Paying by credit card? Most businesses in Canada can soon add surcharges for that

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Twenty-first amendment to the constitution will effect from Monday (31).Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena endorsed the certificate on the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution Bill passed by a special majority in Parliament recently.The 22 Amendment to the Constitution Bill was presented to the Parliament on August 10, 2022, by Minister Dr Wijedasa Rajapaksa. Then, according to the Supreme Court determination related to the petitions against the bill, amendments were made at the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Judicial Affairs and approval was obtained.On October 20 and 21, the debate on the second reading of the twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution Bill was held.At the end of the second reading, there were 179 votes in favour and 1 vote against. After that, in the voting held for the third reading of the bill, 174 votes were in favour and one vote was against.Accordingly, the twenty-second Amendment to the Constitution Bill will come into force as the twenty-first amendment to the constitution from today (31).

Colombo (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Air Force under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana together with the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya and Central Environment Authority launched the seventh wave of seed bombing at Wattegama Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve in the Siyamblanduwa Divisional Secretariat.The Command Agro Unit at SLAF Base Katunayake under the leadership of Group Captain PE Gunawardena and the Department of Forest Conservation organized this mission to achieve the aim of improving the forest density of Sri Lanka to reach the sustainable development goals of the country by increasing the forest cover from 27% to 32% by the year 2030.The first wave of the mission was executed at the Ranorawa government forest in a five acres land area and approximately 5,000 seed bombs were released. During the second wave, 67,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60 acres area inside the forest of Lahugala in Ampara. The third wave which was conducted in December 2020 saw the dropping of approximately 30,000 seed bombs over 25 acres of land area within the Lahugala National Park. The fourth wave was carried out in the Lahugala National Park where 70,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 60-acre area. The fifth wave was carried out in the Kebilitta Government Forest Reserve where 80,000 seed bombs were dropped over a 75 acres area. Through the sixth wave, 65,000 seed bombs were dropped on over 70 acres of area inside the same forestry at Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Education says that software will be introduced to identify and record the number of students who require school textbooks for the year 203.The Commissioner General of the Department of Education P.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Motorcycle gunmen struck once again on Monday (31) morning killing two men in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa.Sri Lanka Police said that two men aged 26 & 47 were gunned down by the killers.According to report, the victims were shot dead when they traveling towards Hikkaduwa on the Colombo – Galle Main Road.Sri Lanka Police said the victims were heading to court for a legal matter when they were gunned down, adding that the men were suspects in a murder.They were identified at Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is taking necessary measures to repatriate the body of the 27-year-old Sri Lankan man who died during the stampede in South Korea during the halloween weekend.Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, PC told News 1st that relatives of the deceased had requested for the body to be brought back to Sri Lanka.The Foreign Ministry said that diplomatic staff have been assigned to hospitals, and police stations in Seoul, South Korea to ascertain if more Sri Lankans have been killed, or injured from the tragedy.The Foreign Ministry, and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea is coordinating such efforts.Secretary to the Ministry of Labour and Foreign Employment P. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.6345 Sell 371.2296GBP Buy 415.3806 Sell 431.5789EUR Buy 357.6055 Sell 372.7674JPY Buy 2.4442 Sell 2.5483AUD Buy 231.1240 Sell 242.2078

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says nearly 7 Million Pfizer vaccines will expire today (31).Director of the epidemiology unit Dr Samitha Ginige says that even today people can visit to obtain their vaccine.The Pfizer vaccine stock will expire at midnight today (31).Currently, 52% of the population has been fully vaccinated.Dr Ginige further said that members of the people still have the option of obtaining Sinopharm vaccines.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ceylon Bakery Owners' Association says that the final decision will be made considering the bread price.The Chairman of the Association N.K Jayawardana said that discussions will be held today (31) morning with the members of the Association.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours on the 31st of October as follows;Group ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during the daytime 1-hour during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India and Sri Lanka are two sides of a coin. Both countries have their differences in culture and religion.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that a low-level atmospheric disturbance is developing in the vicinity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, showery condition over the island is expected to be enhanced for the next few days from today (31).Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces. Showers or thundershowers will occur elsewhere during the afternoon or night.Heavy showers of about 100mm are likely at some places in Northern, Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces and in Galle, Matara and Kalutara districts.The general public is kindly requested to take adequate precautions to minimize damages caused by temporary localized strong winds and lightning during thundershowers.Condition of Rain:Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in the sea areas off the coast extending from Puttalam to Batticaloa via Mannar, Kankasanturai and Trincomalee. Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in the other sea areas during the evening or night. Winds:Winds will be north-easterly or variable in direction. Wind speed will be (20-30) kmph.

