Opposition Parties sign MoU against delaying LG polls

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The government is collaborating with the Californian university system to obtain assistance to modernize agriculture in Sri Lanka and to set up a new agro-technology university, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He was addressing the 70th anniversary of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission Program in Colombo on Wednesday (16).He said that the government discussed with a group of Singaporean investors on Tuesday (15) the supply of food for island nations and Middle East countries which lack their food resources. He said that this was only the start and he issued instructions to find the land for it and modernize agriculture. He said that Fulbright alumni such as Prof Pradeepa Bandaranaike are vital assets in modernizing agriculture. He added that the new agro-technology university will be combined with the Tea Research Institute (TRI), among others, to work with some of the American institutions on how to upgrade research in Sri Lanka.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also said that the government is focusing on improving English language education within the next ten years.

 COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan mission in Oman has made it clear that if people are entering the Sultanate of Oman for employment, they must enter through the proper channels.The announcement came following multiple News 1st revelations about Sri Lankan women being trafficked to Oman using visit visa, and sold for sex.Earlier this week, News 1st revealed that 12 Sri Lankan women who were taken against their will to Oman after flying to Abu Dhabi on a visit visa, remain unaccounted for, and an extensive investigation is underway locally and overseas.An investigation by Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department revealed that traffickers were taking away Sri Lankan women to Oman on visit vias, and they auctioned them to the highest bidder for sex.Following News 1st revelations, reports have emerged of several other women who remain missing after being taken to Oman. Some reports claim these women have been detained against their will.Fathima Hameedia is one Sri Lankan woman who remains unaccounted for in Oman.A 22-year-old mother of one, Fathima Hameedia is a resident of Palakkadu, Batticaloa and she left for Oman on the 6th of March on a visit visa.She had travelled overseas via a Foreign Employment Agency, however, several days after leaving the country she went missing."It's been nine months since my daughter went missing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Student leaders detained under the PTA were remanded on Thursday (17) evening just hours away from when the 90-day detention order on them was to come to an end.This come following a strongly worded letter sent to the President by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, and massive public outcry.The Convener of the Inter Univesity Student's Federation Wasantha Mudalige, and Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who are detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for 90-days, were remanded by the court.Colombo Additional Magistrate N. L.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Bar Association of Sri Lanka says that the enactment of the 21st Amendment must not be used as an excuse or mechanism to discontinue Chairpersons and members of Commissions whose services helped establish public faith in such Institutions. The Bar Association went on to note that the 21st Amendment to the Constitution regrettably does not completely restore the status quo ante which prevailed prior to the 20th Amendment to the Constitution and does not place adequate checks and balances on the powers of the Executive President. It noted that the 20th Amendment to the Constitution rolled back the checks and balances which were introduced by the 19th Amendment on the exercise of executive power.The Bar Association of Sri Lanka calls upon the President, Prime Minister, Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and all political parties represented in Parliament, to firstly ensure the integrity of nominations to the Constitutional Council and to ensure that such nominations are devoid of partisanship and in a manner that will inspire public confidence.The BASL noted that for this purpose, it is important to ensure that the non-ex-officio members of the Constitutional Council appointed from among Members of Parliament and from among non-Members of Parliament be done in a transparent and open manner and to also ensure that those appointed will be acceptable to the members of the public and be persons of the highest integrity and reputation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Committee on Parliamentary Business will convene today (27) under the leadership of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.The meeting is scheduled to commence at 11.30 AM at the Parliament.Discussions will focus on the future proceedings of Parliament. Reportedly, the Budget presentation and the Budget debate will also be taken up for discussion during the meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The General Secretary of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam emphasized that dual citizens should be allowed to enter the Parliament. Speaking at a press conference held at the party headquarters, Kariyawasam stressed this point taking into example the newly appointed British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.Pointing out that the concept of a global village is now prevalent in the world, the SLPP General Secretary said that instead, some parties are attempting to drag the country back into tribalism.He said that England, as a country where Protestant Christianity is used as the official religion, a Hindu of Indian origin was appointed as the Prime Minister, which speaks for the UK's acceptance towards those of a different origin, in contrast to that of Sri Lanka. "The question of whether we, as a country are moving towards tribalism, I think was best answered for those who brought amendments such as the 22nd Amendemnt, by England last week," he said.However, the question remains, wheter the example taken by Kariyawasam is comparable to the situation in Sri Lanka? The current British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was born on the 12th of May 1980 at the Southampton Hospital in Britain . Which means he was a British citizen by Birth.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – While the SLPP General Secretary says that dual citizens should be allowed to make decisions on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, the United National Party took a different stance.The Vice President of the UNP, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam said that he opposed dual citizens taking seats in the Parliament, and Sri Lanka should only be ruled by Sri Lankans who care and think about the country.Otherwise, he pointed out, any dual citizen has the right to go to a different country in the future and act in the way that they desire without facing repercussions of their actions. Meanwhile, SJB MP S.M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka issued a clarification regarding the implementation of the Social Security Contribution Tax on electricity bills. As per the Social Security Tax Act, electricity supply by Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to Social Security Contribution Tax.Accordingly, the Ceylon Electricity Board will charge the said tax from the 1st of October, 2022 on the purchase of electricity by the parties including consumers who receive electricity from the Ceylon Electricity Board. "As the electricity tariffs were revised recently, we suggested the Ministry of Finance exempt electricity consumption from this tax. The Ministry of Finance has informed us that according to the relevant Act, the electricity supply of the Ceylon Electricity Board is subject to this tax.

