Sri Lankans: Latest News

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26.10.2022 / 18:39

UNP against dual citizens occupying Parliamentary seats

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.

Sri Lankans Ranil Wickremesinghe Basil Rajapaksa Sri Lanka president Party Citizens

Spirit of Deepavali lets us all cast aside all differences – President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says the spirit of Deepavali let us all cast aside all differences and come together to collectively dispel the darkness that is currently shrouding our Motherland, with unprecedented challenges.President's Deepavali message:It is indeed a pleasure to extend my warm felicitation for Deepavali, being a colorful religious festival of lights celebrated with much reverence by Hindu devotees.For Deepavali, Hindus illuminate their temples and homes, be it mansions or huts, with light bulbs and lamps symbolizing the expelling of the darkness of ignorance and creating the radiance of knowledge.Only light can dispel darkness. Therefore, in the spirit of Deepavali let us all cast aside all differences and come together to collectively dispel the darkness that is currently shrouding our Motherland, with unprecedented challenges.Peace, brotherhood and unity are of significance in the celebration of Deepavali and I request all Sri Lankans irrespective of race, religion or political affiliation to unite around the light of Deepavali to rebuild the country.I am hopeful that this Deepavali celebration will be the beginning of a better future that will fulfill everyone’s wishes and make Sri Lanka a prosperous nation.

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Novel by Sri Lanka’s Shehan Karunatilaka wins Booker Prize

Colombo (News 1st) – Sri Lankan Writer Shehan Karunatilaka won the prestigious Booker Prize for fiction on Monday (17) for “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” a satirical “afterlife noir” set during Sri Lanka’s brutal civil war.Karunatilaka, one of Sri Lanka’s leading authors, won the 50,000 pound ($57,000) award for his second novel. The 47-year-old, who has also written journalism, children’s books, screenplays and rock songs, is the second Sri Lanka-born Booker Prize winner, after Michael Ondaatje, who took the trophy in 1992 for “The English Patient.”Karunatilaka received the award from Camilla, Britain’s queen consort, during a ceremony at London’s Roundhouse concert hall.The judges’ unanimous choice, “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida” is the darkly humorous story about a murdered war photographer investigating his death and trying to ensure his life’s legacy.Karunatilaka said Sri Lankans “specialize in gallows humor and make jokes in the face of crises”.“It’s our coping mechanism,” he said, and expressed hope that his novel about war and ethnic division would one day be “in the fantasy section of the bookshop.”Former British Museum director Neil MacGregor, who chaired the judging panel, said judges chose the book for “the ambition, the scope and the skill, the daring, the audacity and the hilarity of the execution.”“It’s a book that takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey through life and death, right to what the author describes as the dark heart of the world,” MacGregor said.

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T20 World Cup on Sirasa TV from Sunday (16)

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MTV Channel (Pvt) Ltd, the Network that owns and operates Sirasa TV, Shakthi TV, TV-1, News 1st, and Stein Studios has been appointed as the Official Television Rights Holders in Sri Lanka for the long-awaited ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, to be held in Australia from October 16 to November 13.Every one of the 45 exciting matches will be telecast live on Sirasa TV, along with special telecasts on Shakthi TV and TV-1, for the benefit of cricket lovers in Sri Lanka where hopes are high that the island nation’s team will bring home the trophy.The world’s most coveted T20 title has been won twice by West Indies and once each by India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England and current defending champions Australia. The eighth edition of the tournament will be played out across seven cities – Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and Melbourne which will host the final.“We are delighted to be able to offer all Sri Lankans the opportunity to enjoy the World Cup on Sirasa TV. CMG has a deep history of strengthening cricket in Sri Lanka, led by our late Chairman Mr.

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Low catch & a low demand: Sri Lanka fishermen in dire straits

COLOMBO (News 1st) – As many Sri Lankans have cut down on their meals, the demand for staples has also seen a drop.Usually, more than 200 to 300 Sri Lankan fishing boats set out to sea, however after the economic crisis hit, coupled with an acute shortage of fuel most of the Sri Lankan fishermen have been forced to tie up their boats to the piers, hoping for better days."The demand for fish had slumped. The main reason for this is the high cost of fuel and the rising cost of living. A liter of fuel that cost only Rs.

