Intl University on Climate Change; President’s proposal to ADB

PHILADELPHIA - The sun is out in full force on this beautiful Saturday!Sunshine will stick around most of the day, bringing temperatures up to a high of 68 degrees.Clouds will start to roll Saturday evening, dropping temperatures to 62 degree as the Phillies Game 4 against the Padres begins at 7:45 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park.The evening's weather stay pleasant, and less chilly than last night's game with a low in the mid-50s by the end of the game.Sunday will see show showers as Game 5 starts in Philadelphia, but FOX 29's Drew Anderson says its should only be a nuisance! Those showers hang on throughout the rest of the week, with no dry weather until Friday.___SATURDAY: Nice day. High: 68, Low: 44SUNDAY: A few showers. High: 64, Low: 52MONDAY: A shower. High: 72, Low: 58TUESDAY: A shower. High: 74, Low: 60 WEDNESDAYS: A shower. High: 72, Low: 60THURSDAY: Passing shower. High: 74, Low: 60FRIDAY: Sunny and dry. High: 68, Low: 56

MARION COUNTY, Fla. - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old student at Lake Weir Middle School broke into her grandparents’ safe and stole about $13,500 in cash – half her grandmother’s life savings left over after she’d sold her house. Then, the sheriff’s office says the girl started handing the cash out to people at school.Parents got a voicemail from Lake Weir Middle School’s principal about that incident Thursday, asking the adults to give their kids a call.  Michelle Spaulding obliged."That’s when she was like, ‘Yeah, mom! The child did come up to me and ask me if I wanted $100,'" said Spaulding.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera says that proposals for the restructuring of the power sector are expected to be submitted to the Parliament next month.In a Twitter message, the Minister said that he has received the report of the Cabinet Appointed Committee on Power Sector Reforms.The Minister added the report will be handed over to the President and the Cabinet of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern provinces and in Galle and Matara districts on Saturday (22).Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 75 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night, and the general public has been kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The All Ceylon Poultry Businessmen's Association says that steps have been taken to reduce the price of one kilogram of chicken by Rs. 250/-.Its Chairman Ajith Gunasekara said that the new price of a kilogram of chicken is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have died from drowning in the Nawalapitiya and Kuliapitiya areas.Police said that a 58-year-old man died on Friday (21) afternoon after falling into the Edandewela Canal and being swept away by the currents.It occurred when a van transporting 5 people has been driving from Kuliyapitiya Diyawala to Aruvpola.Police said that the van driver stepped out of the vehicle to check the water level near the Edandewela Canal, when he fell into the canal and got swept away.Meanwhile, another person died after falling into a canal in Galabadawatta area in ​Nawalapitiya.Police said the victim was a 65-year-old resident of Kegalle.Police added that the victim had visited his relative's residence when he met with this tragic accident.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera informed the National Council that the report of the committee on to the restructuring of the energy sector will be submitted to the National Council within two weeks.At the same time, the Minister informed that the National Council is also expected to be informed about the proposed measures to be taken for the various energy generation projects proposed to be launched by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Ceylon Electricity Board.The National Council met on 20th October under the Chairmanship of the Speaker of the Parliament, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and the Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella.Institutions such as the Sri Lanka Electricity Board and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority were called before the National Council where the officials presented ideas and proposals related to the progress of the energy sector.MP Namal Rajapaksa, as the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to National Policy, and the Chairman of the National Council sub-committee on identifying short and medium-term programs related to Economic Stabilization, Patali Champika Ranawaka informed the National Council about the progress and the expected future work of the committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Disaster Management Center says that 4,929 people from to 1,296 families have been affected due to the severe weather conditions being experienced over the island over the course of the last few days.The Disaster Management Center also stated 116 people belonging to 31 families have been moved to safe shelters.Senior geologist at the National Building Research Organization Wasantha Senadeera says landslide warnings issued to several districts continues to remain in effect.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that no final decision has been taken so far with regard to the COVID-19 vaccines which are due to expire.A senior official of the Ministry said that the vaccines are due to expire on October 31st.The consignment of vaccines which is due to expire amounts to over a million, the Health Ministry added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Army Captain has died while three others have been injured in an accident involving a Defender on Saturday (22).Police said that the driver of the Defender bearing number 8806 of the Sri Lanka Army lost control of the wheel and crashed on to a tree in Muthuwella. The Defender was travelling from Trincomalee to Maduru Oya early on Saturday (22) morning.The deceased has been identified as Captain Devinda Woodward from 4 Special Forces.

