NTAs drama explained as Ant and Dec cancel, top guests ‘nervous’ and Covid hits guestlist

DigiLocker can be used as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc New Delhi: DigiLocker, the authentic documents exchange platform under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has completed its second-level of integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the National Health Authority (NHA) said on Thursday. The secure cloud-based storage platform of DigiLocker can be used now as a health locker for storing and accessing health records such as vaccination records, doctor prescriptions, lab reports, hospital discharge summaries etc, stated NHA. DigiLocker had earlier completed level 1 integration with ABDM wherein the platform had added ABHA or Ayushman Bharat Health Account creation facility for its 13 crore users.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Motor Traffic says that the printing of driver's licenses will resume from next Monday (14).Commissioner General of the Department of Motor Traffic Nishantha Weerasinghe says that nearly 500,000 cards were imported to Sri Lanka on Tuesday (8).Due to the lack of cards, nearly 600,000 people were inconvenienced and driving licenses were issued on paper as a temporary measure.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court in its determination on the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill noted that subject to the amendments being moved at the Committee Stage of Parliament as proposed by the learned Deputy Solicitor General, the Bill as a whole is not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution.The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill was challenged in the Supreme Court in terms of Article 121(1) of the Constitution.The amendments are as follows:(i)Clause 3 The insertion of the following proviso in Section 10(1)— “Provided further, for the purposes of paragraph (vii), the requirement for the registration shall raise from the date on which this Amendment Act comes into operation.”(ii)Clause 4(1) The reference to “September 30, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “November 30, 2022”.(iii)Clause 4(2) The reference to “October 1, 2022” to be deleted and substituted with “December 1, 2022”.

A man left devastated by the deaths of three friends to suicide says an overhaul of mental health services is needed in Scotland to prevent future tragedies.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business has decided to appoint a special committee consisting of four members to further study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of three Standing Committees to be established. This was decided at the Committee on Parliamentary Business held recently.Accordingly, the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Committee on Economic Stabilization are expected to be established as new standing committees.Accordingly, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Members of Parliament (Dr.) Harsha de Silva, M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – World Bank Group President David Malpass has affirmed the World Bank Group’s support to Sri Lanka in rebuilding their economy & creating a foundation for sustainable private sector-led growth, said the President's Media Division.President Ranil Wickremesinghe met World Bank Group President David Malpass at COP27 where discussions focused on the challenging macro-economic and social situation in Sri Lanka.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe returned to the country on Thursday (10) concluding his visit to Egypt where he attended the COP-27 summit.President Ranil Wickremesinghe held discussions on debt management with the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva, Finance Minister of Ghana Ken Ofori-Atta and Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed on the sidelines of COP27.President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing the COP 27 Climate Change Conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt said that unbridled industrialization of the developed countries is the root cause of climate change, leaving the poor to suffer the consequences.

