NEWSLINE: How will the people’s aspirations be achieved in 2023?

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

NEW DELHI : The pandemic-led shift to remote work, which fuelled massive demand for PCs and laptops in the last two years, is starting to fade. Analysts and IT industry experts expect sales to weaken further due to a slump in consumer demand driven by inflationary pressures. This, in turn, will force brands to cut prices of consumer laptops and offer either discounts or bundled offers for commercial deals.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Fifteen organizations representing the professionals in the public sector have warned that if the government does not withdraw its unjust tax regime, strict action will be taken following pay day, which is tomorrow (25).These professional bodies have already declared a Black Protest Week against the tax regime they term as unjust.The Collective of Professionals' Trade Unions represented by multiple organizations including the Government Medical Officers' Association, Federation of University Teachers' Association, Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union, and the Ceylon Bank Employees Union convened a media briefing in Colombo.The Sri Lankan government has already decided to impose a tax regime of 6% to 36% on monthly earnings over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A writ application was filed with the Court of Appeal on Tuesday (24) seeking an order to invalidate the Cabinet Decision to impose an electricity tariff hike with effect from the 1st of January 2023.It was filed by several factions including the Electricity Users' Association, its secretary Dhammika Sanjeewa, The Center of Environmental Justice, its Executive Director Hemantha Vithanage.The Minister of Power and Energy, The Ceylon Electricity Board, The Cabinet of Ministers among others were named as respondents.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Spokesperson for the Samagi United Trade Union Balavegaya Ananda Palitha, and Secretary of the Electricity Users' Association Dhammika Sanjeewa, who visited the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka recently to inquire about the attempt to hike electricity tariffs, were arrested on Monday (23) night and were produced in court on Tuesday (24).They were charged with criminal influence and were remanded to the 26th of January 2023 by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage.The case was filed against them for protesting against the members of the Public Utilities Commission during a protest opposite the PUCSL in Colombo.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission were informed to appear for an inquiry at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka on Wednesday (25) at 10:30 AM.The summons were sent as the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka had observed that its directive to the  Power & Energy Secretary, and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination had been disregarded.On Monday (23), the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka informed the Power & Energy Secretary and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission to take necessary measures to prevent power outages during the period of the Advanced Level examination, citing that power outages could negatively impact the studies of the candidates. The 2022 Advanced Level examination got underway on Monday (23), and will continue to the 17th of February.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions, Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C.

(Reuters) – The Export-Import Bank of China has offered Sri Lanka a two-year moratorium on its debt and said it will support the country's efforts to secure a $2.9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund, according to a letter reviewed by Reuters.India wrote to the IMF earlier this month, saying it would commit to supporting Sri Lanka with financing and debt relief, but the island nation also needs the backing of China in order to reach a final agreement with the global lender.China's Jan.

A meeting of the Constitutional Council will be held on Wednesday (25) at 9.30 am, Chief of Staff and Deputy General Secretary of the Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera said, according to the Parliament of Sri Lanka.Meanwhile, the President appointed the non-members of Parliament as members of the Constitutional Council based on the nominations submitted by the Speaker with the agreement of the Speaker, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament. Accordingly, Dr. Pratap Ramanujam, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Keselwatte Police on Tuesday (24) withdrew a B report that it filed with the court regarding a group of lawyers who protested opposite the Hultsdorf Magistrate's Court on the 18th of January 2023.Lawyers protested on that day against the conduct of the Attorney General's Department and the undue influence on Colombo Additional Magistrate Tharanga' Mahawatte.Sri Lanka Police filed the B report with the court, and Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis upon considering the report ordered Sri Lanka Police to inquire into the matter, and produce a report.However, when the complaint was called up on Tuesday (24) the Keselwatte Police requested permission from the court to withdraw the B report without taking further action on the matter.Colombo Chief Magistrate Prasanna Alwis granted permission to the request and concluded the matter.On Monday (23), IGP C. D.