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed thousands of Sri Lankan lives, and News 1st revealed questionable transactions that took place during the height of the pandemic.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire on Monday, 31st of October 2022.The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health repeatedly requested the people of Sri Lanka to obtain the vaccine doses before delay.Pfizer Inc expects to roughly quadruple the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to about $110 to $130 per dose after the United States government's current purchase program expires.Approximately 7 Million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are to expire, and if it does the value of those vaccines as per the current market rate would be astronomical.While vaccine stocks are about to expire leading to another colossal waste, Sri Lanka also lost a large sum of money when it delayed placing orders for the vaccine.In February 2020, Sri Lanka recorded its first even COVID-19 infection and it didn't take long for the coronavirus to spread across the country.What did Sri Lanka do when other countries devoted their resources to developing a vaccine?Sri Lankan MPs and Minister dropped pots into rivers, and the so-called miracle tonic Dhammika Paniya was promoted widely – while there was absolutely no interest in procuring the vaccines.Experts in the field of medicine repeatedly called for the government to procure vaccines, however as Sri Lankan authorities opted to myth over science, the procurement of much-needed vaccines was delayed.On the 30th of December 2020, the UK granted approval for the emergency use of the AstraZeneca vaccine prompting many other countries to place immediate orders for the vaccines.As it was also produced by the

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Samagi Jana Balawegaya achieved a major victory at the Kolonna Cooperative Office Election in the Ratnapura District, which was held on Friday (21).The Samagi Jana Balawegaya won 115 out of 119 candidates, which is a 5/6 majority, which comes 35 years after the party last held the power at the cooperative election in the Kolonna Constituency, which is known as a stronghold of Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the SLPP.The SJB has won the vast majority of cooperative elections nationwide, which is more than 98%. 

The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was passed in Parliament with amendments by majority vote.It will be added to the constitution of Sri Lanka as the 21st Amendment.   174 votes were cast in favor of the amendment during the third reading in Parliament, while no one voted against it.However, during the second reading of the amendment 179 votes were cast in favor, and Dr.

Hong Kong is unlikely to make any major changes to Covid restrictions for inbound travelers before a banking summit next month, but is considering concessions including allowing attendees to leave the city via private jet should they test positive for the virus. The health bureau is in discussions with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to finalize details for the two-day summit set for early November, including what to do if a participant is infected, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because they’re not authorized to speak publicly.

China's capital, Beijing, has dialled up measures to stop Covid, strengthening public checks and locking down some residential compounds after a quadrupling of its case load in recent weeks, just as a key Communist Party congress entered full swing.

She first won the hearts of the nation while appearing on Love Island back in 2020, but in the two years since leaving the villa, Shaughna Phillips has quickly become a household name with her impeccable sense of style and cheeky personality. Whether it’s been turning her hand to entrepreneurial pursuits and launching her own business, or even teaming up with OK! as our resident Love Island columnist, Shaughna has continued to go from strength to strength as she pursues new and exciting projects to dominate her life.

Cameramen film the scene as Charles Manson is brought into the Los Angeles city jail under suspicion of having masterminded the Tate-LaBianca murders of August 1969. LOS ANGELES - Before Charles Manson became infamous as a disturbed cult leader who dispatched young followers on a killing rampage, his life in Los Angeles and failed musical aspirations led him to encounter many well-known celebrities. Manson was a petty criminal who had been in and out of jail since childhood.

