Malaysia donates medicine stocks to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight Sri Lankan sailors, who are part of a 26 member crew of MT Heroic Idun, an oil vessel, have been "illegally" detained by Equatorial Guinea since 14 August.Apart from the Sri Lankan sailors, the crew also includes 6 Indian sailors and a national each of Poland and Philippines.As per the crew, their vessel was arrested by an Equatorial Guinea naval ship on international waters on 12th August and brought to Luba port under naval escort and threat of legal action.The vessel was arrested based on a request made by Nigeria.The Nigerian Navy says it is conducting an investigation into the activities of MT HEROIC IDUN, a supertanker, arrested by Equatorial Guinea forces over alleged crude oil theft in Nigeria.The vessel and its crew were arrested on August 7th by the Central African country after it fled from Nigeria’s AKPO oilfield when its alleged activities were uncovered by operatives of the Nigerian Navy.Adedotun Ayo-Vaughan, spokesperson of the Nigerian Navy, confirmed that the vessel is on it way back to Nigeria for further investigations.He said after the investigation is complete, the office of the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) will determine whether or not the vessel and its crew will be prosecuted by the federal government.The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in September said it loses $700 million every month as a result of oil theft and vandalism at terminals.The Incident: The Heroic Idun ship was supposed to load cargo of crude oil in Nigeria’s AKPO terminal on 8 August, but as per terminal instructions the loading operation was delayed and the ship never made any operations in Nigeria.The same evening, the ship was approached by an unidentified craft claiming

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe will address the COP-27 Conference on Climate Change on Monday (7).Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island on Sunday (6) for Egypt to participate in the COP-27 Conference on Climate Change which is scheduled to be held from November 6 to 18 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.President Wickremesinghe is scheduled to address the conference on Climate Change issues in Sri Lanka and around the world, on November 7th and 8th.Concurrently, President Wickremesinghe will attend the Global Food Security Forum and the World Leaders’ Forum.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, upon his arrival in Egypt, Cairo on Sunday (6).The President briefed the Secretary-General on the Government’s plans on the National Environmental Policy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities have seized a massive haul of heroin in the high seas to the south of Sri Lanka on Sunday (6) night.Sri Lanka Navy said that 300 parcels containing 1 kilogram of heroin each were discovered from three vessels in the seas off Hambantota.The Navy spokesperson told News 1st that approximately 300 kilograms of herion was discovered from two multi-day fishing vessels, and a dinghy boat.The drug bust was carried out by the Police Narcotic Bureau, Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, and the Sri Lanka Navy, and 10 suspects were arrested during the raid.

Sri Lankan cricket star Danushka Gunathilaka will remain behind bars after being charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Sydney's eastern suburbs during the T20 World Cup.   Gunathilaka unsuccessfully applied for bail in Downing Centre Local Court on Monday in a hearing that was closed to the public. Police had been granted a suppression order restricting access on what could be reported about the 31-year-old's alleged crimes.The top-order batsman spent Sunday night behind bars after being charged with raping a 29-year-old Australian woman.He faces four counts of sexual intercourse without consent allegedly committed over a two-hour period at Rose Bay on November 2. Gunathilaka appeared in the Downing Centre by audio-visual link from Surry Hills police station.