Food Insecurity : Many Sri Lankan families sacrificing meals

COLOMBO (News 1st)- A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Defence Secretary General (Retd) G D H Kamal Gunaratne conceded that the 'Agitation Site' introduced by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is in the wrong place."We have understood that the agitation site was declared in the wrong place. Many accomadation sites used by Foreign Envoys are located in this particular are as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy noted that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) will respond legally to the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) on the accusation of quality of Crude oil.Minister Kanchana Wijesekera tweeted that the CPC has adequate stocks of Diesel & Fuel Oil.Further, the extended Power Cuts were requested by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) due to a breakdown at Lakshapana, and insufficient funds at CEB for diesel & fuel oil & Hydro management.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The first of its kind Basic Diving Module arranged for the lady officers and women sailors of the Sri Lanka Navy concluded on a successful note in Trincomalee recently. The certificate awarding for 03 participants who completed the module was held under the patronage of the Commandant of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Commodore Damian Fernando at the Diving School in the Naval Dockyard Trincomalee on 24th September 2022.The initiative was set in motion for the first time in the history of the Sri Lanka Navy in July this year, as per an idea mooted by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, allowing an opportunity for Navy women who are willing to engage in diving. Accordingly, 02 lady officers and 01 woman sailor who met the physical fitness standards required for Basic Diving Module completed the module, conducted for 20 days from 05th to 24th September at the Diving School in the Naval Dockyard. On successful completion of the Basic Diving Module, Lieutenant (S) Gayanka Satharasinghe, Sub Lieutenant (VNF) Nimasha Jayawickrama, and Women Able Seaman (PTI) GDD Sakunthala marked their names in the history of diving in the Sri Lanka Navy, as women who achieved this significant feat for the first time.Commenced in 1962, the Diving Unit of the Sri Lanka Navy established its Diving School at the Naval Dockyard, Trincomalee in 1988, to provide formal diving training to Navy divers. The Navy Diving Unit undertakes a wide range of underwater activities such as; underwater inspection, maintenance and repair of naval vessels, salvage work, clearance, and underwater demolition, underwater surveying, lifesaving, and rescue as well as diving assistance of non-naval nature to public and

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities will pose no obstruction towards 'Peaceful Protests', said Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon on Monday (26).He noted that protests or demonstrations must take place as per the provisions of the law, where prior approval must be obtained from the security forces six hours ahead of the planned demonstration or protest."There will be no issue if prior approval is obtained," he said.The Acting Defence Minister said the government will guarantee the right to protest and demonstrate, however, these protests or demonstrations or marches should not disrupt the normal lives of the public and the economy."Protests, Rallies, and demonstrations that attempt to create a crisis in the country, and that disrupts the lives of the public will be contained as per the provisions of the law by the security forces," said the Acting Defence Minister, adding that it will be same for the future.He went on to note that no party will be allowed to engage in irresponsible conduct that violates the laws on public security and disrupt public operations.Commenting on the High-Security Zones that were declared by the President recently, the Acting Defence Minister noted that the people can go about with their activities in those areas, and issues will only arise if one engaged in unlawful conduct.

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) – Alertness, coupled with battle-hardened experience and professionalism of Sri Lanka Combat Convoy Company (CCC) troops, practiced in Mali under life-threatening circumstances resulted in the award of a special service medal to Major R.A.D.M.D Senevirathna of 12 Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) in the CCC during an appreciative meeting.During a recent logistics convoy from Gao to Kidal in Mali, the Sri Lanka Search and Detection team of the CCC uncovered two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and effectively defused both of them before they caused a bloodbath. Mali-based CCC under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been engaged in convoy protection duties in Mali since the year 2017.Lieutenant General Cornelis Johannes Matthijssen, the Force Commander, MINUSMA upon arrival at the CCC camp, highly appreciated the professional competence of the troops of the 4th Combat Convoy Company of Sri Lanka Army and awarded a Service Appreciation Medal to the senior officer, Major R.A.D.M.D Senevirathna of 12 Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) who discovered both landmines, buried near the roadside.The MINUSMA Force Commander spoke highly of the CCC’s professional management of the defusion, alertness, attention, and diligence after their exclusive detection by the said Officer and the CCC troops, responsible for search and detection operations.In the past 2-3 months, tribal terrorist groups in Mali have intensified their fierce internecine violent acts targeting their rivals as well as UN troops serving the landlocked country. Similarly, their brutal terrorist attacks have posed a formidable threat to all UN troops, deployed for UN peacekeeping assignments.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York recently.Wang Yi expressed, China and Sri Lanka are each other's, strategic cooperative partners. The two countries have always shared weal and woe and sincerely helped each other. This year, which marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sri Lanka and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, is of great significance for inheriting the past and ushering in the future. China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to carry forward the traditional friendship, consolidate strategic mutual trust and deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation. Congratulations to Sri Lanka on its initial results in stabilizing the situation and easing difficulties. China has provided medicines, rice, fuel, and other emergencies humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka, and will continue to offer assistance within our capacity to help Sri Lanka overcome temporary difficulties.Sabry said that the Sri Lanka-China friendship has a solid foundation. China has provided strong support for Sri Lanka's economic and social development for a long time. In particular, China has offered timely help to Sri Lanka when it encountered difficulties. Sri Lanka will never forget that.