Covid-19: The death toll climbed to 5,30,514 with three new fatalities -- two in Maharashtra and one in Rajasthan --being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated. India logged 1,016 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of Covid-19 cases to 4,46,63,968, while the active cases dipped to 13,187, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,514 with three new fatalities -- two in Maharashtra and one in Rajasthan --being reported in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it continues to monitor the progress of the passengers of Sri Lankan origin who were rescued and bought to the Port of Vung Tau in Viet Nam on 08 November 2022.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Sri Lanka Navy that they had received information about a vessel carrying approximately 303 persons believed to be Sri Lankans which was in distress in the waters between the Philippines and Viet Nam on 07 November 2022.  Sri Lanka Navy having contacted the vessel, informed that the crew had abandoned the vessel with the passengers onboard. On the initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination with the Sri Lanka Navy and the Sri Lanka Missions in the Philippines, Singapore and Viet Nam together with the regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCC) based in Singapore, the rescue efforts were coordinated, said the Foreign Ministry.Subsequently, the Japanese-flagged vessel, “Helios Leader”, having been contacted by the Singapore MRCC, rescued the passengers from the distressed vessel. The passengers were handed over to Viet Nam authorities at Vung Tau Port in South Viet Nam.The screening of the passengers will be done by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in coordination with the Viet Nam authorities and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Viet Nam.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Department of Meteorology says that the low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours. Therefore, rainy conditions over most parts of the Island will expect to enhance. Cloudy skies can be expected in Northern, North-Central and Eastern provinces.Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Eastern, Uva, Northern and North-Central provinces and the Matale district.Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Heavy showers above 100 mm can be expected at some places in Northern, North-Central Eastern, Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.The Low-level atmospheric disturbance in the South-east of Sri Lanka has intensified into a low-pressure area. It is likely to develop further during the next 24 hours and very likely to move northwestwards towards the Northern coast of Sri Lanka.Naval and fishing communities are advised not to venture into the deep and shallow sea areas off the coast extending from Batticaloa to Mannar via Trincomalee and Kankasanturai.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Pottuvil to Mannar via Batticaloa, Trincomalee and Kankasanturai. Showers or thundershowers will occur in other sea areas around the island during the afternoon or night. Winds:Winds will be North-easterly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Minister of Public Security, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Sarath Weerasekara on Wednesday (9) criticized the decisions taken by the Gotabaya Rajapaksa government.Weerasekera was a minister under then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and he told Parliament that despite explaining to the former President the need to involve the people to overcome the economic crisis, those pleas fell on deaf ears."I questioned the cabinet if our foreign policy was neutral, why can't we purchase oil from Russia? I was told that it cannot be done cause of American pressure," said the MP from the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna.He said a failed foreign policy angered China, Russia, and even Japan and Gotabaya Rajapaksa had to flee the country because he did not implement Sri Lanka's foreign policy properly."He did not accept the advice on the economy. He worked against all economic principles.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (7) launched his country’s ‘Climate Prosperity Plan’ at the UN Climate Change Conference in Sharm el Sheikh (COP27), together with Bangladesh, Ghana, and Maldives who are also preparing such plans aimed at emboldening growth despite an increasingly climate insecure world.The Sri Lankan Climate Prosperity Plan (CPP) is a roadmap to attract foreign investment in Sri Lanka’s economy to boost economic growth and employment, while also accelerating climate adaptation and bringing down the country’s greenhouse gas emissions as it transitions towards net negative emissions.President Wickremesinghe spoke alongside Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Maldivian Vice President Faisel Naseem.Compared to a Business As Usual scenario, Sri Lanka’s Climate Prosperity Plan is expected to deliver an economic growth rate that is 1% per year higher, resulting in GDP that is 34% higher by 2050.The Sri Lankan plan sets a target of increasing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation from 35% to 70% by 2030. The transport, forestry, water and tourism sectors have similarly ambitious aims.

Fran Drescher has praised Disney for dropping Covid vaccine mandates on 12 shows - after previously calling for a review of the strict measures.The president of the SAG-AFTRA actors union, 65, posted a video on Wednesday captioned: 'Way to go Mickey! as she celebrated Disney's decision that shows including 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy - would no longer require cast and crew members to be vaccinated.In an impassioned video, the star - who is herself vaccinated - likened vaccine mandates to 'fascism' and lauded the entertainment company for becoming one of the first notable studios to lift the mandate. Joy: Fran Drescher has praised Disney for dropping Covid vaccine mandates on 12 shows - after previously calling for a review of the strict measuresShe said: 'To think that every human on the planet can take one vaccine is ludicrous.'And to make that one vaccine the criteria for who is allowed to work, travel, dine, go to theatre … is an infringement on the Disabilities Act, the Freedom of Religion Act, and body sovereignty.

The UK Government has dismissed a new online petition calling for a full review into the way the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) administers Personal Independence Payment (PIP), specifically the role independent assessors play in the application process. The petition has received nearly 15,000 signatures of support so far, passing the threshold of 10,000 which has resulted in an official response from the DWP.

I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! contestant Chris Moyles didn't waste a second before having a laugh at Matt Hancock 's expense on Wednesday's episode.

