Indian Defence State Minister reiterates commitment to assist SL in defense sphere

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) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said calling for applications to appoint civil society members to the Constitutional Council is not in accordance with the 21st Amendment to the Constitution.Recently the Sri Lanka Parliament said that applications are called for the appointment of Members, who are not members of Parliament to the Constitutional Council proposed by the 21st Amendment.Applications are called from persons of eminence and integrity who have distinguished themselves in public or professional life and who are not members of any political party, to be considered for the appointment as Members of the Constitutional Council which is to be established under the provisions of Article 41A of the Constitution of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, said the statement.However, Justice Minister said that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution does not allow for such appointments via application, and the appointment of the civil society members to the Constitutional Council should be done by the Speaker, Prime Minister, and the Opposition Leader.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Joint Transport Trade Union Center said that all Expressway Buses will not operate from Sunday (20).Chairman of the Joint Transport Trade Union Center Sampath Ranasinghe told News 1st that this move is against the decision to impose an Rs. 200,000/- Tender Fee per month.He went on to note that at times this fee increases to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ex-Parliamentarian Hirunika Premachandra and 14 others who were arrested on Monday (14) were released on personal bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The additional secretary has appointed two officers to coordinate and supervise the work of providing fuel for farming, says the Ministry of Agriculture.The Ministry said Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has appointed an officer to supervise these activities.If there is an issue related to fuel during or after harvesting in a certain area, farmers can meet the district secretaries and request a solution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Police Commission said that approximately 1,200 complaints were made against Sri Lanka Police since January 1st 2022.Complaints against police brutality can be made to the Police Commission hotline 1960.Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission summoned the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief on 21st November over recent incidents of police brutality.A statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said that it does not in any way accept the conduct of police officers who are committed to upholding the law to be acting in a manner that threatens the Rule of Law.The Human Rights Commission said that the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief would be questioned on recent events and methods of preventing a recurrence.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Western Province Road Passenger Transport Authority says that 20,700 three-wheelers have registered to obtain the increased fuel quota.The Ministry of Power and Energy earlier noted that the 5L fuel quota will increase to 10L.The supply of fuel to the relevant three-wheelers commenced on the 6th of November.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Human Rights Commission had summoned the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief on 21st November over recent incidents of police brutality.A statement from the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said that it does not in any way accept the conduct of police officers who are committed to uphold the law to be acting in a manner that threatens the Rule of Law.The Human Rights Commission said that the Public Security Secretary and the Police Chief would be questioned on recent events, and methods of preventing a recurrance.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that there are nearly 4,000 leprosy patients in society who have not been reported to the health authorities.The Director of the Leprosy Control Unit Dr Prasad Ranaweera said that there is a risk of leprosy spreading in society due to undocumented cases.He said during the first 7 months of 2022, over 450 leprosy patients have been treated in this country.

A look at G20 summit protocols and some of the divergent approaches to COVID-19 among G20 nations. NUSA DUA, Indonesia: Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of G20 countries are gathering on the Indonesian resort island of Bali with strict testing and masking requirements, even though such measures have been largely dropped in some member countries. It is Chinese President Xi Jinping's first G20 summit - and only his second trip abroad - since the start of the pandemic as his country continues its zero-COVID policy of lockdowns and quarantine that are among the world's strictest.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen said Tuesday he has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Group of 20 meetings in Bali, just days after hosting many world leaders, including President Joe Biden, for a summit in Phnom Penh. In a posting on his Facebook page, the Cambodian leader said that he had tested positive Monday night and that the test had been confirmed by an Indonesian physician on Tuesday morning. He said he was returning to Cambodia and was canceling his meetings at the G-20 as well as the following APEC economic forum in Bangkok.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur over most places on the island after 2.00 p.m. Heavy showers of about 100 mm can be expected at some places in Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.Showers will occur particularly in the coastal areas of Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces during the morning too.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in sea areas around the island.Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction.

Whoopi Goldberg was missing from Monday's episode of ABC's The View after being struck down with COVID-19.The longtime entertainer, 67, was diagnosed with coronavirus according to a representative for the show.Sara Haines filled in for the actress, addressing her absence as well as Joy Behar's, at the beginning of the program. Sick day: Whoopi Goldberg was missing from Monday's episode of ABC's The View due to illnessAna Navarro, Sunny Hostin and Alyssa Farah Griffin rounded out the rest of the panel on the daily talk show.Goldberg was last seen on-air Thursday, November 10 as the show paid tribute to her ahead of her November 13 birthday.