Among a group of vaccinated college athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 and underwent rapid antigen testing 7 days later, 27% were still positive—a proportion that climbed to 35% in symptomatic athletes and 40% in those infected with the Omicron BA.2 subvariant.The findings, published yesterday in JAMA Network Open, suggest that

Covid-19 cases in the second week of October. The Department's Surveillance Officer Dr Pradeep Awate had earlier said that the state has reported the XBB variant, which is a new variant having a "growth advantage" over BA.2.75 and immune evasive property. The city civic body asked citizens to get vaccinated against the viral infection, if not done so till now and also get booster dose, and wear face masks in crowded places and follow other COVID-19 protocols.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority has initiated an investigation into the alleged incident where Police had treated a child in an inhumane manner during a protest held at Galle Face on 9th of October.Its Chairman, Udaya Kumara Amarasena mentioned that several parties have filed complaints against the Police and the parents of the child in question.Accordingly, he stated that the complaints received against the Police were forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for further investigation.The Chairman stated that he has also sought further clarification from the Fort Police regarding the actions of the officers present at the time of the incident.

Outrage over Netflix‘s fictional series The Crown reportedly has the streaming giant a bit “rattled,” to the point where they’re planning to postpone an upcoming documentary about defected British Royal Family members Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Eight people, including a monk, who were arrested during the protest organized by the Inter-University Student's Federation on Tuesday (18) will be produced to the Mahara Magistrate's Court on Wednesday (19).Sri Lanka Police said that the eight people were arrested for obstructing the movement of the public and vehicles, party to an illegal assembly, unlawful assembly, and disregarding the instructions of public officials.Sri Lanka Police and the Inter-University Student's Federation were engaged in a stand-off on Tuesday (18).The stand-off took place when the police decided to block the Colombo – Kandy main road to prevent a protest march from proceeding from the University of Kelaniya citing that 6-hour prior approval was not obtained.Inter-University Student's Federation launched their protest march against suppression on a rainy Tuesday (18) afternoon.They demanded the release of the two student activists who are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.They also emphasized stopping the repression immediately.

New research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that various state restrictions and lockdowns imposed during the first 6 months of the pandemic were not related to worsening mental health. The study is published in Health Psychology.The research was based on data collected from a survey of

MOSCOW - Basketball star Brittney Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in a Russian prison on drug possession charges, is growing increasingly nervous about the prospects of being released, her lawyer said.Griner was in Russia to compete during the WNBA offseason when Russian authorities said she had vape canisters with cannabis oil inside her luggage while traveling through an airport in Moscow in February.The Biden administration reportedly talked about a potential prisoner swap to free her and another American held in a Russian jail, Paul Whelan. But Griner's lawyer, Alexandr D.

Previous non-Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection was tied to a 44% lower risk of Omicron reinfection and 81% lower odds of related hospitalization, which was further improved by one, two, or three mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses (86%, 94%, and 97%, respectively), according to a study published late last week in JAMA Network Open.Canadian researchers conducted a test-negative case-control study of

Kerala government has intensified the preventive measures to control the entry or spread of new variants of the virus. Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated on Monday that two new variants of Covid-19 - XBB and XBB1 - are more contagious than the previous ones.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 13: General view during Toys"R"Us Grand Opening at Macy's Herald Square on October 13, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Macy's, Inc.) Toys R Us has found second life as new in-store locations have opened in select Macy’s department stores across the country and celebrating with nine days of free events. The toy store giant filed for bankruptcy in 2017 and closed all locations in 2018 as the brick-and-mortar locations suffered declining sales.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna says that they are ready for an election at anytime.A public meeting in the series of public rallies of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, titled – 'Let's stand together' – was held in Nawalapitiya on Sunday (16).The public meeting was held under the chairmanship of SLPP Leader and the former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.Speaking at the event, former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakse admitted that although they may have made mistakes, there have been people in history who have made mistakes before. "When something goes wrong, we have a chance to fix it. We don't need to be ashamed," he said. He alleged that while many know the truth of what happened, many still act as if they do not know, and stick by their lies for the shame of not being able to take back their accusations.Acknowledging the protest which took place at the same location today, the former Prime Minister said that it is unclear what they demand, and he has no idea as to what they expect."We know there is a section of this country against us.

