More transfers within Sri Lanka Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy had fired shots into the air to control a dispute that broke out between two factions at the Sri Lanka Coast Guard station in Hambantota.Sri Lanka Police said that an argument had broken out between the Sri Lanka Coast Guard officers and local fishermen over an incident where two boats met with an accident in the seas off Hambantota.The argument had escalated in to an ugly brawl and in order to control the situation, the Sri Lanka Navy had fired shots into the air.

In a contracting economy, when the country’s leading organisations are consolidating rather than making ambitious expansions, true to the ethos that the Capital Maharaja Group has become renowned for, expansion measures are being put in place under the stewardship of the Group’s Chairman, Sashi Rajamahendran.Looking to the next decade, three of CMG's companies have been entrusted to three industry leaders with proven track records of excellence.Suneth Kudaliyanage has been appointed CEO of Fox Resorts and Fox Vacations, the leisure arm of CMG, whilst Chandima Athukorala takes over Harcros Chemicals (HCPL), and M Chems, the agrarian sector of CMG, and Ramesh Sonaimuthu will provide leadership to M Entertainments in the Digital Rights Management sphere.Sunil Kanojia, Group Director / Chief Executive Officer weighing in on this decision says, “I don’t think CMG is a Group like any other in Sri Lanka. We have always been unconventional and bold in our decisions and agile in executing them.

Some of the world’s most powerful hedge funds and other investors are holding up vital help for crisis-hit Sri Lanka by their hardline stance in debt-relief negotiations after the Asian country’s $51bn (£42bn) default last year, according to 182 economists and development experts from around the world.Instead of geopolitical manoeuvring, all of Sri Lanka’s creditors must ensure debt cancellation sufficient to provide a way out of the current crisis, said a statment from the economists and experts on Monday (9).In a statement the group that said that extensive debt cancellation was needed to give the economy a chance of recovery and that Sri Lanka would be a test case of the willingness of the international community to tackle a looming global debt crisis.The group – including the Indian economist Jayati Ghosh, Thomas Piketty, the author of the bestselling book Capital, and Greece’s former finance minister Yannis Varoufakis – said private sector creditors such as investment companies and hedge funds were preventing a deal.Private creditors own almost 40% of Sri Lanka’s external debt stock, mostly in the form of international sovereign bonds, although the higher interest rates levied on the bonds mean they receive more than 50% of external debt payments.Such lenders charged a premium to lend to Sri Lanka to cover their risks, which accrued them massive profits and contributed to Sri Lanka’s first ever default in April 2022, said the statement."Lenders who benefited from higher returns because of the “risk premium” must be willing to take the consequences of that risk. Indeed, ISBs are now trading at significantly lower prices in the secondary market.

Colombo (News 1st) – Brazilian police have arrested 170 people and retaken key government buildings that were stormed hours earlier by supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro.MORE TO COME

Frederica Jansz, Former Editor of The Sunday Leader, penned these thoughts on the 14th death anniversary of Lasantha Wickrematunge.Last year, at the May 13th hearing of The People’s Tribunal at The Hague, there was compelling evidence presented by witnesses which named the highest in the land as having been complicit in the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge.However, suspects have been released on bail, and official proceedings with regard to the case have all ground to a halt. A man who has blatantly committed the most heinous crimes against journalists may quite possibly be connected to the murder of Lasantha Wickrematunge.At some point, there has to be justice.

Colombo (News 1st) – The National Audit Office says it will initiate an investigation regarding vehicles used by state institutions including Ministries and Departments.Auditor Generaln W. P.