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) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes for 26th September as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour and 20-minutes during the night

“This week John has been transferred into a rehabilitation facility. Each of these steps means things are moving in the right direction and for that we are enormously thankful,” the statement reads.

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 Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has called for an urgent report on the arrest of 83 people during a protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union.The Human Rights Commission stated that it had informed the IGP to forward the relevant report to the commission on Monday (26).Human Rights Commission personnel have also been directed to the police stations to check the condition of those who are currently in custody.Meanwhile, Police Media Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa stated that the 83 people arrested during the protest will be presented to the court on Sunday (25).The Police Media Spokesperson stated that their statements were recorded last night.Further investigations into the incident are being conducted under the direct supervision of the DIG in charge of Colombo District.Two Ven.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain will arrive in Sri Lanka on Sunday (25).Her visit will span from September 25-28 to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The special audit report compiled on the importation of nano-nitrogen liquid fertilizer from India has been forwarded to the Ministry of Agriculture for further inquiry.Auditor General W.PC Wickramaratne stated that after examining the facts, the relevant report will be forwarded to the Parliament for further action.Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture placed an order for nearly 2.1 million liters of liquid nano-nitrogen fertilizer from Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative of India in Gujarat, India.In the process, it was revealed that Sri Lanka had purchased the nano nitrogen liquid fertilizer at 12.45 dollars, when its price in the Indian Market stood at 3.23 dollars.Due to this, Sri Lanka had to pay Rs. 1,867 more than the actual retail price to purchase 500 ml of nano nitrogen fertilizer from India.If this amount was spent on the fertilizers ordered in full, Sri Lanka would have incurred an additional cost of approximately Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 92nd National Day of Saudi Arabia  was celebrated in Colombo yesterday, 23rd of September. Minister at the Embassy, Abdulelah Orkobi joined Saudi Arabia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Sri Lanka Khalid Hamoud Nasser Aldasan Al-Kahtani in receiving the galaxy of guests from the diplomatic corps, Cabinet, Parliament, Sri Lankan business community, clergy, public and private sectors.The reception was launched with the singing of the national anthems of the Kingdom and Sri Lanka followed by the traditional Saudi folk dances.Among the members of the clergy, Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero,the Secretary General of Bodu Bala Sena and Ven. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka, Ali Sabry at the United Nations General Assembly stated that Sri Lanka unconditionally recognize the fundamental right to freedom of expression as sacrosanct, and pledged to 'build back better' by leaving no one behind and rise to new horizons of freedom and progress. The full speech is as follows;Mr. President, Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The police fired tear gas and aimed water cannons at Socialist Youth Union protestors who were engaged in a protest in the Maradana area against the Government's repressive measures.The protestors initiated the march under the theme of re-energizing the people's protests and returning the power of the youth to Colombo.The police previously announced that although the protest march was due to start from near the Lipton Roundabout in Colombo, they cannot allow it.The Police said that 84 people have been detained by Sri Lanka Police for taking part in the protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union.Several protestors who were injured during the protest were brought to Colombo National Hospital for treatment as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan government has asked a US judge to dismiss the case filed by Hamilton Reserve Bank for defaulting on bonds, the financial news agency Bloomberg reported.   The government had requested that the case in New York be dismissed over the country reaching debt default, stating that the case brought by one bank is an “apparent attempt to gain leverage over a nation in crisis and jump ahead of other foreign creditors.”   Hamilton Reserve Bank, based in the Caribbean islands of St.