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Over two million Sri Lankans apply for welfare benefits

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Welfare Benefit Fast Track Program ‘Leave No One Behind’ targeting low-income families, which was initiated as per the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, has so far received 2.3 million applications, according to the Welfare Benefit Board.The applications are being promptly entered into the system through Welfare Benefit Information Units established in 341 Divisional Secretariats throughout the country and as of today (12), 624,714 applications have been entered into the system.It is expected that the 600,000 families that have been downgraded to the low-income category, in the face of the second COVID-19 wave and the economic crisis faced by the country, as reported by the United Nations Development Program, are also eligible to apply for this Welfare Benefit Fast Track Program. This is in addition to the 3.3 million families that are currently receiving welfare benefits or those who are already on the waiting list.Accordingly, it is estimated that 3.9 million families would apply for this social welfare program.

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9.6 million Sri Lankans affected by poverty

COLOMBO (News 1st) – 9.6 million Sri Lankans have been affected by poverty, revealed a new study by the University of Peradeniya.Professor Wasantha Athukorala of Peradeniya University's Department of Economics and Statistics says that 9.6 million Sri Lankans are currently suffering from poverty.In 2019, nearly 3 million people lived below the poverty line, but that number has increased to 9.6 million in October 2022.Professor Wasantha Athukorala further stated that the study revealed that 42% of the people living in Sri Lanka are currently suffering from poverty.

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Economic Crisis: Fate of Colombo’s Second Hand Book stores in limbo?

COLOMBO (News 1st) – After the economic crisis hit, the prices of books spiked by over 50% due to import costs, forcing Sri Lankans to look for the alternative.Almost every Sri Lankan knows about the Lotus Tower standing tall in Colombo built at a massive cost of USD 113 Million. But, this is not about a structure that added a colossal weight on to Sri Lanka's debt.Tucked away not far from the Lotus Tower, is a line of book shops.Now, these are not your ordinary books shops with publications fresh out of the press.These are Colombo's second hand book shops that have been catering to book worms over the years.One of the main reasons why these establishments are popular among readers, is that the second books here are cheap and are in good condition.However, when Sri Lanka's economic crisis hit, these book stores were also in dire straits."Business is not that great because of the low number of customers. There is a demand for second hand books.

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Gammadda Door to Door moves to three new districts in search of the peoples issues

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It is no secret that the prevailing economic crisis has led to the disruption of the day-to-day lives of the general public. How many families have been impacted by this unprecedented economic crisis? Has sufficient attention been given to those who are severely affected? The Gammadda Door to Door initiative continues to identify a range of issues faced by average Sri Lankans. On Monday (10), which was Day Six of the Sixth edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, the team that completed it's tour in the Jaffna district reached the Killinochchi district.They visited the Malayalapuram area in the Karachchi Divisional Secretariat, where most of the residents are day-wage earners.Unfortunately, the economic crisis left them with no work, ruining their chances of providing for their families. Gammadda teams in the Ratnapura district visited Handagirigoda, Handagiriya, Kolonna andSuriyakanda villages in the Welligepola Divisional Secretariat and met with the poverty-stricken estate workers living in Suriyakanda. People in this area do not have the luxury of enjoying cell phone services as the area lacks the basic facilities. Unlike most areas in Sri Lanka children in the area do not have access to online education.Gammadda teams in the Polonnaruwa district toured many areas in the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat. On top of the economic crisis, people in this area face wild elephant threats.

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Health Ministry to study food types consumed by Sri Lankans

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has decided to conduct a study on the quality of food being consumed by Sri Lankans.Its Food Control Unit said the study hopes to establish the quality of both imported and locally produced foods.The unit also said that more than 25 types of essential foods will be selected for this study, and the collection of samples is to start next month.In recent weeks concerns were raised over the quality of food items being imported to Sri Lanka, and thus the Health Ministry decided to conduct a study on the different types of food consumed by Sri Lankans.

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Gammadda: Day 2 to visit Jaffna, Kalutara, Matale villages

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today is day two of the 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program, which was launched to gather scientific data on the issues faced by average Sri Lankans, analyse them and propose sustainable solutions thereafter. On Thursday (6) Gammadda teams will visit rural Sri Lankan villages in Jaffna, Matale, and the Kalutara District.The University of Peradeniya has joined hands with Gammadda similar to previous years to make this initiative a success. The primary task of this year's campaign is to comprehend the ground reality faced by Sri Lankans across the island owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis that ensued thereafter.