Colombo (News 1st) – Court has granted permission to detain the five suspects who were arrested with heroin near the Mirissa fishing harbor for a period of seven days.The order was issued when the suspects were produced before the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court yesterday.The Sri Lanka Navy seized over 23kg of heroin from their possession.The suspects, aged between 33 and 42, are residents of Mirissa, Kamburugamuwa and Pitigala.The Police Narcotics Bureau is conducting further investigations.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Is Sri Lanka's health sector in a critical state? Watch on Facebook and Youtube.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – COPE has decided to file a complaint with the Speaker against Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara for criticizing the powers of COPE and the Auditor General.The Committee On Public Enterprises met in Parliament on Thursday (5).A statement from the Sri Lanka Parliament noted that Minister Manusha Nanayakkara on the 22nd of December had challenged the powers of COPE, and the tasks of the Auditor General during a national event.COPE had determined that the Minister's comment sets a wrong precedent, and such a comment bring disrepute to COPE as a whole.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The suspect responsible for shooting dead a restaurant owner in Hanwella on the 18th of December 2022, was killed in Police fire on Friday (6) morning.Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa speaking to News 1st said that sleuthts received information that the suspect was hiding insidea house in Diddeniya, Hanwella.Thereafter, a Western Province – South Police Team was deployed to the area to arrest the suspect.The Police said the suspect opened fire at the police officers to evade arrest.The suspect was gunned down in return fire, said the Police Spokesperson.A restaurant owner was brutally killed when he was shot at point-blank range inside his business premises on the night of 18th December 2022.According to the CCTV footage, the owner of the restaurant and shop was closing up for the day, moments before the fatal shooting.The deceased was identified at 46-year-old Mohamed Farzan, a father of three.Two unidentified men had arrived on a motorcycle and one of them entered the premises and opened fire at him using a pistol, and the motive for the murder is yet to be determined.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka Crisis Soars: Education Deeply Affected. Watch on Facebook and Youtube.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy said that a shipment of 60,000 MT of coal will reach the country on Friday (6).The Ministry said that another five coal shipments are expected to reach Sri Lankan shores in January and payments for the fives shipments have already been made.The generator at the Norochcholai Power Plant that was the shutdown for maintenance will be reactivated on Sunday (8), said the Ceylon Electricity Board.One generator at the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant was shut down on the 22nd of December 2022 citing early maintenance and resulted in the loss of 300 MW to the national power grid.In the midst of all this, a proposal is made to once again increase the electricity tariff.According to the country's Power & Energy Minister the objective of this tariff hike is to cover the cost of providing a continuous supply of electricity.One of the scenarios presented by the CEB engineers will be used for this purpose, and according to the Minister the generation plan is as follows:27% from hydro-power 28% from Coal 13% from Diesel and Furnace Oil 2% Wind Power  12% from Private Diesel or Furnace Oil Power Plants. 13% from Solar power plants 4% from rooftop solar panelsThe CEB Employees' Union allege that this is an attempt to reduce the low cost production using coal, and to increase the production that would cost more.According to them, it only costs Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) Wanted drug trafficker Kanchipani Imran is on the run from Sri Lankan Authorities and the ‘Q’ Branch of the Tamil Nadu police is actively searching for whether he is hiding in Tamil Nadu. The Q Branch is one of the Criminal Investigation Department wings of the Tamil Nadu Police.Look-out notices have been issued to all airports to prevent the criminal from fleeing abroad.The Sri Lankan government has also sought India’s help to capture Imran. The Central Intelligence Agency has also warned the Tamil Nadu government in this regard.An intensive search is being conducted in 14 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and fishing village areas.Q Branch Officers told Indian media that its personnel are questioning several local people and fishermen to determine if Imran had sneaked into Rameswaram.A Sri Lankan court has already ordered the guarantors for Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran to appear in court.Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.Imran's mother, brother, and another individual are listed as guarantors.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to extend the suspension of Perpetual Treasuries Limited (PTL) from carrying on the business and activities of a Primary Dealer for a further period of six months with effect 5th January 2023.The decision was made in terms of the Regulations made under the Registered Stock and Securities Ordinance and the Local Treasury Bills Ordinance.The decision is in order to continue the investigations being conducted by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka with regard to the Bond Issuances.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A son of former notorious underworld leader “Soththi Upali” was arrested in Narahenpita for heroin possession on Thursday (5).Police Spokesperson SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that the 8.80 grams of heroin, two machetes and a sword were recovered from the possession of the suspect.The wife of the 38-year-old suspect is currently in remand custody for ICE possession.Soththi Upali was one of the well-known & notorious underworld gangsters in Sri Lanka and was gunned down in 1998 at Bokundara.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has issued an extraordinary gazette restricting the imports of gold over 22 carats as jewellery.State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya tweeted that the decision was made to prevent gold smuggling."Special Gazette No.