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 Chinese special cargo plane carrying essential medicines and medical equipment donated by China to Sri Lanka arrived on the island on Saturday (24).The duty manager of Bandaranaike International Airport stated that this special cargo plane arrived on the island from Beijing, China last night.China has made these donations in view of the issues and shortages experienced concerning essential medicines and medical equipment in Sri Lanka.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Sabry who is leading the Sri Lanka delegation to the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly met a number of leaders of delegations of the UN member states and addressed several high level events in New York.Foreign Minister Sabry met the President of the United States of America Joseph Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at a dinner reception hosted by the US President.He also met the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Japan, one of Sri Lanka's main creditors, will back the South Asian nation as it seeks to restructure about $30 billion of its foreign debt and find a way out of a crippling economic crisis, Tokyo's envoy to the country said on Friday.Reaching an agreement with creditors is key to Sri Lanka securing a $2.9 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)."Japan stands by Sri Lanka in support of the debt restructuring negotiation process so that Sri Lanka can reach the final agreement with the IMF," Ambassador Hideaki Mizukoshi said in an interview.Japan holds around $3.5 billion of Sri Lanka's total bilateral debt of about $10 billion, amounting to 4.4% of the island's GDP, according to government and IMF data.Japan is also a major trading partner."Japan intends to play a constructive role with other creditor countries, including China and India," Mizukoshi said.Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis in decades, with severely depleted foreign exchange reserves leading to prolonged shortages of essentials, including fuel and food.The financial turmoil is the result of economic mismanagement and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that upended Sri Lanka's lucrative tourism industry.Although Japan will support the debt negotiation process, Mizukoshi said that talks on large infrastructure projects will only be resumed after Sri Lanka's economy recovers."In the future, when this economic crisis is over and the economic conditions are in good shape, we can restart that kind of discussion," he said.Sri Lanka suspended a $1.5 billion Japanese-funded light rail project for the commercial capital Colombo in 2020, citing financial problems.Regional rival China has built ports,

PROSPECT PARK, Pa. - The fight to Save Our Streets hits close to home for one family whose son was killed blocks from Temple University’s freshmen dorms. His parents, and former schools, are doing everything they can to keep his memory alive.Molly and Dennis Collington never imagined they would spend so much of their time at Philadelphia’s Criminal Justice Center.But if their son’s case is on a docket, they are showing up.

File: U.S. Marine Corps Maj.

WEATHERFORD, Texas - A 12-year-old Weatherford girl and her father have been hospitalized with gun shot wounds after sheriff's deputies say the girl plotted for weeks with a friend to murder their families.Parker County Sheriff Russ Authier says the deputies were called to a shooting with a 12-year-old girl lying in the street with a gun shot wound to the head, her 38-year-old father was found in the house shot in the abdomen.Investigators believe the girl shot her father, fled the scene and then shot herself.Both the girl and her father were flown to the hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is hopeful that the first tranche of the IMF disbursement will be available before the end of 2022, but it depends on cooperation from the creditors and assurances, revealed Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe on Friday (23). He was speaking in an update to creditors forum organized by Clifford Chance and Lazard, the eavyweight financial and legal advisers selected by Sri Lanka for its debt restructuring process.Expected timeline for the Debt Restructuring Process: Central Bank Governor Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.The details in the extraordinary gazette are as follows:Parliament ComplexOn the NORTH by :- From Polduwa Junction to the Speaker's Residence, Kumbukgaha Duwa Road, Rajamalwatta Road, Jayanthipura Junction, Jayanthipura Road and Parliament Road including Diyawanna Lake.On the EAST by :- From Jayanthipura Junction to Outer Vehicle Park of the Parliament (Alcatraz Park), Parliament Ground, Keangnam Junction, Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Road, Pahalawela Road to Kimbulawala Junction including Diyawanna Lake.On the SOUTH by :- From Kimbulawala Junction to Pin Niyara Junction of Thalawathugoda Road, Area up to Pin Niyara including Sudarshana Mawatha, Daham Mawatha, Gamage Mawatha, Eeyam Poruwa Temple Road, Byroads and MP’s Quarters – Madiwela, Pita Wella Road at the back of MP’s Quarters including Diyawanna Lake.On the WEST by :- From Pin Niyara Junction to Beddagana Junction of Thalawathugoda Road, Polduwa Junction including Diyawanna Lake along Beddagana Road, Polduwa Road, Wehera Kanda Road, Beddagana, Nippon Road Supreme Court Complex, High Court Complex- Colombo, Magistrate Court Complex- Colombo and Attorney General’s DepartmentOn the NORTH by :- From Dam Street, Aluthkade Street to Belmont StreetOn the EAST by :- From Belmont Street to Adhikarana Mawatha Junction along Sanchi Arachchi Gardens RoadOn the SOUTH by :- Parcel Roundabout, Sanchi Arachchi Gardens RoadOn the WEST by :- St.Sebastian Hill Street, Mihindu Mawatha, St.Sebastian StreetPresidential Secretariat, President's House, Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters and Police HeadquartersOn the NORTH by :- From NSA Roundabout to Police Headquaters