@Liamcol568 wrote: “Morning mate, I know it's exhausting, have you tried drinking five litres of water over the day, I know it sounds simple but it's effective for some people.”@CounsellorBarry penned: “I’m 54 and have had daily chronic back pain since having spinal cancer age 10. “It is exhausting and at times depressing.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A jeep that was brought down to the country duty-free was impounded by the Police. The vehicle is said to be owned by a politician from the south. The jeep was impounded during a raid conducted by the officers of the anti-corruption unit in Karapitiya, Galle on Sunday evening.A close employee of the politician in question has been arrested along with the jeep.The police also said that this jeep was driven with the under a fake number plate.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – An internal preliminary investigation has been initiated with regard to the police sub-inspector who was arrested and remanded in connection with the shooting of a 15-year old student in Thihagoda, Matara.Police Media Spokesperson SSP Nihal Talduwa said that a disciplinary inquiry will also be conducted against the relevant sub-inspector.The internal investigation is being conducted to reveal more details about the situation, he added.The Police Spokesperson previously said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the 15-year old was injured.   The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ven. Omalpe Sobhitha Thero emphasizes that oppressing people to stabilize State income should be condemned.The Chief Congregant of Southern Sri Lanka for the Ramanna Sect, Ven. Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to think tank Verité Research, the Government's approval rating has risen from 3% in June to 10% in October.The third round of the Gallup Style “Mood of the Nation” poll was conducted in October by Verité Research.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government will appoint a committee to seek how best to integrate the Tamils of Hill Country Origin further into the Sri Lankan Society, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe.He said further that although some of the Tamils of Hill Country Origin had integrated successfully into the Sri Lankan society, some have failed and measures would be taken to assist them to do so.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these observations addressing at the occasion of accepting a consignment of medicines donated by the Pondicherry Union Territory and people of India on the request of Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (30).The consignment of medicines was officially handed over to the President by Secretary General of the Ceylon Worker’s Congress (CWC) and Parliamentarian Jeewan Thondaman in memory of the late Mr. Saumyamoorthi Thondaman who passed away 23 years ago on October 30th.

Humza Yousaf has admitted it could take five years for the NHS in Scotland to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The SNP health secretary spoke candidly today about the huge pressures facing the country's hospitals ahead of a challenging winter period.

