COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is on a private visit to Sri Lanka, met President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the President's Office on Monday morning (02).During a friendly discussion, Former British Prime Minister David Cameron extended his best wishes to President Wickremesinghe for the New Year.President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff, Mr.

Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake and Director of International Affairs for the President were also present at this discussion..

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Laptop demand ebbs as pandemic eases

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

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Laptops demand ebbs as pandemic eases

city New Delhi India covid-19 experts president pandemic Mobile Enterprise

Professionals’ Trade Unions warn of strict action against unjust tax

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fifteen organizations representing the professionals in the public sector have warned that if the government does not withdraw its unjust tax regime, strict action will be taken following pay day, which is tomorrow (25).These professional bodies have already declared a Black Protest Week against the tax regime they term as unjust.The Collective of Professionals' Trade Unions represented by multiple organizations including the Government Medical Officers' Association, Federation of University Teachers' Association, Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union, and the Ceylon Bank Employees Union convened a media briefing in Colombo.The Sri Lankan government has already decided to impose a tax regime of 6% to 36% on monthly earnings over Rs.

Sri Lanka Government Action

Petition filed against electricity tariff hike

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A writ application was filed with the Court of Appeal on Tuesday (24) seeking an order to invalidate the Cabinet Decision to impose an electricity tariff hike with effect from the 1st of January 2023.It was filed by several factions including the Electricity Users' Association, its secretary Dhammika Sanjeewa, The Center of Environmental Justice, its Executive Director Hemantha Vithanage.The Minister of Power and Energy, The Ceylon Electricity Board, The Cabinet of Ministers among others were named as respondents.

city Sanjeewa

Activists remanded for protest at PUCSL

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson for the Samagi United Trade Union Balavegaya Ananda Palitha, and Secretary of the Electricity Users' Association Dhammika Sanjeewa, who visited the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka recently to inquire about the attempt to hike electricity tariffs, were arrested on Monday (23) night and were produced in court on Tuesday (24).They were charged with criminal influence and were remanded to the 26th of January 2023 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.The case was filed against them for protesting against the members of the Public Utilities Commission during a protest opposite the PUCSL in Colombo.

Sri Lanka city Sanjeewa

Energy Secretary, PUCSL Chief summoned by HRCSL over power outages during A/L period

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission were informed to appear for an inquiry at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Wednesday (25) at 10:30 AM.The summons were sent as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had observed that its directive to the Power & Energy Secretary, and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination had been disregarded.On Monday (23), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka informed the Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination, citing that power outages could negatively impact the studies of the candidates. The 2022 Advanced Level examination got underway on Monday (23), and will continue to the 17th of February.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions, Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C.

Bandula Gunawardena Sri Lanka information prevention

China’s Exim Bank offers Sri Lanka debt moratorium – Reuters

(Reuters) – The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.China's Jan.

China India Sri Lanka 2020 crisis Reuters reports Provident Assurant

Constitutional Council to meet on Wednesday (25)

A meeting of the Constitutional Council will be held on Wednesday (25) at 9.30 am, Chief of Staff and Deputy General Secretary of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said, according to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the President appointed the non-members of Parliament as members of the Constitutional Council based on the nominations submitted by the Speaker with the agreement of the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Accordingly, Dr. Pratap Ramanujam, Dr.

Sri Lanka president doctor

Keselwatte Police withdraw B report filed against lawyers

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Keselwatte Police on Tuesday (24) withdrew a B report that it filed with the court regarding a group of lawyers who protested opposite the Hultsdorf Magistrate's Court on the 18th of January 2023.Lawyers protested on that day against the conduct of the Attorney General's Department and the undue influence on Colombo Additional Magistrate Tharanga' Mahawatte.Sri Lanka Police filed the B report with the court, and Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis upon considering the report ordered Sri Lanka Police to inquire into the matter, and produce a report.However, when the complaint was called up on Tuesday (24) the Keselwatte Police requested permission from the court to withdraw the B report without taking further action on the matter.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis granted permission to the request and concluded the matter.On Monday (23), IGP C. D.