India reported 2,112 new infections raising the COVID-19 tally to 4,46,40,748, while the number of active cases declined to 24,043, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll climbed to 5,28,957 with four fatalities which includes three deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. One death has been reported from West Bengal in a span of 24 hours.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigation Department has been requested to conduct an investigation into the case of an illegally imported Hummer vehicle being given to the same person who imported it at an auction held after it was impounded.This investigstion is being conducted based on a notification by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya.The vehicle in question was illegally imported to Sri Lanka on February 22nd, 2021.The State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya had previously called for a report from the Director General of Customs regarding the incident, and the Ministry of Finance announced that this step was taken based on the recommendations of the report.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorology Department says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-Western and Northern Provinces and in Galle and Matara Districts on Saturday (22). Accordingly, fairly heavy showers above 50 mm may be expected at some places.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several palaces in the Eastern and Uva provinces and in Hambantota district during the afternoon or night.General public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

PHILADELPHIA - Kyle Schwarber's first inning solo home run sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy, but it was Jean Segura's roller coaster game the served as the subplot to the Phillies' NLCS game 3 win. With the Phillies up 1-0 in the 4th, Segura whiffed a catch while covering second on what would have been an inning-ending double play to allow the tying run to score from third. He redeemed himself in the bottom of the inning, looping a 2 out single to right field that scored two runs to retake the lead. The inning ended less than a pitch later when Segura got picked off first base.Alec Bohm added a run two innings later a line drive double that Padres' right fielder failed to catch on a diving attempt.PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 21: Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies celebrates with Nick Castellanos #8 after making a diving stop and throwing out Ha-Seong Kim #7 of the San Diego Padres (not pictured) at first base during the seven Ranger Suarez was solid for five innings, allowing just two hits and two runs; one of which was unearned.

Elijah Jennings (Philly's Most Wanted)BROOKHAVEN, Ga. - A high-speed chase through metro Atlanta led to the arrest of a man wanted for murder in Pennsylvania.Elijah Jennings, 28, of Philadelphia, was wanted for the shooting death of a man inside his car in May 2022. Warrants for murder and firearms possession were obtained the following month.Jennings caught the eye of federal authorities earlier this month when warrants were issued for him by the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for fleeing prosecution.Last Friday, Jennings was arrested near Lenox Square mall after a high-speed chase through Brookhaven.

People in Lanarkshire are being encouraged to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination through the arts.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balawegaya achieved a major victory at the Kolonna Cooperative Office Election in the Ratnapura District, which was held on Friday (21).The Samagi Jana Balawegaya won 115 out of 119 candidates, which is a 5/6 majority, which comes 35 years after the party last held the power at the cooperative election in the Kolonna Constituency, which is known as a stronghold of Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the SLPP.The SJB has won the vast majority of cooperative elections nationwide, which is more than 98%. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Indian Navy on Friday (21) intercepted a 'suspicious' boat on Palk Bay, reports PTI.According to the report, the boat was observed by the Indian Navy ship on patrol in Palk Bay near the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) in the early hours of Friday."Despite repeated warnings, the boat did not stop. The (Navy) ship, as per standard operating procedures, fired warning shots to stop the boat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology has issued an Amber alert with regard to strong winds and rough seas on Friday (21).The Meteorology Department says that the low-pressure Area over north Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea and the Southeast Bay of Bengal persisted over the same region in the today, the 21st October, 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over same region around 22nd October.It is very likely to intensify into a Deep Depression on 23rd October and subsequently into a cyclonic storm by 24th October.Thereafter, it is likely to move gradually north-northeastwards and reach near West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts on 25th October.Wind speeds will be (40-50) kmph and can increase up to (60-70) kmph in sea areas between (05N – 17N) and between (85E – 100E). Heavy showers or thundershowers and very rough or rough seas can also be expected in above sea areas.

