News Scan for Sep 30, 2022

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that measures have been taken to strengthen the 74-year-old ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, adding that the support rendered by the United States whenever Sri Lanka was in difficulty would never be forgotten.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while attending the official opening of the new building of the United States Embassy in Colombo on the 28th.Expressing his views on the diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between the United States and Sri Lanka during the war, the President also recalled with gratitude the support given by the United States under the leadership of George Bush in 2001 during President Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister.The President also recalled the support provided by the US government led by Bill Clinton to help Sri Lanka recover from the Tsunami disaster in 2004 and said that if not for the intervention of the US led by President Joe Biden, Sri Lanka would not have been able to make a success of the Maha Season.President Wickremesinghe, who further pointed out the 74 years of US-Sri Lanka friendship, partnership and bilateral relations, expressed his appreciation for the support rendered by the United States for the preparation of the first monetary law and the well-drafted legal system for the establishment of the Central Bank.Having experienced such a long and cordial relationship, Sri Lanka and the United States will work as close friends in the future as well, said the President, adding that the United States and Sri Lanka, as inseparable partners, will forge ahead with respect and confidence in each other to preserve peace and democracy.Following is the full speech made by President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A group of people had attacked a driver of lorry in Wennappuwa Ulhitiawa. and stolen the vehicle The assailants had attached the driver with a knife while he was sleeping. The group had also robbed 1,800 liters of kerosene worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has instructed officials to immediately investigate the misuse of MP quarters.The speaker mentioned that there have been constant complaints from various parties that some of the official residences in the Malabe MP housing complex have been misused.Accordingly, seveal complaints have been received that former members of Parliament who are not currently representing the Parliament have been staying in some MP quarters for a long time.In some complaints, it has been stated that staff members and security guards are also staying at some quarters reserved for MPs.The Speaker says that he has instructed the responsible officers to take into consideration such complaints and immediately investigate and report the matter.An MP quarters consists of 900 square feet equipped with 03 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a staff toilet and parking space.The Madiwela MP Housing Complex consists of 120 housing units which are given to them on a rental basis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have been arrested for maintaining two printing presses at Ward Place in Borella and for forging fake documents.Police said that forged birth certificates, Grama Niladhari certificates, open university certificates, student performance indicators, water bills, bank passes, ordinary and advanced level certificates were found being printed at the respective printing presses.73 fake rubber stamps, two driving licenses and computers used to forge documents were also found, and were taken into police custody.The raid was carried out by a group of officers from the Panadura Walana Central Anti-Corruption Squad.The arrested suspects are to be produced before Maligakanda Magistrate Court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken a decision to release various vehicles which were being kept with Customs for various legal reasons.The State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya stated that under this move, priority will be given to departments and Government institutions, including the police, which are currently facing an acute shortage of vehicles.The minister also mentioned that Cabinet approval has been obtained for the purpose.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Minisrer of Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that he hopes to reach an agreement with regard to the financial assurance by creditors, which is expected by the International Monetary Fund during the negotiations that will begin on 3rd November.The State Minister said that although Sri Lanka's bilateral creditors such as China, India and Japan have verbally agreed to assist the country in debt restructuring, however, the IMF needs proper financial assurance in time for the negotiations.The Minister said that they are attemtpting to obtain the approval of the IMF board as soon as possible. The minister made these comments during an inquiry made by Newsfirst regarding the second phase of the official-level negotiations to be initiated with the International Monetary Fund.The minister stated that no moves will be made to bypass the Parliament in dealing with the International Monetary Fund.Minister Semasinghe added that no parties other than the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have been informed with regard to the staff level agreement with the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority says that the investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old student in Matara, Thihagoda will be fully overseen by the NCPA.Its Chairman, Senior Lecturer Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe stated that police officers attached to the NCPA have been directed for that purpose.Meanwhile, officials of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission have prepared a preliminary investigation report on the related incident.This is after an on-site inspection was conducted by the Human Rights Commission officials on Saturday (29).The concerned student is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.Meanwhile, the sub-inspector who accidentally discharged the shot has been remanded until November 2nd, after being presented before Matara Magistrate Isuru Netticumara yesterday.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed. With 1,604 more people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Co-19 cases has gone up to 4,46,52,266 while that of active cases has declined to 18,317, according to Union Health Ministry data on Sunday. The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan has died in the stampede which took place during a halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea.When inquired by News 1st, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry stated that a 27-year-old resident of Kandy had died.The minister mentioned that representatives have been directed to the Police and hospitals in Seoul to find out if more Sri Lankans have been killed, or injured.The Minister said that they are looking for more information regarding the incident through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea.South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a period of national mourning on Sunday after a Halloween crush killed some 151 people in a packed nightlife area in Seoul.Yoon expressed condolences to the victims, mostly teenagers and people in their 20s, and his wishes for a speedy recovery to the many injured."This is truly tragic," he said in a statement. "A tragedy and disaster that should not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul last night."A huge crowd celebrating in the popular Itaewon district surged into an alley on Saturday night, emergency officials said, adding the death toll could rise.Choi Sung-beom, head of the Yongsan Fire Station, said 151 deaths had been confirmed, including 19 foreigners.