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6th Edition of Gammadda Door to Door underway in three districts

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 6th Phase of the Gammadda Door-to-Door program commenced on Wednesday (5) morning centering three district.The Gammadda Door to Door program is joined by the University of Peradeniya as well. The 6th edition of the Gammadda Door to Door program is currently underway in the Jaffna, Matale, and Kalutara Districts.Gammadda is well known among all Sri Lankans, young and old, as the people's force that brings about a new beginning for the villages and towns of Sri Lanka.Gammadda implements these projects by identifying the real needs of the local population.The needs of the people were identified following an extensive and streamlined study of the findings in the Gammadda Door to Door program that was implemented five times before along with the University of Peradeniya.The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Economic Crisis have forced the people of Sri Lanka to undergo various hardships.Gammadda is ready once again to identify the socio-economic issues of the people of Sri Lanka.

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European Commission says Freedom of Expression is essential in Sri Lanka , & GSP+ to be assessed soon

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission congratulating President Ranil Wickremesinghe on his election as the President of the Democratic of Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has assured its support to the government of Sri Lanka for the efforts to overcome the crisis successfully.Issuing a statement, Ursula von der Leyen noted that at a time of unprecedented challenges faced by the people of Sri Lanka, the European Union remains committed to support Sri Lanka’s efforts to overcome the crisis successfully, including the necessary reforms that will bring the country back to a path of inclusive prosperity and lasting national reconciliation.She further stated that in this process, freedom of expression and assembly, dialogue among all stakeholders, as well as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights will remain essential.She has also made a reference to the assessment by the European Union on the progress made by Sri Lanka on GSP+ commitments.

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Establish poultry farms and manage livestock at household level – Health Ministry

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Health has issued a special circular to mark the beginning of National Nutrition Month.The special circular has been issued to all Provincial Secretaries, Health Secretaries, Health Service Directors, Regional Health Service Directors, Medical Health Officers and the heads of all institutions.A four step action plan has been introduced to ensure that all Sri Lankans remain protected from malnutrition and other related complications. The four steps are: let's be aware, let's find substitutes, let's plant and let's share.

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Demand for beer may increase as affordability declines: Fitch

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rating agency Fitch states that the demand for beer may increase in the near future as the affordability for Sri Lankans may decline. The US based credit ratings firm states that consumers may trade down from spirits to strong beer, given beer's lower price point. Moreover, Fitch forecasts that the drop in sales volumes will be moderated in the next 12-18 months, assuming an ease in inflation spikes. Fitch also forecasts mild beer sales to rise on a gradual recovery in tourism.Excise duties from alcoholic-beverage makers made up 11% of government tax revenue in the past year, however with the imposition of a social security tax of 2.5% on revenue in addition to the increase in Value Added Tax to 15% from 12% may increase the price of alcoholic beverages.

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SL Embassy facilitates Rs. 4.6 Bn worth of medicines

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the United States, working in collaboration with renowned American humanitarian donor organizations, has achieved a significant milestone in the provision of free medicines and medical supplies to Sri Lanka from July to October 2022.Three consignments have already been sent to the Ministry of Health and a fourth is expected to land on 2nd October.The total value of the 4 consignments is over US Dollars 12,645,150. At today’s exchange rate, this is worth approximately SL Rupees 4.6 billion (exactly LKR 4,588,925,697).Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, who reached out to US donor organizations earlier this year, has conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the three donors, Heart to Heart International, Hope Worldwide, and Americares for their generosity which has proved timely and potentially lifesaving for hundreds of thousands of Sri Lankans in dire need. The Ambassador intends to continue working with humanitarian organizations and agencies to assist vulnerable segments of the population.Commencing in July 2022, Heart to Heart International has sent two consignments worth USD 9.131 million.The consignment from Americares arrived in Colombo earlier in September and is valued at over USD 773,000.

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Four in ten households in Sri Lanka food insecure – WFP

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The latest report from the World Food Program reveals that four in ten housholds in Sri Lanka are consuming inadequate diets.The World Food Program said that the intensifying economic crisis continues to threaten food security, and the persistence of high food and fuel prices has pushed food further out of each. The WFP warned that in the face of inaction, the situation could deteriorate even further.Highlighting the fact that diets are in a precarious state among Sri Lankans, the World Food Program said that four in ten households are facing insufficient food consumption, with many consuming far less diverse diets as food prices remain high across the country.To date, WFP has received a total of US$29.35 million from the governments of Australia, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, United States and Switzerland, as well as from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, private sector partners, and multilateral donors. This represents nearly half of its emergency appeal for US$63 million.