MIKE Tindall has been investigated over breaching I'm A Celeb's strict Covid rules by playfully tackling an assistant producer, it has been revealed. The former England Rugby ace, who is married to the late-Queen's granddaughter Zara Philips, could have broken ITV rules that dictate cast and crew members must remain at least two meters apart at all times.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police once again blocked a protest organized by the Aragalaya (struggle) activists.The police stopped a group of activists who arrived at Galleface Green to celebrate the 9th of November as the "Day of the Aragalaya" But despite police obstacles, the crowd lit lamps in remembrance of the struggle. However, when they were in the middle of a reglious event to remember those in the Aragalaya police officers were seen shoving the activists and moving them our of the pavement on Galle Face Green.Police suggested the activists move to the road located between Galle Face Green and the Galle Face Hotel, however the activists refused to do so and this led to a heated situation.Activists were protesting against the use of the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act, and demanded the immediate release of student activists Wasantha Mudalige and Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who were detained under the PTA and are being held for 90-days.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka detected its second case of Monkeypox on Wednesday (9), confirmed the country's Health Ministry.It is reported that the second person to have been tested for Monkeypox is a Sri Lankan who returned from Dubai recently.On the 4th of November 2022, Sri Lanka's health ministry reported the first case of monkey pox in the country.Sri Lanka detected its first case of Monkeypox on 4th November 2022,  after a 20-year-old man who returned to Sri Lanka from Dubai on the 1st of November tested positive.He had consulted a doctor for treatment due to suspicions that he may have contracted a social disease, and his samples were sent to the Medical Research Institute in Colombo where it was confirmed that he had Monkeypox.He is currently being treated at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Colombo.What is Monkeypox?Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus transmitted to humans from animals) with symptoms similar to those seen in the past in smallpox patients, although it is clinically less severe. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980 and subsequent cessation of smallpox vaccination, monkeypox has emerged as the most important orthopoxvirus for public health.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – British MPs will hold a debate on the UK response to the human rights and economic situation in Sri Lanka on Wednesday (9).Elliot Colburn, Sarah Olney, Sir Stephen Timms and Theresa Villiers have put forward this debate  The Backbench Business Committee meets weekly on Tuesdays to consider requests for debates from any backbench Members of Parliament on any subject. The Committee then has to decide how to allocate the limited Parliamentary time it has at its disposal.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department is investigating a human trafficking ring where Sri Lankan women who travel to Oman to work as domestic aides are auctioned and sold to work as escorts.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1said that a team of detectives led by two ASPs visited Oman to conduct the investigation.Multiple foreign employment agencies are sending young girls and women to Oman promising them employment as domestic aides, and most of them had used tourist visas to enter the middle-eastern country.Detectives uncovered that when the group reaches Oman, they are lined up according to their age and appearance and auctions and sold to engage in sexual activity."I was sexually abused inside a room. I am not afraid to reveal this to the CID and the Foreign Employment Bureau.

Ulrika Jonsson, 55, paid tribute to her daughter today as she turned 22 by sharing a sweet message on Instagram.The Gladiators star has previously opened up about Bo Jonsson’s heartbreaking health struggles. In view of her 204,000 followers, Ulrika shared a moving video montage including different pictures of Bo throughout her life to the tune of Harry Styles’ song As It Was.She captioned the sweet snaps: “My darling girl. 22 today!“How you got this far in life remains a mystery but is definitely a miracle of hope and medicine.“You’re determined; wilful; obstinate.

