Norway to close Embassy in Sri Lanka in 2023

COLOMBO (News 1st); The 'Lawyers of the Aragalaya' said that two more names need to be added to the list of "Economy Killers", and emphasized that they were the reason for the economy for the country to arrive at its current position.The convener of the organization, Attorney-at-Law Manoj Nanayakkara said that the implementation of unsustainable projects in Sri Lanka led to its current situation, in addition to the political leadership, which should be held accountable for the country's current fate.Pointing out that 5 names have come up in this regard; Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, forme CBSL Governors Ajith Nivard Cabraal and W.D. Lakshman, and former President's Secretaries P.B.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sakvithi Ranasinghe, who was known for running an illegal finance company without the approval of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka was sentenced to 22 years in prison, suspended for five years.The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Amal Ranarajah after Sakvithi Ranasinghe pleaded guilty to 11 counts of obtaining millions of rupees from various people promising them a greater return on investments by operating an illegal finance company.Ranasinghe was also fined Rs. 25,000/- for each of the 11 counts, and if he fails to pay the fine an additional six months will be added to each count.His wife who pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting was sentenced to 2 years in prison, suspended for 5 years.She was fined Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe engaged in discussions to reach a bilateral agreement between Nepal and Sri Lanka on the development of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and the expansion of university education opportunities.Bashu Dev Mishra, Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka, attended the meeting held at the President's Office in Colombo on Tuesday (14).During the discussion, an agreement was reached to implement a youth exchange program enabling the youth of both the countries to join university education and tourism sector opportunities.The administrative measures to make the agreement a reality is to be done by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Sri Lanka and the Government of Nepal.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Minister instructed officials to place orders for medicines targeting a period of three months, instead of one month, which is the usual process.Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella noted that adopting such a process would pave the way to mitigate any shortage of medicines and medical supplies.The medicine, and medical supplies procurement program is to be implemented under the Indian Credit Line, and the Health Minister has urged to implement the program to make maximum benefit from the ICL.The Health Ministry in a statement said that the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services are expected to provide medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka for the next six months.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A preliminary round of discussions were held between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens to explore the opportunities for investment in  renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka.The discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (14) with the participation of a group of Australian investors.President Wickremesinghe has emphasized priority for encouraging new investments in the renewable energy sector as a solution to the current electricity crisis and to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan Lawyer who was charged with tuning his car horn to the tune of the famous song & Aragalaya theme 'Kaputu Kaak Kaak Kaak", was released by the court on Wednesday (14).The lawyer was charged for installing the horn with the said tune on his car during a memorial held at Galle Face Green to remember the lives lost, and those who were injured during the Aragalaya people's struggle.Colombo Additional Magistrate M. S.