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in Parliament with amendments by majority vote.It will be added to the constitution of Sri Lanka as the 21st Amendment.   174 votes were cast in favor of the amendment during the third reading in Parliament, while no one voted against it.However, during the second reading of the amendment 179 votes were cast in favor, and Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Criminal Investigation Department has been requested to conduct an investigation into the case of an illegally imported Hummer vehicle being given to the same person who imported it at an auction held after it was impounded.This investigstion is being conducted based on a notification by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to the Inspector General of Police on the advice of the State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya.The vehicle in question was illegally imported to Sri Lanka on February 22nd, 2021.The State Minister of Finance, Ranjith Siambalapitiya had previously called for a report from the Director General of Customs regarding the incident, and the Ministry of Finance announced that this step was taken based on the recommendations of the report.

PHILADELPHIA - Investigators with the Philadelphia Police Departments Shooting Investigation Group are working on learning more about a shooting that left a man injured early Friday morning. Authorities say the shooting took place on the 700 block of West Bristol Street in the city's Hunting Park neighborhood. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAccording to officials, a man believed to be between 30 and 35 years of age was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and both legs. Police transported him to Temple University Hospital, where he is listed din critical condition. Authorities say the investigation is active and ongoing. 

PHILADELPHIA - Police are investigating after a man was found inside a car in West Philadelphia injured from a shooting. According to authorities, police responded to 38th Street and Girard Avenue for reports of a person with a gun on Thursday night around 10:15 p.m.Officials say a 53-year-old man was found inside a Chrysler Pacifica suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his chest, abdomen and left arm. The man was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, where he is listed in critical condition, according to police. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESAuthorities say the shooting took place near where the victim was located, on the 3800 block of Cambridge Street. The investigation is ongoing and active, police say. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Education Ministry had announced the days when schools will commence for the second, and third terms for 2022.Sinhala and Tamil Schools – Second Term: 13th September 2022 to 1st December 2022Second Term Holiday:2nd December 2022 to 4th December 2022Third Term (Phase 1):5th December 2022 to 22nd December 2022Third Term (Phase 1) Holidays:23rd December 2022 to 1st January 2023Third Term (Phase 2):2nd January 2023 to 20th January 2023Third Term (Phase 2) Holidays:21st January 2023 to 19th February 2023Third Term (Phase 3):20th February 2023 to 24th March 2023Muslim Schools – Second Term: 13th September 2022 to 1st December 2022Second Term Holiday:2nd December 2022 to 4th December 2022Third Term (Phase 1):5th December 2022 to 22nd December 2022Third Term (Phase 1) Holidays:23rd December 2022 to 1st January 2023Third Term (Phase 2):2nd January 2023 to 15th January 2023Third Term (Phase 2) Holidays:16th January 2023 to 28th February 2023Third Term (Phase 3):1st March 2023 to 21st March 2023

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The cooperation between Sri Lanka and India in the sphere of Defense was hailed by State Minister of Defence, Pramitha Banadara Tennakoon at the biennial global defence exhibition DefExpo2022.The exhibition was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 19 October 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and a three-member official delegation from Sri Lanka, led by State Minister of Defense Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and comprising Army and Navy officers, is currently on a visit to India for attending the exhibition. State Minister of Defense Tennakoon highlighted the importance of defense industrial base in augmenting Security policy and noted that DefExpo 2022 provided a great avenue for a deeper understanding of the nature of transformation in modern warfare across five dimensions.The Sri Lankan dignitary met the Minister of State for Defense and Tourism of India Shri Ajay Bhatt on 17 October 2022 along the sidelines of DefExpo2022.During the meeting, India’s readiness to continue to support Sri Lanka in the defence sphere was reiterated. The Sri Lankan delegation also had cordial interactions with Defense Minister, Defense Secretary, Chief of Defense Staff and all three Service Chiefs of India during the visit.Experience sharing and capacity building has been a key pillar of India-Sri Lanka defense cooperation, which is marked by camaraderie and mutual benefit in enhancing our shared security. Indian military establishments including NDC have been the preferred choice of the Sri Lankan Armed Forces for decades and have produced leaders of Sri Lankan Armed forces.