Sri Lanka Department reports Action

Sri Lanka hopeful of completing debt restructuring in six months

(Reuters) – Sri Lanka is committed to meeting all its debt repayments and is hoping to complete debt restructuring negotiations in the next six months, the country's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday."There has been good progress this month with India already pledging financing assurances.

China Japan India Sri Lanka Britain crisis Racing Progressive Assurant

Ajith Prasanna guilty of Contempt of Court; Sentenced to 4 years RI

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Retired Major Attorney Ajith Prasanna was found guilty by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (24) for contempt of court. He was sentenced to 4 years rigorous imprisonment and was also fined Rs.

2020 Action

Millennium City Scandal: Court rejects request to release defendant

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige rejected a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, a defendant in the case filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses including the Millennium City safe house.Counsel made the request to acquit and release the defendant without calling for evidence.The case was filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses between 1st of January 2002 and 3rd of September 2002 in Colombo, Athurugiriya, Kandy and Kadugannawa, seizing their military equipment and taking photographs and videos of the said equipment.In addition, the case was filed for arresting Military Intelligence personnel and exposing military secrets.The Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige issuing the order on the request made by the counsel appearing for the Former ASP noted that the court has decided to continue with the case by calling for evidence from the defense based on the evidence produced to the court by the prosecution.The Colombo High Court Judge ordered for the case to be called up again on the 21st of February for the evidence from the defense, and ordered for the evidence list to be produced to the court ahead of that date.Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva appearing for the Attorney General had requested the court to reject a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, without calling for evidence from the defense.

Aditya Patabendige Citi Kandi

FAO & Australia fund School Agriculture clubs to support nutritional security

Over 200 schools will receive funding from Australia via the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to build entrepreneurial school gardens in the North, Central and Uva Provinces to support nutritional security among children.The entrepreneurial school gardens programme, implemented as part of a project funded by the Australian government totalling over USD 2.3 million, is aimed at improving the food and nutritional security of groups most affected by the ongoing economic crisis, particularly women and children.The programme features a discovery-based learning approach for over 100,000 secondary school students from grades 8 – 12, where they will be educated on the capacity to transform their school gardens into sources of nutritious produce that will facilitate diverse and healthy eating habits and encourage students to apply entrepreneurial thinking into agriculture. 505 school teachers from the three provinces were also trained on the discovery-based learning methodology as part of the programme to improve skills in food security, nutrition, agriculture and entrepreneurship.The Agriculture club in each school will be empowered to operate as a core programme partner that will oversee the coordination and navigation of the programme alongside school officials.

Sri Lanka Australia county Stephens Government crisis Health Beyond

Power Cuts: Two hours after 4 PM during A/L exam period

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C. E.

Bandula Gunawardena Sri Lanka recommendations information Government Provident Assurant

Election Comm. seeks fund confirmation for Local Government Poll

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission has addressed a letter to the Finance Ministry requesting a clarification on whether funds can be provided for the local government election.The Chairman of the National Election Commission in the letter had sought a clarification from the Treasury Secretary.The cost for the Local Government Election is estimated at Rs. 10 Billion.The National Election Commission said that the Treasury Secretary is expected to provide a detailed response on whether the funds will be made available.Dr.

Government Party Provident

PUCSL agrees to expedite tariff proposal

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (24) announced that is has reached a unanimous decision to expedite Ceylon Electricity Board tariff proposal in accordance with the Electricity act 2009.In addition, the PUCSL has reached a decision to seek legal opinion on the implementation of the cabinet request on interim tariff with retrospective effect, said its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake.On the 9th of January 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers considered the proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies, and the Minister of Power and Energy regarding the revision of electricity tariffs.