University of Minnesota.  Fatigue, shortness of breath, problems in memory, loss of concentration, sleep issues, persistent cough, chest pain, trouble in speaking, muscle aches, loss of smell and taste, onset of depression and anxiety are some of the most reported symptoms of the long COVID.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that two men were arrested on Wednesday (14) morning for abducting a woman and making a getaway in a car.The suspects were arrested by the Baddagama Police Officers.Sri Lanka Police said that the woman in question was traveling to an apparel factory in Dikwella, where she was employed.She was abducted by the men in a car, while en route to work.The men had proceeded to the Baddegama Exit on the Southern Expressway and Police Officers manning the post, had noticed that the woman's mouth was covered by the hand of one of the men seated at the back.The Police Officers informed the Baddegama Traffic Police Division and an operation was launched to stop the vehicle in Baddegama Town.Before stopping the car, police officers who in pursuit of the vehicle had observed that the back doors were locked, and a man was forcibly holding on to the woman at knifepoint.Police Officers had also noticed a tussle between the abductor and victim, said the Police statement.Thereafter, a Police Sergeant opened fire into the sky and broke the back-door windows of the car, pulling out the suspect, and the woman.Both were admitted to the Baddegama Hospital for injuries.The 23-year-old driver of the car was arrested and the car was seized.Sri Lanka Police said that the abduction was the result of an illicit affair, however, investigations are on 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The resolution to constitute the Parliament Committee called the "National Council" has now been added to the Addendum to the Order Book for September 20th.Thus, the National Council will consist of the Speaker as the Chair, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House of Parliament, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, the Chief Government Whip, and not more than thirty-five Members of Parliament representing the Ninth Parliament from recognized Political Parties in Sri Lanka as determined by the Leaders of the Political Parties.Accordingly, the National Council shall have the jurisdiction and general responsibilities in order to;• Determine the general priorities of Parliament to guide the formulation of short, medium, and long-term national policies;• Agree on short and medium-term common minimum programs in respect of the stabilization of the economy; • Arrange special meetings with the Ministers of the Cabinet of Ministers, the National Council, the Chairpersons of the Special Committees, and Youth observers of Youth Organizations.The National Council shall have powers to request reports from Sectoral Oversight Committees, The Committee on Public Finance, The Committee on Public Accounts, The Committee on Public Enterprises, The Committee on Banking and Financial Services, The Committee on Ways and Means, The Committee on Economic Stabilization; and Any Committee controlling Public Finance.The Addendum to the Order Book on the above can be obtain via the below link.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special operation mounted by the Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard led to the interception of an Indian dhow carrying about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis and the apprehension of 05 Indian suspects aboard, in northwestern waters yesterday (13).The coordinated operation also made way for the apprehension of a local fishing trawler and 05 Sri Lankan nationals, suspected to have a connection to the incident.Both Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard remain ever alert to prevent wide-ranging illegal activities stemming from sea routes around the island. As an extension of these efforts, SLCGS Suraksha engaged in this special operation inspected a suspicious Indian dhow in Sri Lankan waters west of the Kudiramalai Point, Puttalam through the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on 13th September. The inspection led to the recovery of about 434kg (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 09 sacks and it prompted SLCGS Suraksha to seize the stock of narcotics with 05 Indian suspects aboard the dhow.Meanwhile, SLCGS Suraksha also seized a local one-day fishing trawler with 05 Sri Lankans, on suspicion that the trawler had reached the sea area to transfer the consignment from the Indian dhow and bring them ashore.The street value of the stock of Kerala cannabis seized in this operation is believed to be over Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 358.7880 Sell 369.6183GBP Buy 417.1762 Sell 433.7930EUR Buy 360.9717 Sell 376.3756JPY Buy 2.5012 Sell 2.6050AUD Buy 244.3659 Sell 256.0126

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) says that it has not been able to make payments to the fuel vessels anchored in the Sea of Sri Lanka, due to a shortage of dollars.A Crude Oil vessel has been anchored at the Colombo Harbour for over three weeks, and Sri Lanka is yet to make payments for the vessel.Further, two vessels carrying diesel have been anchored in the Port of Colombo for over a week.An official at the Ministry of Power and Energy said that steps will be taken in consultation with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) to access the necessary dollars to pay for the ships.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong held a productive discussion with Asian Development Bank (ADB) South Asian Department Director General Kenichi Yokoyama and its Sri Lanka Mission Director Chen Chen on Tuesday (13).They exchanged views on Sri Lanka's current economic situation and the revitalization plans etc.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that it currently possesses an excess of six million doses of the Pfizer vaccine, and this stock is expected to expire in approximately 6 weeks.Health Ministry's Director of Medical Technical Services and Chief Coordinator for COVID-19, Dr. Anwar Hamdani told News 1st that the General Public is urged to obtain the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine soon.He said that only 15% of the local population had obtained the fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.In July 2022, Sri Lanka’s Health Ministry extended the expiry date of the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccines already imported by three months on the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).Sri Lanka has seen a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths again since early this month, after the relaxation of health restrictions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a national plan should be implemented to ensure food security and nutrition in Sri Lanka.He made this observation addressing the inaugural program of the establishment of the Multi-sector Combined Mechanism for empowering Rural Economic Revitalization Centers to ensure food security and nutrition.The program was held at the President's Office on Tuesday(13).The president pointed out that agriculture should be made a foreign exchange earning sector by way of enhancing production and competitiveness through the modernization of agriculture.The President who emphasized the need to work in an organized and collective manner to solve the food issue in the face of the global food crisis said that everyone should join hands with the government's new program to ensure food security and nutrition.The President’s statement is as follows;-The government has got to face the challenge of provision of food to all since the country experienced a minus seven economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Four rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Forum Asia and the International Commission of Jurists have called for permanent representatives of member and observer states of the United Nations Human Rights Council to adopt a strong resolution on human rights in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the four organizations have called for support for a strong resolution on human rights in Sri Lanka, which renews the OHCHR Accountability Project and addresses ongoing violations and abuses, including the suppression of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.Pointing out that Sri Lanka is currently suffering an economic, political and human rights crisis, the rights organizations state that during the recent months, countless people have taken to the streets to call for reform, accountability for corruption, and for urgent Government action to protect their rights.Citing previous recommendations made by the former UNHRC High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet, the four rights organizations further call to adopt a resolution renewing the mandate of the Accountability Project and requesting the UN to provide the resources required to provide greater investigative capacity and witness protection, greater technical capacity to analyze evidence and to undertake outreach and engagement with civil society and victims.The rights organizations further state that the resolution should also call upon Sri Lanka to;– Restore cooperation with the efforts at the Human Rights Council to advance accountability for serious crimes under international law; – Strengthen and ensure the independence of the Office of Missing Persons and the  Office of Reparations, which were established under Resolution

