Sri Lanka: Latest News

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Transport Board said special bus services will operate from the 8th of April for people going to villages for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year season.Chairman Lalith de Alwis said plans are in place to operate long-distance buses during the day and night.He said the service will be in operation till the 17th of April.The SLTB Chairman said the special buses will operate from Colombo to outstation areas, as well as from main cities such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Jaffna, Galle, Matara, and Hambantota to the Western Province.de Alwis said passengers commuting on long-distance buses also have the opportunity to reserve seats.He added that passengers can reserve seats by calling the SLTB hotline 1315, through the mobile application or by visiting the sltb.eseat.lk website.

Colombo (News1st) – Former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga called the new Anti-terrorism bill "frightening" and called on all citizens to unite to defeat the bill. Speaking at an event in Colombo on Thursday (29) she said, "Let's set aside our political allegiances and recognise that we are all social activists in this place. We must unite to defeat this.""This is a frightening bill and all the citizens of this country need to be alerted about this," the former head of state explained."At this rate, we will not be able to speak freely like we're doing here today.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that a report by the Government Analyst's Department has proven that Pulasthini Mahendran also known as Sarah Jasmine was among those who died on the 26th of April 2019 after a suicide bomb was detonated inside a house in Sainthamaruthu, days after the 2019 April Attacks. Sri Lanka Police said that DNA tests were carried out for the third time on the tissue samples that were obtained for the investigations by Judicial Medical Officers, Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Department, and the Government Analysts Department. Sri Lanka Police said that comparing the DNA obtained from Pulasthini Mahendran's mother with DNA samples obtained from the scene of the crime is considered a method of establishing the mother, and child relationship.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has warned Sri Lankans on the use of crypto currency, adding that cryptocurrencies are not considered as legal tender in Sri Lanka.CBSL said that there are no regulatory safeguards relating to their usage in the country."Cryptocurrency operates through informal channels, and therefore, it does not contribute to the national economy and can also cause a loss of valuable foreign currency to the country." it added.The public is also warned of the growing number of financial scams operating with the promise of high returns based on crypto-investments.The Central Bank said that these scams include deceiving individuals and obtaining money from them with the promise of providing a high return by investing money in cryptocurrency, as well as deceiving individuals to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency projects.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eggs imported from India have been approved by the Department of Animal Production and Health.Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Gunadasa Samarasinghe said that the relevant report will be forwarded to the Ministry of Trade today.Minister of Trade Nalin Fernando said that the imported eggs have also received the approval of the Medical Research Institute.He added that it has been decided to distribute eggs to related industries at a price of Rs.35/- per egg.In order to control the price of eggs in the market and as a remedy for the shortage of eggs, the Ministry of Trade recently took steps to import 02 million eggs from India to Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera said that fuel distribution commenced at Kollonnawa and Mithurajawela terminals at 6am on Wednesday (29) morning.He said that Sri Lanka Police & Armed forces will continue to assist the fuel distribution process.The Minister said that adequate fuel stocks are available in the country."It has been noticed that some fuel stations has not placed orders anticipating the April price revision.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Joseph Michael Perera, the 17th Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament passed away on Tuesday (28).Perera was born on the 15th of September 1941, and served as speaker from December 2001 to February 7, 2004.Political Career:1964-1967 Elected Member of the Ja-Ela Urban Council;  1967-1970 Appointed Vice Chairman of the Ja-Ela Urban Council; 1970-1971 Appointed Chairman of the Ja-Ela Urban Council; 1971-1976 Chief Organiser of the Opposition (U. N.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A discussion got underway at the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals LTD in Kolonnawa with regard to the decision required to oppose the privatization of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.The Petroleum Trade Union Collective launched a Sathyagraha campaign on Monday (27) opposite the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals LTD in Kolonnawa against attempts to privatize the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.All trade unions except the executive officers' trade unions are participating in the Satyagraha.The Trade Unions said that around 400 filling stations that generate a high revenue are to be given to four overseas firms, and they launched the Sathyagraha program, demanding an immediate end to such attempts.In addition, they demand to suspend attempts to award fuel distribution to the North and East to Lanka IOC alone. Sri Lanka's Cabinet has given the green light to award licenses to Sinopec, United Petroleum, Australia & RM Parks of USA in a collaboration with Shell Plc to enter the Fuel Retail market in Sri Lanka.Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Energy Committee & relevant other procurement committees had given their approval & recommendation to award the 3 companies the licenses to operate.He said that the 3 companies will be allocated 150 Dealer operated fuel stations each which are currently operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.He added that these companies will be granted a license to operate for 20 years to import, store, distribute and sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka. A further 50 fuel stations at New locations will be established by each selected company, he added. Manoj Gupta, the Managing Directro of LIOC tweeted that 34 more new LIOC filling stations are set to commence