Janaka Ratnayake Sri Lanka president guidelines bill Provident

India commits to help Sri Lanka on debt – IMF

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

China India Sri Lanka Britain crisis reports Assurant

NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka LG Polls – The winner takes it all

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka LG Polls – The winner takes it all. On YouTube and Facebook. #Newsline #News1st #LGPolls

Sri Lanka

US health officials propose once-a-year COVID-19 vaccines for most Americans

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.This means Americans would no longer have to keep track of how many shots they’ve received or how many months it’s been since their last booster.The proposal comes as boosters have become a hard sell.

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Writing Therapy Might Be the Key to Better Mental Health in 2023

clinician, has long been a powerful tool “for unpacking and making sense of our thoughts and feelings,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York. Sometimes it can feel like the latest in mental health treatment is overwhelmingly tech-heavy or experimental—hello, and and post-traumatic stress disorder—but the recent rise in interest surrounding writing therapy feels refreshingly grounded and old school. “There are numerous studies linking journaling about our thoughts and feelings to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.

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Spain Covid rules as face masks urged in tourist hotspot amid spread of new strains

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

Carolina Darias China Spain Britain Scotland covid-19 president mask travelers strain Health reports

Power Cuts during A/L exam period draws widespread condemnation

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Although the government assured that there will be no power cuts during the period of the G. C. E.

Bandula Gunawardena Sri Lanka recommendations information Government Provident Assurant

Travel rules for Spain, US, Thailand and more from passport to Covid requirements

Holidaymakers who plan to go abroad this year will need to keep up to date about the rules and laws for the destination that they will be visiting.

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GMOA threatens to go to WHO over medicine crisis; Minor staff at hospitals go on strike

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

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Death row inmate among several prisoners sitting for A/L exam

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Prisons said that three prison inmates will be sitting for the 2022 G. C. E.

Nihal Thalduwa Sri Lanka death Department

India reports 94 new covid cases, 2 deaths in a day

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

China city New Delhi India covid-19 death testing vaccine Government Health reports

A/L Exam: Over 300,000 candidates to face exam at 2,200 centers

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2022 G. C. E.

Nihal Thalduwa Janaka Ratnayake Sri Lanka

Foreign Minister off to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, PC is scheduled to make an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 23-27 January 2023.The visit will take place on an invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.The Minister is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Farhan Al Saud and discuss further enhancement of the cordial bilateral relations. The Minister will also meet with the senior officials of the Islamic Development Bank, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Governors of Mecca and Medina.

Saudi Arabia Cooper

Final rites of 05 victims of Radella accident conducted

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (21), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler who are residents of Nanuoya will be performed on Monday (23).Director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

hospital reports

For future viral threats, health officials look to sewage

New York analyzes wastewater for flu, RSV and polio, in addition to Covid-19 When the virologist Kirsten St.

New York India county Rockland covid-19 testing patient Health

Faye Winter worries fans as she reveals health has taken a ‘battering’ amid ‘split’ rumours with Teddy

LOVE Island's Faye Winer has sparked worry among her loyal fans after admitting her health has taken a "battering." The former estate agent, 27, took to her Instagram page to decompress as she opened up on her state of mind as break-up rumours surround her and Teddy, 26. It came after her Love Island partner Teddy broke down in tears on his own Instagram account. Faye explained her social media absence as she told her followers: "Sorry for the deafening silence but it was needed.

Faye Winter sports Netflix stars Health Man Parke

IGP calls for report on B report presented to courts by the Keselwatta police against several lawyers

reports

Final rights of 05 victims of Radella accident conducted

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (22), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler, who are residents of Nanuoya, will be performed on Monday (23).The director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

hospital reports rights

Abbie Quinnen says she faces further operation for her burns in 'never-ending' health woes

Abbie Quinnen, 25, has bravely opened up about her “never-ending” health woes in an interview with Express.co.uk and other outlets.The star, who was previously in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, 28, described how she might have to undergo another operation for her burns as she spoke to press on the red carpet of Cirque Du Soleil’s newest European Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall.Asked about her recovery following the horror burn incident nearly two years ago, she said: “It’s hard. It’s still an ongoing thing and it’s kind of never-ending at the moment.

Abbie Quinnen TikTok BBC NHS Strictly Come Dancing stars Health

Air quality has decreased in many parts of the island -The National Building Research Organization

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Building Research Organization says that the air quality has decreased in many parts of the island.The Chief Scientist of the Air Pollution Management Unit, Sarath Premasiri, stated that the increase in the spread of dust particles with the northeastern monsoon is possibly the cause for it.Due to this, the NBRO warns that people suffering from respiratory diseases, children under five years old, vulnerable patients, pregnant mothers, and others should be very careful.The National Building Research Organization announced that the situation is expected to gradually return to normalcy over the next few days.

patient

The 2022 G.C.E. Advanced Level examination to commence on Monday (23rd).

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 G.C.E.

Bharat Biotech's intranasal Covid vaccine to be launched on 26 January; here's all you need to know

Here's all you need to know about India's first of its kind Covid vaccine: The iNCOVACC is a recombinant replication-deficient adenovirus vectored vaccine with a pre-fusion stabilized spike protein. This vaccine candidate was evaluated in phase I, II and III clinical trials with successful results. The vaccine was developed in partnership with Washington University, St.

India Washington county St. Louis covid-19 vaccine Government platform reports Immunic Manufacturing

The Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Local Government Election will be held on the 9th of March 2023.This was confirmed by a senior official and two members of the National Election Commission.The accepting of nominations for the Local Government Election ended at 12 noon today (21).The time for allocated for complaints regarding the nominations for the Local Government Election, ended at 1.30pm today (21). The Commisioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake stated that it would be conveyed via the District Returning Officers that any applications received after the deadline would be considered invalid.

Government

China says Covid outbreak has infected 80% of population

China said on Saturday that the Covid outbreak has infected 80 per cent of its population The possibility of a big COVID-19 rebound in China over the next two or three months is remote as 80% of people have been infected, a prominent government scientist said on Saturday. The mass movement of people during the ongoing Lunar New Year holiday period may spread the pandemic, boosting infections in some areas, but a second COVID wave is unlikely in the near term, Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist at the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said on the Weibo social media platform.

China India covid-19 outbreak pandemic Government infection epidemiologist Waves

President meets with Election Commission members

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka president information reports

President, TNA to meet for talks today (5)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet with the Tamil National Alliance for a special round of talks on Thursday (5).Spokesperson for the Tamil National Alliance, President's Counsel M. A.

Ranil Wickremesinghe president

‘Will not be involved in any election activity’ – President tells UNP

The United National Party said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially informed the party that he will NOT be involved in any election-related activity for Local Government institutions, namely the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.A statement from the UNP notes that the President officially communicated his position on Tuesday (3).According to the UNP, the President had noted that he was given a mandate NOT to engage in elections, but to uplift the country within two years.The President had also informed the leaders of the United National Party that he is not prepared to act in contravention of that mandate.The President made these comments when he met with the senior leadership of the United National Party in Colombo on Tuesday (3).The President had told the UNP senior leadership that he is only ready to chair the UNP Working Committee in keeping with tradition if the UNP wants to decide on contesting the Local Government Election.In addition, the President had stressed that he would not be involved in any activity related to the Local Government Election. He had also informed the UNP seniors that if the party decides to contest the Local Government Election, 40% of the candidates should represent fresh faces. The President had also noted funds should only be allocated for 4,000 elected representatives, while the other 4,000 elected representatives must declare their services as free with no salary or benefits.