A pair of new studies describe long-COVID findings, one from Spain showing that nearly 40% of bilateral pneumonia patients had impaired lung diffusion 1 year after hospitalization, and the other from England demonstrating that double-vaccinated adults were 41% less likely than their unvaccinated peers to report symptoms 3 months or more after infection.

Made in Chelsea star Louise Thompson has taken to her social media page to tell her 1.4million Instagram followers that she might have Asherman's Syndrome. Sharing the news on her Instagram stories, Louise could be seen wearing a sporty hoodie while looking to her left. Following up on a medical appointment, the 32 year old said: "Going to go and have a scan of my pelvis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces granted approval to appoint Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with effect from 12 September 2022.Accordingly, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa today.Air Vice Marshal RAUP Rajapaksa RSP and two Bars, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MA in IS&S (UK), BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), rcds, psc joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1988. Having undergone his Basic Combat Training at Kotelawala Defence Academy, Basic Flying Training at No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution, the controversial 1987 amendment that has never been completely implemented for 35 years due to vehement opposition from many of the country's Sinhala-dominated political parties.But what is the 13th Amendment that India's representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council highlighted, something that was drafted long before most Sri Lankans and Indians of today were even born? Here's a look.13A: Up to 1987, Sri Lanka was ruled from Colombo by a central government, which resulted in areas far from the capital being virtually ignored in development programs and day to day governance. The 13A, as it became known, required devolution of powers to nine Provincial Councils – Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, Central, Northcentral, Uva, Sabaragamuwa and Wayamba (Northwestern).