Two Lanarkshire health and social care heroes are up for top awards for their dedication to help people in their communities.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – TNA Parliamentarian M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The IUBF Convenor Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who is held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was moved to the Colombo National Hospital for residential treatment after being diagnosed with Dengue.He was moved out on Saturday (29).A Senior Official at the Colombo National Hospital told News 1st that the Venerable Thero was moved out on Saturday (29) evening.Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero is currently in detention for 90-days under the PTA.He was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after falling ill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Reports have surfaced with regard to an attempt to cut down trees that have been standing tall for over a century, under the guise of development.Sri Lankan authorities have allocated Rs. 20 Million under the Suhuru Project series for the renovation of the Ulpath Wewa at the Devata village in Horowpathana.The project is directly supervised by the Kekirawa Irrigation Engineer, and local farmers allege that permission has been given to cut down 17 tall Kumbuk trees and 1 Oak tree located on the banks of the tank.The Chairman of the National Govijana Collective, Anuradha Tennakoon pointed out that cutting down 18 trees would pose serious risks to the ecosystem, as the Ulpath Wewa was formed when the water from a number of nearby springs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A decision has been reached to increase the insurance policy of Members of Parliament from Rs. 200,000/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to supply 500,000 liters of kerosene to the fisheries ports daily.Its Secretary, Indu Karunaratne said that this agreement was reached during the discussions regarding the fishermen's fuel problem.Accordingly, the kerosene will be released to fishing ports and selected fuel stations.The secretary stated that about 27,000 fishing vessels have been registered for this purpose.Majority of these fishing vessels are engaged in daily fishing and the main problem they faced in the past was shortage of kerosene.Meanwhile, a special program was initiated on Saturday (29) to identify the deficiencies of the fishing ports and the problems faced by fishermen.The Secretary to the Ministry, Karunaratne stated that accordingly, the Minister in charge and a team including herself will be engaged in an observation tour of the ports including Kirinda Fisherman's Port, and other ports located in Tangalle, Puranawella and Suduwella.The program aims to identify the economic problems faced by families engaging in fishing, especially in the context of the current economic crisis.She added that relief will be provided for them immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva has questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe saying as to whether the IMF Staff Level Agreement has been given out to various individuals in committees appointed by him.In a tweet, the MP said that if the IMF staff level agreement that has thus far been hidden even from the Sri Lanka Parliament Committee on Public Finance on purported Radio Silence has been given out, it is a serious breachPreviously, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department says that a low-level atmospheric disturbance is developing in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, and therefore, showery condition over the island is expected to be enhanced for next few days.Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice says more than 7000 Sri Lankan families who fled the country as refugees, and  returned from India have resettled in the Northern Province.According to the Justice Ministry, there are around 12,500 such Sri Lankans who returned back to the country.The Justice Ministry has launched a mobile programme to resolve the legal issues faced by these people in terms of re-obtaining Sri Lankan citizenship. The mobile legal aid programme will be carried out on Monday and Tuesday in Jaffna and Killinochchi. 

Val Chmerkovskiy will miss Monday's (31. 10. 22) 'Dancing with the Stars' after testing positive for COVID-19.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The police sub-inspector who was arrested on suspicion of shooting a 15-year old boy in Matara, Thihagoda was remanded until 2nd November.He was remanded after he was presented to the Matara Magistrate Isuru Netthicumara on Saturday (29).The 15-year-old teeanger who was injured is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.A hospital spokesperson said that the boy also underwent surgery last night.

The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting. Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same.

