Over 60% of Sri Lankan families skipping meals

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police and the Criminal Investigations Department recorded statements from 23 people in connection with the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.A homicide investigations is underway involving the CID, Colombo Crimes Division and two other police teams.The incident sent shockwaves across Colombo when Dinesh Schaffter was found tied up and strangled inside his car at the Public Cemetery in Borella on Thursday (15) evening. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Colombo National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.Questions are being raised regarding the motive for the murder: Was it premeditated? Was this an attempted intimidation tactic gone wrong? Reasons for suspicion arise when taking into account the fact that Dinesh Schaffter was still alive when he was found at the Public Cemetery in Borella.The Sri Lanka Police are investigating the homicide on multiple leads and angles.

North Lanarkshire Council is urging locals to walk away the winter blues with a number of health walks.

 

Furious Edinburgh residents have held a protest outside the city's council buildings after being left in 'squalor' for the last five years. Natasha and Rory Blake held the demonstration outside the West Pilton base on Friday to demand that bosses start treating the extensive damp and mould in their Muirhouse property.

This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making New Delhi: The National Health Authority (NHA) on Saturday said that over 4 crore digital health records of individuals have been linked to the Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) accounts under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the backbone of India’s digital health system. With their health records linked to their Ayushman Bharat Digital accounts digitally, citizens will be able to access and manage these records as per convenience. This enables citizens to create a comprehensive medical history across various healthcare providers thereby improving clinical decision-making.

Colombo (New 1st): The Criminal Investigation Department says statements were recorded from around 20 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said statements were also recorded from former cricket commentator Brian Thomas, while his mobile phone was seized.Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.Dinesh Schaffter was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Brian Thomas.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital in critical condition.The Criminal Investigations Department, the Colombo Crimes Division, and two other Police teams are investigating the murder.

Colombo (News 1st) – Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne was promoted to the rank of Admiral effective from today (17th December 2022) by President Ranil Wickremesinghe. He was appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy on 15th July 2020. Upon being promoted to the 4-star rank, Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne arrived at the Navy Headquarters, where he was received according a Guard of Honour in accordance with naval traditions, on Saturday (17 December). Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne joined the Sri Lanka Navy as an Officer Cadet of the 13th Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy in 1985.

Colombo (News 1st): 75 people have been arrested in a special operation in schools in the Western Province, over the sale of drugs and narcotic pills targeting school children.They were arrested during operations carried out between noon and 3pm on Friday (16), in 122 schools in the Western Province.Police seized 2 kilograms and 148 grams of the narcotic known as 'Mawa', 9 grams and 375 milligrams of heroin, 1 gram and 522 milligrams of the narcotic known as 'ICE' and 10 narcotic pills.The operation is ongoing on the advice of Senior DIG in charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the viral disease has gone up to 5,30,667 with four more fatalities, including three reconciled by Kerala and one reported by Maharashtra in the last 24 hours. India has recorded 167 fresh Covid-19 cases, taking the cumulative tally to 4,46,75,776, according to the Union Health Minister data updated on Saturday.  With this, the country's active caseload has declined to 3,608, that accounts for 0.01% of the total infections.

Colombo (News 1st): Police say statements were recorded from over 10 people regarding the murder of respected Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.Police said continuous investigations will be carried out over the incident, with four Police teams deployed.Schaffter was found strangled in his car at the Borella Public Cemetery on Thursday (15) afternoon.He died on Thursday (15) night after being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the National Hospital.Dinesh Schaffter was 51-years-old at the time of his passing.Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his family that he was heading to Borella to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that a complaint was filed with the Police earlier stating that the former cricket commentator had taken Rs.1.4 billion from the businessman, and had not returned the money.Sri Lanka Police recorded a statement from Thomas, as Dinesh Schaffter had told his wife that he was going to meet Thomas.Accordingly, Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Thomas over the murder of Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.Court also granted permission for the Borella Police to obtain a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter, from telecommunication service providers.

Singer-songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine in which she discussed mental health.The 48-year-old Intuition hitmaker said she almost didn't sign her record deal at age 15 because she wanted to avoid 'a breakdown.'The mom-of-one told the publication, 'In this job, we lose more people to addiction, overdose, suicide, mental breakdowns, and I didn't want to be a statistic.' Opening up: Singer–songwriter Jewel got candid in a new interview with People magazine, in which she discussed mental health; seen in March Elaborating on her mindset, she dished: 'My goal when I moved out [of my house] at 15 was to learn a new emotional language.'As a precocious teen she added that she 'knew that as much as I had a genetic inheritance that might predispose me to diabetes or heart disease, I could tell that I had an emotional inheritance and that might predispose me to cycles of addiction and abuse.' The music artist left home as a teenager and was homeless, living in her car when she was discovered.'When I got discovered — it's funny — I almost didn't sign my record contract because I was so aware that if you take somebody with my emotional background, and God forbid, I get famous…' she explained.