COLOMBO (News 1st); With the rise in suicide moratility rate in Sri Lanka, the WHO says that discrimination is one of the most common factors which affects mental health.Speaking at the Presidential Induction of the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists 2022, which was held in Colombo on Monday (12), WHO Representative to Sri Lanka Dr. Alaka Singh emphasized that more needs to be done in Sri Lanka with regard to mental health.Pointing out that the suicide mortality rate in Sri Lanka is 14 per 100,000 population, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal said that the decision to issue summons on State Minister Sanatha Nishantha with respect to the petitions filed alleging that he commited contemt of court, will be announced on the 29th of September 2022.The two petitions were filed alleging that Sanath Nishantha made defamatory comments to the officials of the Attorney General's Department, the Sri Lanka Bar Association, and the magistrates during a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party headquarters on August 23rd.The petitions filed by Attorneys-at-Law Priyalal Sirisena and Vijitha Kumara were taken up for consideration by the court of Appeal judges Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal said that the decision to issue summons on State Minister Sanatha Nishantha with respect to the petitions filed alleging that he commited contemt of court, will be announced on the 29th of September 2022.The two petitions were filed alleging that Sanath Nishantha made defamatory comments to the officials of the Attorney General's Department, the Sri Lanka Bar Association, and the magistrates during a press conference held at the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party headquarters on August 23rd.The petitions filed by Attorneys-at-Law Priyalal Sirisena and Vijitha Kumara were taken up for consideration by the court of Appeal judges Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and R.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Labor and Foreign Employment has introduced three telephone numbers to obtain information including issues related to obtaining the electric vehicle import license for expatriate workers.Recently, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal deeming compensation for expatriate workers who send foreign exchange to Sri Lanka through legal and official means.Accordingly, all issued related to this can be raised by contacting the hotlines 0773 039 034 or 0112 368 175, 0112 582 447.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Kurunegala Municipal Council and several other Government institutions on Tuesday (13) admitted that there are many unauthorized constructions in the vicinity of Kurunegala town.The Municipal Council and other Government bodies appeared at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka today (13) regarding the recent incident of the unfortunate death of a child who fell into a storm drain.The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission said that the Municipal Commissioner, the Chairman of the Urban Development Authority, the Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Development and the Kurunegala Police HQI were summoned for the relevant investigation.The Human Rights Commission stated that although these discoveries with regard to unauthorized constructions were made before, no action has been taken regarding the relevant constructions.Moreover, It has been revealed at the HRCSL that a problematic situation has arisen for the respective institutions regarding the Governance of select areas.The HRCSL added that among the summoned officials, only the Kurunegala Police HQI appeared in-person,  while other personnel chose to send an authorized representative on behalf of them.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Inter-Parliamentary Union Secretary General Martin Chungong and Senior Programme officer Laurence Marzal held discussions with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena about the issues of parliamentary democratic practices in Sri Lanka at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo on Monday (12).The Prime Minister elaborated on the steps taken to strengthen participatory democracy by the establishment of more powerful Sectoral Oversight Committees which included public participation. He also expressed satisfaction over the agreement reached on the formation of the National Council with the participation of all political parties of the House for policy guidance and prioritization of matters of national interest.He also told the IPU delegation that Sri Lanka parliamentary debates are open on live television as it is important to keep the public informed of the activities of Parliament.The IPU Secretary General commended the efforts made by the government in responding to the needs and demands of the people.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have partnered to procure a significant portion of maize seed requirements in Sri Lanka, targeting the Maha cultivation season.Maize is a staple input in the livestock feed industry and maize-based food items such as Thriposha and Samaposha, and the demand for seeds has swelled over recent years. Sri Lanka is expected to face over a 60% drop in crop production this Yala cultivation season which will decline farmers' income to half, creating a cascading effect during the next Maha cultivation season growing the current socio-economic crisis to its worse end, the UNDP stated.However, due to shortages related to the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka, only approximately 50% of the seed requirement is readily available in the country to supplement cultivation in the Maha season.Accordingly, the agreement was signed today with Yamada Tetsuya, the chief representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office and Malin Herwig, Officer-in-Charge, UNDP in Sri Lanka in the presence of Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera with the participation of wider representatives from the partner organizations. Highlighting the role of JICA in contributing towards food security needs, Tetsuya, the chief representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office stated, “Currently, the supply chain of livestock and food production is affected by shortage of the maize seeds, affecting the availability and affordability of some essential food items, and giving rise to nutritional concerns for the population, which we hope to resolve through the JICA’s collaborative assistance with UNDP.”JICA and UNDP will work with the Ministry of Agriculture to procure and

long Covid.  Lingering symptoms -- from chronic fatigue and “brain fog" to breathlessness -- are estimated to afflict around 10% to 20% of Covid cases. So far, the condition and its causes have perplexed doctors, prompting calls for more research to find ways to treat and prevent it.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has decided to review the Public Service Recruitment Process.The Department of Government Information said that under the current economic situation, the government has decided to temporarily suspend recruitment for public service. The Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Prime Minister in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Council, and Local Government to appoint a Committee of Officers headed by the Secretary to the Prime Minister to review the above matters and make suitable recommendations for the problems currently arising in the public service and identify the priorities regarding the essential recruitments to be made and recommend the time frames for the same for the continuation of the public service more efficiently and effectively. "There is a surplus of employees in the public service as a whole due to the direct recruitment of graduates and other categories of employees into the public service from time to time following the approved recruitment procedures as well as under the policy decisions taken by the existing governments," said the statement adding that however, it has been reported that there are vacancies in certain categories. 