COLOMBO (News 1st) – United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka from September 25-28 to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

Queens reign signified transformation from Ceylon to Sri Lanka – PresidentCOLOMBO (News 1st) – As Queen of Ceylon, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign signified the transformation of our country from Ceylon to Sri Lanka, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a Condolence Vote in Parliament on Friday (23)."The great political upheaval started under her. The 1956 election victory, the emergence of the ethnic issue, the coming of the free education generation, the state control of the economy, two coup d’etat against the government and the start of the armed uprisings in the South," he added.Full Speech by the President:“Amongst all the letters of congratulations I received on becoming the president, the one that was sent by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was special.

Queens reign signified transformation from Ceylon to Sri Lanka – PresidentCOLOMBO (News 1st) – As Queen of Ceylon, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's reign signified the transformation of our country from Ceylon to Sri Lanka, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a Condolence Vote in Parliament on Friday (23)."The great political upheaval started under her. The 1956 election victory, the emergence of the ethnic issue, the coming of the free education generation, the state control of the economy, two coup d’etat against the government and the start of the armed uprisings in the South," he added.Full Speech by the President:“Amongst all the letters of congratulations I received on becoming the president, the one that was sent by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was special.

Coal Crisis: Cabinet Spokesperson blames conspiracyCOLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson on Friday (23) revealed that a conspiracy is taking place to deprive the country of on-time coal imports.Minister (Dr) Bandula Gunawardena, the country's cabinet spokesperson, told reporters on Friday (23) that a conspiratorial plan is afoot to deny the on-time coal delivery and to extend the power cuts.He said that the coal tender that was awarded recently, was for a bid that was lower than what was offered last year.The Minister said that due to technical and legal issues if Sri Lanka fails to import coal on time it would lead to a crisis, and therefore it was decided by the Cabinet of Ministers to appoint a Cabinet Sub-Committee to make an emergency decision that is paramount for the country and to make purchases in a manner that does not affect the people.He said that all necessary decisions will be made by the subject Minister, and the Cabinet Sub-Committee to prevent a shutdown of the power plant that would lead to extended power cuts.The Minister said coal procurement will be made as an emergency national requirement, that will not affect the people in any way.Sri Lanka is likely to once again face an electricity crisis due to issues surrounding the procurement of coal to power the Norochcholai Power Plant.The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineer's Union warned that daily power cuts are likely to be extended to ten hours a day, if coal is not received by the 25th of October 2022.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka also approved the Ceylon Electricity Boards' (CEB) request for power cuts of 2 hours & 20 minutes from 23rd to 25th September.Electricity Supply: 30 percent of the country's electricity supply