 (Reuters) – Sri Lanka is committed to meeting all its debt repayments and is hoping to complete debt restructuring negotiations in the next six months, the country's central bank chief P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said on Tuesday."There has been good progress this month with India already pledging financing assurances.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Retired Major Attorney Ajith Prasanna was found guilty by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (24) for contempt of court. He was sentenced to 4 years rigorous imprisonment and was also fined Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige rejected a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, a defendant in the case filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses including the Millennium City safe house.Counsel made the request to acquit and release the defendant without calling for evidence.The case was filed over the raids carried out at military intelligence safe houses between 1st of January 2002 and 3rd of September 2002 in Colombo, Athurugiriya, Kandy and Kadugannawa, seizing their military equipment and taking photographs and videos of the said equipment.In addition, the case was filed for arresting Military Intelligence personnel and exposing military secrets.The Colombo High Court Judge Aditya Patabendige issuing the order on the request made by the counsel appearing for the Former ASP noted that the court has decided to continue with the case by calling for evidence from the defense based on the evidence produced to the court by the prosecution.The Colombo High Court Judge ordered for the case to be called up again on the 21st of February for the evidence from the defense, and ordered for the evidence list to be produced to the court ahead of that date.Deputy Solicitor General Sudarshana De Silva appearing for the Attorney General had requested the court to reject a request to acquit and release former ASP Kulasiri Udugampola, without calling for evidence from the defense.

Over 200 schools will receive funding from Australia via the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to build entrepreneurial school gardens in the North, Central and Uva Provinces to support nutritional security among children.The entrepreneurial school gardens programme, implemented as part of a project funded by the Australian government totalling over USD 2.3 million, is aimed at improving the food and nutritional security of groups most affected by the ongoing economic crisis, particularly women and children.The programme features a discovery-based learning approach for over 100,000 secondary school students from grades 8 – 12, where they will be educated on the capacity to transform their school gardens into sources of nutritious produce that will facilitate diverse and healthy eating habits and encourage students to apply entrepreneurial thinking into agriculture. 505 school teachers from the three provinces were also trained on the discovery-based learning methodology as part of the programme to improve skills in food security, nutrition, agriculture and entrepreneurship.The Agriculture club in each school will be empowered to operate as a core programme partner that will oversee the coordination and navigation of the programme alongside school officials.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet Spokesperson announced that the daily power outages will be limited to two-hours.Speaking at the media briefing to elaborate on cabinet decisions Minister Bandula Gunawardena noted that the two-hour power outage will only take place after 4 PM during the period of the G. C. E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission has addressed a letter to the Finance Ministry requesting a clarification on whether funds can be provided for the local government election.The Chairman of the National Election Commission in the letter had sought a clarification from the Treasury Secretary.The cost for the Local Government Election is estimated at Rs. 10 Billion.The National Election Commission said that the Treasury Secretary is expected to provide a detailed response on whether the funds will be made available.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka on Tuesday (24) announced that is has reached a unanimous decision to expedite Ceylon Electricity Board tariff proposal in accordance with the Electricity act 2009.In addition, the PUCSL has reached a decision to seek legal opinion on the implementation of the cabinet request on interim tariff with retrospective effect, said its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake.On the 9th of January 2023, the Cabinet of Ministers considered the proposal submitted by the President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies, and the Minister of Power and Energy regarding the revision of electricity tariffs.

(Reuters) – India has committed to help ease the debt burden of its crisis-stricken neighbor Sri Lanka as part of a possible International Monetary Fund-supported program, the IMF said on Monday.The island nation of 22 million people has grappled with challenges during the past year ranging from a shortage of foreign currency to runaway inflation and a steep recession – the worst such crisis since independence from Britain in 1948.Reuters reported last week that India had told the IMF it strongly supports Sri Lanka's debt restructuring plan as the island seeks a $2.9 billion loan from the global lender, according to a letter."Sri Lanka is engaged with other official bilateral creditors to obtain similar assurances," an IMF spokesperson said in a statement on Monday."As soon as adequate assurances are obtained and remaining requirements are met, including by the Sri Lankan authorities, a Fund-supported program for Sri Lanka can be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for approval that would unlock much needed financing."Sri Lanka requires the backing of China and India – its biggest bilateral lenders – to reach a final agreement with the IMF that is essential to help the country emerge from its worst financial crisis in seven decades.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka LG Polls – The winner takes it all. On YouTube and Facebook.    #Newsline #News1st #LGPolls

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. health officials want to make COVID-19 vaccinations more like the annual flu shot.The Food and Drug Administration on Monday proposed a simplified approach for future vaccination efforts, allowing most adults and children to get a once-a-year shot to protect against the mutating virus.This means Americans would no longer have to keep track of how many shots they’ve received or how many months it’s been since their last booster.The proposal comes as boosters have become a hard sell.

clinician, has long been a powerful tool “for unpacking and making sense of our thoughts and feelings,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in New York. Sometimes it can feel like the latest in mental health treatment is overwhelmingly tech-heavy or experimental—hello, and and post-traumatic stress disorder—but the recent rise in interest surrounding writing therapy feels refreshingly grounded and old school. “There are numerous studies linking journaling about our thoughts and feelings to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress,” says , a licensed marriage and family therapist in California.