Zimbabwe bowlers keep the Scotland batting unit quietZimbabwe registered a comprehensive five-wicket win over Scotland in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup encounter in Hobart on Friday to book their berth in the Super 12 stage of the mega event.Richie Berrington's decision to bat first after winning the toss didn't turn out well for Scotland as they lost the wickets of Michael Jones and Matthew Cross quite early in the innings.The likes of George Munsey, Berrington and Calum MacLeod tried their best to resurrect the innings but they never got the momentum and acceleration they required. Munsey and Berrington put on a 40-run stand between themselves followed by a 34-run stand between MacLeod and Munsey.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias were issued summon on Friday (21) to appear in court on 08th November.They were issued summons when a personal complaint filed by the president of the Young Journalists' Association, journalist Tharindu Jayawardena, was called before Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.Summons were issued to ASP Naleen Dilruk and SSP Roshan Dias, who were suspected of disrupting a protest march from Galle Face towards Hultsdorf.Attorneys-at-law Manujaya de Silva and Jayantha Dehiyattage, in addition to Saliya Peiris PC presented facts on behalf of the plaintiff, Tharindu Jayawardena.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A proposal to cut down on the number of representatives elected to local government bodies will be presented to Parliament, said Janaka Wakkumbura, Sri Lanka's State Minister of Provincial Councils and Local Government on Friday (21).He said Sri Lanka currently has 8,719 local government members and measures would be taken to drop that figure to around 4,000.However, the State Minister stressed these reforms would not be used to delay the local government elections.The State Minister also added that the current local government system does not represent the true mandate of the people