Covid infections in the UK have jumped 31 per cent in 10 days, according to the latest data, with most of the country now seeing a steady increase in virus levels. Experts are warning that the rise is particularly notable among the elderly population.

Vancouver has a new mayor, after voters sent a clear message, overwhelmingly choosing ABC’s Ken Sim over incumbent Mayor Kennedy Stewart, Global News projects.Sim looks set to have a free hand implementing policy as well, appearing set to bring his entire slate to council, the Vancouver Park Board and the Vancouver School Board.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that all should join together to solve the people’s food issues, casting traditional party politics aside.The President made this observation addressing the public officers at an awareness program on the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition at Hardy Advanced Technological Institute Auditorium in Ampara this morning (15).The President further noted that no one would be allowed to starve despite the fact that the country is going through a very difficult time and pointed out the importance of successfully implementing the national food production program to prepare for a possible global food crisis in 2023.The president also said that the agriculture modernization program would be implemented from next year concurrent to the food security program.The implementation of the multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centers to ensure food security and nutrition in transforming the Ampara District also into a prosperous one with a blooming community was also discussed at length.The Ampara district contributes 22 percent to the national paddy harvest and discussions were also focused on making the paddy cultivation in the Yala and Maha seasons a success.It was also special feature that the President paid special attention to the issues faced by the government officials during the field work. The president was made aware of issues related to the agriculture and fisheries industry in the Ampara district and he directed the officials to address those issues.

Ohio are pleading for help in the state's Senate contest, afraid they may lose a winnable election unless national party leaders make major investments in the coming days.So far, the most powerful groups in Democratic politics have prioritized Senate pickup opportunities in North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania over Ohio, once a perennial swing state that veered right in the Trump era. But on the eve of the 2022 midterms, some public polls suggest Ohio is as competitive as the other swing states, leaving many Democrats here wondering why their party isn't backing Senate contender Tim Ryan more forcefully."Ohio’s just not a priority anymore.

HARRISBURG - Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Democratic nominee for governor, has smashed the state’s 2-decade-old campaign spending record as he competes against Republican Doug Mastriano, who was on track to spend less than a tenth as much.The race between Shapiro and Mastriano may test how powerful that campaign spending is in one of the nation’s highest-profile races for governor. One candidate has spent more money than any other gubernatorial nominee ever in Pennsylvania, and the other has spent less than any other in at least the past two decades.The money raised by Shapiro has enabled him to run TV ads every day dating to April, helping him lead in polling since the race began.

FILE - Boxes of Eggo Waffles sit for sale at the Metropolitan Citymarket on Feb. 19, 2014, in the East Village neighborhood of New York City.

A study of 30 million people in the United Kingdom finds that 0.4% of people who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccine series had severe breakthrough infections, compared with 0.2% of booster recipients, during Omicron variant predominance.The study, published today in The Lancet, also shows that older adults

Dennis Kim of Pruitt's Seafood sorts Alaska Snow Crabs (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) Alaska officials have canceled the fall Bristol Bay red king crab harvest, and for the first time, have also scrapped the winter harvest of smaller snow crab.The move is a double whammy to a fleet from Alaska, Washington and Oregon chasing Bering Sea crab in harvests that in 2016 grossed $280 million, The Seattle Times reported. According to CBS News, an estimated 1 billion crabs have disappeared, a 90% drop in population.The closures reflect conservation concerns about both crab species following bleak summer populations surveys.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka has decided to waive demurrage fees of over 900 freight containers detained at the Colombo Port by Sri Lanka Customs for various reasons.During a recent meeting with Sri Lanka Customs State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya noted that over a million kilograms of rice is being held in 79 containers at the Colombo Port, and were not released due to demurrage not being settled.It was decided to release 950 freight containers that are being detained by Sri Lanka Customs, as it has created massive congestion at the Colombo Port. A cabinet paper with regard to waiving the penalties will be produced to the Cabinet soon, said minister Nimal Siripala during the same meeting.