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Revoke Sweeping New Order to Restrict Protest – Human Rights Watch

(New York) – The Sri Lankan government should reverse a new regulation that unlawfully restricts protests in large areas of the capital, Colombo, Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday (27). On September 24, 2022, a day after the measure was issued, police arrested 84 people and used tear gas and water cannon to disperse protesters calling for the release of student activists being held under the notorious Prevention of Terrorism Act.On September 23, the Sri Lankan government invoked the Official Secrets Act to designate public streets and government buildings in central Colombo “high security zones,” where written permission from the police is required to hold any public gathering. Under the regulation, police have wide-ranging authority to arrest anyone inside these zones and only the High Court can grant bail to those detained.

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Two US Ambassadors meet President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Ambassador Cindy Hensley McCain, the United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (25) and had a productive discussion.US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung also joined the meeting.Discussions were carried out considering the ongoing economic hardships on Sri Lankans, as well as exploring the many ways the United States of America & Sri Lanka are working together to meet urgent humanitarian needs.United States Permanent Representative to the UN Food and Agriculture Agencies in Rome Ambassador Cindy McCain will visit Sri Lanka until September 28th to highlight U.S. food assistance programs in Sri Lanka and reinforce the U.S.

Sri Lankans Ranil Wickremesinghe Julie Chung Usa Sri Lanka city Rome president Government Provident

UK provides lifesaving aid for the most vulnerable in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis.More than one-third of people are struggling to eat and are suffering from shortages of fuel, power, and medicines. Sri Lanka has the fifth largest food price inflation in the world, up 93.7% last month, with rice costing 150% more than this time last year.In a meeting with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry at the UN General Assembly, Lord Ahmad will set out the UK’s package of £3 million in lifesaving support.The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. UK Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN, Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon said:The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time. The ongoing crisis is deeply concerning with so many in dire need of help. We are providing £3 million of lifesaving support to the most vulnerable and will continue to work with international partners to help Sri Lanka.This new funding is just part of the UK’s ongoing support to Sri Lanka.

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Four of seven Sri Lankans in Ukraine are medical students

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Four out of the seven Sri Lankans who were held captive by Russian forces in Ukraine have been identified as medical students in the city of Kupiansk, while the other three were identified as workers.This information is being revealed in contrast to the rumors circulating with regard to the captured Sri Lankans being illegal immigrants, and the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's brief about the seven Sri Lankans being medical students.A report by the Associated Press citing a press conference held at Kharkiv Police states that the Sri Lankans were tortured at a factory in the area which was captured by Russian forces, and were beaten, mainly because they could not understad the language.The former captives include Nilojan Vasanthakumar, 20, Uthayakamar Mary Edid Prema, 50, Sharujan Gianeswaran, 25, Thinees Jokenthhiran, 34, Dilukshan Robertclive, 25, Dilujan Paththinajakan, 20 and Ainkaranathan Ganesamoorthi, 38.According to the captured Sri Lankans, six among the group were held in a large upstairs room, while the seventh, the only woman, was kept in a dark cell by herself. On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. One man said he was shot in the foot by the Russian captors. Another had a toenail ripped off after the soldiers repeatedly bashed it with the butt of a rifle.“Every day we were cleaning toilets and bathrooms,” Dilukshan Robertclive, one of the former captives, said in English.

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UK to grant £3 million assistance to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Minister of State for the Middle East, South Asia, and the UN of the United Kingdom, Lord Tariq Ahmad says the UK is providing urgent food and farming support to Sri Lankans hit hardest by the economic crisis. Taking to twitter, Minister Ali Sabry mentioned that during the meeting held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Lord Tariq Ahmad set out the UK’s package of £3 million assistance to Sri Lanka.While extending gratitude for the assistance, Minister Ali Sabry also briefed Lord Tariq Ahmad on steps being taken towards reconcilliation and accountability in Sri Lanka. The funding will be delivered through Red Cross and UN partners. It will provide access to food, seeds, and tools to help grow crops as well as mental health care, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence."The UK stands by the people of Sri Lanka who are facing such a challenging time.

