NEWSLINE: Sri Lanka Crisis Soars: Education Deeply Affected

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Election Commission on Friday (13) informed the Supreme Court that the Local Government Election will go ahead as planned.The Election Commission informed the Supreme Court about this matter when a petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police interdicted Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara who was arrested for the possession of cannabis.Sri Lanka Police said that Moneragala SSP Sisila Kumara was interdicted with the approval of the National Police Commission.Recently, the Police Special Task Force recovered 20.5 kilograms of cannabis hidden inside the ceiling of the SSP's official residence.The SPP, his driver, and four others were arrested by the Police Special Task Force following the incident.In addition, the Criminal Investigations Department arrested the OIC of Ethimale for providing the Moneragala SSP with the cannabis that was seized.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – One wild elephant was killed after it was knocked down by a speeding train in Hathares Kotuwa, Habarana on Friday (13) morning.Sri Lanka Railways said another two wild elephants were injured in the accident.The train bound to Colombo from Batticaloa was derailed following the incident in Habarana.Sri Lanka Railways said that operations along the Batticaloa route were delayed, due to the derailment.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day at a cost of Rs. 200 Million.Ashoka Priyantham, the State Minister of Home Affairs said an estimate was given for Rs.

Bangladesh Bank on Thursday (12) granted Sri Lanka six more months to repay the $200 million loan after the Island nation requested to extend the repayment period due to its prolonged economic crisis.A senior official of the central bank, on condition of anonymity, said the board of directors of Bangladesh Bank has extended the repayment tenure.The Island nation, which has been facing an acute greenback shortage for months, borrowed $200 million from Bangladesh in May 2021.The country was scheduled to repay the loans by April last year, but it failed to do so.In April last year, Sri Lanka announced defaulting on its entire $51 billion of external debt.As per the agreement between the two countries, Sri Lanka was supposed to repay the loan by March.But the Island nation is still facing an acute shortage of foreign exchange reserves, which has compelled it to request BB to extend the repayment period.BB has extended the deadline at a time when its foreign exchange reserves are depleting at a faster pace.As per the new deadline, Sri Lanka will have to repay the loan by September this year.Bangladesh has already sought credit support from several multilateral lender agencies, including the International Monetary Fund.The reserves of Bangladesh stood at $32.52 billion on January 11 in contrast to $44.92 billion in the same period a year ago, according to data from the central bank.– Daily Star

Colombo (News 1st) – Watch a News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi was interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline. On YouTube and Facebook.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Electricity Board announced that the electricity tariff will be increased with effect from the 15th of January, as per the decision reached by the Cabinet of Ministers.CEB General Manager Rohan Seneviratne told reporters that the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will be apprised of the data on the tariff hike within a month.As per the proposal that was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, the fixed rates for domestic electricity units will also be increased from the 15th of January.For Units 0 to 30: Fixed Rate increased from Rs. 120/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested two men for aiding and abetting in the murder of a man in Bastian Mawatha, Colombo and injuring another.Sri Lanka Police said that it received information about the motorcycle that was used by the gunmen in last year's shooting, and visited Piliyandala to conduct a raid where officers arrested a suspect in possession of the motorcycle.Following the interrogation of the suspect, police officers arrested another suspect from Mattakuliya for handing over the motorcycle to the suspect from Piliyandala.On the 30th of May 2022, One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting near the Private Bus Terminal at Bastian Mawatha, Colombo.Police investigations revealed that the man who was gunned had attended a court hearing at the Hultsdorf Court with three others before he was targeted by two masked gunmen.According to Police, four men had exited the court and one of them had left on a motorcycle. Thereafter, two men on a motorcycle approached the three men at the Bus Terminal and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Investigations revealed that the three men were previously employed as security officers attached to a restaurant in Cinnamon Gardens, and a case was filed against them following an incident said to have taken place at the restaurant.Police officers also uncovered that the men were supposed to pay a certain sum to the court over the incident.An eye-witness told News 1st that the shooters fired several rounds in broad daylight when hundreds were moving in and out of the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Terminal.News 1st inquiries revealed that the three men who were targeted had once served in the Commando Regiment of the Sri Lanka Army, and after leaving service