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has called for a full report on the Kandakadu Rehab Center incident on Sunday (6).The President's Media Division said that the necessary steps needed to be taken to avert a recurrence of such incidents have also been called for, following discussions with Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe.Sri Lankan authorities said on Monday (7) that around 75 – 100 detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center had fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that around 25 of the escapees had surrendered themselves to the Sri Lanka Army Checkpoint positions on the Somawathiya – Kandakadu Road.A brawl took place between two groups of detainees at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday (6) night.One injured detainee and one Sri Lanka Army soldier were admitted to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that several detainees had attempted to approach the armoury at the premises, and that escalated the brawl.Sri Lanka Army personnel attached to the 9th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery who were assigned to the security detail of the armoury had foiled the attempt, and the armoury of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center was secured by the Sri Lanka Army, said Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities have seized a massive haul of heroin in the high seas to the south of Sri Lanka on Sunday (6) night.Sri Lanka Navy said that 300 parcels containing 1 kilogram of heroin each were discovered from three vessels in the seas off Hambantota.The Navy spokesperson told News 1st that approximately 300 kilograms of herion was discovered from two multi-day fishing vessels, and a dinghy boat.The drug bust was carried out by the Police Narcotic Bureau, Sri Lanka Police Special Task Force, and the Sri Lanka Navy, and 10 suspects were arrested during the raid.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka said on Monday (7) that around 75 – 100 detainees held at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center had fled the premises following Sunday (6) night's brawl.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that around 25 of the escapees had surrendered themselves to the Sri Lanka Army Checkpoint positions on the Somawathiya – Kandakadu Road.A brawl took place between two groups of detainees at the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center on Sunday (6) night.One injured detainee and one Sri Lanka Army soldier were admitted to the Polonnaruwa General Hospital.Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath told News 1st that several detainees had attempted to approach the armoury at the premises, and that escalated the brawl.Sri Lanka Army personnel attached to the 9th Field Regiment Sri Lanka Artillery who were assigned to the security detail of the armoury had foiled the attempt, and the armoury of the Kandakadu Treatment and Rehabilitation Center was secured by the Sri Lanka Army, said Military Spokesperson Brigadier Ravi Herath.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said Sri Lanka's second round of discussions with creditors concluded successfully.He added that legal advisers, financial advisers and major creditors including China, India and Japan joined the discussions.Several reforms were made since March, in order to obtain IMF assistance, and restructure the country's debt.The State Minister added that Sri Lanka has agreed to deal with all creditors in a transparent manner.The Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Finance have communicated that they will work with the creditors to provide them with the necessary information and clarifications.The State Finance Minister said that the IMF Board of Directors will grant its approval, as soon as Sri Lanka obtains assurance from its creditors, and these discussions are vital for the process.Sri Lanka expects to receive assistance from the IMF by the end of 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department says that Showers or thundershowers will occur over most parts of the island during the afternoon or night.In addition to this showers may occur in Eastern, Southern and Western provinces and in Jaffna district during the morning too.Fairly heavy showers above 75 mm can be expected at some places in Western, Central, Southern and Sabaragamuwa provinces.Furthermore misty conditions can be expected at some places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Western provinces during the morning.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro Gas Lanka Ltd.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – England booked a spot in the Semi-finals of the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup after comfortably beating Sri Lanka by 4 wickets, despite a nervous finish. The result means tournament hosts Australia have been knocked out of the tournament.A target of 142 looked well within reach after openers Jos Buttler and Alex Hales posted 75 for the first wicket inside eight overs.

