disperse a group of protestors who were obstructing the Rambukkana Railway Crossing since early morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said police issued warnings to the protestors to leave the area, however they did not comply.He added that the protestors thereafter attempted to set fire to a fuel bowser, as well as a three-wheeler causing damaging to property.The Police Spokesperson said that in order to disperse the crowd police officers fired tear gas, and thereafter the protestors started hurling rocks as the protestors.Thereafter, in order to control the situation police had opened fire and several people were injured.The injured were rushed to the Kegalle Hospital for treatment, while several police officers were also assaulted and they too are being moved to the hospital, said the police spokesperson.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Lanka Private Bus Owners Association on Tuesday (19) announced that it was approved to increase bus fares by 35% with effect from today.Gemunu Wijeratne, the Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association said the minimum bus fare will be revised to Rs. 27/-The price hike comes after both the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation and the Lanka IOC decided to increase fuel prices this week.Private Bus Owners said that public transport services can NO longer be maintained due to the continuous increase in fuel prices and the current fuel shortage.The Chairman of the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association, Gemunu Wijeratne said that there several bus remain stationary on the road due to the shortage of fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police confirmed on Tuesday (19) that the police opened fire to disperse a group of protestors who were obstructing the Rambukkana Railway Crossing since early morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa said police issued warnings to the protestors to leave the area, however they did not comply.He added that the protestors thereafter attempted to set fire to a fuel bowser, as well as a three-wheeler causing damaging to property.The Police Spokesperson said that in order to disperse the crowd police office fired tear gas, and thereafter the protestors started hurling rocks as the protestors.Thereafter, in order to control the situation police had opened fire and several people were injured.The injured were rushed to the Kegalle Hospital for treatment, while several police officers were also assaulted and they too are being moved to the hospital, said the police spokesperson.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s Former Minister of Public Security Rear Admiral (Retired) Sarath Weerasekera on Tuesday (19) said that the vehicle that was supposedly used by terrorist Zaharan Hashim was attached to the Police Special Task Force, after it was confiscated by the state.He was responding to SJB Parliamentarian Harin Fernando, who cited a tweet by a journalist that claimed Ex-Minister Sarath Weerasekera was using the Land Cruiser that was originally used by Zaharan Hashim of the NTJ.“I spoke to the Secretary of the Ministry of Public Security after I was made aware of it this morning.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Private Bus employees across many areas have stepped away from their operations to protest against the fuel price hike on Tuesday (19), said the Lanka Private Bus Owners Association.Multiple protests are taking place against the fuel price hike and the shortage of fuel across many areas in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (19).News 1st correspondents said that protests are currently taking place in Rambukkana, Hingurakgoda, Baddegama, Digana, Gampola, Ratnapura, and Theldeniya.At the same time, people have obstructed the railroad from Rambukkana, prompting delays in train services along that road.Moreover, many shops and businesses in Rambukkana Town have been closed down in support of these protests.Over in Avissawella, people have blocked the Avissawella – Colombo Main Road from the main junction, known as the Color Light Junction.Sri Lanka Police said that the protest had disrupted the movement of traffic.Moreover, people are also protesting in Anuradhapura by obstructing the main road opposite the Anuradhapura new bus stand.Another protest is taking place at Theldeniya Town where the Kandy – Mahiyanganaya Road is completely blocked.Further, a protest is taking place in the Galle Town obstructing the Colombo – Galle main road, said Sri Lanka Police adding that buses have parked on the road obstructing the movement of traffic.A similar protest is also taking place in the Matara town.CEYPETCO FUEL PRICES INCREASEDThe Ceylon Petroleum Corporation decided to increase fuel prices with effect from midnight on Monday (18).The revised prices are as follows:92 Octane Petrol: Up by Rs. 84/- (New Price: Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera told Parliament that Sri Lanka will work with Lanka IOC to introduce a fuel price formula to determine fuel prices in the future.“We spoke with the IOC and agree that both parties must follow a common fuel price formula in the future,” he said.He told the house on Tuesday (19) as of 18th April 2022, the daily loss of the Ceylon Electricity Board was Rs. 1,613 Million.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Multiple protests are taking place against the fuel price hike and the shortage of fuel across many areas in Sri Lanka on Tuesday (19).News 1st correspondents said that protests are currently taking place in Rambukkana, Hingurakgoda, Baddegama, Digana, Gampola, Ratnapura, and Theldeniya.At the same time, people have obstructed the rail road from Rambukkana, prompting delay in train services along that road.Moreover, many shops and businesses in the Rambukkana Town have been closed down in support of these protests.Over in Avissawella, people have blocked the Avissawella – Colombo Main Road from the the main junction, known as the Color Light Junction.Sri Lanka Police said that the protest had disrupted the movement of traffic.Moreover, people are also protesting in Anuradhapura by obstructing the main road from opposite the Anuradhapura new bus stand.Another protest is taking place at the Theldeniya Town where the Kandy – Mahiyanganaya Road is completely blocked.Further, a protest is taking place in the Galle Town obstructing the Colombo – Galle main road, said Sri Lanka Police adding that buses have parked on the road obstructing the movement of traffic.A similar protest is also taking place at the Matara town.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Finance Ali Sabry met the IMF Managing Director, Kristalina Georgieva on Monday (18) at IMF Headquarters in Washington DC.IMF commended the steps already taken by the Finance Minister to mitigate the situation, and assured support by the IMF was also positive on expediting the processes.Minister Sabry also requested a Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).The IMF subsequently informed Minister Sabry that India had also made representations on behalf of Sri Lanka on an RFI, and informed him that they will consider it despite it being outside of the standard circumstances for the issuance of an RFI.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) has today downgraded the Government of Sri Lanka’s long-term foreign-currency issuer and senior unsecured debt ratings to Ca from Caa2.

Russia has begun its anticipated large-scale offensive operation in the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine, officials said Monday, marking a new phase in the nearly two-month-long war.

Worldwide, 49% of COVID-19 survivors reported persistent symptoms 4 months after diagnosis, estimates a meta-analysis of 31 studies published late last week in The Journal of Infectious Diseases.

World-famous hip-hop DJ and radio personality DJ Kay Slay has passed.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 21 new State Ministers took oaths in the presence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (18).1. Professor G. L.

An anti-terrorism court on Monday (18) awarded death sentences to six and handed life imprisonment to seven as it announced its verdict in Sri Lankan citizen Priyantha Kumara’s lynching case, reported Pakistan Media.Kumara was lynched by a mob comprising hundreds of protesters, including the employees of the factory in Sialkot he was the manager of, on December 3rd 2021.The mob had tortured him to death and later burnt his body.A first information report was registered against 900 workers of Rajco Industries on the application of Uggoki Station House Officer Armaghan Maqt under sections 302, 297, 201, 427, 431, 157, 149 of the Pakistan Penal Code and 7 and 11WW of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Scores of suspects were arrested in the following days.The incident had seen widespread outrage and condemnation across Pakistan with politicians, scholars and civil society members calling for swift punishment to be meted out to the perpetrators.“The prosecution team presented a total of 43 witnesses in order to prove the crime against suspects,” Punjab Prosecution Department Secretary Nadeem Sarwar said in the press conference today, adding that forensic, audio and video evidence was also used to prove the crime.“In less than a month, the prosecution completed the testimonies of witnesses.