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court on Thursday (12) found Former President Maithripala Sirisena, his Defence Secretary, the Police Chief during his time, as well as the then Chief of National Intelligence, and Director of State Intelligence guilty of violating fundamental right.11 Fundamental Rights petitions were filed with the Supreme Court, claiming that the Sri Lankan administration failed to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks, despite having information about an imminent attack.The applications contain revelations of reckless failure on the part of the Executive Branch of the government and the Petitioners allege that these illegal omissions effectively betray the people and public trust by recklessly failing to take cognizance and accord due priority to intelligence information received regarding the premeditation of the attacks which could have been prevented if proactive and timely response had been taken.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Maithripala Sirisena:The Supreme Court observed that multiple gazettes bestowed 23 duties on the President as a Minister of Defence, thus an increase of duties vested in the Minister.The Supreme Court observed that an exponential range of powers over security continued to be bestowed on Minister of Defence as the years rolled by and it cannot be gainsaid that the Minister of Defence was the repository of the national security of the country. The Supreme Court noted that the custody of personal liberty and

Long Covid subtype impacting cardiac and renal systems was the most common—34% of patients fell into this category Even though infections related to COVID are significantly mild now, what it still worrying is the long-term effects of the disease, i.e long COVID.  Till now, much about the condition has remained unclear, including how long it lasts and researchers have been studying the symptoms to understand more about the disease. Now, a new study has revealed that there are as many as 4 subtypes of long COVID, and many of the symptoms are serious.

died aged 88.The late star’s husband, director John D Hancock, confirmed the sad news that his wife had died in her sleep on January 8.The pair had been married for 48 years, after first tying the knot in 1975.Dorothy died surrounded by her husband and her caretaker, Marcia Brodhacker, her representation has confirmed.The Hollywood actress had tragically been battling Alzheimer's disease for the past 10 years, according to Variety.Dorothy made her film debut in 1970’s X-rated movie End of the Road.From there, she went on to star alongside Jane Fonda and Donald Sutherland in the Oscar-nominated film Klute the following year.Some fans might also recognise the actress from 1973’s road movie Scarecrow.She also became a huge local star in the town of Michiana, Michigan after shooting the 1989 Christmas film Prancer on location there.Dorothy also co-wrote and starred in 2015 drama The Looking Glass, which served as her final role.She returned to acting for the part after spending decades away from showbiz, with her husband John directing the movie.The production saw Dorothy star as a woman with dementia symptoms who looked after her troubled teen granddaughter and the film was set in the couple’s Indiana home.John is an established stage and film director, probably best known for his sports drama film Bang the Drum Slowly.Dorothy was born on May 9, 1934, and raised in the Yorkville area of Manhattan.She attended Washington Irving High School and the School of Industrial Arts in New York.The star first started out as a model, travelling to Europe and appearing on covers of Life magazine and Vogue.Before she met husband John, she was married to director Aram A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Finance Ministry said that a circular on slashing 5% of the budgeted funds of the ministries will be issued soon.A Senior Officer at the Finance Ministry said the circular will be directed to the Ministry Secretaries in due course.President Ranil Wickremesinghe had informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

Colombo (News 1st) – A News1st exclusive: Breaking Barriers with Resilience & Empowerment. The BBC's Zeinab Badawi interviewed by Faraz Shauketaly on Newsline.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has ordered the government pay Rs. 1 Million as compensation per person to those who were killed in the 2019 Easter Sunday Attacks.The Supreme Court on Thursday (12) ruled that the respondents named in the Fundamental Rights petitions for failing to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, despite having credible information of an imment attack, had violated the Fundamental Rights of the petitioners.The respondents named in the petitions are Former President Maithripala Sirisena, Former Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando, Former Police Chief Pujith Jayasundara, Former National Intelligence Service Chief Sisira Mendis, and Former State Intelligence Services Chief Nilantha Jayawardena.Court ordered Former President Maithripala Sirisena to pay a compensation of Rs.