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka was one of the many countries that disrupted the right to protest of the people, said Deprose Muchena, the Senior Director for Human Rights Impact at Amnesty International.He was in Colombo for the regional launch of Amnesty's global annual report and was also the key speaker at the event."Human rights came under attack, we saw repression of the most calculated order. This repression did not pick and choose where it happened as we saw global protest movements being faced with brute force, with killings, with mass arrests and with all manner of human rights violations, not least in this country, in this region, in this continent," he said."We know that there is a discussion around support from the International Monetary Fund that is being discussed between your government and yourselves.

The United Nations Population Fund-UNFPA congratulated Sri Lanka on its achievements in developing robust national evaluation capacities, at the policy, institutional, and professional levels.This was stated when President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with a delegation of UNFPA officials, including Marco Segone, Director of the Evaluation Office of the United Nations Population Fund, at the President's Office on Monday (27).The UNFPA delegation commended President Wickremesinghe’s leadership in promoting evaluation, particularly in the public sector, which they said will play a significant role in addressing the challenges faced by Sri Lanka.UNFPA representatives acknowledged Sri Lanka’s significant progress in developing strong national evaluation capabilities compared to other nations.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Indian Government has agreed to promote and strengthen renewable energy sector cooperation between both countries.Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between Sri Lanka and India with regard to energy sector cooperation.Accordingly, Public and Private entities in both India and Sri Lanka will work on this project.The Cabinet had granted approval for the Solar Power, Wind Power, and Bio Fuel projects to be implemented under the agreement. 

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers granted approval for the construction of a Solar Power Plant in Sampur, Trincomalee via a Joint Venture between the Ceylon Electricity Board and the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited – India.The 135 MW Solar Power Plant will be constructed at the site of the previously proposed Sampur Coal Power Plant.Phase One of the project will see the construction of a 50 MW Solar Power Plant at a cost of US $ 42.5 Million.In addition, US $ 23.6 Million will be spent for the construction of a 40 km long 220 MW Transmission Line from Sampur to Kappalthurai.Phase Two of the project will see the construction of an 85 MW Solar Power Plant and 220 MW Transmission Line.This project is expected to be completed within two years from 2024 to 2025.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Veteran vocalist and musician 'Sangeeth Nipun' Professor Sanath Nandasiri has passed away at the age of 81.The late Emeritus Professor Sangeeth Nipun Sanath Nandasiri was the Former Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Sri Lanka. He was the the third Chancellor of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, and as a veteran musician had served as a Head of the Department of the Institute of Aesthetic Studies and as the first Dean of the Faculty of Music of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts. He was honoured with a honorary professorship as a tribute to his outstanding contribution to the field of creative music in Sri Lankan.Chairman of the Sri Lankan Musicians Guild Janaka Wickremesinghe told News 1st that Sanath Nandasiri who was ill for a prolonged period, passed away at his residence.He said the funeral arrangements will be announced later.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission said it is yet to receive a response from the Finance Ministry with regard to funding the Local Government Election 2023.The Election Commission said it expects a positive response from the Finance Ministry.At the same time, the Election Commission said it expects to meet Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena for talks this week over the same matter.A senior official at the Election Commission told News 1st that the members will meet on the 4th of April 2023 to discuss the next step regarding the Local Government Election.On the 23rd of March, Sri Lanka's Election Commission said that Postal Voting for the Local Government Election was postponed, again.The announcement was made following talks with political party representatives in Colombo.The Election Commission said that four important matters were presented by the political party representatives during a meeting on Thursday (23) morning.1. As it is not possible to hold the local government polls on April 25 under the current situation, postponing the polls to a future date.2.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Parliament is scheduled to convene only on Tuesday, 4th of April during the next Parliament Week, the Secretary General of Parliament Dhammika Dasanayake said.This was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently (24) under the chairmanship of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.Accordingly, the Parliament will convene on April 4th at 9.30 a.m. and time from 9.30 a.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Cabinet has given the green light to award licenses to Sinopec, United Petroleum, Australia & RM Parks of USA in a collaboration with Shell Plc to enter the Fuel Retail market in Sri Lanka.Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said that the Energy Committee & relevant other procurement committees had given their approval & recommendation to award the 3 companies the licenses to operate.He said that the 3 companies will be allocated 150 Dealer operated fuel stations each which are currently operated by the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation.He added that these companies will be granted a license to operate for 20 years to import, store, distribute and sell petroleum products in Sri Lanka. A further 50 fuel stations at New locations will be established by each selected company, he added. 