The Sri Lanka Air Force No 10 Fighter Squadron or the Kfir Squadron marked 27 years on Thursday (5).It was founded on 5th January 1996 with the induction of six new graceful tailless delta Kfir C2s based at SLAF Katunayake under the command of Squadron Leader Priyantha Gunasinghe. The Squadron was reinforced in the year 2000 with the arrival of another nine Kfir C2s and C7s enhancing the fleet up to fifteen fighters. The Kfir was developed by Israel as a multirole all weather day night fighter, which satisfied almost all the fighter capabilities of SLAF’s through Battlefield Air Strike, Air Interception, Air Interdiction, Maritime Air strikes with precision and deadly force.  At the outset, the No 10 Fighter Squadron was strengthened with four pilots, four engineering officers and seventy technicians, who were trained by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and instructor pilots from Israel Air Force. The present Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana was first Officer Commanding Operations and succeeded as the second Commanding Officer from 7th of June 2000.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Justice, Prisons Affairs and Constitutional Reforms Dr Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament on Thursday (5) that the government will never interfere with the operations of the Elections Commission."We will not interfere with their (election commission) activities, and we will not try to amend their agenda. We have never reached such a decision and have not communicated to them of any such matter," said the Justice Minister.He said that the National Election Commission, which is an independent body, must continue with its operations, and there will be no interference from the government."With the assistance of the opposition we secured the passage of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution that details the elections, the date of the elections, and the process of the elections.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Aragalaya activist Randima Gamage was arrested on Thursday (5) morning after he returned to Sri Lanka from overseas.He was arrested at the Katunayake Airport on the charge of illegally entering the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation.Sri Lanka Police said that the Hulftsdorf Magistrate's Court had imposed a travel ban on Randima Gamage.He will be moved to the Cinnamon Gardens Police for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Trade Minister Nalin Fernando said that eggs will be imported to the country next week.The announcement comes in a backdrop where several ruling party factions claim there is no money to go for an election.The Minister said that an imported egg will be sold for a price between Rs. 40/- to Rs.

Colombo (News 1st) – FACE THE NATION: Towards more youth in politics. Watch Live on 4th January at 9:30 p.m. on TV1. Livestreaming on Facebook and Youtube.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka heads towards local polls. Watch Live on 4th January at 8:30 p.m. on TV1. Livestreaming on Facebook and Youtube. 