Imperial researchers have developed a low-cost, easy-to-manufacture stabiliser for broken bones to help in regions where such devices are expensive or in short supply and people sometimes resort to homemade options.The stabiliser, known as an external fixator, holds broken bones in place with metal pins or screws attached to a surrounding metal frame.When soft tissue is severely damaged together with bone, external fixators are the first step in keeping fractures in legs and arms in place before an operation to definitively fix the bones can be carried out.However, their cost and low availability in many regions mean people resort to homemade or low-quality fixators that may lead to serious complications or improper healing.The Imperial external fixator is currently being tested in Gaza and Sri Lanka, and since the invasion of Ukraine, more than 500 fixators have been manufactured in Poland to help with the crisis.This fixator, details of which are published in Frontiers in Medical Technology, is low-cost and has a lightweight design that can be manufactured locally to international standards. The team developed the design and a toolkit to allow repeated precise manufacture of the fixator anywhere in the world, including in the least developed countries.In Sri Lanka, it is being tested for road traffic accidents, which account for around 70 percent of fractures in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants.

BBC – Sri Lanka's central bank has urged China and India to agree a write-down of their loans as soon as possible, reported the BBC on Thursday (12).The crisis-hit Indian Ocean state defaulted on its debt repayments and negotiated a $2.9bn (£2.4bn) bailout.But the International Monetary Fund will not release the cash until China and India first agree to reduce Sri Lanka's billions of dollars of debt.The governor of Sri Lanka's central bank told BBC Newsnight it was in the interest of all parties to act quickly.Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe said: "The sooner they give us finance assurances that would be better for both [sides], as a creditor, as a debtor.""That will help us to start repaying their obligations," he added."We don't want to be in this kind of situation, not meeting the obligations, for too long.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe held talks with the Chairman of the Export-Import Bank of China Wu Fulin on Tuesday (10).During the video conference both sides exchanged views on bilateral cooperation and Sri Lanka's current debt issues, said the Chinese Embassy in Colombo.The two sides agreed to further strengthen exchanges and collaboration on the resolution of Sri Lanka's debt issues, and help the island's economic recovery and sustainable development

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the Nidahas Janatha Sabhawa, Uththara Lanka Sabhagaya, 12 parties and 62 groups came together on Wednesday (11) to form a new alliance to contest the upcoming local government election. The new alliance has been named the Nidahas Janatha Sandhanaya or Freedom Peoples' Alliance. They will contest under symbol of the Helicopter.

Colombo (News 1st) – NEWSLINE: Nadima, an Afghan humanitarian, talks to Faraz Shauketaly about 'Reconciliation and Resilience'. Watch on YouTube. 

Colombo (News 1st) – India won game one of the three match ODI series against Sri Lanka depsite some late heroics by Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka in Guwahati, India.After the visitors won the toss and chose to field, the home side got off to a blistering start with openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill putting on 143 for the first wicket. The partnership was broken when Gill was dismissed for 70 in the 20th over.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Media Division of the United National Party in a statement on Tuesday (10) evening said that the UNP is engaged in discussions with political parties, factions, and groups that support the government with regard to the upcoming Local Government Election.It added that several rounds of discussions took place recently among the UNP members and the representatives from the other parties, and among them is the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.The statement said that the UNP is expected to engage in talks with other parties and groups shortly. It added that the UNP Chairman Vajira Abeywardena, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardena, UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara, and UNP Executive Director represented the party at these discussions.It added that the talks are yet to reach the final stages, and when the discussions are over the manner in which the UNP will contest the Local Government Election will be announced officially.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers decided to intruct the Minister of Power and Energy to introduce a price formula for electricity tariff, similar to the fuel price formula.The Government Information Department in a statement said that 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. It was further observed by the Cabinet that the Treasury is not able to provide the necessary funds for the Sri Lanka Electricity Board within the existing financial space and therefore there is no other option but to revise the existing electricity tariffs to ensure a continuous electricity supply in the country while minimizing the impact on electricity consumers as much as possible. Accordingly, approval was given to proceed as follows:– The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will further study the proposed revision of electricity charges submitted by the Electricity Board and if any revision is required, to submit the same on or before 15.02.2023.– Until then, the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka will jointly take necessary measures to implement the electricity tariff revision proposed by the Ceylon Electricity Board with effect from 01.01.2023 as an interim measure in accordance with the amendments to the Public Policy Guidelines currently in force regarding the Power Industry– If the Sri Lanka Public Utilities Commission submits any amendments, the Ceylon Electricity Board will take steps to implement those amendments and make the necessary adjustments to future monthly