COLOMBO (News1st); The Ceylon Petroleum Trade Union Collective has commenced a satyagraha opposite the Kolonnawa Terminal.Chairman of Petroleum branch of the Sri Lanka Nidahas Sevaka Sangamaya, Jagath Wijegunaratne says that the satyagraha is being carried out against the attempts to privatize the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. He says that the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) is currently making profits, and terms these times as the "golden era" of the CPC.  Wijegunaratne says that the profit of last month alone is Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Leader of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Mahinda Rajapaksa said that he believes an election will take place before December 2023. Speaking to reporters following an event at the Abhayarama Temple in Colombo on Monday (27), the Former Sri Lankan President said irrespective of the nature of the election, be it Local Government or Presidential, the SLPP is ready for the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the Indian Oil Corporation or IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe over the weekend.The Chairman of IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya met with President Wickremesinghe along with the Shri Pankaj Jain, the Secretary to the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.He presented 500 IOC produiced indoor solar cooking systems, to the Government of Sri Lanka, in the presence of Gopal Baglay, the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.The visiting IOC Chairman also presented a unique jacket, made of sustainable threads obtained by recycling PET bottles under Indian Oil's Unbottled initiative.In addition, he also took part in an event to inaugurate three filling stations of Lanka IOC in Colombo, and the opening of the new premises were done remotely.Manoj Gupta, the Managing Directro of LIOC tweeted that 34 more new LIOC filling stations are set to commence physical operations within March 2023 further strengthening the footprints of LIOC in the country.The Chairman of IOC noted that it underlines the company's unwavering dedication to fortify Sri Lanka's energy security and also demonstrates the IOC commitment to becoming a dominant player in the global energy space.The Chairman of IOC Shrikant Madhav Vaidya also met with Sri Lankan cricket legend & World Cup Winning Captain Arjuna Ranatunga in Colombo.

COLOMBO (News1st); Sri Lankan authorities arrested a drug trafficker who goes by the name 'Army Sanath' in Ahangama.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology has issued a weather forecast predicting showers or thundershowers in various parts of Sri Lanka. The Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces, as well as the Galle, Matara, Kandy, and Nuwara-Eliya districts, are expected to experience showers or thundershowers during the afternoon or night.Meanwhile, the North Central, Uva, and North-Western provinces, as well as the Mannar district, may witness showers or thundershowers during the afternoon or night as well. The Department advises the public to take necessary precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Parliament Select Committee was appointed to inquire into child malnutrition in Sri Lanka.The committee is tasked with inquiring into whether the child malnutrition issue in Sri Lanka is aggravating and to identify short term, medium term and long-term measures to be taken in that regard, as well as to oversee the speedy implementation of the identified measures has been established.MP Vadivel Suresh was appointed as Chair of the Parliament Select Committee.The following members were appointed to the committee:Nalin Fernando Dr. Seetha Arambepola, A.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said Sri Lanka is due to receive a loan of 7 billion dollars from two other foreign banks.The State Minister said the loan will be provided by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.He said Sri Lanka was unable to receive foreign loans after April 2022 due to the temporary inability to repay loans.He added however trust in this regard was restored following approval of the International Monetary Fund Extended Fund Facility. 