Oh, no. Chrissy Teigen is suffering from a really unsettling health battle amid her pregnancy!

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Monday (14) told Parliament that the economic reforms introduced are not limited to those agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund. "These proposed reforms by the International Monetary Fund are limited only to economic stabilization," he said.The President also said that "Our envisaged reforms and reorganizations are what the country has needed for a long time to build a new economy. This is a role that many governments have opted to ignore with popularity in mind.

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The convener of the Inter-University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige was presented to Tangalle Magistrate Hemantha Pushpakumara on Monday (14) afternoon following an order issued by the Supreme Court recently. Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (10) ordered for the convener of the Inter-University Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige to be produced to a Magistrate immediately.In addition, the Supreme Court also ordered for Mudalige to be produced to the Judicial Medical Officer of the Karapitiya Hospital.Wasantha Mudalige is being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days.Upali Mohotti, PC told reporters that the state had requested for Wasantha Mudalige to be produced in other cases to which counsel expressed strong objection."His 90-days of detention will be completed on the 18th of November. If he is being moved for other cases, it is an attempt to detain him further," said the counsel.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Sri Lankan budget has made significant reference to the restructuring of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).The budget document noted that the urgency of restructuring State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) was reiterated several times during the last 6 months, and a Unit has now been established at the Ministry of Finance with the specific task of restructuring SOEs.Initially measures will be taken to restructure SriLankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Telecom, Colombo Hilton, Waters Edge and Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC) along with its subsidiaries, the proceeds of which will be used to strengthen foreign exchange reserves of the country and strengthening the Rupee.In addition, the  Gem and Jewellery Research and Training Institute will be merged with the National Gem and Jewellery Authority in order to provide services with better quality and efficiency to the gem-related craftsmen to increase export revenue. The government will also explore the possibility of setting up of a Gem Emporium (Gem Zone) for the benefit of the industry participants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2023 Budget document has proposed that vehicles seized by Sri Lanka Customs owing to non-payment of applicable taxes and other reasons, will be released from Sri Lanka Customs, subject to the payment of applicable taxes and fines.The document notes that the vehicles falling under the following two categories can be released.(a) Any vehicle imported into Sri Lanka on or after May, 22, 2020 but before November 12, 2021 and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to restrictions and prohibitions set out in the Regulations made under the provisions of the Import and Export (Control) Act, No.1 of 1969, or(b) Any vehicle propelled electrically, imported before November 12, 2021, and not removed from the Sri Lanka Customs due to nonpayment of applicable taxes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's 2023 Budget has proposed to make several amendments to the definitions made in the Betting and Gaming Levy Act, and the Casino Business (Regulation Act).Betting And Gaming Levy Act:The definition of "bookmaker" in the Betting and Gaming Lely Act will be extended to include a person receives or negotiates bets on all type of sports event, including online betting.A licensing mechanism for the business of bookmaker will be introduced, for a fee. Betting and Gaming Lely Act will be amended to permit the licensed bookmakers to register with hland Revenue Department.Engaging in the business of bookmaker without a license and will be prohibited by making it a punishable offence.Casino Business (Regulation) Act:Amendments will be introduced to extend the definition of gaming/ casino to include the oniline gaming/casino.The regulatory and licensing requirements will be applicable for online casinos operate in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is proposing to explore the possibility of exporting marijuana.President Ranil Wickremesinghe delivering the 2023 Budget speech said that a committee of experts will be appointed to explore the possibility of cultivating marijuana in Sri Lanka ONLY for export purposes.In addition, to regularize the Beedi industry and deter people from Beedi consumption, the President  proposed to impose a tax of Rs.