Group 1 has seen various encounters being marred by rain and two points will go a long way towards sealing a berth in the semis for these two sides. The winner of the Group 1 clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground could build a bit of a gap from the other candidates, with rain interruptions and abandonments leaving all the sides jostling for vital points.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that the remaining doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be disposed using appropriate methods.Accordingly, approximately 7 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will expire in two days on Monday, the 31st of October.The Deputy Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that after Monday, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be available in the country, until a new batch is imported.Dr.

In the last 24 hours, more than 2,161 patients recovered from the infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4,41,02,852 people have recovered from the disease. New Delhi: India reported 1,574 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Defence has declared a general amnesty for Tri-Forces absentees, enabling them to receive a legal discharge from their respective services.Accordingly, this period of general amnesty will be in force from 15.11.2022 until 31.12.2022.Therefore, the Tri-Forces personnel who have been absent without leave (AWOL) on or before 25.10.2022 will be able to receive their discharge from military service and if any amount is due, it should be settled prior to discharge.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertilizer today (28) under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of 110 million US dollars and accordingly, the government has decided to provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertilizer to paddy farmers at Rs.10,000.This step was taken to protect household food security, farming and rural incomes based on the demands made during several discussions with the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.This World Bank support complements the support of other development partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development.Sri Lanka requires approximately 150,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation during the Maha season. Mr.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A petition has been filed at the Supreme Court on Friday (28) seeking a ruling that the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill is in violation of the Constitution of Sri Lanka.The petition has been filed by Chartered Accountant Prasad Dassanayake.Dassanayake has pointed out in the petition that some of the clauses contained in the draft will damage the business sector, especially the import and export sector, and by imposing a heavy tax burden, the relevant sector may collapse entirely.The petitioner further requests that its articles be passed by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament or via a referendum.Earlier, three parties filed petitions at the Supreme Court against the Inland Revenue Amendment Bill submitted by the government to Parliament on 21st October.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector has been interdicted by the Police and has been arrested by a special Police team which is conducting an investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old boy in Thihagoda, Matara.The Police Spokesperson said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the 15-year old was injured.   The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

A special award was gifted to all NHS Tayside staff at this year’s STAR Awards for their incredible work saving numerous lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Health officials have warned about two mutant strains of coronavirus that have emerged in the UK.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A youth who was injured in a shooting which occurred on Friday (28) evening in Tihagoda, ​​Matara has been hospitalized.Police said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the youth was injured.The injured individual was identified as a 16 year old.The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has approved a power cut of 1 hour during the weekend and 2 hours on 31st October as follows;29th & 30th – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  1 hour from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm31st – Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW  1 hour during daytime and 1 hour during the night.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Another crucial discussion between the International Monetary Fund and Sri Lanka's creditors is due be held on November 3rd.The Presidential Media Division stated that the discussion will focus on debt restructuring in Sri Lanka. This has been previously discussed during a meeting between the resident representative of the International Monetary Fund and a group of other officials who are leaving the country after completing their tenure.The President's Media Division stated that special attention was paid to the previous measures of debt restructuring as well as the creditor's conference.Meanwhile, the call for applications for the program to identify those who are eligible to receive welfare benefit payments ends on 28th October.The program, which is being implemented on the advice of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is being implemented under the theme "Do not leave anyone behind".Accordingly, the deadline was closed after the number of applicants who have registered with the Welfare Benefit Board for state welfare benefits reached 2.4 million.