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Magistrate's Inquiry into the mysterious death of businessman Dinesh Schaffter took place at the official chamber of Colombo Additional Magistrate Rajindra Jayasuriya on Tuesday (10).A brother of the deceased provided evidence for 45 minutes behind closed doors.As the recording of evidence took place inside the official chamber of the Colombo Additional Magistrate, journalists did not receive the opportunity to report on the proceedings of the case.Further examination of evidence will take place on the 13th of January 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that it has not informed the court or any other institution that they believe the death to be a suicide."We have not ruled out suicide.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United National Party will contest the upcoming  Local Government Election together with the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, said the UNP General Secretary on Tuesday (10).The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the United National Party met for talks again on Tuesday (10) at the President's Office.UNP General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara told reporters that the SLPP and the UNP decided to contest the Local Government Election together.He said the matter was discussed with the district leaders.He also said that discussions took place on which Local Government Institutions will be contested under the symbol of the Elephant, and which will be contested under the symbol of the Flower Bud.He also added that an agreement was also reached with regard to using a common symbol for certain Local Government Institutions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and the United National Party are to meet for talks again on Tuesday (10).A senior spokesperson for the SLPP speaking to News 1st said that the meeting will take place at the President's Office.It is reported that the formation of an alliance to contest the Local Government Election, as well as to contest under one symbol among other matters will be discussed at this meeting.General Secretary of the United National Party Palitha Range Bandara said that he will attend the meeting along with Deputy Leader of the UNP Ruwan Wijewardena.The SLPP is to be represented by General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, and Sanjeewa Edirimanne.The UNP and the SLPP met for talks on Sunday (8) as well.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers have once again granted approval to import eggs.Trade Minister Nalin Fernando speaking to News 1st said the Cabinet granted approval to his proposal on Monday (9).He said eggs will be imported before the end of the week from India, and the distribution will be handed over to the private sector, while Lanka Sathosa will be involved in the sale of eggs.The government decided to import eggs as a solution to address the high prices of eggs, as the local price of an egg is between Rs. 60/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (9) granted approval to increase the electricity tariff.The tariff hike will be reviewed by a committee until the 15th of February, and measures will be taken to reduce the tariff, if there is a possibility, a Senior Government Minister told News 1st.The Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that a proposal to amend the electricity tariff was received on Monday (9) evening.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Notice was issued once again on Central Bank Monetary Board members Attorney Sanjeewa Jayawardena, and Rani Jayamaha, as they failed to appear in court.On Monday (9) the Fundamental Rights applications filed against 39 people for leading the country to an economic crisis were taken up, and the notice was re-issued to the CBSL Monetary Board members.The Former President, Former Prime Minister, and Former Finance Minister are among the 39 people named as the respondents in the petitions.The FR applications by Transparency International Sri Lanka, Former Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Chandra Jayaratne, Dr Mahim Mendis from the Open University of Sri Lanka, and Former National Swimming Champion Julian Bolling claim that the respondents named in the petition are directly responsible for the unsustainability of Sri Lanka’s foreign debt, its hard default on foreign loan repayments, and the current state of the economy of Sri Lanka.The applications were considered in the presence of Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluvihare, Vijith Malalgoda, L. T.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested five people in connection to hacking ATMs in Galle and stealing money.Among the arrested are Bulgarians, and the arrests were made following investigations carried out by the Computer Crimes Division of Sri Lanka Police.On Sunday (8) two men were arrested from the Havelock area in Colombo, and they are residents of Mount Lavinia and Negombo.Interrogation of the suspects led to the arrest of one Bulgarian man, and the other was arrested when he was attempting to flee the country.The second Bulgarian man was identified as the main suspect in the string of robberies, and he was arrested at the Katunayake Airport.Sri Lanka Police also arrested the driver of the vehicle used to commit the crimes, from Pitigala. The vehicle was also seized.The suspect stole Rs.

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.

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.

A move to protect town centres across West Lothian from future uncertainties has been given unanimous backing by local councillors.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Multiple Senior Police Officers including several DIGs have been given transfers with immediate effect.The National Police Commission has approved the transfers that were made based on urgent service requirements.Sri Lanka Police said that DIG K. B.

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) – 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) – 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.