OLIVIA Attwood has hinted at a "cover-up" over her shock exit from I'm A Celebrity. The 31-year-old spent just 24 hours in the jungle before being rushed to A&E after abnormal blood test results. Despite getting the all-clear, Olivia's health sparked overnight crisis talks before it was ruled unsafe for her to return.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four MPs who contested from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and decided to become independent have cross over to the opposition, and will become a faction of the Samagi Jana Sandanaya.The move came after talks with Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa at his office in the Parliament.Accordingly, MPs Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Chandima Weerakkody, Jayaratne Hearth, and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Hirunika Premachandra who led a protest against harassment was arrested by the Cinnamon Gardens Police on Monday (14) afternoon.Police said that she was arrested on several charges.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Defence Ministry will grant a general amnesty from Tuesday (15) for all servicemen who are absent without official leave to officially discharge from service. The Defence Ministry said that the amnesty period will be from Tuesday (15) to the 31st of December.This amnesty will be awarded to the servicemen who had not reported to their respective stations on or before the 25th of October 2022.In addition, the Defence Ministry said that if the servicemen owe any dues to the military, those must be settled in full in order to be discharged from service.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 22,000 MT of Urea Fertilizer reached the Colombo Port on Sunday (13) evening, and the unloading of the shipment commenced on Monday (14).The Ministry of Agriculture said that this is the second vessel with fertiliser to reach Sri Lanka under the financial assistance of USD 105 Mn given by the World Bank to buy urea fertilizer needed for paddy and maize crops in the maha season.A total of 35,000 MT of Urea Fertilizer was received by Sri Lanka under the World Bank provisions.The Ministry of Agriculture said that out of the 65,000 MT of fertilizer purchased under Indian loan assistance in the last Yala season, 34,000 MT of urea fertilizer remain unused.The Ministry further said that the same amount of fertilizer has been distributed to all agricultural centres for the first phase of urea fertilizer inclusion, in paddy cultivation in the  Maha season.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) says it has requested a report from the Inspector General of Police regarding the incident of a police officer harassing two female Police officers.The Chairman of the HRCSL, Supreme Court Judge (Rtd.) Rohini Marasinghe said that the report is expected to be received on Monday (14) and further action will be taken as soon as the report is received.Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Police Commission Chandra Fernando has also instructed the Inspector General of Police to investigate the incident.In addition, Police Spokesperson & Attorney Nihal Talduwa says that the Inspector General of Police has ordered the Director of the Police Special Investigation Unit to immediately launch an investigation regarding the relevant Chief Inspector of Police.A Police inspector grabbed the neck of two policewomen in the Gorakapola area in Panadura on Saturday (12) harassing them physically and forcing them to take action to arrest two other women who were engaged in a protest march.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament today (14) to create long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of the capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.This year’s budget will focus more on providing social welfare benefits to the people who need them most and creating a policy environment to build the private sector as the driving force of the country’s economy.Through the 2023 budget, the process of building a new economy tailored for the new world has been initiated aimed at creating a program to ensure a decent country for the youth

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology announced that showers or thundershowers will occur at most places on the island after 2.00 p.m.Heavy showers of about 100 mm can be expected at some places in Southern, Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces.Showers will occur particularly in the coastal areas of Northern, Eastern and Southern provinces during the morning too.The misty condition can be expected in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Central provinces and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in sea areas around the island.Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction.

PMD – President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Minister of Finance will present the 2023 budget to Parliament tomorrow (14) aimed at creating long-term, stable economic growth.The 2023 budget has given special attention to the sectors of capital market, export market, labour market and digital economy and it is expected to achieve the budget targets through the social market economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has approved power cuts for 2 hours on the 14th of November as follows;Group ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during the day 1-hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Mother's march that began from Kalutara yesterday demanding for the release of the convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Siridhamma Thero ended at Galle face on Sunday (13).The Mother's protest march began at about 10.30 AM this morning from Moratuwa.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Director General of the Police Special Investigations Unit has been ordered by the Inspector General of Police to conduct a special probe regarding the activities of the Chief Police Inspector of Panadura South Police.The IGP has ordered to conduct a special probe with regard to the incident in which a female Police officer was grabbed by the neck and manhandled by a male officer while enroute to arrest several female protestors involved in a mothers' protest march in Panadura on Saturday (12).Police Media Spokesperson SSP Nihal Talduwa pointed out that the Police respects the rights enshrined in the Constitution, which ensures the right to freedom of assembly and the right to freedom of expression. Moreover, he stressed that the Police continously emphasize on protecting the rights of women, and the special probe will also focus on whether the female Police officer was wronged in this regard. Future action will be taken in accordance with the recommendations made by the Director of the Special Investigations Unit, SSP Thalduwa added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice says that steps have been taken to forward the anti-corruption bill to all party leaders and civil organizations.Justice Minister Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The upcoming appropriation bill, which is due to be presented on Monday (14), will focus on more aid for the people, said the State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya. Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday (13), the State Minister said that defense expenditure will be decreased at this time while more will be allocated for social security.Accordingly, the State Minister said that Defense expenditure has been decreased to Rs. 410 billion, while social security has been allocated Rs.

A rogue property dealer pocketed £100,000 from a house sale after buying it with a government Covid loan his companies weren’t eligible for.