Over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine so far, ever since the covid vaccination for the age group 1ṁ2-14 years started on 16 March 2022 New Delhi: India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 219 crore as per the provisional data till Sunday morning, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement. Covid vaccination for the age group 12-14 years started on 16 March 2022 and so far, over 4.12 crore adolescents have been administered with the first dose of the vaccine. The precaution dose administration for age group 18-59 years started from 10 April 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that measures have been taken to strengthen the 74-year-old ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, adding that the support rendered by the United States whenever Sri Lanka was in difficulty would never be forgotten.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement while attending the official opening of the new building of the United States Embassy in Colombo on the 28th.Expressing his views on the diplomatic relations and mutual understanding between the United States and Sri Lanka during the war, the President also recalled with gratitude the support given by the United States under the leadership of George Bush in 2001 during President Wickremesinghe's tenure as Prime Minister.The President also recalled the support provided by the US government led by Bill Clinton to help Sri Lanka recover from the Tsunami disaster in 2004 and said that if not for the intervention of the US led by President Joe Biden, Sri Lanka would not have been able to make a success of the Maha Season.President Wickremesinghe, who further pointed out the 74 years of US-Sri Lanka friendship, partnership and bilateral relations, expressed his appreciation for the support rendered by the United States for the preparation of the first monetary law and the well-drafted legal system for the establishment of the Central Bank.Having experienced such a long and cordial relationship, Sri Lanka and the United States will work as close friends in the future as well, said the President, adding that the United States and Sri Lanka, as inseparable partners, will forge ahead with respect and confidence in each other to preserve peace and democracy.Following is the full speech made by President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A group of people had attacked a driver of lorry in Wennappuwa Ulhitiawa. and stolen the vehicle The assailants had attached the driver with a knife while he was sleeping. The group had also robbed 1,800 liters of kerosene worth Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has instructed officials to immediately investigate the misuse of MP quarters.The speaker mentioned that there have been constant complaints from various parties that some of the official residences in the Malabe MP housing complex have been misused.Accordingly, seveal complaints have been received that former members of Parliament who are not currently representing the Parliament have been staying in some MP quarters for a long time.In some complaints, it has been stated that staff members and security guards are also staying at some quarters reserved for MPs.The Speaker says that he has instructed the responsible officers to take into consideration such complaints and immediately investigate and report the matter.An MP quarters consists of 900 square feet equipped with 03 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living room, a dining room, a staff toilet and parking space.The Madiwela MP Housing Complex consists of 120 housing units which are given to them on a rental basis.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two people have been arrested for maintaining two printing presses at Ward Place in Borella and for forging fake documents.Police said that forged birth certificates, Grama Niladhari certificates, open university certificates, student performance indicators, water bills, bank passes, ordinary and advanced level certificates were found being printed at the respective printing presses.73 fake rubber stamps, two driving licenses and computers used to forge documents were also found, and were taken into police custody.The raid was carried out by a group of officers from the Panadura Walana Central Anti-Corruption Squad.The arrested suspects are to be produced before Maligakanda Magistrate Court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Government has taken a decision to release various vehicles which were being kept with Customs for various legal reasons.The State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siambalapitiya stated that under this move, priority will be given to departments and Government institutions, including the police, which are currently facing an acute shortage of vehicles.The minister also mentioned that Cabinet approval has been obtained for the purpose.

The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far New Delhi : India reported 1,604 new covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union health ministry. The country’s active caseload has declined to 18,317 taking the total tally of covid cases to 44.6 million and 529,016 deaths so far. While Assam has reported 2,613 active caseload, Gujarat has contributed 414 active cases.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Minisrer of Finance Shehan Semasinghe says that he hopes to reach an agreement with regard to the financial assurance by creditors, which is expected by the International Monetary Fund during the negotiations that will begin on 3rd November.The State Minister said that although Sri Lanka's bilateral creditors such as China, India and Japan have verbally agreed to assist the country in debt restructuring, however, the IMF needs proper financial assurance in time for the negotiations.The Minister said that they are attemtpting to obtain the approval of the IMF board as soon as possible. The minister made these comments during an inquiry made by Newsfirst regarding the second phase of the official-level negotiations to be initiated with the International Monetary Fund.The minister stated that no moves will be made to bypass the Parliament in dealing with the International Monetary Fund.Minister Semasinghe added that no parties other than the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have been informed with regard to the staff level agreement with the IMF.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Child Protection Authority says that the investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old student in Matara, Thihagoda will be fully overseen by the NCPA.Its Chairman, Senior Lecturer Udaya Kumara Amarasinghe stated that police officers attached to the NCPA have been directed for that purpose.Meanwhile, officials of the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission have prepared a preliminary investigation report on the related incident.This is after an on-site inspection was conducted by the Human Rights Commission officials on Saturday (29).The concerned student is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.Meanwhile, the sub-inspector who accidentally discharged the shot has been remanded until November 2nd, after being presented before Matara Magistrate Isuru Netticumara yesterday.