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Political parties in the opposition met in Parliament on Thursday (20) to sign a joint declaration opposing the governmets' decision to delay the local government elections.The Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, National Freedom Front, Democratic Left Front, 43rd Brigade, Tamil National Alliance, Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Mahajana Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Sri Lanka Communist Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, Nawa Lanka Freedom Party, the Democratic People's Front, the Vijayadharani Janata Sabha, the Frontline Socialist Party, and the Uttara Sabha, signed the declaration.However, the Janata Vimukthi Peramuna led National People's Power did not sign it.A unanimous decision was reached to strongly oppose individuall or collectively, any move made by the government to delay the polls, under the guise of electoral reforms.Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa stated that the participants agreed that timely changes in respect of electoral laws, should be addressed, in a continuing time frame but insisted that this should not in any manner be used as a pretext for the postponement of elections.Any departure from the democratic and the electoral process would constitute an intolerable onslaught on the franchise of the people, he emphasized.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna led by the National Peoples Power (NPP), Anura Kumara Dissanayake says that the biggest irony of fate is the fact that those who raised their hands for previous amendments is also raising their hand for this amendment. Speaking at the Parliament, the MP said that when the 19th amendment was abolished and the 20th amendment was introduced, many voted for it, and the same MPs then voted for 20th amendment to be abolished and the 21st amendment to be introduced."I don't know, this Parliament is a parliament with amazing people who raise their hands for removing the same amendment and bringing back the same amendment," he remarked. Dissanayake pointed out that many said that the dictatorial power granted on the President through the 20th Amendment was okay, are the ones who raised their hands to cancel the very same amendment to bring forward the 22nd amendment, harking it as the only way to solve the country's issues. "Therefore, Deputy Speaker, I think it is the biggest irony of fate that the same people who brought the 20th amendment, the same people who raised their hands for the 18th, are the very ones who are talking in favor to bring about the 22nd amendment to the Parliament," he added.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's pverall rate of inflation as measured by NCPI for the month of September 2022 has risen to 73.7%, the Department of Census and Statistics reports. The NCPI for all items for the month of September 2022 is 256.2 and it records an increase of 5.8 in index points compared to August 2022.For the September 2022, Month-on-Month change recorded as 2.3% compared to August 2022.The overall rate of inflation as measured by NCPI on Year-on-Year basis is 73.7% in September 2022 and inflation calculated for the August 2022 was 70.2%.With respect to September 2021, the reported inflation for the month of September 2022 was mainly due to the higher price levels prevailed in both food and non-food groups.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A coal shipment will reach Sri Lanka on the 25th of October, said Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited on Friday (21).General Manager of Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited Namal Hewage speaking to News 1st said that the coal shipment will be delivered by the company that it had agreed with earlier.He said with the arrival of this coal shipment, there will be no issue in operating the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.At present Sri Lanka has coal stocks sufficient for a period of 30-days to operate the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant.Namal Hewage said that the supplier is expected to deliver 4 more coal shipments until December 2022.Sri Lanka already called for tenders to appoint a new coal supplier, and the deadline to place bids is on the 25th of October 2022.The supplier who will be selected following the tender process will be allowed to deliver coal to Sri Lanka from December 2022. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A discussion on the challenges faced by the construction sector and proposed plans to address these issues were held at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (20) afternoon.The problems faced by the construction sector under the current economic situation were discussed at length and special attention was paid to the delays in the construction of middle-income housing projects as well as road construction projects.During the discussions, attention was also paid to the issues that have arisen about the contractors, banks and other financial institutions.The President drew the attention of the officials to the program to be followed for the maintenance of the construction sector and job security in the sector while proposing the appointment of a committee to discuss the matter further and make recommendations.Those engaged in the construction sector also requested the President to establish a special task force for the upliftment of the construction sector.Minister Bandula Gunawardena, State Minister Lasantha Alagiyawanna, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake, Senior Economic Advisor to the President R. H.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan fishermen had refrained from setting out to sea on Friday (21) after the Met Department warned of heavy rain and strong winds, especially for the coastal areas.Multi-day boats in the Bay of Bengal and North Andaman sea are advised to return to shore or move to safer areas immediately due to strong winds and rough seas.The Met Department warned that a Low-Pressure Area formed over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of the south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal on 20th October 2022.It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Depression over the same region around 22nd October.Fishermen from multiple coastal areas in Sri Lanka refrained from setting out to sea following the warning issued by the Met Department.News 1st correspondents said that the seas in Hikkaduwa were rough, while Galle was experiencing heavy rainfall since Thursday (20) night.Multi-day boats and other smaller boats did not set out to sea from Matara due to bad weather.News 1st correspondents said that Whale Watching Tour operators also suspended operations on Friday (21) due to bad weather.

Health and social care staff who have gone the extra mile have been recognised by West Dunbartonshire Council.

(Bloomberg) – Sri Lanka’s 70% inflation is hitting its peak as crippling shortages ease and bailout funds look within reach, yet it’s far from putting the central bank governor at ease.“We think we are seeing the peak of inflation,” central bank governor Nandalal Weerasinghe said in an interview in Colombo on Thursday. “There’s still some way to go,” he said on fixing the island nation’s economy and its finances.The governor, a career central banker who six months ago raised the policy rate by a staggering 700 basis points as among his first acts to stabilize a nation rocked by a debt crisis, said the monetary authority’s rate decisions will remain data driven and forward looking.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The President and the Minister of Defence, Ranil Wickremesinghe has issued an extraordinary gazette revoking the order issued declaring the High Security Zones. On Friday (23), Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe declared multiple areas in Colombo as High Security Zones.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Namal Rajapaksa has reiterated his commitment to recontest the upcoming elections via a broad alliance.Speaking at a program held in Bandarawela, the MP said that current President Ranil Wickremesinghe has succeeded in stabilizing the economy, as well as in going forward with the IMF staff agreement, and the SLPP will extend its support in this regard.He further emphasized the importance of ensuring that law and order prevails within the country, preventing incidents such as murders and other crimes from taking place in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe arrived in the island on Saturday (01) morning, concluding his official visit to Japan and the Philippines.President Wickremesinghe attended the funeral of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe during his official visit.Thereafter, President Ranil Wickramasinghe also visited the Philippines to preside over a meeting of the Asian Development Bank Governors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that his mission is to create a developed country for the future generations of this land.The full statement is as follows:The contemporary world that adults live in is not the world children see. It is very simple and delicate.