Colombo (News 1st) – It's been almost 2 days since the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake, who continues to receive treatment after being brutally stabbed inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda on Wednesday (14). However, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the incident.Senanayake was admitted to the Kalubowila hospital following the attack.

North Lanarkshire residents are being urged to make their views known on the shape of local health and social care services over the next three years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela on Friday (16) imposed an overseas travel ban on Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas over the murder of Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter.It was reported that Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas is in possession of two passports, and the overseas travel ban was imposed for both these passports by the court.The Borella Police making submissions to the court requested for an order to be made on telecommunication service providers to provide a telecommunication analysis report on the mobile device used by the late Dinesh Schaffter.Court granted permission to obtain the record from the service providers.Police Investigation: Four police teams are investigating the murder of Dinesh Schaffter, a Colombo-based businessman who was a Managing Director of a leading financial institution in the country, and a Director of a leading Insurance Company in Sri Lanka.Schaffter was found bound and choked inside his car on Thursday (15) afternoon at the Public Cemetery in Borella.He was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while being treated in the ICU.What Happened To Dinesh Schaffter?Businessman Dinesh Schaffter had left his residence on Thursday (15) afternoon and had told his wife that he was heading to Borella.Sri Lanka Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had told his family that he was going to meet Former Cricket commentator Brian Thomas.Police said that Dinesh Schaffter had left home at around 2 PM, and that multiple calls made by his wife had gone unanswered.After using an App and tracing the phone to the Public Cemetery in Borella, the wife of the late Dinesh Schaffter had called his work place and informed of

Pawar informed that the government has implemented the following programmes/schemes for ensuring assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare services for every pregnant woman Over 25,000 ‘Delivery Points’ across the country have been strengthened in terms of infrastructure, equipment, and trained manpower for provision of comprehensive Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH+N) services, said Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar,Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

James Martin has thanked his fans for their well wishes after undergoing surgery this week.The 50-year-old chef recently told fans he had been suffering with a knee issue for a number of years and was finally getting it sorted. In a new update, the television star tweeted: "Just a message to say many thanks for all you kind messages, operation done now."Can’t sleep but guess that’s a small price to pay for now. Back and fighting fit soon!"Also thanks to all who booked tickets already for the tour."Amazing response and there are already a few venues that are nearly sold out."Jane Fonda shares cancer update as she stops treatmentJames went on to apologise to fans for not being able to sign anymore books while he recovers.He added: "I will try to do more when I’m more mobile.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at current price reported as Rs. 6,417,031 million.The Gross Domestic Product for Sri Lanka for the third quarter of year 2022 at constant price (2015) reported as Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekera held discussions with Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan Dzhagaryan on Thursday (15).The Minister said that the country's energy sector requirements were discussed at the meeting.In addition, Sri Lanka's fuel needs, refinery operations, and the challenges faced in the supply of coal were discussed between the Minister and the Russian Ambassador.The Minister tweeted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for nuclear energy cooperation with Rosatom – a Russian state-owned corporation specializing in nuclear energy, nuclear non-energy goods and high-tech products –  were discussed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Businesswoman Thilini Priyamali who was arrested and remanded for alleged financial fraud was granted bail by Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage on Friday (16).Thilini Priyamali was released on a cash bail of Rs. 15,000/- and two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan authorities seized over 200 kg of heroin and Crystal methamphetamine (ICE) on Wednesday (14) from a multi-day fishing vessel in the high seas off the southern coast of Sri Lanka.In addition, another Sri Lankan multi-day fishing vessel that was supplying fuel to the detained vessel was also seized by authorities.Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Navy Intelligence, State Intelligence Service, and the Police Narcotic Bureau conducted a special operation in the southern seas that led to the detection of the drugs, and the arrest of multiple Sri Lankans.The two fishing vessels and the suspects are currently being brought ashore for further investigations.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Power and Energy says that the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery will re-open on Friday (15).The refinery was closed down on the 7th of October 2022 due to insufficient stocks of crude oil to produce fuel.The Ministry said that two Crude Oil shipments reached Sri Lanka recently, and another is anchored at the Colombo Port.It added that 1,500 MT of Diesel, 550 MP of Petrol, 950 MT of kerosene and Jet Fuel, and 1,500 Naphtha will be produced from the Sapugaskanda Oil Refinery daily from Friday (15).In addition, Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said that the entire stock of coal required for electricity generation can be imported to the country by the 30th of April 2023.During this period 32 shipments are expected to reach Sri Lanka, and five of them have already reached the country, while another is expected next week,.The remaining shipments will reach the country from January 2023, and five shipments will reach Sri Lanka weekly.Lanka Coal Company (Private) Limited said there need not be any unncessary panic over the claims made that the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant will not be able to function.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has decided to consider two applications filed seeking an order on the Election Commission to call for Local Government Elections without delay.The applications will be considered on the 18th of January 2023.The applications were filed by Professor G. L.

