India win 1st ODI by 67 runs despite Dasun Shanaka century

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka’s Government has taken the extraordinary decision to ‘definitely prosecute’ members of the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, the state’s own human rights protection body, a key government minister announced Sunday (29th).In addition, on the same matter, the government is preparing charges to remove the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka, the controlling body for electricity distribution, a decision that ruling party MPs have approved, the minister said.The dispute swirls around an order by the Human Rights Commission (HRCSL) that the state-owned power company, Ceylon Electricity Board, which has a monopoly on power supply nationwide, should not impose power cuts during a 2-week period in January when high school senior students are sitting their main exams, the GCE Advanced Level, as it infringes upon the children’s right to education.The Advanced Level exams are crucial in that they determine entrance into the state university system. Entry into Sri Lanka’s state universities is fiercely competitive, with only about 25,000 students gaining admission annually although over 300,000 sit the exams.Last week the HRCSL acted upon a large number of complaints from parents of students and summoned the Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Energy, the members of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), both of which are governing bodies of the power company, and several other related bodies, and obtained a promise that there would be no power cuts.However, the Ceylon Electricity Board flouted the order of the HRCSL and the PUCSL and went ahead with the power cuts.

Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das was shot at at Gandhi Chowk in Brajarajnagar while getting out of his car to attend an event Odisha Health Minister Naba Das has sustained some injuries after being shot by some miscreants near Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district. The reasons behind the firing and identity of the shooter remain unknoown.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Presidential Secretariat says President Ranil Wickremesinghe has not yet accepted the resignation letter sent by P.S.M. Charles, as a member of the Election Commission.When inquired by News 1st, a senior official at the Presidential Secretariat confirmed the matter.Recent media reports stated that P.S.M.

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Colombo (News 1st) – Election monitoring organizations say that 7,000 independent observers will be deployed to monitor the Local Government Election.Executive director of election monitoring body People's Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) Rohana Hettiarachchi said steps will be taken to increase the number of election observers deployed at district level, from next week.He said a majority of the observers will be deployed on election day.Hettiarachchi added however the observers will also cover the period leading up to the election and the post election period.

Diversification, not decoupling  For now, US government figures through to November show total US-China trade could approach or hit a high in 2022. "Going forward, you're going to see more diversification," as opposed to a complete cut-off of shipments from China, said Sweet. Auto manufacturers, for example, experienced supply chain problems during the pandemic.

DOVER, DE - JUNE 5: Delaware Governor John Carney addresses the media before placing the first bet at Dover Downs Casino on June 5, 2018 in Dover, Delaware. Delaware is the first state to launch legal sports betting since the Supreme Court decision.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The U.S. Department of State released a statement mentioning that the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland will travel to Sri Lanka between the 28th of January and the 3rd of February, 2023.Under Secretary Nuland will travel to Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and Qatar as well starting today (28).Her visit is said to mark the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Sri Lanka relations, according to the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police say that a new traffic plan is to begin today due to the rehearsals of the independence day celebrations.The officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha says that the new plan will be in place today (28), tomorrow (29), and from the 1st to the 4th of February as well. He says that during the aforementioned days, certain roads in the areas surrounding the celebrations will be closed, and limited road access will be given to some areas as well. Officer in charge of the Western Traffic Division Senior DIG Roshan Wijesingha added that road closures surrounding the areas will take place from 5:00 am to 12 noon during those days. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday notified that in the past week, almost 40,000 deaths were reported, more than half were reported from China alone.  WHO chief notified, in total, over the past 8 weeks, over 170 thousand deaths have been recorded, actual numbers are higher.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the All Party Leaders' Conference on Reconciliation that the Cabinet was agreeable to fully implementing 13th Amendment, until the Party Leaders decide whether or not to abolish the Amendment.This was reported by the President's Media Division on Friday (27).President Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that he is bound to implement the existing law in accordance with the executive powers of the President.He had said further that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution is being implemented accordingly or the Parliament should abolish the 13th amendment.The President Wickremesinghe also pointed out that any parliamentarian could move a private member’s bill to abolish the 13th Amendment to the constitution and the same amendment would have to be implemented provided that the bill was voted against by the majority of the House.The President stressed that he was not ready to divide the country.President Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the All-Party Conference, which was held at the President's Office on Thursday (26) evening.The statement made by the President is as follows:It is my responsibility as the Executive to carry out the current law. For approximately 37 years, the 13th Amendment has been a part of the constitution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that the officials from the Ministry of Power and Energy who attended a recent meeting with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had disclosed that they were pressurized to sign two documents that they did not agree do.The Minister tweeted on Friday (27) that the officials were pressurized by two members of the Human Rights Commission, and that they were threatened with jail sentences.On Wednesday (25), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka revealed that all the  necessary stakeholders including Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) agreed to provide uninterrupted power supply during the advanced level examination period until February 17th.However, despite the statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, power outages were experienced on Wednesday (25) and Thursday (26).The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Friday (27) said it will elaborate facts to the Supreme Court against officials including the Chairman of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy for breaching an agreement by suspending the supply of power. Speaking further, an official from the HRCS said it has been observed that the CEB and the Ministry of Power and Energy are operating arbitrarily, going against the laws of the land. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka directing a letter to the Chairman of the HRCSL said that it will not approve power outages occurring during the period between the 26th of January and 17th of February. The Human Rights Commission emphasized that if the CEB does not act according to the directive, the HRCSL has the ability to act according to Section 21 of the Sri