I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Olivia Attwood was apparently not forced to leave the ITV show for Covid reasons, despite previous reports claiming otherwise.The celeb shocked viewers when she left the Australian-based series within the first 24 hours of arriving. The Love Island star entered the jungle last Sunday alongside the likes of Boy George, and radio DJ Chris Moyles, and quickly made an impact on fans.During her brief time on the show, Olivia was tipped as a possible Queen of the jungle, but fans were soon left disappointed after ITV confirmed she had to exit the show on medical grounds.On Monday night, host Declan Donnelly said: "Unfortunately, Olivia Attwood has left the jungle for medical reasons and sadly won't be returning."Ant McPartlin added: "Now, she does feature in tonight's show, which was filmed before she had to leave.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung met with the Easter Province Governor Anuradha Yahampath on Tuesday (8).The Governor noted that the Ambassador during the discussion stressed the US will support Sri Lanka's debt restructuring program."The Ambassador said that the US will provide assistance and facilities for to secure a successful debt restructuring program, and IMF program. She said that we will have to make some tough decisions.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A special search operation carried out by the Navy in Duwa area, Negombo on 08th November 2022 made way for the seizure of over 2448kg of smuggled Kendu Leaves, 02 lorries, 01 dinghy and apprehension of 02 suspects.Sri Lanka Navy conducts regular operations to prevent a wide range of illegal activities stemming from the coastal areas of the island. In a similar effort, SLNS Parakrama in the Western Naval Command searched 02 lorries parked in Duwa area, during a special search operation conducted on 08th November, upon receipt of information to the Naval Intelligence.Following inspection of the vehicles, led to the recovery of about 1580kg and 940g of Kendu Leaves in 48 packages loaded in the lorries with the intention of distribution.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – In an unusual rescue operation in the South China Sea on Monday (7) , a migrant vessel attempting to make a transpacific voyage was rescued off the coast of Vietnam.More details about this dramatic rescue have surfaced following revelations made by the Vietnamese media.Migrant vessels are frequently rescued off Cuba, Haiti, Libya and Turkey, but these are generally small, improvised craft on regional journeys. The Myanmar-flagged trawler Lady R3, saved by a good samaritan ship off the coast of Vietnam yesterday, was none of these things. This substantial steel-hulled fishing vessel was attempting to make it all the way from Myanmar to Canada – another 6,000 nm away on a Great Circle route  – in order to deliver more than 300 Sri Lankan nationals to a new country. Vietnamese authorities in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, in coordination with representatives from the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, have welcomed more than 300 Sri Lankans who were saved by a Japanese freighter, after their boat faced a serious incident in the waters off the Vietnamese town.No injuries were reported, and Helios Leader transited to Vung Tau's sea buoy in order to meet up with the Vietnamese Coast Guard and transfer the survivors.At 8:30 p.m.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The computer system of the Department of Immigration and Emigration at the Katunayake International Aiport has failed.A Senior Official at the Immigration and Emigration Department told News 1st that it has not affected the clearance of passports as the BIA. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A coordinated operation carried out by the Sri Lanka Navy and Sri Lanka Coast Guard in the sea area southeast of the Delft Island, Jaffna in the wee hours of 09th November 2022, led to the seizure of Kerala cannabis weighing over 458kg (wet weight) from a dinghy. Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard regularly conduct search operations and patrols in the island’s waters to ward off illegal activities taking place via sea routes.As an extension of these efforts, the Coast Guard Craft CG 402 attached to the Northern Naval Command, searched a suspicious dinghy in the sea area southeast of Delft Island on 09th November. The search led to the seizure of about 458kg and 900g (wet weight) of Kerala cannabis in 18 packages and the apprehension of 02 suspects and the dinghy used for the act of smuggling.The gross street value of seized Kerala cannabis held in this operation is believed to be more than Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered an ancient hidden tunnel beneath a temple that they hope leads to the long-lost tomb of Queen Cleopatra.The massive tunnel was discovered by an Egyptian-Dominican archaeological research team from the University of Santo Domingo in the area of the Temple of Tapozeris Magna, just west of Alexandria, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced last week.Located about 40 feet below ground, the tunnel is about 6.5 feet high from ceiling to floor and runs for nearly a mile long at 4,281 feet, according to Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Archaeology.A preliminary study of the tunnel suggests that it’s similar in construction to the Jubilinos tunnel in Greece, but longer.Previous excavations at the temple site led to the discovery of coins bearing the names of both Queen Cleopatra and Alexander the Great as well as statues of the Egyptian goddess Isis, according to the ministry’s post.Some believe that the tunnel could lead to the undiscovered tomb of Cleopatra, who lived between 69 B.C.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A delegation headed by the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom, Rear Admiral Rhett Hatcher called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (8).The cordial discussion among them mainly focused on several matters about hydrography. The occasion was also attended by the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy and Joint Chief Hydrographer to the Government of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma and Defence Advisor at the British High Commission in Colombo, Colonel Paul Clayton.The cordial discussion drew to a close with an exchange of mementoes between the Commander of the Navy and the National Hydrographer of the United Kingdom.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is continuing to make losses, revealed the coutry's State Minister of Power and Energy in Parliament on Wednesday (9).     Minister of State for Power and Energy D.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Western Province Education Department said that the Principal of the Millaniya Primary School in Horana who was remanded for torturing a group of Grade 5 students will be suspended.Director of the Western Province Education Department Srilal Nonis said a separate investigation is underway over the incident, and the inquiry will be led by an official from the Ministry of Education of the Central Government.Chairman of the National Child Protection Authority Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe said that the police jeep in the custody of the NCPA will be presented to the Government Analyst for tests and a report will be obtained.This is confirm the claims made by the students that they were given electric shocks inside the police jeep by police officers.Two Police officers and a school principal were remanded to the 16th of November for torturing grade five students at the Millaniya Primary School in Horana.The body has been accused of stealing money from teachers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Staff of the President Sagala Ratnayake met with Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka on Tuesday (8).He recalled that Faris Hadad-Zervos, the World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka was amazed by the action policy and the vision of President Ranil Wickremesinghe which was revealed during their meeting recently.The WB Country Director also expressed his willingness to support the President’s vision. “The president’s vision for the country includes some measures that go beyond what the IMF or WB has stipulated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Education says that a program has been implemented to provide breakfast to over 1 Million school children.The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education Mahinda Yapa said that the program will be implemented with the help of donors.He said that the program is currently underway in the Colombo district.The Additional Secretary also said that 26% of the school children are currently being given breakfast.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The construction work of the West Container terminal of the Colombo port began on Wednesday (9). The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping K.D Ruwanchandra said that the construction work was launched in the presence of the Indian Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley and the Minister of Ports and Shipping Nimal Siripala De Silva. India’s Adani Group signed a build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement with its local partner John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) on 30 September 2021, to develop the West Container Terminal (WCT) in Colombo.The signing event for the $700 million was held virtually, and 51% of shares of WCT will be vested with Adani Group.Colombo Port is particularly significant for India, as it handles roughly 40 percent of transshipped container cargo bound for the Indian market.Operations of the West Container Terminal will be carried out by a new joint company named the West Container International Terminal.51% of WCT will be with Adani Group, 34% with John Keells and 15% with Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The head of Ayrshire’s ailing health service claims she will work “like a dog with a bone” to turn its fortunes around.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Immigration and Emigration says that the issuance of passports recommenced on Wednesday (9) as usual.The Department said that the breakdown in the institution's computer system was rectified last night (8).Passports were not issued yesterday (8) due to the relevant error.