Bruce Willis is seen smiling and cuddling a puppy in the first family pictures since announcing his retirement from acting due to health reasons earlier this year. The Hollywood actor, 67, was pictured “getting into the holiday spirit” with his children, in a selection of photos shared by his former partner Demi Moore. In March, Willis’ family announced he would be “stepping away” from his successful acting career after having been diagnosed with aphasia, a condition affecting his cognitive abilities.

Colombo (News 1st) – Well-known Colombo businessman Dinesh Schaffter, 52, died shortly before midnight on Thursday (15th) in the ICU of the National Hospital from wounds suffered during an assault last night, police said.Mr. Schaffter was a Director of the Janashakthi Group of Companies and a member of the Schaffter family famed for generations among Sri Lanka's business community, was found injured and tied up in the driving seat of his own car at the Borella Cemetery last night and rushed to hospital.He had been missing for several hours after leaving home to meet a person to whom he had reportedly lent a large sum of money.

NEW DELHI : The super rich, including corporate executives are travelling by private jets and taking flying lessons for both leisure and business, aviation insiders said, putting down the trend to a post-pandemic travel pivot.“Present demand is about 25-30% above pre-covid level," Rajesh Bali, Managing Director of Business Aircraft Operators Association said. “HNIs (high net-worth individuals) are looking at long-range and ultra-long-range business jets and others are looking at medium-range aircraft so there is renewed interest in this segment from people who may not be HNIs but who have business requirement to travel by air." There is also high interest among salaried employees in private helicopters for pilgrimage and related purposes where they are ready to pay up to ₹1.5 lakh each for a 2-3 day tour in a five-seater helicopter, Bali said. The fleet size of non-scheduled jets is estimated to be around 550 in India with the potential to grow at 10% per year.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Well known Colombo-based businessman Dinesh Schaffter was hospitalized on Thursday (15) evening following a suspected assault.The Schaffter family issuing a statement said that Dinesh Schaffter was found grievously injured at a location in Borella.The statement said that he was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he is being treated in the ICU.A police investigation is underway.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Nearly 24 hours after the crime, Sri Lanka Police are yet to make any arrests over the brutal stabbing of social media activist Dilan Senanayake inside his own office on Pagoda Road in Nugegoda yesterday (14th), striking fear into the hearts of journalists and others active on social media.The attack comes at a time when the government is controversially mulling legislation to impose controls over all types of social media.Senanayake is currently at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital – Kalubowila for treatment.Police said two masked men had arrived in a three-wheeler at 9 pm and attacked Senanayake before making their getaway in a three-wheeler. Police are yet to trace the vehicle.There is no known motive for the attack except the possibility of it being linked to his activism over social media.

The Driving, Vehicle and Licencing Agency (DVLA) has added two new health conditions that motorists need to declare before they can continue driving.

Colombo (News 1st) – Rotary International's  President, Jennifer Jones, visited the head office of Capital Maharaja Group, the parent company of News 1st, on Thursday (15th), during her 4-day visit to Sri Lanka. She met with Mr. Sashi Rajamahendran, Chairman of Capital Maharaja Group, and Mr.

GEMMA Collins has revealed her secret family heartbreak as she admits be having a low-key Christmas this year. The reality star, 41, said it's a very "upsetting" time as she opened up about her uncle's health battle.Advertisement Gemma explained that the festive period will be a quiet one this year as she "prays" for her dad Alan's twin brother, who is currently in hospital.

Express.co.uk about the reasons behind his healthy choices and why he wants his fans to "live forever" and follow in his footsteps.Although Gino has opted for a healthier way of living, he made clear that he still eats what he wants in moderation.Speaking about why he decided to change his diet, Gino told Express.co.uk: "Well, I’m not getting any younger and I think it’s important nowadays that I have realised that."And second of all, we adjusted because things are slightly different when you’re nearly 50 like me."I wanted to feel better and I am definitely feeling better. I’m not really doing anything drastic."Gino then touched on one small addition to his breakfast he has made over the last year and how much better he has felt since.He continued: "The most important thing is I still eat the things I want to eat in moderation.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Egg producers in Sri Lanka informed the Court of Appeal on Thursday (15) that they cannot agree with the price amendments produced by the Consumer Affairs Authority.Counsel for the CAA told court that the Counsumer Affairs Council that convened on Wednesday (14) had decided to impose a Maximum Retail Price of Rs. 42/- for a white egg, and Rs.