Sri Lanka, which is under an ongoing economic crisis, is headed for another major turbulence as the country will not be able to secure the much-needed IMF loan in December as its ally and debtor China is yet to initiate a dialogue on debt restructuring with Colombo.A report in the Hindustan Times quoting financial analysts based in Washington said that Sri Lanka will miss the IMF deadline and will have to wait till March next year to secure a loan of $2.9 billion, as Beijing was involved in the 20th National Party Congress.The next meeting of the IMF executive board is in March 2023, Sri Lanka will most likely have to wait until then for IMF Board approval, and access to the funds.Why is China's involvement so important to access IMF funds?Sri Lanka is now considered a country that defaulted on its external debt because the island nation lacked foreign reserves for debt servicing.According to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Finance Ministry, Sri Lanka's total debt was $36 billion at the end of 2021.Of this total debt, Colombo owes some 52% in bilateral credit to China, 19.5% to Japan, and 12% to India.One of the main conditions for Sri Lanka to tap the USD 2.9 Billion funding from the International Monetary Fund is debt reconciliation and restructuring.Bilateral means transactions between two countries, and there is an institution that operates with the support of the International Monetary Fund to talk about bilateral debt, and this is called the Paris Club.Sri Lanka has obtained a large number of loans from Japan, India, and China, and among them, only Japan is a member of the Paris Club.India is openly supporting Sri Lanka's engagement with the IMF, and avenues are open for Sri Lanka to discuss debt

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into a brawl that took place between two student groups at the University of Kelaniya.Police said that statements were recorded from five injured students on Thursday (3) night.The altercation had taken place on Wednesday (2) early morning urging a group of students to withdraw their complaint against ragging filed with the Kiribathgoda Police.Fourth-year students attached to the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya had assaulted a group of second-year students from the same faculty.The injured students obtained treatment from the Homagama Base Hospital and discharged themselves, and Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation based on the notification made by the hospital.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies says At least 5.7 million people require humanitarian assistance in Sri Lanka..The International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies in its Needs Assessment Report for October 2022 said that At least 5.7 million people or 26 per cent of the population require humanitarian assistance.IFRC warned that without immediate humanitarian assistance, and ‘upstream’ interventions to address the fragility of systems, services and facilities, this number will multiply, and the consequences will deepen.IFRC said that at the community and family level, the macroeconomic collapse in Sri Lanka has translated into a complex humanitarian emergency, as millions of people are increasingly suffering, with severe shortages of food, fuel, cooking gas, medicine and other essentials.The IFRC assessment found that household purchasing power is constrained by food inflation and that disruptions to livelihoods and food insecurity have increased, raising worries about malnutrition.People are suffering from poorer health because the healthcare system has become compromised, and the household economic stresses have resulted in rising concerns over basic needs and protection for the most vulnerable such as those already living below the poverty line, people with disability, and marginalised people.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Russian Naval detachment of the Pacific Fleet formed by the 'Varyag' missile cruiser, Admiral Tributs anti-submarine ship, and 'Boris Butoma' tanker have entered the zone of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet south to Sri Lanka.The detachment is redeploying from the Mediterranean Sea to their base located in Vladivostok after operating in the off-shore maritime zone.Once the detachment reached the area near the island, its guidance was assumed from the Black Sea Fleet to the Pacific Fleet. The ships are currently crossing the Indian Ocean.The detachment departed from its base in December 2021Admiral Tributs : Admiral Tributs is a Project 1155 Large Anti-Submarine Ship of the Russian Navy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Canadian business community has accorded support to the development of Sri Lanka's economy to overcome the economic crisis.This was accorded at the meeting on Thursday (03), between Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament and a group of Canadian business leaders in Parliament. The Canadian business community said that they hope to increase their friendship with Sri Lanka and also expressed their desire to support the young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka to build their enterprises.Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana, Speaker of Parliament addressing the delegation, said that they will work expeditiously to bring about the development of the country. The speaker showed that the support of Canada's business leaders is also important for this purpose and pointed out the need for cooperation between the two sides.Furthermore, the speaker told the delegation present that an Overseas Sri Lankan Coordination Secretariat to help expatriates is in the process of being established in Sri Lanka and the necessary discussions are currently underway and that he hopes to get the support of each party for economic development.The Minister of Education and Leader of the House of Parliament, (Dr.) Susil Premajayantha was also present at this event and he pointed out the need to increase the friendship between the two parties.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of three kilograms of heroin from Angunukolapelessa on Friday (4) morning based on the information extracted from a suspect arrested on Thursday (3) for heroin possession.On Thursday (3) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man and a woman for the possession of 25 kilograms of heroin in Ambalantota.Sri Lanka Police discovered 25 kilograms of heroin in a house in Ambalantota following a raid.Police said five people connected to a heroin distribution ring have been arrested.Sleuths have informed detectives that the heroin was smuggled to Kudawella by boat and was concealed inside a cooking gas cylinder.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities held a virtual meeting with Sri Lanka’s official creditors agains on Friday (4).The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, K M Mahinda Siriwardana, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe.The meeting represents another important step towards securing International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board approval for Sri Lanka’s IMF program.Sri Lanka reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on a four-year program supported by the Extended Fund Facility on 1st September 2022. The program, amounting to USD 2.9bn, is expected to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s financial system.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government has announced via an Extraordinary gazette that electricity supply, petroleum production and distribution, hospital services have been declared as essential services. 