Colombo (News 1st) – Those guilty of committing economic crimes in the recent past should be investigated under the Anti Corruption Act which the President is planning on passing, stated the Samagi Youth Lawyers Movement."He said that he will implement the best Anti Corruption Law in South Asia. That is good.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News 1st exclusive interview with Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Stein Studios in Sri Lanka, one of South Asia's largest studio complex's, dedicated one of its' four international studios to legendary filmmaker and actor Gamini Fonseka on Friday (24). The studio in which the international franchise show 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire' ('Lakshapathi' in Sinhala) is recorded, is now called The Gamini Fonseka Studio.All of Sri Lanka's most legendary actors, actresses and cinema personalities were present at the event on Friday as a mark of respect for the late Gamini Fonseka.Widely regarded as the King of Sri Lankan cinema, Fonseka dominated the silver screen in 1960s and 1970s. Apart from acting, he was the Deputy Speaker of Sri Lanka Parliament from 1989 to 1994 and Governor of the North-Eastern Province from 1995 to 1998.In addition to being Sri Lanka's premier television production centre, the ultra modern Stein Studios, which is located in Ratmalana (a suburb in the Colombo district), is also one of the most preferred options for conventions in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry is on a working visit to South Africa from 21-25 March 2023 at the invitation of Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa Dr. Naledi Pandoor.  Minister Sabry is accompanied by Minister of Justice, Prison Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter to the Inspector General of Police had requested that Sri Lanka Police take necessary action to ensure the safety of the President of the BASL Saliya Pieris.The letter to the IGP relates to the protest that took pace opposite the chamber of Saliya Pieris, President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka.BASL said that it was made aware the said protest relates to Mr. Pieris conducting his professional duties with regard to a particular client. "We are of the view the said protest seriously hinders his right to represent a client, a professional right which has been safeguarded by law," it added."Therefore, we strongly demand that you take action to ensure that Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The body of a seven-year-old girl who was reported missing after attempting to cross a water-way in the Bogoda Village in Hali-Ela was recovered.A search operation is underway to locate a ten-year-old boy who also remains missing. The unfortunate incident of two young children being washed away by strong currents while attempting to cross a water-way was reported on Thursday (23).According to reports, the two children were looking for their mother, who had gone to work.The mother was serving as a domestic aide for a daily wage, and she was employed at a neighboring house at the time.However, as she was late to come back home, the two children had gone out in search of her during a heavy downpour.Unfortunately, they were washed away by the currents when attempting to cross a water-way named the Pihilla Kandura not far from their home.Locals said that the currents reached dangerous levels due to the heavy downpour.The mother of the two children had returned home at around 5 in the evening, and as her children were missing, she had gone out in search of them.Locals banded together and started to search for the missing kids with their mother,The umbrella used by the children was located close to the water-way, and it was suspected that they may have been washed away by the gushing waters.Sri Lanka Police and the Sri Lanka Army launched an extensive search and recovered the body of the seven-year-old girl at around 10 PM on Thursday (23), around one kilometer away from the house in another waterway, locally referred to as the Dodangolla Oya.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe had noted that if Sri Lanka's debt is not restructured, Sri Lanka would have had a foreign debt burden of 06 billion dollars per year for many years to come. "Because it is difficult to pay, the debt payment is temporarily suspended and this process is used to restructure the debt," he told a meeting at the President's Office on Thursday (22)."We are unable to pay under the current terms, so we are asking the commercial institutions and private sectors and the respective governments that have granted us loans, to give us a relief period," he had noted, said the President's Media Division.The PMD also quoted the Central Bank Governor as saying that the first step in that process is the assurance given by the bilateral countries, and the International Monetary Fund has set targets for debt sustainability.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the necessary steps will be taken to pass the best anti-Corruption Act in South Asia in Parliament soon.The President revealed that the cabinet approval for the Bill has already been granted and said that he will discuss it with the Opposition representatives in the future and present it to the Parliament.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this during a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (23) with the heads of media organizations.The President's Media Division released the comments made by the President:"Firstly, let me thank everyone of the media for your presence here today. As you know I have requested all of you to be present here to tell you about the IMF agreement.We became a bankrupt country a year ago. This is the first time we have had to restructure our debt with the support of the IMF and our creditors.And this is the first occasion we’ve had to restructure our debt with the support of IMF and our creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several leaders of opposition political parties in Sri Lanka led by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa met with Ambassadors and Delegates representing 12 countries in Colombo on Wednesday (22) evening.According to reports, the objective of the meeting was to discuss the current state of affairs in Sri Lanka.The discussion was mainly focused on Sri Lanka's Democracy, Constitution, and the Local Government Election.The Opposition Leader had requested the foreign missions to extend support to Sri Lanka Internationally.The foreign diplomats who attended the meeting, according to the office of the opposition leader, were:– Sarah Hulton, High Commissioner, High Commission of the United Kingdom in Sri Lanka– Denis Chaibi, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka– Michael Appleton, High Commissioner, New Zealand High Commission in Sri Lanka– Julie J Chung, Ambassador, Embassy of the United States of America in Sri Lanka– Anouk Baron, Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka– Dr Francesco Perale, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Sri Lanka  – Vinod Jacob, Deputy High Commissioner, High Commission of the Republic of India in Sri Lanka– Katsuki Kotaro, Minister/Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka– Lalita Kapur, Deputy High Commissioner, Australian High Commission in Sri Lanka– Aurélien MAILLET, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in Sri Lanka– Daniel Blood, Counsellor (Political), High Commission of Canada in Sri Lanka– Ozaki Takeshi, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka.However, in Parliament on Thursday (23), Government Minister Prasanna Ranatunga alleged that the opposition had met with the foreign diplomats to