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President's Office has reserved a slot with the Government Printer to issue the Proclamation to Prorogue Parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was sent to the Government Printer as per a decision taken by the President to prorogue parliament with effect from midnight on Friday (27).He said that the new session of Parliament will take place on the 8th of February 2023 at 10 AM.A Senior Official at the Government Printer confirmed to News 1st that the respective gazette was received to go ahead with printing.What is prorogation?To prorogue Parliament means to prolong it,or toput it off for a later day.It is basically a temporary recess of Parliament.Parliament ordinarily functions over a series of sitting days which make up what is called a session; when Parliament is prorogued, a session comes to an end.Effect of Prorogation in Our Parliament:Constitutional ProvisionsDuring the prorogation the Speaker continues to function and the Members retain their membership even though they do not attend meetings of Parliament. The effect of a prorogation is to suspend all current Business before the House and all proceedings pending at the time are quashed except impeachments.  A Bill, motion or question of the same substance cannot be introduced for a second time during the same Session.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament speaker has endorsed the certificate on the Regulation of Election Expenditure Bill and the Bureau of Rehabilitation Bill, which were debated and passed in Parliament recently.Accordingly, these bills come into force as the Bureau of Rehabilitation Act No. 2 of 2023 and the Regulation of Election Expenditure Act No.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board said that it has not yet reached a decision to suspend power cuts during the period of the G. C.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 144th Battle of the Blues has been rescheduled!The 144th Royal Thomian cricket encounter is now slated to be held from March 16-18 at the SSC grounds, according to the Royal-Thomian Joint Match Organising Committee.The match was originally scheduled to be held from the 9-11 March.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission has received a letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation stating that the present financial situation at the CPC could lead to a disruption of operations at the country's oil refinery.The letter noted that the CPC is heading towards a situation where future fuel imports will be in jeopardy as fuel is continuously provided on credit.The letter from the CPC Managing Director warns that this could lead to another fuel crisis in the country.The letter bearing the signature of the Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that it is paramount to ensure the continuous operation of the country's oil refinery when providing a continuous supply of fuel.It noted that though the CPC can provide furnace oil and naphtha to the Ceylon Electricity Board at a cost that is less than what is incurred when importing fuel, an issue is likely to arise in importing new stocks of crude oil and refined petroleum products as the existing stocks are provided on credit, despite the CEB still not settling its dues. The Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation states that several rounds of discussions revealed that the Ceylon Electricity Board does not have the funds to procure the fuel.It notes that despite the difficulties experienced, as the supply of electricity is a national requirement, fuel worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – South Korea is keen to boost shrimp farming in Sri Lanka, it was revealed during a meeting between the South Korean Ambassador and the Fisheries Minister.The Ministry of Fisheries of Korea recenty made a commitment to invest around US $1.2m to help improve shrimp farming in Sri Lanka through the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.South Korean Ambassador Santhush Woonjin Jeong called on Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda at the Ministry of Fisheries, in Colombo to discuss more on boosting shrimp farming in Sri Lanka.They discussed ways to promote exports, expand capacity-building and develop the fisheries industry in Sri Lanka. Both parties underscored the importance of strengthening the aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka and agreed to work closely together to deepen cooperation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Three members of the same family died following a fire at their residence on Thursday (26) night in Mankadawala, Elayapattuwa.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a woman (30), and her daughter (10) and son (5) died in the tragedy.He added that the husband of the deceased woman had attempted to rescue the family, however he had suffered burn injuries and was moved for treatment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given out instruction to celebrate the 75th Independence Day with pride, at minimal cost.A pre-discussion was held on Thursday (26) at the President's Office chaired by President Ranil Wickremesinghe regarding the Independence Day celebration being held in a grand and proud manner, but maintaining minimum cost.Accordingly, in conjunction with the 75th Independence Day celebration, many special programs are scheduled to be implemented from February 2nd to the 19th. According to the President's Media Division the following events have been planned:Special Dalada Pooja and Pirith chanting Religious ceremonies of all faiths Cultural show held at Independence Square Traditional Independence Day celebration main event held at Galle Face Green National parks and Zoo's will be open to the public free of charge Opening of the Jaffna Cultural Centre Kandy republic parade Cycle race from Dondra Head to Point PedroThe President advised the officials that it is their responsibility as well as that of the political authority, to pay attention to the current financial situation of the country while estimating the expenses required for these activities.The President had advised that spending must be practical, and minimal.While pointing out that there is huge opposition among the people regarding the allocation of funds for the 75th Independence Day celebration, the President emphasized that efforts should be made to minimize the related expenses.Expressing his views further, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said, “We must celebrate the 75th Independence Anniversary, otherwise, the world will say that we are not capable of celebrating even our independence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former President Maithripala Sirisena on Friday (27) was seen getting into the defendant's dock when the case filed with the Fort Magistrate's Court against him for failing to prevent the 2019 April Attacks despite receiving credible information about the attacks, was taken up.Initially, he did not get into the dock, and following a clarification made by the court, Sirisena was asked to get into the defendant's dock.An individual who lost a limb in the attacks on the St. Anthony's Church in Kochchikade on the 21st of April 2019, and Rev.