Health experts have issued an urgent warning about food poisoning as a "worrying" number of Scots are eating food that has gone off.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo Crimes Division arrested a Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army for links with organized crimes and drugs.Sri Lanka Police said that it arrested a Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army for his connections with notorious underworld gangster, drug trafficker, and Wanter Criminal Nadun Chinthaka alias Harak Kata.Harak Kata is currently in hiding in Dubai, and Police said that the Former Lance Corporal of the Sri Lanka Army has managed his finances here in Sri Lanka.6 grams of heroin were discovered from the possession of the suspects, and based on his statement a firearm and a hand grenade was recovered hidden under the new Kelani Bridge in Sedawatte.Information has also come to light that the 31-year-old suspect forged a passport to travel to Dubai and returned to the country in early October 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It was decided at the National Council Sub-Committee on Identifying Priorities in Formulating Short, Medium and Long Term Policies held recently (26) under the chairmanship of the Member of Parliament Namal Rajapakse to introduce Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the performance of government institutions.In order to streamline the government mechanism efficiently, the committee emphasized the need to prepare metrics to review the progress of government agencies and government officials.Thus, it was decided to discuss this matter with all the other services including the administrative service in the next week and start formulating policies.Officials representing the Ministry of Public Administration Home Affairs Provincial Councils and Local Government and Sri Lanka Administrative Service Association were present at this meeting.State Minister Ashoka Priyantha, Members of Parliament  Pavithradevi Wanniarachchi, Wajira Abeywardana and Sagara Kariyawasam were also present.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Private vehicles will no longer be allowed to enter the Yala National Park without a guide from the Department of Wildlife.Mahinda Amaraweera, Sri Lanka's Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation told News 1st that this decision is temporary and will be in effect until the investigation on the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park is complete.He said that the Department of Wildlife will report the matter to the Tissamaharama Court to institute necessary legal action.In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture, Wildlife & Forest Resources Conservation is conducting its own investigation on the six tour guides, and one forest ranger who were present at the time of the reckless joy-riding incident inside the Yala National Park.A total of seven Park Rangers have been interdicted until the investigations are over, and they are charged with dereliction of duty, and for their direct or indirect involvement in the incident.The matter was also raised during Wednesday's (26) cabinet briefing, and Minister Bandula Gunawardena.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798, while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far New Delhi: India reported 2,208 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the union health ministry data on Friday. The country’s active caseload has declined to 19,798 while the total tally of covid cases has risen to 4.46 crore so far. The death toll has increased to 5,28,999 so far with 12 fatalities reported in a day.

The manager of a Scots nursery where a baby boy choked to death has been convicted of failing to ensure children were adequately monitored during mealtimes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Parliamentarian Ranjan Ramanayake was turned away from the Bandaranaike International Airport by Immigration and Emigration Department officials on Friday (28) morning.Airport Immigration and Emigration said the former politician was turned away based on a court order barring overseas travel.Ranjan Ramanayake speaking to News 1st said that an overseas travel ban was imposed on him with regard to case filed over the distribution rice during the COVID-19 pandemic era.Ramanayake said the case was concluded and the overseas travel ban was lifted, however the relevant agencies had not been informed of the matter.He said that action will be taken on Friday (28) to resolve the matter, adding that he was to fly to the United States of America to attend an event.

By paying a nominal add-on premium, employees can upgrade their cover, which can even be continued in a personal capacity post-employment Employee benefits insurtech Healthysure has partnered ManipalCigna Health Insurance to launch India’s first flexi top-up insurance which allows employees to personalize and upgrade their corporate health insurance plans. By paying a nominal add-on premium, employees can upgrade their cover, which can even be continued in a personal capacity post-employment. They are thus able to eliminate the need of buying independent personal health cover and also save up to 90% of premium spending.

Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are investing time in their spiritual side…

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Inter-University Student Federation and the Inter-University Bhikku Federation staged a protest opposite the Terrorist Investigation Division in Narahenpita. The protest was staged demanding to protect the lives of Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero and the convener of the Inter-University Student Federation, Wasantha Mudalige. A strong police force was deployed opposite the Terrorist Investigations Division in Narahenpita ahead of the protest by student activists.Watch Here:   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of State for Finance Ranjith Siyambalapiya says in a statement that there is no other option but to raise taxes in a situation where 4 million of the 6.8 million families living in the country are demanding various subsidies. The relevant announcement further states that the people also have a responsibility to keep the poor people of the country alive. The announcement also emphasized that there is a huge deficit between the government's income and expenditure and to cover it, as inflation is close to 100 per cent, money cannot be printed anymore, so taxes should be levied as much as possible. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Abeyasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to appear in court on the 10th of December.The OIC of the CID has been summoned to show cause for the failure of the CID to conduct an investigation into the complaint filed regarding the dual citizenship of State Minister Diana Gamage. Appearing for Lakmal Herath Attorney-at-Law Gunarathne Vanninayake said that his client had lodged a complaint at the CID stating that State Minister Diana Gamage had concealed the fact that she has a British Passport and applied for a Sri Lankan passport. The counsel added that the CID had failed to investigate this complaint. The Counsel further pointed out that although a responsible public official had testified that the State Ministers' NIC and Birth Certificates are forgeries no further investigations have been conducted. After considering the facts the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the CID to appear in court on the 10th of next month.