The first batch of women de-miners of the Army who have completed the internationally-acclaimed Humanitarian De-mining Course of high standards had the privilege of getting their insignia pinned from the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage after they were invited to the Army HQ on Wednesday (22).Extending his best wishes to those women soldiers, now fully-fledged to undertake overseas UN Peacekeeping Missions, the Army Chief highlighted the significance of their achievement to the Army and the motherland.A group of 3 Lady Officers and 51 female Other Ranks, having undergone the De-mining Course for women soldiers which began in December 2021 under two batches at both Engineers' Brigade Headquarters in Boo Oya and 10 Field Engineers HQ in Mailaddy, Jaffna thus received their insignia from the Commander of the Army during the brief occasion.The De-mining Course, inclusive of field operations drew to a close early this year after they sat for the final examination phase under the close supervision of Major General MK Jayawardena RSP USP ndu, Chief Field Engineer and Colonel Commandant, Sri Lanka Engineers.The Commander of the Army in his brief talk commended their sustained courage for completion of the Humanitarian De-mining Course in keeping with scheduled time frame, and congratulated them for undertaking such a challenge with determination and fearlessness. He also reminded the gathering that their contribution in the future for world peace as women de-miners of Sri Lanka would go into the Army history and keep the national flag flying bringing international admiration.Three Lady Officers and 51 Other Ranks who had graduated in the De-mining Course for women de-miners are currently performing de-

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation to chase away Indian poaching trawlers from Sri Lankan waters this morning (23rd March 2023).The operation led to the seizure of 2 Indian trawlers with 12 Indian nationals poaching in the Sea of Sri Lanka off Analaitivu and Kovilan, Jaffna.The Navy continues to conduct regular patrols and operations in Sri Lankan waters to curb illegal fishing practices of foreign fishing trawlers.As an extension of these operations, the Northern Naval Command deployed Fast Attack Craft of the 04th Fast Attack Flotilla to chase away a cluster of Indian poaching trawlers, having spotted they were engaging in illegal fishing in Sri Lankan waters off Analaitivu and Kovilan. In this operation, the Navy held 02 Indian poaching trawlers with 12 Indian fishers continuing to remain in Sri Lankan waters.The seized trawlers together with 12 Indian fishermen were brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour and they will be handed over to the Mailadi Fisheries Inspector for onward legal proceedings.In this backdrop, the Sri Lanka Navy is conducting operations to stop illegal fishing by foreign fishermen in the island waters.