People in one travel hotspot of Spain are being asked to wear face masks to help reduce the spread of new Covid-19 variants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Although the government assured that there will be no power cuts during the period of the G. C. E.

Holidaymakers who plan to go abroad this year will need to keep up to date about the rules and laws for the destination that they will be visiting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan professionals continue to oppose the governments' unjust tax regime and the failure to address the medicine shortage that is crippling the health sector by the day.The Government Medical Officers' Association decided to declare the period from today to the 27th as a black protest week against the conduct of the government, and this effort is supported by multiple other trade unions.At the same time, the GMOA warned that it would file an official complaint with the World Health Organization over the government's lethargic approach to solve the medicine shortage in the country.Minor staff across hospitals in Sri Lanka went on strike on Monday (23) against the governments' arbitrary tax regime, and the failure to address the medicine shortage.The minor staff attached to the Kalubowila Teaching Hospital supported the strike.They stepped away from their duties, and protested opposite the hospital premises demanding a solution to the issues.Similar scenes were witnessed at the Ragama Teaching Hospital, and the Kurunegala General Hospital. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Prisons said that three prison inmates will be sitting for the 2022 G. C. E.

New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed New Delhi: India reported 94 new covid cases and two deaths in the last 24 hours, the union health ministry data on Monday showed. While active cases have declined to 1,934, the country’s total covid cases have reached 4.47 crore so far. The overall death toll stood at 5,30,735 since the onset of covid pandemic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 2022 G. C. E.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, PC is scheduled to make an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 23-27 January 2023.The visit will take place on an invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.The Minister is scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Farhan Al Saud and discuss further enhancement of the cordial bilateral relations. The Minister will also meet with the senior officials of the Islamic Development Bank, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Governors of Mecca and Medina.

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (21), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler who are residents of Nanuoya will be performed on Monday (23).Director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

New York analyzes wastewater for flu, RSV and polio, in addition to Covid-19 When the virologist Kirsten St.

LOVE Island's Faye Winer has sparked worry among her loyal fans after admitting her health has taken a "battering." The former estate agent, 27, took to her Instagram page to decompress as she opened up on her state of mind as break-up rumours surround her and Teddy, 26. It came after her Love Island partner Teddy broke down in tears on his own Instagram account. Faye explained her social media absence as she told her followers: "Sorry for the deafening silence but it was needed.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – The last rites of the 05 members of the same family who died in the Nanuoya Radella vehicle accident were performed on Saturday (22), at the Dik Oya Jumma Mosque Cemetery.Our reporter mentioned that the last rites of the driver of the van and the driver of the three-wheeler, who are residents of Nanuoya, will be performed on Monday (23).The director of Nuwara Eliya Hospital Dr.

Abbie Quinnen, 25, has bravely opened up about her “never-ending” health woes in an interview with Express.co.uk and other outlets.The star, who was previously in a relationship with Strictly Come Dancing star AJ Pritchard, 28, described how she might have to undergo another operation for her burns as she spoke to press on the red carpet of Cirque Du Soleil’s newest European Premiere at the Royal Albert Hall.Asked about her recovery following the horror burn incident nearly two years ago, she said: “It’s hard. It’s still an ongoing thing and it’s kind of never-ending at the moment.

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. 

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. 

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that in August 2022 there were 5.6 million people across the UK receiving financial support through Universal Credit, a benefit intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

State Pension provides essential financial support for nearly 12.5 million older people across the UK, including 981,399 living in Scotland. This regular payment is available for those who have reached the UK Government’s eligible retirement age, which is now 66 for both men and women, and have paid at least 10 years worth of National Insurance Contributions.