Covid-19 update: The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed. With 1,604 more people testing positive for the coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Co-19 cases has gone up to 4,46,52,266 while that of active cases has declined to 18,317, according to Union Health Ministry data on Sunday. The death toll due to the disease has climbed to 5,29,016 with eight fatalities being recorded, including three reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am showed.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lankan has died in the stampede which took place during a halloween festival in Seoul, South Korea.When inquired by News 1st, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry stated that a 27-year-old resident of Kandy had died.The minister mentioned that representatives have been directed to the Police and hospitals in Seoul to find out if more Sri Lankans have been killed, or injured.The Minister said that they are looking for more information regarding the incident through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Sri Lankan Embassy in South Korea.South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a period of national mourning on Sunday after a Halloween crush killed some 151 people in a packed nightlife area in Seoul.Yoon expressed condolences to the victims, mostly teenagers and people in their 20s, and his wishes for a speedy recovery to the many injured."This is truly tragic," he said in a statement. "A tragedy and disaster that should not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul last night."A huge crowd celebrating in the popular Itaewon district surged into an alley on Saturday night, emergency officials said, adding the death toll could rise.Choi Sung-beom, head of the Yongsan Fire Station, said 151 deaths had been confirmed, including 19 foreigners.

Two Lanarkshire health and social care heroes are up for top awards for their dedication to help people in their communities.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – TNA Parliamentarian M. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The IUBF Convenor Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero who is held under the Prevention of Terrorism Act was moved to the Colombo National Hospital for residential treatment after being diagnosed with Dengue.He was moved out on Saturday (29).A Senior Official at the Colombo National Hospital told News 1st that the Venerable Thero was moved out on Saturday (29) evening.Venerable Galwewa Siridhamma Thero is currently in detention for 90-days under the PTA.He was admitted to the hospital earlier this week after falling ill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Reports have surfaced with regard to an attempt to cut down trees that have been standing tall for over a century, under the guise of development.Sri Lankan authorities have allocated Rs. 20 Million under the Suhuru Project series for the renovation of the Ulpath Wewa at the Devata village in Horowpathana.The project is directly supervised by the Kekirawa Irrigation Engineer, and local farmers allege that permission has been given to cut down 17 tall Kumbuk trees and 1 Oak tree located on the banks of the tank.The Chairman of the National Govijana Collective, Anuradha Tennakoon pointed out that cutting down 18 trees would pose serious risks to the ecosystem, as the Ulpath Wewa was formed when the water from a number of nearby springs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A decision has been reached to increase the insurance policy of Members of Parliament from Rs. 200,000/- to Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has agreed to supply 500,000 liters of kerosene to the fisheries ports daily.Its Secretary, Indu Karunaratne said that this agreement was reached during the discussions regarding the fishermen's fuel problem.Accordingly, the kerosene will be released to fishing ports and selected fuel stations.The secretary stated that about 27,000 fishing vessels have been registered for this purpose.Majority of these fishing vessels are engaged in daily fishing and the main problem they faced in the past was shortage of kerosene.Meanwhile, a special program was initiated on Saturday (29) to identify the deficiencies of the fishing ports and the problems faced by fishermen.The Secretary to the Ministry, Karunaratne stated that accordingly, the Minister in charge and a team including herself will be engaged in an observation tour of the ports including Kirinda Fisherman's Port, and other ports located in Tangalle, Puranawella and Suduwella.The program aims to identify the economic problems faced by families engaging in fishing, especially in the context of the current economic crisis.She added that relief will be provided for them immediately.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – SJB Parliamentarian Dr. Harsha De Silva has questioned President Ranil Wickremesinghe saying as to whether the IMF Staff Level Agreement has been given out to various individuals in committees appointed by him.In a tweet, the MP said that if the IMF staff level agreement that has thus far been hidden even from the Sri Lanka Parliament Committee on Public Finance on purported Radio Silence has been given out, it is a serious breachPreviously, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Meteorological Department says that a low-level atmospheric disturbance is developing in the vicinity of Sri Lanka, and therefore, showery condition over the island is expected to be enhanced for next few days.Accordingly, showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Northern, Eastern and North-central provinces.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Justice says more than 7000 Sri Lankan families who fled the country as refugees, and  returned from India have resettled in the Northern Province.According to the Justice Ministry, there are around 12,500 such Sri Lankans who returned back to the country.The Justice Ministry has launched a mobile programme to resolve the legal issues faced by these people in terms of re-obtaining Sri Lankan citizenship. The mobile legal aid programme will be carried out on Monday and Tuesday in Jaffna and Killinochchi. 