Under the covid vaccination drive, more than 219.98 crore vaccine doses have been administered to the people across the country so far. New Delhi India’s active covid cases have come down to 3,767, health ministry data said. More than 4.46 crore covid cases have been reported so far, while India has recorded 530,668 covid deaths in the last nearly three years.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to amend the age for the manadatory requirement of doctors.An extraordinary gazette citing the amendments was issued by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government.The provisions of the extraordinary gazette are as follows:(a) Sending the Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 63 years, before 31st December 2022.(b) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 62 years, on completion of 63 years of age.(c) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 61 years, on completion of 62 years of age.(d) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 60 years, on completion of 61 years of age.(e) Sending Medical Officers on retirement, who have already completed the age of 59 years, on completion of 60 years of age.However, the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of January to 30th of June should be given the opportunity to serve up to 30th June of the relevant year and sent on retirement and the Medical Consultants, Government Medical Officers, Dental Surgeons and the registered Medical Officers of the Government whose birthday falls within the period from 1st of July to 31st of December should be given the opportunity to serve up to 31st December of the relevant year and sent on retirement, noted the extraordinary gazette. 

GEORGIA Harrison has revealed she was just 24 hours away from dying after the stress of a sex tape leak led to a health emergency. Almost two years ago to the day, the Love Island star was hospitalised with sepsis after a cyst on her ovary burst and became infected. The illness struck four months after vile Stephen Bear, 32, posted secretly filmed CCTV footage of the pair having sex on OnlyFans without Georgia's consent.

Freddie Flintoff's son says that his dad is "lucky to be alive" after a horror crash as health and safety teams start an investigation.

Twitter followers flocked to the post to comment.Mary-Jo Caira wrote: "So happy for you. Wishing him much health & progress in the next coming months."Lottie Moss gets new 'lover' face tattoo on drunken night"That is so good news.Sending love to you all," Veni Pishtalova typed.Kieran added: "Hopefully home safe and sound my friend."Sophie Grenham commented: "I have everything crossed for you, Victoria.Sending love to you all at this stressful time."The Pogues' frontman was rushed to hospital earlier this month after falling ill with viral encephalitis, a medical condition which causes inflammation in the brain.He also contracted shingles, which spread to his eye.Victoria previously said that doctors were “confident he will be OK” and thanked fans for their well wishes.Shane has dealt with multiple health issues over the years.He has been confined to a wheelchair since shattering his pelvis in 2016. Chloe Madeley's husband James Haskell shares fears about daughter [REVEALED]Wednesday star ‘needs own space’ from famous husband [INTERVIEW]Gemma Atkinson shares family 'heartbreak' over Strictly exit [REACTION]In 2020, he also damaged his knee after a fall at home.Since the incident years six years ago, Victoria has been his full time carer.The pair have been together for over 35 years and tied the knot in Copenhagen in 2018.Earlier this year, Shane said he was grateful to wake up in the morning following his health woes. He told Spectator: "I’m not a morning person, but I am glad to be alive, so I’m grateful to wake up."I have beautiful carers who come and get me out of the bed and into the lime green chair.

Blue's Clues original host Steve Burns recently revealed that his co-star Donovan Patton stepped up and took care of him while he was sick with COVID.The 49-year-old actor told PEOPLE that he and Patton - who took over as host of the children's show when Burns left in 2002 - 'have been friends for a long time now.'Burns continued: 'I know his family. He took care of me when I had COVID.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said that new laws to ensure food security are expected to be introduced in the future.He made this statement while briefing representatives of the Joint Mechanism Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.Plans are being made to present the related bills to parliament soon, President Wickremesinghe said.He also highlighted the need to obtain accurate data in establishing food security and the nutritional status of the people.Speaking at the meeting, the President stressed that there have been disparities in the data available at the national level and at the regional level which should be rectified immediately, a PMD statement added.

 

Colombo (News 1st) – The 26-year-old driver of the car that crashed in Colpetty on Saturday morning killing one person, who fled overseas within hours of the accident, and arrested on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport from Dubai this morning (12th) has been remanded until 16 December.Police on Monday said that they would seek Interpol assistance to have him extradited to Sri Lanka. Police said he had been driving the Mercedes-Benz that crashed into a parked three-wheeler on Galle Road around dawn on Saturday killing the 58-year-old driver of the 3-wheeler.