COLOMBO (News 1st): President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his new year message stated that Sri Lanka has gone through the "bleakest of times" and thanked the public for their "patience and courage" in the face of measures taken to stabilise the economy. "2023 will be a critical year in which we plan to turn around the economy," stated the President while wishing all Sri Lankans a "happy and peaceful new year."The Head of State admitted that the cries of the youth for a system change "cannot be ignored" adding that "proposed social, economic and political reforms" need to be implemented boldly. President's New Year Greeting "We are looking at the New Year 2023 after having undergone the bleakest of times, immense hardships, as well as the uncertainties and hopelessness of the last year. I understand the great burdens that are placed on all of us and the setbacks that a majority of us have suffered due to the country’s abject economic collapse.

AB-HWCs also encompass wellness sessions on yoga, zumba, cyclathons, walkathons and provide guidelines on diet, physical activity, positive parenting, tobacco, alcohol cessation among other aspects to imbibe a mindset for community well-being New Delhi: In a significant achievement demonstrating strengthening of the country’s health infrastructure, India has surpassed a notable landmark- 150,000 Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) have been operationalised before 31 December, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded the efforts of the nation in accomplishing this feat before the set deadline and said that these centres will help provide citizens easy access to primary healthcare facilities.

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch '2022 IN RETROSPECT' a People's Platform Special on Dec 30 at 7:30pm on TV1. Live streaming on YouTube and Facebook

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission met on Thursday (29) morning to reach several decisions including the date the call for nominations for the local government election.In addition, the Inspector General of Police, Senior Officials at the Defence Ministry, Postmaster General, Government Printer among others were summoned to the Election Commission on Thursday (29).The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the meeting was called for to discuss the necessary measures related to the local government election.The Election Commision said that the local government election is expected to take place before the 10th of March 2023.The Chairman of the Election Commission Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said that the gazette notification calling for nominations for the local government election is expected to be issued before the 5th of January 2023.The names of the elected candidates will be published via gazette by the 20th of March 2023.

Why COVID projections have become harder During the early days of the pandemic, simple models could be used to project the number of COVID cases and the likely effect on the population, including demands for health care. Relatively few variables were needed to produce the first projections. That was because there was one main variant of COVID, the original strain, to which everyone in the world was susceptible.

Colombo (News 1st) – Newsline: Sri Lanka's minerals are key to attracting dollars and boosting exports – Ryan Rockwood in conversation with Faraz Shauketaly. 28th December at 8:30 pm live on TV1.

Colombo (News 1st) – Newsline: Income generation & expense reduction: top priorities for 2023. 

The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that by the end of October, there were more than three million people across the UK claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP). The regional breakdown includes nearly 330,000 claimants living in Scotland, 2.6 million in England and 226,000 in Wales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Multiple factions allege that motives to commit fraud are linked to the state's delay in procuring coal on time for the continuous operation of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant, which is the main power plant in the entire country.A coal shipment is expected to reach Sri Lanka on the 5th of January 2023, and according to marine traffic data the bulk carrier with coal had left a port in Mozambique on Sunday (25) bound to Sri Lanka.What is the Coal Crisis & why is coal so important to us?The coal shipment bound to Sri Lanka from Mozambique will determine if the Norocohcholai Coal Power will continue to operate, as it generates a lions share of the electricity demand in the country.A shortage of coal will eventually lead to a complete shutdown of the power plant.The bulk carrier Darya Rama carrying a shipment of coal had left the Port of Maputo in Mozambique at 7:40 AM on Sunday (25), and it expected to lay anchor off the coast of Puttlam at around 4:00 PM on the 5th of January 2023.The vessel was originally scheduled to dock in Sri Lankan on Wednesday, however certain delays had pushed back its arrival date to somewhere between the 3rd and 5th of January 2023.The Chairman of Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited on the 22nd of December 2022 said that when this shipment reaches Sri Lanka, the existing stocks of coal would have already been exhausted.How much of coal does the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant need to operate on any given day?The Norochcholai Power Plant has three generators, and each of these generators will require 2,500 MT of coal.

Prime minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked people to take precautionary measures, such as wearing masks and washing hands, amid rising cases of covid-19 across the world. Addressing the nation through his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Modi wished people on the occasion of Christmas, but suggested celebration of festivals with caution. “At this time many people are also in the mood for holidays.