Tokyo, Japan (Kyodo) – Japan is prepared to "do its part" over Sri Lanka's debt issue, but other creditors, such as China and India, should also be involved in efforts to resolve it, Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Thursday (29).Suzuki made the remarks after meeting with Ranil Wickremesinghe, president of Sri Lanka, which has reached a preliminary agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a $2.9 billion loan as the Asian nation needs to restructure its massive debt.Suzuki said he urged Sri Lanka during Thursday's meeting to provide the necessary information, make its own efforts to get China, India and other creditors involved and boost transparency."Japan will do its part if such preconditions are met," Suzuki told reporters without elaborating in the Philippine capital Manila, where he attended a meeting of the Asian Development Bank.During his visit to Japan, the Sri Lankan president met Wednesday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and discussed the debt issue. The leaders recognized the importance of "fair and transparent" debt restructuring that involves all creditor nations, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt earlier this year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of the government’s commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability. Therefore, he expressed hope and expectation that Sri Lanka’s creditors, and all stakeholders, will support Sri Lanka in these efforts to restore the country’s debt sustainability and help put the country back on the path of inclusive and sustainable economic growth.President Wickremesinghe presided over the annual meeting of the ADB Board of Governors on Thursday (29) which was held at the ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines and attended by Governors and official government delegations.President Wickremesinghe noted that the government has already undertaken major macroeconomic policy reform measures and this program is aligned with the commitment of the government to implement an ambitious and comprehensive package of reforms that will help restore the sustainability of the country’s public finances, addressing external imbalances, and restarting the growth engine through structural reforms and improvements in governance.“Amidst major economic stress, Sri Lanka is undertaking an unprecedented fiscal effort as part of our commitment to restoring the country’s debt sustainability.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st on Thursday (29) that the people who were displaced following the blaze that ripped through over 80 houses in Kajimawatte are being provided with relief.At the same time, LOLC Holdings also provided these families with essential relief packages via its Divi Saviya social welfare program.Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 300 plus people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The area that was burnt to the ground is a place where people were housed temporarily until they can be moved to a housing complex owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was on an official visit to Japan, had instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has met with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Asian Development Bank said it is prepared to offer more financial help to Sri Lanka.Asian Development Bank President Masatsugu Asakawa said that as a key long-term partner, the ADB stands ready to provide further support to Sri Lanka.He said that after the IMF programme is completed, ADB will consider to join another, by providing additional financial resources to join other rescue packages for Sri Lanka.The remarks came after an ADB pact this month for an emergency loan of $200 million to ensure access to food and protect livelihoods in Sri Lanka which is suffering its worst economic crisis in more than seven decades.Asakawa said that Sri Lanka’s economy has contracted and is dealing with high inflation which has severely affected living standards.Asakawa said he was confident Colombo was working to finalise a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a loan of about $2.9 billion, by seeking financing assurances from creditors, among other steps.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balavegaya filed Fundamental Rights applications with the Supreme Court challenging the gazette issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring High-Security Zones in Colombo.The applications were filed by SJB MPs Harshana Rajakaruna, and Mujibur Rahuman on Wednesday (28).The FR applications name the Attorney General as the respondent and note that the President has no right to declare High-Security Zones, and no law allows the President to do so.The petitioners request the Supreme Court to rule that the conduct of the President had violated the Fundamental Rights of the people of Sri Lanka, and thereby issue an order to invalidate the said gazette.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe was awarded an audience with His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, his official residence in Tokyo.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday (28).The Japanese Prime Minister warmly welcomed President Wickremesinghe and extended his best wishes on his appointment to the Office of President.The duo held discussions on further strengthening relations between the two countries.