COLOMBO (News 1st); Members of Parliament have been nominated by the respective political parties to serve in the National Council.However, the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, National People's Power, and the Dullas Alahapperuma faction did not nominate members to the National Council.National Council will consist of the Speaker of Parliament as the Chair, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the Chief Government Whip and not more than thirty-five Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from recognised Political Parties in Sri Lanka as determined by the Leaders of the Political Parties.The resolution proposed by the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena to constitute the Parliament Committee called the “National Council” was passed in parliament without objection.The National Council will have the jurisdiction and general responsibilities in order to,(i) determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of short, medium and long-term national policies(ii) agree on short and medium-term common minimum programs in respect of the stabilisation of the economy(iii) arrange special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Council, the Chairpersons of the Special Committees and Youth observers of Youth OrganisationsThe National Council will be empowered to request reports from Sectoral Oversight Committees, Committee on Public Finance, Committee on Public Accounts, Committee on Public Enterprises, Committee on Banking and Financial Services, Committee on Ways and Means, Committee on Economic Stabilisation; and any committee controlling the public finance.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 12 persons who are suspected to be on an illegal migration attempt to a foreign country via sea. The apprehension was made during a special operation conducted in the beach area of Oluthuduwai, Mannar yesterday (22).Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular search operations and patrols in coastal as well as sea areas around the island to thwart illegal activities stemming from sea routes. In a similar operation conducted by SLNS Gajaba in the North Central Naval Command, this group of would-be illegal immigrants was nabbed, whilst they were suspiciously wandering in the Oluthuduwai beach area in the dark hours yesterday (22).Among the apprehended persons were 02 males and 03 females over 18 years and 07 more individuals who are below 18 years of age.The persons held during the special operation were identified as residents of the Vedithalathiv area. The suspects were handed over to the Mannar Police for onward legal proceedings.In the backdrop where human smugglers organize this nature of rackets to make fast money, the Navy urges the public to refrain from risking their lives by engaging in such activities and be victims before the law.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's proposal for Debt Restructuring will be discussed online on Friday (23).Finance Secretary Mahinda Siriwardena told News 1st that all creditor nations will join the discussion, and the plan is to provide them a better understanding on Sri Lanka's Debt Restructuring process.Sri Lanka will be represented by the Finace Ministry Officials and personnel from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.On Thursday (22) foreign diplomats in Sri Lanka assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe of their support to get the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Sri Lanka to recover from the economic crisis, said the President's Media Division.They made this assurance on Thursday (22) at the Ambassadors’ Forum on Debt Restructuring and IMF Program held at the President’s Office chaired by the President.Ambassadors from 23 countries, both members and non-members of Paris Club participated at the Forum.The foreign ambassadors expressed their confidence that Sri Lanka would be able to get out of this situation.President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that it was the government’s expectation to overcome the economic challenge that the country is facing and assured that all possible measures would be taken in the endeavour.Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana explained the progress of the discussions held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the current economic situation in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that it was a challenge the country had to face to ensure a better future for the next generation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda and Indian National Security Advisor Doval reviewed the status of the bilateral relations between the two countries.   As part of the regular and ongoing dialogue between them, Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the National Security Advisor of India Shri Ajit Kumar Doval, at the latter's office in New Delhi on Thursday (22).Their discussion centered on a comprehensive review of the status of the relations between India and Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The foreign diplomats in Sri Lanka have assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe of their support to get the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Sri Lanka to recover from the economic crisis, said the President's Media Division.They made this assurance on Thursday (22) at the Ambassadors’ Forum on Debt Restructuring and IMF Program held at the President’s Office chaired by the President.Ambassadors from 23 countries, both members and non-members of Paris Club participated at the Forum.The foreign ambassadors expressed their confidence that Sri Lanka would be able to get out of this situation.President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that it was the government’s expectation to overcome the economic challenge that the country is facing and assured that all possible measures would be taken in the endeavour.Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe and Finance Ministry Secretary Mahinda Siriwardana explained the progress of the discussions held with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the current economic situation in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that it was a challenge the country had to face to ensure a better future for the next generation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Due to the severe crisis taking place in Sri Lanka, over 12 Sri Lankans Nations' arrived in Tamil Nadu.A large number of fleeing Sri Lankan nationals, mainly Tamils, have entered India through Tamil Nadu and have been accommodated in a refugee camp at Mandapam.Recently, the relevant 12 people were rescued from a patch of land mid-sea where they were dropped off in a boat, officials added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Clyde FC announced that Josh Bradley-Hurst has been invited to a Sri Lanka National Football team training camp.Josh was born in Sri Lanka and aims to become the first Clyde player to win an international cap since 1967.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Foreign Minister Ali Sabry met US President Joe Biden at the reception hosted by the President of the United States and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is currently facing its worse economic crisis, and people who cannot afford to pay a high cost for fuel have been forced to use public transport, especially the jam-packed trains.News 1st's Teena Marian filed this report during her early morning commute to work.The Colombo-bound train from Polgahawela was already packed like cans of sardines when it reached one of the busiest train stations on the coastal route this morning.As the train reached the platform, commuters rushed to the doors trying to creep inside the already packed compartments to make their way to Colombo for school and work.The train on its journey to Colombo passed many other stations, and some passengers waiting to board the train simply had to look on as the packed train passed by with no room for more passengers.For many, this has been the case for decades and more additional compartments is a paramount need.News 1st's inquiries from authorities at Sri Lanka Railways on why this perennial issue has gone unresolved despite footage and images of packed trains going viral for decades went unanswered.Overcrowded public transport is now the norm, as many hang off footboards for their lives and livelihoods.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to India Milinda Moragoda had separate interactions with the members of the Indian Women’s Press Corps (IWPC) and the students of the IAAN School of Mass Communication recently.The formal interaction with the members of the Indian Women’s Press Corps was held at the organization’s headquarters in New Delhi. A large number of Delhi-based journalists, mostly women journalists, representing prominent media outlets in India attended this interaction.The members of the IWPC posed several questions to High Commissioner Moragoda, ranging from Sri Lanka’s present economic and political developments to Indo-Sri Lanka relations at large. The session was moderated by the President of the IWPC, Shobhna Jain. Several leading newspapers and news sites in India carried the contents of this interaction in their editions yesterday (22).Founded in 1994, the IWPC is one of the premier journalists’ organizations in India and has a membership of about 900 women journalists.Earlier in the day, High Commissioner Moragoda interacted with the students of the ‘IAAN School of Mass Communication’ on Indo-Lanka relations in line with India’s 75th Independence anniversary. The interaction was held at the recently opened High Commissioners’ Gallery at the Sri Lanka High Commission.High Commissioner Moragoda engaged with the students during an informal question and answer session followed by a formal interview that focused on Indo-Lanka relations.The students of the IAAN School of Mass Communication interviewed the High Commissioner for a special audio-visual book titled ‘Foreign Relations’ to mark the 75th anniversary of the Independence of  India.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka is likely to once again face an electricity crisis due to issues surrounding the procurement of coal to power the Norochcholai Power Plant.The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineer's Union warned that daily power cuts are likely to be extended to ten hours a day, if coal is not received by the 25th of October 2022.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka also approved the Ceylon Electricity Boards' (CEB) request for power cuts of 2 hours & 20 minutes from 23rd to 25th September.Electricity Supply: 30 percent of the country's electricity supply depends on the Norochcholai coal-fired power plant despite one generator being out of order.More than 40 percent of the electricity demand is met from this plant when all three generators are in operation.Currently, the stock of coal in the plant is sufficient only till October 25th, 2022.After October 25th, sufficient coal stocks should be provided for power generation at the Norochcholai coal-fired power plant.What happened to the supply of coal?Recently, bids were invited to contract a long-term supplier of Coal for Sri Lanka. Several companies submitted bids during the formal tender process and another company submitted bids outside the tender process.After opening and evaluating the bids submitted outside the tender process, the proposals submitted in the formal tender process have been evaluated.Ultimately, it was decided to award the long-term supply to the company that submitted bids via the proper tender process.But the company that submitted bids outside the tender process had again submitted a bid at a lower price.The Minister of Power and Energy recently revealed in Parliament that the said bidder also influenced the company that offered

The Ontario government is failing to disclose the names of “high-risk” foster care and group homes to children’s aid societies – the organizations responsible for placing kids in care, Global News has learned.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved the Ceylon Electricity Boards' (CEB) request for power cuts of 2 hours & 20 minutes from 23rd to 25th September as follows:Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW:1 hour during daytime  1 hour and 20 minutes during the nightApproval for extended power cuts was granted after considering the unavailability of old Laxapana Stage 1, lack of fuel availability at Westcoast, and due to sudden increase in demand.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) said that it made a payment for a shipment of 41,000 MT of Diesel.The shipment reached Sri Lanka on the 7th of September 2022.In the meantime, the CPC further noted that the unloading of a petrol shipment will commence on Thursday (22) evening.Moreover, the Corporation said that payments have been made to the Crude oil vessel scheduled to arrive in the country in November.There are sufficient reserves in the country, CPC adds.