(Hindustan Times) – Sri Lanka will miss the December deadline for securing an IMF loan as the main bilateral debtor China was involved in the 20th party congress and had little time for holding debt restructuring talks with Colombo, reported the Hindustan Times.The next meeting of the IMF executive board is in March 2023.According to financial analysts based in Washington, Sri Lanka likely will miss the December IMF deadline and will have to wait for March 2023 to secure a USD 2.9 billion loan from the lending institution in eight equal tranches.In the meantime, the Sri Lankan debt has increased further due to forex depreciation, deep recession, and burgeoning fiscal deficit. Since the end of 2021, inflation has considerably eroded the real value of domestic debt.While debtors India and Japan have already initiated a dialogue with Colombo on debt reconciliation and restructuring, China is still to engage in the dialogue as Beijing was involved in the 20th National Party Congress and had little time for client state Sri Lanka. The total debt of the island nation was USD 36 billion at the end of 2021. Of this, Sri Lanka owes USD 7.1 billion to China or 20% of its debt.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remains anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days, due to non-payment for the cargo by local authorities.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said as Sri Lanka is yet to make payments for two previous crude oil shipments, the vessel at the port has rejected the call to unload the shipment.A crude oil shipment that was ordered by Sri Lanka remained anchored in Sri Lankan waters for almost 53 days.A source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka had made two previously purchased from the company that delivered the Crude Oil, and the payments are yet to be made for those two shipments.Therefore, the vessel has rejected calls to unload crude oil in Sri Lanka until the payment for the two previous shipments is made.The source from the Ministry of Power & Energy said Sri Lanka facing difficulties in sourcing US Dollars to make the payments.The Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery remains closed for weeks, due to the unavailability of crude oil

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's Women and Child Affairs Secretary Neil Bandara Hapuhinna says that the project to provide nutrition packs for pregnant and lactating mothers was suspended due to the lack of funds.As per this project, pregnant and lactating mothers were entitled to a nutrition pack worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Parliament Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena said that it impossible to activate the Sectoral Oversight Committees in Parliament in the absence of representatives from the Opposition.Speaking to News 1st the speaker said the leader in the opposition was repeatedly informed to make the appointments to those committees, however, a positive response is yet to be received.Recently, the Sri Lankan Parliament gave the green light to activate 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees, and the speaker said he hopes to complete the appointment of representatives to the committee during the next parliament week.President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday (3) pointed out that although the formation of the National Assembly has been concluded to bring far-reaching systematic changes, satisfactory progress has not been made with regard to other proposals.The President has indicated this in a letter to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The establishment of a National Assembly and the appointment of three committees related to public finance and banking were proposed under far-reaching systematic changes.In addition, it was also proposed to appoint the Banking and Financial Services Committee, the Economic Stabilization Committee and the Committee on Ways and Means related to banking affairs, as well as to delegate five youth representatives for the Sectoral committees and to establish the Parliamentary Budget Office.President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed that although 17 Parliamentary Sectoral committees should be established as indicated by these proposals; the chairpersons have not been designated for them and the criteria for selecting the youth representatives to be appointed for this purpose has yet

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology announced that showers or thundershowers will occur at several places over most parts of the island during the afternoon or night.Showers may occur in Northern, North-Western and Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning too.Heavy showers of about 100mm can be expected at some places in Northern, North-Central, Eastern and Uva provinces and the Puttalam district.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 the sea areas around the island.Winds:Winds will be south-westerly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours for today (4) as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1 hour during daytime 1 hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's health ministry reported the first case of monkey pox in the country.Sources said the patient had returned from abroad, and was directed to medical treatment.What is Monkeypox?Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Dockyard PLC, successfully launched a Cable Laying and Repair Vessel (C/S Sophie Germain) to Orange Marine France on 3rd November 2022Colombo Dockyard PLC is the leader of Shipbuilding Industry in Sri Lanka and one of the most competitive Shipyards in South Asia, the launch for Orange Marine France puts Colombo Dockyard on course with its shipbuilding activities, resilient and undeterred by the challenges faced. Orange Marine is a French company specializing in the field of submarine telecommunications, from the initial design, engineering, to installation of intercontinental and regional links, and maintenance of existing cables. The ceremonial launching took place at the Dock No 2 of CDPLC premises and the occasion was graced by the participation of owners, representatives from Embassy of France in Sri Lanka, Embassy of Japan in Sri Lanka, officials from government institutions including Sri Lanka Navy, Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Sri Lanka Customs, Officials from state and private banks, ship designers, Class surveyors, CDPLC top management and employees. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister Professor G. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka reached a Staff-Level Agreement with the IMF on a four-year program supported by the Extended Fund Facility on 1st September 2022. The program, amounting to USD 2.9 bn, is expected to restore macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability while protecting the vulnerable and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s financial system. This agreement remains subject to IMF Executive Board approval.The IMF program has been centred around Sri Lanka’s ambitious reform program. The government’s reform agenda is based on four pillars: 1.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The second total lunar eclipse of 2022 will turn the moon a reddish-copper colour for 85 minutes on Nov. 8, 2022.Sri Lanka will be able to witness this spectacle from 5 PM to 7 PM on that day.Often colloquially called a Blood Moon, a total lunar eclipse, happens as the full moon (in this case November's full Beaver Moon) moves into the deep umbral shadow of the Earth and receives only light first filtered by Earth's atmosphere, will be visible from North America and parts of South America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. A partial lunar eclipse will be visible from Iceland, parts of South America, south and central Asia and Russia.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities held a virtual meeting with Sri Lanka’s official creditors on Thursday (3). The meeting was chaired by the Secretary to the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, K M Mahinda Siriwardana, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Dr. P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment is requesting that people not travel overseas for employment using a tourist visa.Deputy General Manager of the SLBFE Gamini Senarath Yapa told News 1st that a number of people have travelled to the UAE and Oman for employment on Tourist Visa, and are now left stranded overseas.He also said that the SLBFE has suspended the registration of a person who wishes to travel overseas for employment using tourist visas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Opposition Lawmaker Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A suspect who reprimanded, and assaulted a police officer who was on duty at the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate's Court was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that the Police Officer in question had instructed the suspect who had visited the court to remain silent inside the premises.Thereafter, the Police Officer informed the man to leave the court premises if his matter was concluded.At that instance, the suspect reprimanded the police officer and assaulted him, said Sri Lanka Police.The suspect was arrested by fellow Police Officers who were present and was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Locomotive Engineering Operators' Union said that delayed maintenance had resulted in disruptions to the railway services.The Chairman of the Locomotive Engineering Operators' Union  K.A.U Konthasinghe told News 1st that several power-sets are not in a position to operate due to the absence of the braking system.He added that maintenance of railways tracks has also hit a deadlock due to the shortage of tracks, and equipment.The trade union leader revealed that during the past three days three separate trains derailed between Maradana and Fort, solely due to the lack of maintenance of railway tracks.Railways General Manager W. D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to grant an amnesty period to surrender all illegally owned firearms.Public Security Secretary S. Hettiarachchi speaking to News 1st said that the President has granted approval to declare the amnesty, and the announcement will be made soon.He said that during the amnesty period those in possession of illegal firearms will be able to hand over them to the nearest police station in exchange for a cash voucher or gift.The Ministry of Defence will step in to facilitate the process, said the Public Security Secretary.