(More details are being added.)    

States have been asked to continue monitoring incoming international travelers, undertake constant genome sequencing and step-up vaccination. NEW DELHI: India reported 811 fresh covid infections in the past 24 hours, while active cases slipped to 13,559, the health ministry said in an update on Wednesday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations (UN) team in Sri Lanka and non-governmental organisations have today revised and extended their joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, which aims to provide life-saving assistance to 3.4 million people amid Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis since independence.Since June, the HNP has been responding to the Government's request for UN-backed multi-sector support for Sri Lanka's debt and food and medicine shortages. Governments and donor agencies have helped the humanitarian community reach over 1 million of the country's most vulnerable people with cash, food, school meals, medicine, protection, and livelihood support. The HNP aligned with appeals from other UN agencies has raised US $79 million for Sri Lanka thanks to landmark support from the U.S and USAID, Australia, and Japan including JICA, the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF), as well as Canada, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Italy, EU, Switzerland, France, and with additional support from the UK, Germany, Thailand, Sweden, Georgia, Latter Day Saint Charities and private individuals and organizations including Brandix Apparels Ltd, Hemas Holdings PLC, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC, Daraz (Alibaba Group), Amana Bank PLC and the Citi Foundation. The HNP's revision extends the plan through 2022 and requires US $70 million in additional funds to reach a total of US $149.7 million."We are immensely appreciative of the solidarity the international community has shown with the people of Sri Lanka, including through their generous contributions to the HNP.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved 2-hour power cuts from 9th – 13th November as follows;Group ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during the day 1-hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs revealed that around 7 million Sri Lankans require assistance following the economic crisis.It went on to note that  Sri Lanka continues to face a multidimensional crisis compounded by food insecurity, threatened livelihoods, shortages of vital medicines, as well as rising protection concerns. The economic crisis is the worst since Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948 and is having humanitarian consequences for the most vulnerable people in the country. A 40 per cent reduction in agricultural outputs in the 2021/2022 Maha and a 5per cent reduction during the 2022 Yala seasons have further exacerbated the situation.