The High Commission of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Pakistani community based in Sri Lanka celebrated the 84th National Day of Pakistan to make Pakistan a strong, vibrant and progressive state.On the occasion, the High Commissioner, Maj. General (Retd) Umar Farooq Burki HI (M), added that Pakistan greatly values its relations with Sri Lanka which are based on mutual trust and understanding.

A delegation of 19 Indian Armed Forces officers led by Group Captain Yunus Syed Muzaffar from the 46th Indian Higher Air Command Course conducted at College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad arrived in Sri Lanka as part of Strategic Study Tour from 20-24 March 2023.The visit is focused on interactions with senior defence hierarchy as well as visits to military establishments and industrial organizations to broaden the vision of the trainees.The delegation started their visit by paying homage to the martyrs of Indian Peace Keeping Force at the memorial in Battaramulla followed by interactions with High Commissioner of India,Gopal Baglay, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, and Air Marshal S.K Pathirana, Commander of Sri Lanka Air Force. The delegation is also scheduled to visit Galle, Hambantota, Diyatalawa, Kandy and Katunayake and interact with various agencies to get deeper insights about Sri Lanka. India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy seeks to promote institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of India and Sri Lanka.  Such Study Tours help strengthen the existing bonds of camaraderie and enhance people to people connect to achieve regional peace, security and stability. A few members of the delegation, including the head of the delegation, called on the Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and symbolic mementos were exchanged to mark the event.

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that due to the public sector engaging in business activities, the money that was available for the construction of 100 projects similar to the Mahaweli during the past decades, was destroyed.He noted that in the future, the public sector will stop engaging in business and open it to the private sector to create a free and productive economy.President Wickremesinghe mentioned this at the 71st commemoration ceremony of the late Prime Minister D.S. Senanayake at Independence Square on Wednesday (22).Recalling that D.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st); United State is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management to support communities that are facing challenges in accessing clean drinking water.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung, joined Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Minister Jeewan Thondaman in celebrating World Water Day on Wednesday (22), where she made these remarks."It seems a little ironic to talk about water conservation in a country that annually averages benefits from about 2,000 millimeters of rain. But the reality is this generous gift from nature doesn’t benefit all Sri Lankans as much as it could, with less than half of rural Sri Lankans having access to piped water," said the Ambassdor."That is why I’m so proud that the United States is partnering with Sri Lanka to improve water management.

The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in provision of free medicine and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to present date. Eight consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health. The total value of the 8 consignments is approximately US Dollars 27 million. At current exchange rate, this is worth nearly Sri Lankan Rupees 10 billion. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations last year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need.The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to provide assistance to vulnerable segments of the population.