Val Chmerkovskiy will miss Monday's (31. 10. 22) 'Dancing with the Stars' after testing positive for COVID-19.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The police sub-inspector who was arrested on suspicion of shooting a 15-year old boy in Matara, Thihagoda was remanded until 2nd November.He was remanded after he was presented to the Matara Magistrate Isuru Netthicumara on Saturday (29).The 15-year-old teeanger who was injured is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of Karapitiya Hospital.A hospital spokesperson said that the boy also underwent surgery last night.

The consumer-goods giant subjected its product range to broader scrutiny after ShareAction, a responsible investment charity, championed a resolution urging the company to do the reporting. Unilever’s rivals have yet to do the same.

Group 1 has seen various encounters being marred by rain and two points will go a long way towards sealing a berth in the semis for these two sides. The winner of the Group 1 clash at the Sydney Cricket Ground could build a bit of a gap from the other candidates, with rain interruptions and abandonments leaving all the sides jostling for vital points.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health says that the remaining doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be disposed using appropriate methods.Accordingly, approximately 7 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will expire in two days on Monday, the 31st of October.The Deputy Director-General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath said that after Monday, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be available in the country, until a new batch is imported.Dr.

In the last 24 hours, more than 2,161 patients recovered from the infection. Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 4,41,02,852 people have recovered from the disease. New Delhi: India reported 1,574 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Defence has declared a general amnesty for Tri-Forces absentees, enabling them to receive a legal discharge from their respective services.Accordingly, this period of general amnesty will be in force from 15.11.2022 until 31.12.2022.Therefore, the Tri-Forces personnel who have been absent without leave (AWOL) on or before 25.10.2022 will be able to receive their discharge from military service and if any amount is due, it should be settled prior to discharge.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Agriculture has received the first stock of 13,000 tons of Urea fertilizer today (28) under the World Bank concessional emergency loan of 110 million US dollars and accordingly, the government has decided to provide a 50 kg bag of urea fertilizer to paddy farmers at Rs.10,000.This step was taken to protect household food security, farming and rural incomes based on the demands made during several discussions with the intervention of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said.This World Bank support complements the support of other development partners such as the Asian Development Bank and the United States Agency for International Development.Sri Lanka requires approximately 150,000 tonnes of urea fertilizer for paddy cultivation during the Maha season. Mr.

Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The Stars.The 36-year-old heartthrob made the announcement in a shirtless Instagram video, saying that while 'I feel fine' he regrets having 'let some people down.'He shared that in his absence, his celebrity dance partner Gabby Windey of Bachelor Nation fame will be temporarily teamed up with pro Alan Bersten. Whoops: Val Chmerkovskiy revealed this Friday that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will have to miss the Halloween episode of Dancing With The StarsVal said his diagnosis 'sucks majorly, for lack of a better, more profound word, but the good thing is that Gabby tested negative so we’re still in it.'On an optimistic note he pointed out that 'we have some awesome pros on the show, one of them being Alan, who’s gonna step in, learn the routine and partner Gabby this Monday.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sub-Inspector has been interdicted by the Police and has been arrested by a special Police team which is conducting an investigation into the shooting of a 15-year old boy in Thihagoda, Matara.The Police Spokesperson said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the 15-year old was injured.   The Police said that steps were taken to inspect a suspicious three-wheeler in Naimbula,​​Thihagoda.Three people had fled while two others were taken into police custody.