Humza Yousaf has written to the UK Health Secretary Steve Barclay asking for more funding to help avert industrial action later this winter.

 ICC – Top emerging talent will be heading to Sri Lanka in 2024 for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, as the ICC Board announced host countries for U19 events between 2024 and 2027.Zimbabwe and Namibia, Malaysia and Thailand, and Bangladesh and Nepal are also set to host ICC U19 events between 2024 and 2027, after the ICC Board approved the plans.The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 will be hosted by Sri Lanka while the 2026 edition will be staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia. The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 will be held in Malaysia and Thailand, and the 2027 event will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.Cricket World Cup qualification pathwaysThe qualification pathway for the 14-team ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 was also confirmed with 10 teams set to gain automatic qualification. These 10 teams will include South Africa and Zimbabwe as Full Member hosts, and the next eight highest-ranked teams on the ICC MRF Tyres ODI Rankings on a date to be confirmed. The remaining four teams will qualify through the ICC CWC Global Qualifier series.The qualification pathway for the 10-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was also approved. Eight teams will automatically qualify for the event, including the top three teams from each group at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, the host Bangladesh (if not in the top three of Group 1) and the next highest ranked teams on the MRF Tyres ICC T20I Rankings on 27 February 2023.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eleven Sri Lankan fishermen along with two vessels have been arrested by the Indian Coast Guard under charges of illegally entering Indian waters.At the time, the fishermen were fishing in Indian waters, 175 nautical miles off the coast of Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam district.Indian media reported that the arrested fishermen have been handed over to the Kakinada Police Station for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Applications have been called for qualified persons regarding the appointment of civil society members for the Constitutional Council established under the 21st Amendment.Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena stated that the relevant applications should be forwarded to the Parliament before 28th November.Accordingly, those who are not members of any political party who are considered acclaimed personalities in the spheres of their public or professional lives and have functioned with excellence and honesty can apply for the position.A discussion was held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Speaker last week to discuss the establishment of the Constitutional Council.It was held with the participation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva who was appointed as the President's representative.The Constituent Assembly consists of 10 members, including the Speaker, the Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, a member appointed by the President, a member representing the party representing the Prime Minister, a member of the party representing the Leader of the Opposition, a member of another political party representing Parliament and 3 civil society representatives.According to the 21st amendment, the Supreme Court judges headed by the Chief Justice, the President and judges of the Court of Appeal, the Attorney General, the Governor of the Central Bank, the Auditor General, the Inspector General of Police, the Secretary General of the Parliament, the Ombudsman of Parliamentary Affairs as well as the chairpersons and members for independent commissions should be appointed subject to the

Which areas will be given more attention in this year's budget?The State Minister of Finance stated that special attention will be paid to cover the bills which have so far remained unpaid, and will also include an aid program for the country's poor.Moreover, the State Minister Semasinghe said that more avenues for the promotion of tourism sector, the promotion of other sectors which function to increase the country's foreign exchange revenue will also be other areas which the bill would focus upon. The State expenditure will be mitigated, while loss-making entities will also be focused upon in this budget, he added.What of IMF negotiations?Meanwhile, State Minister Semasinghe stated that bilateral creditors of the country will continue to hold negotiations, while the Government expects to set the grounds to obtain the IMF Director board's approval by December. He stressed that NO country or any bilateral creditor party is acting on the premise of not extending its support towards Sri Lanka. The third set of negotiations with the IMF authorities will be initiated on 17th November, the State Minister added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special meeting of the ruling party is scheduled to be held on Monday (14) in connection with the upcoming appropriation bill.The meeting, which is scheduled to be held at 05:00 PM at the Temple Trees, will be presided over by the President and the Prime Minister.The General Secretary of the SLPP, Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam said that the ruling party MPs will be specially briefed about the upcoming budget proposals.Officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank as well as several economic experts are also scheduled to be involved.Kariyawasam also said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna will extend its full support to President Ranil Wickremesinghe's decision to restore the country's economy.However, Karivayasam stated that his party will take a decision on extending support for this year's budget after further consideration of the budget proposals presented tomorrow.Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya says that it has called a meeting of its parliamentary group on Monday (14) afternoon to discuss the budget proposals.Its General Secretary, MP Ranjith Madduma  Bandara said that the meeting will be held at the Parliament Complex under the Chairmanship of the Opposition Leader.Moreover, MP Dallas Alahapperuma stated that a meeting of the reformist group of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna representing the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday (14) to discuss the budget proposals.