(Reuters) – The executive board of the International Monetary Fund is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka's $2.9 billion bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said.Seeking a way out of its worst economic crisis in decades, Sri Lanka reached an IMF staff-level agreement in June with the deal subject to approval and contingent on Sri Lanka authorities following through with previously agreed measures.Sri Lanka said in September it expected the board to approve the deal by year-end. Progress has been slow in recent months, and Sri Lanka's finance minister acknowledged last month the request might extend into January.Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SriLankan Airlines CEO Richard Nuttall was upbeat on on support of global travel trade for tourism revival in the country, however expressed concern over the exodus of pilots from the airline that is in its early stages."As Sri Lankan Airlines we carry 60% of the tourists that come to the country. We also have 37 sales offices around the world and we are the first point of contact with many of the tour operators and travel agents that sell to the country.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Human Rights Watch quoting economists says that the economic situation in Sri Lanka could deteriorate rapidly without action by foreign creditors, placing the basic needs of millions of people in further jeopardy.To stabilize the economy, international creditors should agree to restructure Sri Lanka’s debt so the country can secure final approval for an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan and financing from other global agencies, it added.In April, Sri Lanka defaulted on over US$50 billion in debts to international creditors. In September, it reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a four-year, $2.9 billion bailout.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment  Manusha Nanayakkara in Parliament informed today (22) that the law will be strictly enforced against those involved in trafficking women to Oman, where they are auctioned and sold to the highest bidder.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara revealed to the parliament that as per the data available with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau there are 12 Sri Lankan women at the Safe-House in Oman operated by the Sri Lankan Embassy who had registered themselves with the SLFEB, and another 65 who had used visit visa to travel to Oman citing other reasons to Sri Lankan authorities.He added that 70 Sri Lankan women registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau, and 7 Sri Lankan women have used visit visa and are currently held in Dubai.The Minister went on to note that Sri Lankans who registered with the Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau and face issues overseas can be brought back to the country without any issue, however, there is growing concern over the rise in numbers using visit visa for employment purposes.He added that legal action was instituted on over 100 incidents of abuse, and multiple suspects were arrested based on the investigations.He revealed to the house that only 40 Sri Lanka Foreign Employment Bureau personnel are assigned to meet the needs of all countries, however, Cabinet has approved to recruit of another 50 personnel.Minister Manusha Nanayakkara individual at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Oman who is accused of committing sexual abuse towards Sri Lankan women over there has been interdicted and will be brought back to the country where he will be arrested on arrival, and will be investigated. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An Italian man and a Sri Lankan who were arrested over a foreign employment racket were remanded to the 5th of December.Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) arrested four people including an Italian from a hotel in Badulla for conducting interviews for employment opportunities in Romania, violating Sri Lankan laws.The two other Sri Lankans were released on personal bail of Rs. 500,000/- each.The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment said that the men had published ads on Facebook for employment opportunities in Romania and conducted interviews, without any approval from the SLBFE.Around 30 people responded to the online ad and were presented for interviews in Baduall when the arrests were made.It was also reported that candidates were being charged around Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – More than five thousand Sri Lankans have travelled to Dubai on visit visa for exmployment, revealed Sri Lanka's State Tourism Minister Tharaka Balasuriya on Monday (21).The State Minister also said that 19 Sri Lankans who had travelled to Abu Dhavi have also refused to return to Sri Lanka.'These groups are trying to travel to Oman for employment,' said the State Minister adding that most people are interested in overseas employment opportunities given the current situation in the country, however, stressed that it is important use official channels to travel overseas for employment.The State Minister also said that a proper study will be conducted to control the use of visit visa for employment overseas.The situation surrounding overseas employment in the Middle East reached national level condemnation after reports surfaced that Sri Lankan women were being auctioned and sold as sex slaves in Oman.Suspects Arrested:On Saturday 19th October 2022, Sri Lanka's Immigration and Emigration Department arrested a 40-year-old man at the Katunayake Airport for engaging in human smuggling.He was arrested when returning to Sri Lanka from Dubai, and was identified as a resudent from Wattala who was operating a Foreign Employment Agency in Maradana, Colombo 10.Thereafter, on Sunday (20) another suspect connected to the human trafficking ring was arrested from Avissawella.He was identified as a broker who sends Sri Lankan women to the Middle Easter, where they are smuggled from Abu Dhabi to Oman to be sold as sex slaves.The suspect was arrested based on the complaints made filed by Sri Lankan women stranded in the Middle East.Foreign Employment Agencies in hot water:The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment over