Give COPE & COPA power to recover misused funds; SLAS tells Namal

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka states that the Police Chief take the necessary steps to maintain discipline in Sri Lanka Police to uphold the rule of law and maintain the peace.It has also requested the Inspector General of Police to justify the reasons for restricting a protest march in Panadura last weekend.The HRCSL said it is conducting a suo-moto investigation on the incident where the Chief Inspector of Kalutara pushed and shoved two female police officers and a female, and the orders to stop the peaceful march unlawfully and arrest the participants.A peaceful march originating from Kalutara was stopped by the police in Panadura as admitted by the Chief Inspector of Panadura police before the Commission on 18th November 2022, reported the HRCSL.The Police Chief was directed to forward to the Commission via an affidavit the reason for restricting the march and on whose command or orders the police stopped the march, who carried those commands or orders, and the action initiated by the police against the officers responsible.The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka also observed that the Senior Superintendent of Police for the Panadura Police division had failed to protect the march participants by giving the necessary orders. The HRCSL stressed that the inappropriate behaviour of the police, as seen in the recent past, has already destroyed the confidence of the people and is rapidly destroying the country's good image internationally.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Countries with large debt burdens are losing even more capital due to climate shocks, and shrinking their fiscal space, and these countries are now looking for other options to ease their burden.Some of these countries are now opting to switch to a debt-for-nature swap deal, which is an arrangement whereby a foreign debt owed by a developing country is transferred to a particular organization, typically in return for the country's committing itself to specified conservation measures.These can be trumped up countries, including Sri Lanka, which has been discussing a deal of up to $1 billion according to people familiar with those talks.Cape Verde, an archipelago nation off West Africa, is meanwhile close to a nature swap that could be worth up to $200 million, said Jean-Paul Adam, a former Seychelles government official who now works for the U.N. Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), providing financing advice to governments.The potential deals for Ecuador, Sri Lanka and Cape Verde, reported here in detail for the first time, point to a jump in interest for this form of financial alchemy, which was conceived decades ago but has remained something of a niche area until recently.Only three of over 140 or so swaps struck over the past 35 years – the first in 1987 – had a value of more than a quarter of a billion dollars, according to global data published by the African Development Bank.

With an international reputation for tranquillity and its approach to health and wellbeing, Scotland’s Stobo Castle Health Spa offers an indulgent haven to relax.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Army Major and two others died in a tragic motor accident in Gamgaluwa on Thursday (17) night.Sri Lanka Police said the car in which they were travelling veered off the road and crashed into a tree.The deceased were a Sri Lanka Army Major attached to the Saliyapura Military Camp, and two of his relatives.Two others who were injured were admitted to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A writ application filed seeking a ruling that State Minister Diana Gamage is unfit to become a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament and that she should be prevented from serving as an MP will be taken up for consideration on the 28th of November, by the Court of Appeal.The writ application was filed by civil activist Osanda Lakmal Anil Herath, and it was called up in the presence of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.The bench ordered for notice to be sent to all the respondents including State Minister Diana Gamage.The court noted that it is appropriate to issue relevant orders and relief sought by the petitioners in the presence of all mentioned parties.State Minister Diana Gamage, the Public Security Minister, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, and the Chairman of the National Election Commission among 15 others were named as respondents in the case.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police raided a gambling den operated by a ruling party member of the Medagama Pradeshiya Sabha, and arrested eight people. The police noted that the suspect local government member was operating the gambling den in a car park owned by him.

Covid-19: The death toll climbed to 5,30,553 with seven fatalities which includes two deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. India logged 656 new coronavirus infections taking the tally of Covid-19 cases to 4,46,67,967, while the active cases declined to 7,034, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,553 with seven fatalities which includes two deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two underworld criminal gangsters were killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force on Friday (18) morning, in Polwatte Minuwangoda.The Police Special Task Force said that the two men were close associates of wanter criminal and drug trafficker 'Uragaha Indika'.The STF had launched an investigation to trace and arrest the motorcycle gunmen responsible for shooting dead a man on the 24th of August 2022 in Urgaha and also shooting dead a 4-year-old boy and his father on the 19th of October 2022 in Yakkalamulla.According to the STF, a shootout took place when the STF personnel were attempting to arrest the shooter and the motorcyclist.The suspects were seriously injured in the shootout, and the Police Special Task Force said they were dead upon admission to the hospital.One STF officer was admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital for treatment as he suffered minor injuries.The Police Special Task Force said that the deceased suspects were residents of Poddala.A T-56 Assault Rifle, A 12-bore shotgun, and a Rambo Knife were discovered in the possession of the slain criminals.The Minuwangoda Police is conducting further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The government is collaborating with the Californian university system to obtain assistance to modernize agriculture in Sri Lanka and to set up a new agro-technology university, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He was addressing the 70th anniversary of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Program in Colombo on Wednesday (16).He said that the government discussed with a group of Singaporean investors on Tuesday (15) the supply of food for island nations and Middle East countries which lack their food resources. He said that this was only the start and he issued instructions to find the land for it and modernize agriculture. He said that Fulbright alumni such as Prof Pradeepa Bandaranaike are vital assets in modernizing agriculture. He added that the new agro-technology university will be combined with the Tea Research Institute (TRI), among others, to work with some of the American institutions on how to upgrade research in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the government is focusing on improving English language education within the next ten years.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan mission in Oman has made it clear that if people are entering the Sultanate of Oman for employment, they must enter through the proper channels.The announcement came following multiple News 1st revelations about Sri Lankan women being trafficked to Oman using visit visa, and sold for sex.Earlier this week, News 1st revealed that 12 Sri Lankan women who were taken against their will to Oman after flying to Abu Dhabi on a visit visa, remain unaccounted for, and an extensive investigation is underway locally and overseas.An investigation by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department revealed that traffickers were taking away Sri Lankan women to Oman on visit vias, and they auctioned them to the highest bidder for sex.Following News 1st revelations, reports have emerged of several other women who remain missing after being taken to Oman. Some reports claim these women have been detained against their will.Fathima Hameedia is one Sri Lankan woman who remains unaccounted for in Oman.A 22-year-old mother of one, Fathima Hameedia is a resident of Palakkadu, Batticaloa and she left for Oman on the 6th of March on a visit visa.She had travelled overseas via a Foreign Employment Agency, however, several days after leaving the country she went missing."It's been nine months since my daughter went missing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Student leaders detained under the PTA were remanded on Thursday (17) evening just hours away from when the 90-day detention order on them was to come to an end.This come following a strongly worded letter sent to the President by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and massive public outcry.The Convener of the Inter Univesity Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige, and Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who are detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days, were remanded by the court.Colombo Additional Magistrate N. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Well-known retired civil servant Dr. (Mrs.) Bandumathie Kottahachchi passed away recently. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A document presented to the Sri Lankan parliament for the very first time has revealed that there are 1,283 institutions that come under the government.This includes 29 ministries and 99 departments.State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya produced a document listing all the government institutions to the Sri Lanka Parliament on Thursday (17).This is the first time in Sri Lankan history that such a document was disclosed to the house.According to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies, this document was presented as per a promise made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his recent budget speech.The government also operates 25 District Secretariats, 9 provincial councils, 341 Divisional Secretariats and 341 local government bodies.According to the document a total of 420 institutions are owned by the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Attorney Nuwan Bopage who was named as a suspect for illegally entering the President's Office appeared in court on Thursday (17), and was released on bail.Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage ordered to release the suspects on a personal bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Opposition Leader has requested the country's parliament to intervene for the release of student leaders detained under the PTA.Sri Lankan Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa speaking in Parliament on Thursday (17) raised alarm that Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige who are student leaders detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act would complete their 90-Day detention on Friday (28), are to be retained in detention via an extension of the Detention Order.He termed the use of the Prevention of Terrorism Act again suprression as State Sponsored Terrorism, and requested the government end the suppression and release the detained student leaders.The opposition leader also demanded the government to disclose the alleged acts of terror committed by Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, and Wasantha Mudalige.Leader of the House & Minister Dr.

.A guide on the , written by the behavioural science team at Cabinet Office, lays out how government communicators can use a behavioural approach to design and implement effective communications campaigns, including on behavioural science application to local communication on safety in public spaces such as parks.The latest data and insights on vaccinations, cases, deaths, healthcare and testing are available on the for data and insights on coronavirus (COVID-19).Social media assets are available on the Public Health England (PHE) .A is available on the DCMS blog, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s blog.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe on Thursday (17) extended the overseas travel ban on State Minister Diana Gamage to the 15th of December.The order was made when the case filed challenging the citizenship of the State Minister, who is also alleged to have produced fake documents to obtain a passport, was taken up for examination.President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage, and he requested the court to lift the overseas travel ban imposed on the 11th of November, citing that it was an unjust move.Cousel appearing for SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara, and President;s Counsel Rienzie Arsecularatne appearing for Oshadha Herath, the complainant raised strong objections and requested court to reject the request made by the defense.The Chief Magistrate had noted that an order on the request made by President's Counsel Sarath Jayamanne who appeared in court on behalf of State Minister Diana Gamage will be made in due course.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera said that a countrywide elephant census will be carried out in 2023.The last elephant census in Sri Lanka was conducted over a decade ago, in 2011.The minister said that a long-term program to reduce human-elephant conflict will be prepared and as one of the measures, a full census of elephants will be conducted.The Minister said this at the first meeting of the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation held on Tuesday (15) for the third session of the Ninth Parliament.Many MPs drew the attention of the minister about the human elephant conflict in various areas including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Ratnapura, Ampara districts.It was also revealed that a number of reasons, including the reduction of elephant habitats and the significant increase in elephant population, have led to human-elephant conflict.The minister said that 16 main elephant corridors in the island have been blocked and due to this the encroachment of elephants in the villages has increased.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An extraordinary gazette was issued increasing the fees levied on the registration of vehicles, and annual revenue licenses.The registration fee for a Motor Car with an engine capacity of 1600cc or less has been increased to Rs. 25,000/-The registration fee for a Motor Car with an engine capacity more than 1600cc is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South African President CyrilRamaphosa visited Sri Lanka on Wednesday (16) night for a short stay.He arrived in Sri Lanka during his return to South Africa after attending the G20 Summit in Indonesia.The South African President met his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Katunayake Air Force base for discussions on bilateral issues.Reports said that Sri Lanka hosted a birthday celebration for the South African President.Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa:Cyril Ramaphosa was born in Soweto on 17 November 1952.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Amnesty International has called on Sri Lanka to drop the terror charges against student leaders who are detained for 90 days.In response to the detention for over 90 days of student leaders Wasantha Mudalige and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, under the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Researcher, said “The continued targeted persecution of student leaders in Sri Lanka has a chilling effect on civil society and the right to protest. The baseless terror charges against Wasantha Mudalige and Galwewa Siridhamma Thero must be immediately dropped and any extension of the detention order must be stopped.”Thyagi Ruwanpathirana, Amnesty International’s South Asia Regional Researcher also said “The use of counterterrorism charges against protesters is excessive and disproportionate, yet they have time and again been used by the Sri Lankan authorities against critics and minorities to silence dissent.

He has been open about his extraordinary exercise and diet routines to get into shape for his blockbuster movie roles.But Dwayne Johnson also focused on the important of mental health in a digression from his new Men's Health cover story, which was published on Wednesday.The 50-year-old pro wrestler–turned–actor urged his fans to 'ask for help' when they were in a dark place, while stressing that there is 'no shame' in reaching out to others. Reaching out: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, 50, opened up about his struggles with depression and the importance of asking for help in a new Men's Health interview; seen October 17 in LondonJohnson explained to the health magazine that learning to ask for help was a major turning point for him.'I think one of the defining, seminal moments in my life was when I really realized the power and the value of asking for help,' he explained.

NEW DELHI : New Delhi-based Aakash Healthcare Pvt. Ltd on Wednesday said it has acquired Asia Med Centre in Uzbekistan’s Tashkent for $4 million. The upgraded 60-bedded multi-speciality hospital will be opened to public on 23 November.

CHARLENE White’s sister Carina has revealed that their great-aunt who died from Covid became a mother figure to them after their mum tragically passed away aged 47.   The ITV newsreader, 42, was left heartbroken when her great-aunt Dell passed away from the virus in 2020 at St Thomas’ Hospital in London.  Charlene opened up about tragically losing her great-aunt while in the I’m A Celebrity camp as she slammed MP Matt Hancock, 44, for breaking social distancing guidelines through his affair with his aide Gina Coladangelo.  The Loose Women star, who shares children Florence, three, and Alfie, five, with TV producer Andy, was just 21 when her mum Dorette died from bowel cancer in 2002 which led to her looking after her younger siblings Carina and Joshua.  Reflecting on their great-aunt stepping up as a mother figure to Charlene, Carina said: “Yes the elders in our family were all very much like mother figures and with my great-aunt she was very much a kind of grandmother.  “She was there for us when my mum passed so not having her around and having to go to her funeral and stuff was very, very tough.  Read More on The SunPARKED OFF I use bags of rubble to stop neighbours taking my parking space – they hate itALL WEATHER READY Oodie fans scramble to get their hands on new outdoor hooded blanket “But in our family we have all been instilled with values and morals and strength to be able to overcome adversity and to move forward and to turn pain into strength - I think that is what we have all done following our aunt’s death.” Recalling her great-aunt’s death in the camp to the under-fire politician, Charlene said: “We couldn’t go to the hospital to go and visit her. "I had to sit by myself in the church at her funeral.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Inspector General of Police Chandana Wickramaratne and DIG in charge of Administration Nandana Munasinghe unconditionally expressed deep regret before the Supreme Court on Wednesday (16).The duo expressed regret over the delay in carrying out the order issued by the Supreme Court on the 8th of May to promptly pay outstanding remuneration to Sub Inspector of Police Sugath Mendis for the period during which he was interdicted.Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly aiding and abetting former Director of the Criminal Investigation Department retired Senior Superintendent of Police Shani Abeysekara to fabricate evidence against former DIG Vaas Gunawardena, and was then remanded.The Supreme Court on the 8th of May issued an order for outstanding remuneration to be paid after taking into consideration a Fundamental Rights petition filed by Sub Inspector Sugath Mendis.However, the Supreme Court after considering facts presented on behalf of the petitioner stating the order has not been fulfilled, ordered the IGP and the DIG to appear before the court in person to provide an explanation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan women are being taken to Abu Dhabi in the UAE using Visit Visa, and are being taken away to Oman against their will where they are being auctioned to the highest bidder.According to reports obtained by News 1st, a group of 12 women have been taken to Oman by force.The group of women were taken away to Oman on Tuesday (16), and since then their mobile phones are switched off.Shashikala is one of them, and her husband stepped forward to speak to News 1st on the issue."They are kept in an office and were told that jobs will be given on Monday. I don't have many details.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It has been reported that the Sri Lankan government had taken a decision to restructure domestic debt.This was revealed in the first-ever report produced by the Sub-Committee in identifying short and medium-term programmes related Economic Stabilization of the National Council.Appointment of the Sub-Committee:The Resolution to constitute the National Council, moved by Dinesh Gunawardena, the Prime Minister was approved by Parliament on 20th of September 2022.According to the above Resolution, the National Council shall have general responsibilities and jurisdiction over three main areas. One of them is to agree on short and medium-term common minimum programmes in respect of the stabilization of the economy.At the first meeting of the National Council which was held on 29th of September 2022, the Secretary-General of Parliament, presenting the way forward of the Council, suggested to appoint a Sub-Committee to recognize short and mediumterm programmes for the stabilization of the economy. The members of the SubCommittee were announced as per the preferences indicated by them at the Second meeting of the National Council which was held on 6th of October 2022.The committee is chaired by Patali Champika Ranawaka and includes MPs Naseer Ahamed, Tiran Alles, Sisira Jayakody, Sivanesathurai Santhirakanthan, Wajira Abeywardana,  A.

However, the Centre suggested that passengers should preferably use them Mask no more compulsory during air travel but passengers should preferably use them: Govt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Lanka Sathosa has decided to reduce the price three products with effect from Wednesday (16).1 Kg of Red Kekulu Rice (Local) will be reduced by Rs. 5/- and will be sold for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Five inmates have escaped from the Protective Accommodation & Rehabilitation Centre (PARC) in Poonthoddam, Vavuniya.Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Major General Darshana Hettiarachchi told News 1st the inmates were between the ages of 22 & 30, and a manhunt is underway to locate them.In addition, a manhunt continues to locate seven inmates who fled the Kandakadu Treatments and Rehabilitation Center following a recent brawl at the premises.225 inmates responsible for the brawl were arrested and remanded.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation had blamed the unruly conduct of a caretaker or mahout for causing serious harm and torture to the Muthu Raja Tusker who was held at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker Muthu Raja was gifted by Thailand to Sri Lanka in 2001 during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and it was moved to the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.The tusker, however, fell ill multiple times while at the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama.Recently, a delegation from the Thai Embassy in Colombo visited the Kande Viharaya in Aluthgama to inquire into the well-being of the tusker, and following their inspection it was decided to move the tusker out of the temple and place it under the case of the Dehiwala National Zoo.The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation said the Muthu Raja tusker is now under the protective care of the Dehiwala Nationa Zoo and its staff.However, the Thai Ambassador had decided to send the tusker back to Thailand.A statement from the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation noted that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed the Secretary to the Ministry to immediately discuss the matter with the Thai Ambassador, as the Department of National Zoological Gardens had agreed to take care of the tusker.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka, India and several other countries abstained from voting on a draft resolution approved by the UN General Assembly that recognised that Russia must be responsible for making reparations to Ukraine.The draft resolution, ‘Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine’, introduced by Ukraine, was adopted on Monday (14) in the 193-member UN General Assembly by a recorded vote of 94 in favour, 14 against and 73 abstentions, including by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka.Those voting against the resolution were Belarus, China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia and Syria.General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, but they carry political weight.The resolution, co-sponsored by nearly 50 nations, recognised that Russia “must be held to account for any violations of international law in or against Ukraine, including its aggression in violation of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as any violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and that it must bear the legal consequences of all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury, including any damage, caused by such acts.” In March, 141 members of the General Assembly voted to denounce Russia’s invasion, and 143 in October voted to condemn Moscow’s attempted annexation of parts of Ukraine. India had also abstained on those two votes.

A Scottish woman ended up with 28 cats after being unable to get her pets neutered during the coronavirus pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The principal of the Millaniya Primary School, the Millaniya Police Inspector, and a Police Sergeant who were arrested and remanded for torturing children, were released on bail by Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera.The suspects were released on two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe told a forum organized by the Ceylon Institute of Builders that the country's construction sector boomed due to government-funded projects, but the same model will not apply in the future."After the end of the war mega-infrastructure development projects took place, largely are government-funded projects, either borrowed-money or taxpayers money," he said, adding that when the Sri Lankan government was finding it difficult to finance a comfort letter was given to the private commercial banks, where funding can be obtained from the banks for the government project and the money will be paid later."That was a trap," revealed the Central Bank Governor.He said that the country's construction sector developed to its present state was mainly due to government-funded projects, and going forward the sector cannot rely on government-sponsored projects."If we are going forward with the same model, we will see another round of restructuring, and debt sustainability issues.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Head of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries has assured that China will support Sri Lanka to develop, as a friend and partner.Lin Songtian, the President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries said that China is proud of the fact that Sri Lanka has an ancient civilization."We always unite as one. We always think as one," he said adding that his visit to Sri Lanka is to foster new parterships with the island nation."I visited the Loturs Tower, and toured the Colombo Port City, and it is inspiring as it is the hope this country, and it is also giving hope for us," said Lin Songtian on Tuesday (15).The senior diplomat said that he was requested by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Sri Lanka to inquire into the progresss made with regard to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

(CNBC) WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday night that he was running for president in 2024, laying out an aggressively conservative agenda that includes executing people convicted of dealing drugs.“We are a nation in decline. We are a failing nation for millions of Americans,” Trump said in a speech at his Florida private club, speaking about President Joe Biden’s first two years running the nation.

Bikaji Foods: The shares of Bikaji Food International IPO is expected to be listed today, 16th Nov 2022. The initial public offering of Bikaji Foods International was subscribed 26.67 times on Monday, November 7, 2022, the last day of subscription. The ₹881-crore IPO received bids for 55,04,00,900 shares against 2,06,36,790 shares on offer, as per data available with the NSE.

Director-General and lead of the Public Health Agency Dr Andrew Old, Ministry of Health Chief Science Advisor Dr Ian Town and Te Whatu Ora Interim National Medical Director Dr Pete Watson will host a media briefing today at 12:20pm to provide an update on the response to COVID-19.

Hundreds of runners from Lanarkshire and beyond took to the streets last weekend in memory of a much loved local doctor.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan activists handed over letters to Foreign Missions based in Colombo seeking their intervention to abolish the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act and for the release of IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige, and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero, who are detained under the PTA.The group engaged in a silent protest opposite the UN compound in Colombo, and later handed over a letter to a UN representative.Thereafter the group proceeded to the Norwegian Embassy in Colombo, the EU office in Colombo, the British High Commission in Colombo, the US Embassy in Colombo, and the Canadian High Commission.The group thereafter attempted to hand-over a letter to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, however, it was not accepted.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – All the opposition parties and groups in Parliament made an official request from the National Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections on time.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa led a group of leading opposition lawmakers to the National Election Commission premises on Tuesday (15) morning to hand over a letter.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Freedom People's Congress, Uttara Lanka Sabhagaya, Democratic Left Front, Independent Group led by MP Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, National People's Power, All Ceylon Makkal Congress, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, Tamil National Alliance, Tamil Progressive Alliance, Nawa Sama Samaja Party, as well as the Frontline Socialists Party that is not represented in parliament signed the letter.The letter signed by 21 parties and groups represented in parliament, and not represented in the house notes that if a response is not received to the joint request it will be assumed that the National Elections Commission is also planning on delaying the local government elections.The letter notes that if that is the case, necessary actions will be taken.

The owner of an equine training centre in Highland Perthshire – who spent 20 years leading mountain expeditions across the world – says her enterprise is starting to kick on after she bought the land for her business just days before the first Covid pandemic lockdown.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor stressed that State-Owned Enterprises need to be reformed so that they are not a burden on the economy."For us to come of the crisis we have to address the root causes of the imbalances. This is where the government will have to collect more revenue, curtail expenditure, and maintain a sustainable level of sovereign debt.

A Lanarkshire school pupil has been hailed for her speech on mental health being read in Scottish Parliament.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Chairperson of the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short-, Medium- and Long- Term Policies Namal Rajapaksa, Member of Parliament instructed Anusha Gokula, Director General – Department of Manpower and Employment, to organize a preliminary discussion within two weeks in coordination with all relevant institutions in order to remove the existing barriers for entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka and quickly prepare a new policy framework.It was emphasized at the sub-committee that starting an enterprise in Sri Lanka has become a complex process, so a policy framework should be prepared to make it a very simple and easy task like in developed countries. The sub-committee also agreed to discuss and decide the necessary legal and policy changes to make this process easier and more efficient in coordination with the Divisional Secretary and District Secretariat offices and related institutions at the next committee meeting.These recommendations were given as the officials representing the Department of Manpower and Employment and the Attorney Generals Department were called before the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short-, Medium- and Long- Term Policies to discuss formulation of national policies related to encouraging entrepreneurship and investment.Anusha Gokula, Director General of the Department of Manpower and Employment, pointed out that since entrepreneurship and career guidance is a right that should be given to the students of Sri Lanka, the educational policies should be changed to include it in the school education system of Sri Lanka.According to a recent survey, there are nearly 800,000 youth who do not have education,