Nearly three of four US high school students report one or more adverse experiences contributing to poor mental health and suicidal behaviors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey published today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers an

PHILADELPHIA - A third person has been arrested and charged in connection with chaos that erupted at an unsanctioned car rally in Wildwood. Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland and Wildwood Police Department Chief Robert Regalbuto announced the arrest of 18-year-old Zion Diaz of Hammonton, New Jersey, on Wednesday. Officials say on Wednesday morning, detectives executed a search warrant at Diaz' residence and arrested him without incident. According to the Prosecutor's Office, he was charged with 4th-degree riot and released on a summons. Sutherland says Diaz was identified as a person who instructed others at the unsanctioned rally to block intersections, do burnouts and block police cars from responding to emergency calls when chaos erupted in the streets of Wildwood on September 24. After the chaos, there were several reports of car crashes, injuries and damaged storefronts. One crash turned deadly, claiming the lives of 18-year-old Linday Weakland and 34-year-old Timothy Ogden, according to officials. Chaos erupted in Wildwood Crest Saturday night as an unsanctioned car rally took over the streets and, ultimately, killed two people.Police say Gerald J.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Education Secretary of the Frontline Socialist Party, Pubudu Jagoda states that it is not fair to put the tax burden on the people, citing that the Inland Revenue Division, which had stated that Rs. 800 billion of taxed remain unpaid from large companies.He further pointed out that scams such as the sugar scam have taken place, yet no action has been taken with regard to it, and the taxes have not been reimbursed from the companies which were involved.Moreover, Jagoda said that the same fate has befallen the coconut oil scam and the garlic scam.

Stock image of police lights. (FOX TV Stations)BURLINGTON, N.C. - A severed finger left behind at the scene of an attempted home invasion last week in North Carolina led investigators to a suspect in the case, police said.Burlington officers responded to a report of an attempted home invasion Thursday morning after a resident who had started a vehicle in the driveway encountered an armed man who tried to force his way into the house, police said in a news release.Police said the two struggled and the man's gun went off, grazing the resident's chest, before the resident was able to shut the door on his hand.

COVID-19 vaccination may protect pregnant women and their fetuses against virus-related placentitis (inflammation of the placenta) and stillbirth, concludes a review study published today in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. The research will also be presented next week at ID Week in Washington, DC.The study, led by a Perinatal Pathology Consulting researcher in Atl

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The movement to protect the rights of pensioners filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka.The movement to protect the rights of the pensioners claims in its complaint that the government had suspended the gratuity payment for pensioners for more than a year.They say delayed payments have posed economic and social risks to pensioners at large.

UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 24: Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Lt.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand - New Zealand's government on Tuesday proposed taxing the greenhouse gasses that farm animals make from burping and peeing as part of a plan to tackle climate change.The government said the farm levy would be a world first, and that farmers should be able to recoup the cost by charging more for climate-friendly products.But farmers quickly condemned the plan. Federated Farmers, the industry's main lobby group, said the plan would "rip the guts out of small-town New Zealand" and see farms replaced with trees.Federated Farmers President Andrew Hoggard said farmers had been trying to work with the government for more than two years on an emissions reduction plan that wouldn't decrease food production.FILE - A photo taken on August 10, 2022, shows cows being milked on a dairy farm near Cambridge in New Zealand's Waikato region.

WASHINGTON (AP) - All but lost in the shadow of major contests for U.S. Senate and governor, voters in some battleground states will be deciding ballot proposals this November that could reshape the way they vote in the next presidential election.In Arizona, scene of the closest presidential contest in 2020, the question is whether to require more identification to vote in the future.

A new global estimate of people who experienced long-COVID symptoms after having symptomatic COVID infection suggests that 6.2% reported one of three long-term symptom clusters, an international research group reported yesterday in JAMA.The experts, called the Global Burden of Disease Long

Now that King Charles III has taken the role of monarch following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, he will be crowned on May 6, 2023, in a ceremony at Westminster Abbey, according to the Buckingham Palace.

King Charles III will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6 in a ceremony that will embrace the past but look to the modern world after the 70-year reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II.Tuesday’s announcement from Buckingham Palace comes amid speculation that the coronation will be shorter and less extravagant than the three-hour ceremony that installed Elizabeth in 1953, in keeping with Charles’ plans for a slimmed down monarchy. While the palace provided few details, British media reported that the guest list would be pared to 2,000 from 8,000.Charles will be crowned in a solemn religious ceremony conducted by Justin Welby, the archbishop of Canterbury, the palace said in a statement.

Suspects sought in armed robbery near Temple campus. PHILADELPHIA - Police are asking for the public's help to identify three suspects after an armed robbery unfolded near Temple University last weekend.The male suspects reportedly stole wallets and phones from a group of people just three blocks from campus on October 1.