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Kanni Wignaraja who is currently in Sri Lanka, appreciated the efforts taken by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Government in resolving the economic crisis in the country. Wignaraja reiterated the U.N’s financial and technical support for Sri Lanka during this recovery period.This was revealed at the meeting held between the President and the Delegation headed by Assistant Secretary-General of the UN at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (4).The discussions focused on the economic reforms, with the delegation recognizing that these difficult decisions would have to be taken in order to ensure long-term recovery and growth in the country.The President also briefed the visiting delegation on the political reforms in the country, including the establishment of the Constitutional Council in Parliament and the ongoing discussions with the other political parties, regarding a resolution to the ethnic issues in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Railways has decided to add a new train named 'Seethawaka Odyssey' to operate on the Kelani Valley route, in an effort to boost tourism in the country.The 'Seethawaka Odyssey' will be added to service within the next two weeks.The 'Seethawaka Odyssey' will operate from Fort, Colombo to the Waga Railway Station and will make stops at a number of attractions along the route.Passengers will be able to witness a number of waterfalls including the Ranmudu Ella, Kumari Ella, and Goraka Ella, as well as a number of other tourist attractions including the Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Transport Minister Bandula Gunawardena said that bus fares on the Southern Expressway will be reduced by 10%, and bus operators are expected to pass this benefit on to the passengers.Speaking to reporters in Colombo on Wednesday (4), the Minister also said that with effect from midnight the Semi-Luxury Bus service from Kataragama to Colombo, that is operating on the Galle Road, will be terminated."There will be no Semi-Luxury Bus anymore. Following the termination of this service, the Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican Apostolic Nunciature) in Colombo on Wednesday (04) to express his condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was called to rest on Saturday (31) morning in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican.Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI from Germany, was called to rest at age of 95, after having served for more than eight years as Pope from 2005 to 2013.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Fisheries launched a modified multiday fishing vessel in Colombo to improve the quality of fish and reduce postharvest loss in the Fisheries sector.The FAO in a statment said that fish products are an important source of animal protein for Sri Lanka and the sector contributes about 1.1 percent to Sri Lanka’s GDP.  However, studies by the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) indicate that the fish quality loss in some harbours is at 60 – 70 percent.Some of the issues contributing to these losses include the lack of an adequate cooling system in multi-day fishing vessels that use weeks-old ice to maintain low temperatures and the captured harvest not being handled or stored properly by fishers, which reduces the quality of the overall harvest and damage the bottom layer of stored fish. To address this issue FAO, together with the Ministry of Fisheries and NARA, modified the design of a multi-day fishing vessel as a pilot project to introduce new boat designs that provide an economically viable solution to minimize the quality loss of fish harvests. By reducing the existing post-harvest losses, the investment for the proposed new design can be recovered within 3.5 years.The modified multi-day vessel features a pilot coolant system in fish holds and storage as well as a modified fish holding facility to minimize the physical damage to fish due to overload.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan court has ordered the guarantors for Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran to appear in court.Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.Imran's mother, brother, and another individual are listed as guarantors.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka has dismissed claims made by the present Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera over the profits made by the Ceylon Electricity Board.On Tuesday (3), Minister Wijesekera tweeted that the Ceylon Electricity Board was making operating profits during October & November each year due to the increase in hydropower usage.Wijesekera stressed that the operational profits were not due to the tariff adjustments made in August 2022, and states that the CEBs own financial statements from 2017 to 2022 highlight the false and misleading comments made by the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka and Former Minister Champika Ranawaka.However, in response to the Minister, Former Minister Champika Ranawaka pointed out that if the tariff was not increased in October 2022 the Ceylon Electricity Board would be making a loss of a whopping Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission announced that the notice calling for nominations for 340 Local Government Institutions will be released by the District Secretaries on Wednesday (4).A Senior Official at the Election Commission said that nominations will be accepted two weeks after the notice is published.The notice will include the date of accepting nominations, location, bonds, candidates, female representation among other matters.Members for Local Government Institutions need to be appointed by the 20th of March, and for that elections needs to take place before the 10th of March 2023.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that the Election Commission plans to conduct the election before the 10th of March 2023.The Election Commission said that the necessary preparations are being made for the election,however, a retire military officer had filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the elections from taking place.Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairmen of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and SriLankan Airlines to submit a report on awarding bonuses to employees, despite making losses.The President has requested their reasons to justify the payment of bonuses despite the Ministry of Finance having informed not to pay bonuses to loss-making corporations and boards.The President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake said that the chairpermen of the two institutions are expected to submit their justifications.The President's Secretary also said that the President received information that the awarding bonuses to employees was done in violation of the Finance Ministry circular.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has paid two months’ salaries to its employees as bonuses and SriLankan Airlines has paid 100,000 rupees as bonus to each of its employees as bonus for 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) : Sri Lanka Police has given immediate transfers to a number of senior ranks, including several Senior DIGs.The Police Media Division said that the Public Services Commission approved the appointment of Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police Nilantha Jayawardena to the post of Senior DIG in-charge of Administration.The Senior DIG in charge of the Northern Province Priyantha Weerasuriya was appointed as the Senior DIG in charge of the Central Province.Senior DIG Sanjeewa Dharmaratne who served in the Central Province was appointed as the Senior DIG in charge of the Sabaragamuwa Province.Senior DIG S. C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige who was placed under remand custody after being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act addressed an open letter to the people of Sri Lanka.The letter states that the Aragalaya must be chosen to ensure the right to life, and that the student movement is ready to make any sacrifice to achieve this. In his letter, Wasantha Mudalige says that while the real terrorists roam free, the people who have been branded as terrorist languish in prison. He says that the 1st of January was his 135th day in prison after fighting for the welfare of the society and calling for economic and political change in the country. He added that there are many more people who fought for the same cause languishing in jail. He further points out that the lives of people in the middle class have collapsed due to the crisis, and says that the situation would completely wipe out a middle-class in society.Wasantha Mudalige says that the aspirations of the People's struggle have not yet been accomplished, and adds that the Ranil Rajapaksa Junta continue to act as they did before. Wasantha Mudalige further states that the government has launched a massive smear campaign to discredit the people's struggle with the intention of covering up their own failures and ineptitude. He points out that all people must unite despite such smear campaigns launched by the government. In his open letter, Wasantha Mudalige adds that this is only the begining of the Aragalaya and that the people's struggle is far from over. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indian media have reported that Najeem Mohammed Imran alias Kanjipani Imran, who is a leading drug trafficker in the country, had fled to India and is now preparing to enter Pakistan from there.However, the main question is, how did he fled to India after his release on bail.Indian Intelligence put Tamil Nadu on High Alert following information that one of Sri Lanka’s notorious drug lords ‘Kanjipani’ Imran had entered India through the coastal Rameswaram.An Intelligence alert said Imran had managed to enter the coastal town on Christmas eve along with another individual.Kanjipani Imran faces serious charges in Sri Lanka including murder, and he was released on a Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission announced that the notice calling for nominations for 340 Local Government Institutions will be released by the District Secretaries on Wednesday (4).A Senior Official at the Election Commission said that nominations will be accepted two weeks after the notice is published.The notice will include the date of accepting nominations, location, bonds, candidates, female representation among other matters.Members for Local Government Institutions need to be appointed by the 20th of March, and for that elections needs to take place before the 10th of March 2023.Commissioner General of Elections Saman Sri Ratnayake speaking to News 1st said that the date to call for nominations for the Local Government Election will be announced on or before Thursday (5).He said that the Election Commission plans to conduct the election before the 10th of March 2023.The Election Commission said that the necessary preparations are being made for the election,however, a retire military officer had filed an application with the Supreme Court seeking an order to prevent the elections from taking place.Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.