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Government has decided to purchase medicines directly from the suppliers.Secretary of the Health Ministry Janaka Chandragupta said that the necessary purchasing orders are being made, and there is a shortage of 150 types of medicines in the country at present.He said that based on the purchasing orders, the necessary medicines will reach Sri Lanka in a fortnight.Over 1,700 medicines including medical equipment were to be imported via the Indian Line of Credit, however, a shortage has arisen due to the delay in delivery.Meanwhile, an expert committee has been appointed to consider the next steps to be taken regarding the expired Pfizer vaccines.It is headed by the Director General of Health Services.The Ministry of Health said that further decisions will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant committee.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will hold another round of online discussions on restructuring its debt.State Finance Minister Shehan Semansinghe said all the creditors will join the meeting scheduled for Thursday (3).If Sri Lanka is to access the Staff Level Agreement reached with the International Monetary Fund, the country must have approval from the IMF Board of Directors.Thursday's (3) discussions will follow the previous round of discussions with creditors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours for today and tomorrow as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1 hour during daytime 1 hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Customs detected a stock of Methamphetamine pills shipped to an address in Angoda, Sri Lanka from Germany.The Assistant Customs Superintendent at the Customs Mail Exchange has detected the drugs after inspecting a cardboard box that claimed to contain personal belongings.4,956 pills weighing 2.387 kg were detected by customs, and the street value of the contraband is almost Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is planning on relaxing the restrictions on all marriages between Sri Lankans and foreigners.P. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Qatar Fund for Development sent 4.7 tons of urgent medical aid to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.The Aid was received by Jassim bin Jaber J.B. Al-Sorour, Ambassador of the State of Qatar and Keheliya Rambukwella, Minister of Health in Sri Lanka and in the presence of the Diplomats in the Mission and the senior officials of the Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka including  Janaka Chandraguptha, Secretary – Ministry of Health, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The EU-Sri Lanka Sixth Working Group on Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights met in Colombo on 28 October 2022 and the European Union has encouraged tangible progress by Sri Lanka on its GSP+ commitment.The Working Group meeting took place in the context of regular bilateral interactions between Sri Lanka and the European Union (EU). The two sides discussed the recent developments in Sri Lanka and the EU, and the implementation of relevant action and legislative initiatives regarding the promotion and protection of human rights. Sri Lanka briefed the EU on progress in reconciliation.The EU re-affirmed its commitment to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to successfully overcome the current unprecedented economic crisis, including the necessary reforms and social protection measures, which would mitigate the adverse impact of the crisis and lead the country towards sustainable growth and prosperity.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna marked its sixth anniversary on Wednesday (2) and Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa who participated in a media briefing at the party headquarters said that no one can secure governance through violence.The MP who represents the SLPP said the party always followed democratic means and always considered the welfare of the Sri Lankan people when making decisions as a party.He said due to these policies the SLPP was able to secure power across a majority of the Pradeshiya Sabhas and also a 2/3 majority in the Sri Lankan parliament following the Presidential election victory with 6.9 million votes."We need to modernize our party. As a party that always follows democracy, we need to identify the issues faced by our people and then modernize our party accordingly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Amnesty International noted that it is concerned over Sri Lanka Police denying permission for the protest by trade unions, students and political parties. Protestors must not be required to obtain permission from authorities, to exercise basic human rights such as the right to peaceful assembly.The reasons for denying permission for the protest quoted by the Police do not amount to legitimate restrictions against peaceful assembly as provided by international law, said Amnesty International.It added that the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and Association has stipulated that "the free flow of traffic should not automatically take precedence over freedom of peaceful assembly."Amnesty International South Asia said that urban spaces are not only an area for circulation but also spaces for participation. Many assemblies, by nature, involve a certain level of disruption to ordinary life or the rights of others.It added that nevertheless, disproportionate restrictions to protest, jeopardise the right to freedom of expression.Freedom of peaceful assembly is a right, not a privilege.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A walk by two Aragalaya Activists that was to reach Galle Face Green on Wednesday (2) was blocked by security forces from Baladaksha Mawatha in Colombo."We come here with love. We do not have any stones with us.