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Human Rights Council should fulfil its mandates in protection and promotion of human rights based on the principles of non-selectivity, objectivity and impartiality, and without submitting to politicization or double standard, said Iran at the 51st Regular Session of the UNHRC on Monday (12)."Indeed, protection and promotion of human rights is a prime responsibility of the State concerned and it is for them to seek any support and assistance, as they may deem it useful and necessary, from the relevant UN human rights mechanisms," he said.The Iranian Delegate noted that the UN Human Rights Council should avoid politicization and refrain from political prejudices toward any country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) published the daily exchange rates on its official website.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 417 Sri Lankan prisoners were given a Special State Amnesty as per the powers vested in the President by the Constitution of Sri Lanka.In a statement, the Department of Prisons said that 165 prisoners have been given an amnesty of two months each for their sentences ranging from 1-years to a few months, as of 12th September 2022.The Amnesty also applies to 252 prisoners who are languishing in their cells unable to pay their fines.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans living in Zambia, via the Zambia Sri Lanka Friendship Association, recently donated 1,150 Rabies Vaccines to the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. The donation was coordinated by the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Zambia, while Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Türkiye says that Sri Lanka should be given time to fulfil its obligations to the United Nations Human Rights Council during these difficult times, considering the current social and economic challenges.The Türkiye delegate to the UNHRC told the 51st Session on Monday (12) that priority should be given to mobilizing international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Sri Lanka."We recently dispatched urgent medical aid and we are in the process of putting together another batch of aid to be comprised of food items," he said.Noting that Sri Lanka has started a series of significant reforms not only in the economic sector, but also in the areas of governance, the legal system, and social welfare, the delegate said that Türkiye hopes that these reforms will eventually pave the way to achieve stability in the economic, political and social systems in the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); China said that it firmly supports Sri Lanka in safeguarding national sovereignty and independence, maintaining social stability and realizing economic recovery in a statement to the 51st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday (12) in Geneva.Resolution 46/1 of the Human Rights Council is a product of politicization, said the Chinese delegate to the UNHRC adding that "It does not follow the principles of impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka will replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with a more comprehensive national security legislation in accordance with international best practices, said Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC on Monday (12) to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.The Foreign Minister said that the Government is extremely sensitive to the socio-economic hardships faced by our people, and has initiated immediate multi-pronged measures to ensure their wellbeing through the provision of supplies essential to the life of the community. "A staff level agreement has been reached with the International Monetary Fund, and discussions on debt restructuring are in progress. The Government is in dialogue with UN agencies as well as bilateral partners to protect the most vulnerable from the adverse impacts of the crisis.

COVID-19 patients who had received two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine reported 8 of the 10 most common long-COVID symptoms 50% to 80% less often than their unvaccinated counterparts, finds an ongoing Israeli study published in the Nature journal npj Vaccines.

COLOMBO (News 1st); UN Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al- Nashif has called on the UN Human Rights Council Member States and international financial institutions to ensure Sri Lanka has fiscal space to fulfil its core economic and social rights obligations.Delivering her statement in the UNHRC Comprehensive report and Interactive dialogue on Sri Lanka on Monday (12), the Acting High Commissioner it is essential the Government ensures an environment that respects and promotes free expression, peaceful assembly and inclusive democratic participation. She added that the Sri Lankan Government has a fresh opportunity to steer the country on the path towards justice and reconciliation and to address the legacy of conflict."Continued reports of surveillance and intimidation of civil society organisations, victim groups, human rights defenders, journalists and former LTTE cadres by police, military and intelligence services are of concern.

A new study pointed out immunity from COVID infection lasts for 10 months. In the last two-and-half years, we have witnessed several waves of COVID infections followed by a temporary lull.

COLOMBO (News 1st); India has called for full implementation of the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, delegation of powers to Provincial Councils and holding of Provincial Council elections at the earliest, said its representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council."India’s consistent view on peace and reconciliation in Sri Lanka has been for a political settlement within the framework of an united Sri Lanka, ensuring justice, peace, equality and dignity for the Tamils of Sri Lanka," said the representative.He added that the current crisis in Sri Lanka has demonstrated the limitations of debt driven economy and the impact it has on the standard of living. "It is in Sri Lanka’s best interests to build capacity of its citizens and work towards their empowerment, for which devolution of power to the grassroots level is a pre-requisite," the representative told the UNHRC on Monday (12). In this connection, operationalization of Provincial Councils through early conduct of elections will enable all citizens of Sri Lanka to achieve their aspirations for a prosperous future, he added.