₹1,854.5 crore, lower than consensus estimates. This is the first decline in Divi’s revenue in the last 20 quarters, said analysts from Nuvama. Operating deleverage coupled with high energy costs meant that the Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) margin fell fast.

Crocodile Dundee icon Paul Hogan has opened up about his debilitating health issues. In an interview for Australia's A Current Affair, the 83-year-old actor revealed that he has been diagnosed with retroperitoneal fibrosis, a rare inflammatory disorder, and a benign tumour that has wrapped around his abdominal aorta. Hogan, who lives in Los Angeles with his 24-year-old son Chance, also recently had a pacemaker implanted and claims he is now too weak to open a jar.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Maldives Speaker of Parliament Mohamed Nasheed attending the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or COP 27 as a member of the Sri Lanka delegation sparked a regional controversy.Sri Lanka's opposition lawmakers questioned the basis of the Former Maldives President accompanying the Sri Lankan delegation, and who is bearing the cost for his travels.Former Attorney General Dr. Mohamed Munavvar has criticized former President and Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed for attending the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 27) as a member of the Sri Lankan national delegation.Nasheed is also a climate advisor to the country’s President, Ranil Wickremesinghe.In a tweet Dr Munavvar posted, he questioned Speaker Nasheed’s loyalty to Maldives while he is a statesman paid by the taxpayers money.The former AG’s remarks against Speaker Nasheed comes while some local media reports have stated that the Speaker was not invited to take part in the Maldivian delegation to COP27 after which the former President and Speaker of Parliament decided to attend the COP27 with the Sri Lankan delegation.

NHS Lanarkshire has been recognised for its commitment to a greener future with an award.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two Police officers and a school principal were remanded to the 16th of November for torturing grade five students at the Millaniya Primary School in Horana.The body has been accused of stealing money from teachers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe proposed to establish an International Climate Change University in Sri Lanka with an ancillary institute in the Maldives to counter obstacles in implementing climate action plans.He was speaking at the COP-27 Conference in Egypt on Tuesday (8), and noted that the institution would be the first of its kind in the world."This seat of learning can be a global centre for green and blue studies, for scientists, environmentalists, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and students the world over to inter-change knowledge, transcending national and disciplinary boundaries," said the President.He went on to note that the envisaged climate change university will offer both short-term courses, and post-graduate academic awards to build capabilities on mitigating and adapting to climate change and stressed on the collaboration of multilateral institutions and organizations such as the Commonwealth, World Bank and the Asian Development Bank amongst others needs to be sought for the establishment of the institute of higher learning making it a multi-stakeholder partnership transcending national boundaries. "It is my hope that Sri Lanka's proposal will receive extensive support and endorsement from the international community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The system failure at the Immigration and Emigration Department has been restored.Passport services will re-commence as usual from Wednesday (9), said Immigration and Emigration spokesperson Piyumi Bandara. The Department of Immigration and Emigration earlier announced that there is a delay in issuing passports on Tuesday (8) due to a system issue.Immigration and Emigration spokesperson Piyumi Bandara told News 1st that the department has suspended accepting applications for passports, adding that the system is being restored.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Vietnamese rescue ship had docked alongside a Japanese ship to bring more than 300 Sri Lankans in distress ashore on Tuesday (8).According to reports from Vietnam, the Vietnamese Coast Guard vessel SAR 413 of the Center for Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Area 3 approached the fishing boat LADY R3311.According to a border guard commander of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, at 6 pm on November 6th, when the fishing boat arrived in the Truong Sa archipelago, it broke water and drifted into the sea, the ship sent a distress signal.On November 7th, the Japanese cargo ship Helios Leader en-route from Japan to Singapore approached the distressed vessel and brought all 305 Sri Lankan citizens and sailors on board and proceeded to Vung Tau where it was met by the Vietnamese Coast Guard.The Vietnamese functional forces boarded the Herios Leader Vessel, a vehicle carrier, anchored off the coast of Vung Tau to receive the more than 300 Sri Lankans.It is reported that the Sri Lankans were saved by the crew aboard the Herios Leader Vessel.Accompanying the delegation on board the ship SAR 413 were representatives of the Sri Lankan Embassy in Vietnam.