COLOMBO (News 1st); State Minister Indika Anuruddha commended the efforts made by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during a media briefing convened by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He told reporters that it was Basil Rajapaksa who recommended that Wickremesinghe be handed over the task of taking the IMF program forward. "The initial step was taken during the Gotabaya Rajapaksa administration. We had a few people in the Viyath Maga who were dragging the president's feet.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into an incident where a man had attacked an electrician with a sharp weapon in Koralawella, Moratuwa.Sri Lanka Police said that the attacker had taken away the hands of the victim after chopping them off. Sri Lanka Police said the incident took place following a heated exchange of words between two neighboring families at around 7 PM on Tuesday (21) night.The 40-year-old man whose hands were amputated was rushed to the Panadura General Hospital for treatment.CCTV cameras had captured the moment of the attacks, and also the manner in which the attacker walked away with another man's amputated hands.An investigation is underway to locate and arrest the suspect.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The bodies of three young men, who were reported missing after going for a swim in the Ellewala Falls in Wellawaya, were recovered on Wednesday (22) morning by Sri Lanka Navy divers. A group of ten young men from Kalmunai on an excursion has decided to go for a swim at the Ella-Wala Falls in Wellawaya on Tuesday (21).Sri Lanka Police said that one of the men drowned, and three others attempted to rescue him, however, they were swept away by strong currents.The body of one of the missing men was recovered on Tuesday (21) evening.Despite the inclement weather conditions, the local police and villagers launched a search and rescue operation to locate the three other missing, however, their efforts were future.On Wednesday (22), Sri Lanka Navy divers launched a search and recovered the bodies of the three men inside a 13 feet deep hole.The deceased were identified as 20 and 21 years old men from Kalmunakudy, Samanthurai, and Saithamaruthu.Drowning incidents were reported from the Ellewala Falls in Wellawaya in the recent past, and the most recent was reported in February 2022, where three lives were lost.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Wednesday (22) that he can only speak with the creditors, both multilateral and bilateral, and the private bondholders only if the Parliament is prepared to accept the IMF report.He urged the house to accept the report, and if there are any issues, it can be discussed with the IMF when the delegation returns to Sri Lanka.However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa noted that the report and the presentation by the President is not means to agree to the program proposed by the IMF."We cannot agree without proper examination and scrutiny, and a proper parliamentary debate," he added while requesting to sit in parliament and listen to the proposals that the opposition puts forward during the debate on the IMF report.He said the opposition is not ready to approve anything without proper examination and scrutiny.However, the President said the house should respond to him by the third week of April whether the parliament would approve the report, so that he could engage in the second round of talks with the IMF.  

The Sri Lanka Navy released 146 sea turtle hatchlings at Panama beach on 21st March 2023, in a bid to save these endangered marine animal.The Commander Southeastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda was also in attendance on this occasion where the hatchlings were released. As part of the Turtle Conservation Project of the Sri Lanka Navy, the eggs of these hatchlings were conserved at the Turtle Conservation Unit in SLNS Mahanaga.Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera the Navy conducts a Turtle Conservation Project in a bid to save these endangered marine species. The project ensures the conservation of sea turtle eggs and the safe release of hatchlings into the ocean. Apart from the navy-managed Turtle Conservation Centre in Panama area similar initiatives are being conducted in Mirissa, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Balapitiya, Bentota, Moragolla, Panadura, Mount Lavinia, Dehiwala, Wellawatta, Nilaveli, and Pasikuda by the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.The eggs of released sea turtle hatchlings were conserved by the Turtle Conservation Unit at SLNS Mahanaga in the Southeastern Naval Command. Further, the unit has thus far released 14,027 sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean, since its establishment.Moreover, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard conserved eggs and released 10755 hatchlings into the ocean in 2022.Meanwhile, thus far in 2023 it has sent 5886 hatchlings into their natural habitat.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 51 Sri Lankan expatriates who were subject to various forms of harassment in Kuwait arrived at the Katunayake International Airport on Wednesday (23) morning. The group included 41 females and 10 males.The Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau said they have been in Kuwait for over four years, and had left their employers and were working in other workplaces.The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Kuwait had facilitated their return to Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of India Smt.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that the government will be introducing a serious of reforms after the IMF Executive Board granted approval for a bailout package of the country.Increasing Public Revenue:– Reduce the primary deficit to 2.3% of the GDP by 2025.– Increase the government’s revenue up to 15% of the GDP by 2026 through our measures.– Raised the standard corporate income tax rate to 30% without sectoral tax holidays.– PAYE tax rate was increased from 8% to 15%.– The measures required to reduce the existing tax exemptions on Value Added Tax (VAT) will come into effect by 2025. Further, necessary measures will be taken to remove the simplified VAT system and expedite its reimbursement.–  Steps have also been taken to introduce tax on awards / substitutes and to introduce Estate Duty as a property tax by 2025, while providing an appropriate tax exemption allowance at a minimum.–  Revamping the property tax system and introducing a wealth transfer tax – Introduce a gift and inheritance taxManaging Expenditure:– Increase the allocations provided to cover the expenses through proper management of expenditure.– Adjustments in certain salary scales and pension schemes as part of the impact of inflation within the primary deficit targets.State Enterprises and Energy Cost: – Fuel prices will be determined based on the 2018 Price Formula.