COLOMBO – An estimated 6.3 million people in Sri Lanka are facing moderate to severe acute food insecurity and their situation is expected to worsen if adequate life-saving assistance and livelihood support is not provided, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) warned on Monday (12) in a new report.Two consecutive seasons of poor harvests led to a nearly 50 percent drop in production coupled with reduced imports of food grains due to foreign exchange constraints, according to the joint FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report.The report notes that immediate food assistance and livelihood programmes – including through existing social assistance mechanisms – are critical to enable households to access nutritious food – particularly moderately and severely acute food insecure ones.  Without assistance, the food security situation is expected to deteriorate further, particularly during the October 2022 to February 2023 lean season, driven by poor harvests of staple foods, in particular paddy rice, and the ongoing economic crisis.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The opening ceremony of the newly inaugurated Ayurveda Clinic at SLAF Hospital, Guwanpura conducted by Ayurvedic Physicians from Ayurveda Hospital Rajagiriya under the patronage of the commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana took place recently. The clinic commenced as per the concept by the commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana and under the guidance of Director Health Services, Air Vice Marshal LR Jayaweera with coordination of the Commanding Officer Sri Lanka Air Force Station Colombo, Air Commodore PSN Fernando, and Commanding Officer Sri Lanka Air Force Hospital Guwanpura, Group Captain PAV Padmaperuma. This is the first time in the SLAF history that commences the Ayurveda Clinic to promote indigenous medicine at Air Force hospital and will provide Ayurveda medicine for SLAF serving personnel, families as well as retired members. The Ayurveda Clinic is scheduled to be conducted every other Thursday of each month at the hospital premises in collaboration with Ayurveda Hospital at Rajagiriya.

COLOMBO (News 1st): A preliminary discussion was held on Monday (12) between the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka focusing on several areas where the ADB can provide support and bilateral cooperation to the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the current crisis, said the President's Media Division.The discussion was held at the President's Office in Colombo.The discussion was held with a group of representatives including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director General of the South Asian Department of the Asian Development Bank Kenichi Yokoyama.This discussion was attended by Chen Chen, Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, Utsav Kumar, Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, and Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Staff to the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Administrator for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Samantha Power, who was in Sri Lanka on a two-day official visit, left the country on Monday (12).According to the BIA, she left Sri Lanka at about 5:30 this morning onboard a Qatar Airways flight.On Saturday, the Administrator traveled to Ja-Ela, a town outside Colombo, and visited rice paddy fields where she sat down with farmers to hear about their experiences coping with fertilizer shortages, inflation, and decreased wages.The Administrator announced $40 million in new USAID development assistance, subject to Congressional approval, to provide fertilizer to approximately one million Sri Lankan farmers.On Sunday (11), Administrator Samantha Power announced an additional $20 million in humanitarian assistance to support Sri Lankans during the complex emergency that has resulted in a severe economic crisis leaving 5.7 million people in urgent need of food, agriculture, livelihood support, protection, and more. The two announcements made in Sri Lanka this weekend brings the total U.S. government assistance to Sri Lanka to nearly $240 million. On top of the USAID total contribution of $92 million, there is also $120 million from the U.S.

COLOMBO (News 1st): MP Premalal Jayasekara was sworn in as State Minister of Ports and Aviation on Monday (12), said the President's Media Division.On the 31st of March 2022, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Member of Parliament Premalal Jayasekara alias ‘Choka Malli’ and two others who were convicted and sentenced to death, were acquitted and released by the Court of Appeal.Appeals were filed by Premalal Jayasekera, Ex-Provincial Council Member Nilantha Jayasinghe and Ex-Kahawatte Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Vajira Darshan requesting that the death sentences imposed on them by the Ratnapura High Court be made null, and they be released and acquitted from all the indictments.On the 31st of July 2020, the trio was sentenced to death by the Ratnapura High Court on the indictments of shooting dead one person and injuring two others during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election in Kahawatte, Ratnapura.They were convicted of causing damage to an election propaganda campaign and shooting dead a person identified as Shantha Dodangoda.They file appeals challenging the death sentence noting that the verdict by the Ratnapura High Court was flawed.Premalal Jayasekera and the other two convicted men had filed petitions with the Court of Appeal citing that the manner in which the death sentence was imposed was in violation of the law, and they be acquitted and released.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that two more people were arrested for causing property damage on the 9th of May 2022. A 44-year-old man was arrested for an attack on the Horana Mayor's residence.Police said that a 37-year-old resident of the Doratiyava area was arrested for attacking and damaging the house of the Kurunegala Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman on the 9th of May.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police arrested eight people from Dematagoda for the possession of drugs and weapons.35 grams of heroin, 100 narcotic pills, and 5 swords were seized from the possession of the suspects aged between 19 and 44 years.The suspects were remanded to the 13th, and 20th of September by the Maligakanda Magistrate's Court.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Attorney-at-law Sagara Kariyawasam says that during the last two and a half years the Rajapaksa has NOT been accused of theft.He said that the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna is being organized under the leadership of Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.