Ranil Wickremesinghe president Government Party

UNs Kanni Wignaraja meets President; Reiterates support to recover

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Kanni Wignaraja who is currently in Sri Lanka, appreciated the efforts taken by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Government in resolving the economic crisis in the country. Wignaraja reiterated the U.N’s financial and technical support for Sri Lanka during this recovery period.This was revealed at the meeting held between the President and the Delegation headed by Assistant Secretary-General of the UN at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (4).The discussions focused on the economic reforms, with the delegation recognizing that these difficult decisions would have to be taken in order to ensure long-term recovery and growth in the country.The President also briefed the visiting delegation on the political reforms in the country, including the establishment of the Constitutional Council in Parliament and the ongoing discussions with the other political parties, regarding a resolution to the ethnic issues in Sri Lanka.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka president Government crisis

President expresses condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican Apostolic Nunciature) in Colombo on Wednesday (04) to express his condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was called to rest on Saturday (31) morning in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican.Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI from Germany, was called to rest at age of 95, after having served for more than eight years as Pope from 2005 to 2013.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka Germany Vatican city Vatican county Pope president

SriLankan & CPC in hot water for awarding bonuses when told not to

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairmen of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and SriLankan Airlines to submit a report on awarding bonuses to employees, despite making losses.The President has requested their reasons to justify the payment of bonuses despite the Ministry of Finance having informed not to pay bonuses to loss-making corporations and boards.The President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake said that the chairpermen of the two institutions are expected to submit their justifications.The President's Secretary also said that the President received information that the awarding bonuses to employees was done in violation of the Finance Ministry circular.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has paid two months’ salaries to its employees as bonuses and SriLankan Airlines has paid 100,000 rupees as bonus to each of its employees as bonus for 2022.

Ranil Wickremesinghe China Sri Lanka president information

President says all must work together to return Sri Lanka to normalcy; Public service not eight-hour job

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has urged all to work together to ensure that Sri Lanka returns to normalcy by the end of 2023.The Head of State made this remark during an event held at the President's Office in Colombo on Monday (2).President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that no one can shirk their responsibilities for the country in the year 2023, which is a crucial year for the Sri Lankan economy, and invited all public servants to dedicate themselves towards making Sri Lanka a prosperous nation in the New Year.He extended this invitation to the Presidential Secretariat staff during the oath-taking ceremony for the New Year 2023 before commencing their duties on Monday morning (02)."Five and a half months ago, we took over a historic task at this office. During those five and a half months, we took steps to establish normalcy in the country at a time when the government had collapsed and the economy had also collapsed.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka president economy Government

President wishes the people a Peaceful New Year

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.

Sri Lankans Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka Britain president economy

Medical aid through President’s Fund to be increased in Sri Lanka

Colombo (News 1st) – A committee consisting of medical experts has been appointed to obtain the necessary recommendations to increase the financial assistance currently paid for surgery and treatment through the President's Fund in Sri Lanka.The President's Media Division said President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued directives to to increase the amount of medical assistance paid as soon as the recommendations of the committee are made.Accordingly, in the first few months of 2023, the allowances paid as medical aid will be increased.The PMD said apart from the number of diseases for which medical aid will be paid, the committee has been instructed to give necessary recommendations about the conditions for which further medical aid should be paid. As soon as the instructions are received, the necessary approvals will be obtained and the amount of medical aid paid as well as the list of diseases for which medical aid will be paid will be updated.Taking into account the transportation and other economic difficulties faced by the public who submit applications to the President's Fund for receiving medical aid, text messages will be sent on six occasions to cover each occasion from the time the application is submitted to the point the payment is made. It is also planned to further streamline these activities in 2023.

Ranil Wickremesinghe Sri Lanka experts recommendations president

United States	Cases: 46 252 513 Deaths: 750 423 Recovered: 0
India	Cases: 34 321 025 Deaths: 459 652 Recovered: 0
Brazil	Cases: 21 835 785 Deaths: 608 235 Recovered: 0
United Kingdom	Cases: 9 215 683 Deaths: 141 607 Recovered: 0
Russia	Cases: 8 494 589 Deaths: 237 619 Recovered: 0

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron meets Sri Lankan President

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