Almost two thirds of Scottish parents say they're suffering mentally because of the cost-of-living crisis. A new poll of parents and carers found that 64 per cent of those asked thought the rising prices of food, energy and bills had "negatively impacted" their mental health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Wednesday the 25th of January went down in history as the day in which a majority of the country's public and private sector employees were met with the highest income tax ever-imposed on the monthly salary, and allowances.Some of those working in the public and private sector and got taxes shared horror on social media platforms, noting that in addition to the existing deductions for loans, the new tax had left them with a very low take-home salary.The government's controversial new tax law, the Inland Revenue (Amendment) Act, was passed in Parliament last year.The new tax regime imposes an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs. 100,000/- per month.To protest against the unjust tax policy, a Black Protest Week was launched by the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance, and it will end on Friday (27).Doctors in the public service, university teachers, bank employees, engineers and professionals belonging to 15 organizations that form the Professionals' Trade Union Alliance launched a campaign against the unjust tax regime.The Professionals' Trade Union Alliance warned that if this tax regime continues, the country would experience a mass exodus of its professionals who would seek beneficial employment opportunities elsewhere.Effective from 1st January 2023, the progressive personal income tax rates would be 6%, 12%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%.The new tax regime will impose an extraordinary maximum 36% tax bracket on monthly income, with the lowest bracket starting at 6% for those earning over Rs.

The Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) – 2023 bilateral exercise successfully concluded in Sri Lanka  on 26th January 2023. Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet in partnership with the Sri Lanka Navy, CARAT – 2023 Exercise was held in Colombo, Trincomalee and Mullikulam from 19th to 25th January.The closing ceremony of CARAT – 2023 was held on board ‘USS Anchorage’ at the pier side of Colombo harbour under the auspices of U.S.

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend is understood to be making a landmark return to Dundee, three years after the city's second turn at the event was kiboshed by Covid. The Record understands from festival insiders that the City of Discovery will play host to the annual festival on May 26-28, boasting a world-class line-up of big hitters.

Bristol Palin is getting real about what she’s been through on the operating table.

COLOMBO (News1st) – Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage today ordered the release of media spokesperson of the Samagi Trade Unions Collective Ananda Palitha and Chairman of the Electricity Consumers' Association Sanjeewa Dhammika, on two personal bails of Rs.

Assessing the risks The debate stemmed in part from a December study in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, which is a peer-reviewed journal. It analyzed previous studies on gas stoves as well as US census data and concluded that nearly 13% of U.S. childhood asthma cases can be attributed to gas stove use.