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High Fuel Costs forcing Sri Lankans to use packed public transport

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka is currently facing its worse economic crisis, and people who cannot afford to pay a high cost for fuel have been forced to use public transport, especially the jam-packed trains.News 1st's Teena Marian filed this report during her early morning commute to work.The Colombo-bound train from Polgahawela was already packed like cans of sardines when it reached one of the busiest train stations on the coastal route this morning.As the train reached the platform, commuters rushed to the doors trying to creep inside the already packed compartments to make their way to Colombo for school and work.The train on its journey to Colombo passed many other stations, and some passengers waiting to board the train simply had to look on as the packed train passed by with no room for more passengers.For many, this has been the case for decades and more additional compartments is a paramount need.News 1st's inquiries from authorities at Sri Lanka Railways on why this perennial issue has gone unresolved despite footage and images of packed trains going viral for decades went unanswered.Overcrowded public transport is now the norm, as many hang off footboards for their lives and livelihoods.

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We are broke as a country, but we need to pull ourselves up – President

COLOMBO (News 1st) – It’s not a secret that we are all broke as a country, and we have to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps, said Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe addressing a meeting with the Sri Lankan Diaspora.President Ranil Wickremesinghe who visited the United Kingdom to attend the funeral ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II had met with the Sri Lankan Diaspora in Britain on Monday (19) afternoon." We have already started discussions with the IMF and staff level agreement is there. We have to talk to India, China and Japan and to the private creditors.

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Lankans stranded in Ukraine; What happened?

COLOMBO (News 1st) – On 17th September, the Ukrainian President Voldomyr Zelenskyy in his briefing noted that seven Sri Lankan students were found in 'torture chambers' where civilians were abused by Russian soldiers in areas of the Kharkiv region in Ukraine. The Russian InvasionOn 24th of February, Russian forces initiated what they dubbed as a 'special operation', which was later declared by Russia as an operation for the “liberation of Donbas” – broadly referring to Ukraine’s regions of Luhansk and Donetsk.More than a third of this area was already seized by Russian proxy forces in a war that began in 2014.The liberation of IziumIzium was subject to intense Russian artillery attacks in April.

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Lankan students in Ukraine: Horrific details revealed. Now safe in rehab center

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Ukrainian journalist has released horrific details about the seven Sri Lankans who were allegedly captured and tortured by Russian soldiers in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border where there has been intense fighting for months. The seven are currently safe in a Ukrainian rehabilitation center.The six men and one woman were beaten, two had their nails torn off, and all were forced to work cleaning up a house occupied by Russian soldiers, Sergey Bolvinov, Chief of the Investigative Department of Kharkiv Region Police had told Maria Romanenko, a Ukrainian journalist reporting from the UK.

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Lankan students in Ukraine: Horrific details revealed

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Ukrainian journalist has released horrific details about the seven Sri Lankan medical students who were allegedly captured and tortured by Russian soldiers in the Kharkiv region near the Russian border where there has been intense fighting for months.The six men and one woman were beaten, had their nails torn off, and forced to work for free, Maria Romanenko, a Ukrainian journalist reporting from the UK, said in her Tweeted story.The seven students, aged 20-40, arrived in Ukraine around 3 weeks before the all-out invasion last March and rented a house in Kupiansk, a town that was captured by Russian forces and occupied until it was retaken by the Ukrainian army a few days ago. They were hiding in their house for some time until they decided to try and flee into Kharkiv, she tweeted.However, they were stopped at the first Russian checkpoint that they tried to cross.

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Sri Lankans in Ukraine: Journalist reveals horrific details

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Ukraining Journalist has released the first details about the insane story from Kharkiv region’s police about the 7 Sri Lankans, who were in Ukraine for work and studies, and were kidnapped by Russians, beaten, and had their nails torn off, and forced to work for free (clean).The 6 men and 1 woman, all aged 20-40, arrived in Ukraine around 3 weeks before the all-out invasion and rented a house in Kupiansk (which was occupied until a few days ago). They were hiding in their house for some time until they decided to try and flee into Kharkiv, she tweeted.However, they were stopped at the first Russian checkpoint that they tried to cross.

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Food consumption in Sri Lanka down by 60% – Dr. Suren Batagoda

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Presidential Advisor on National Food Security, Dr. Suren Batagoda, says that data shows that the amount of food consumed by Sri Lankans has reduced by about 60% due to the prevailing food shortage in the country.Participating in the multi-sectoral joint mechanism implementation program on food security and nutrition, Dr.

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Galle – Colombo Main Road completely blocked from the Balapitiya Town

COLOMBO (News 1st); Protestors have completely blocked the Galle – Colombo Main Road from the Balapitiya Town.Sri Lankans have been protesting against the fuel price hike and the shortage of fuel across many cities and towns by obstructing the roads.Access road to many cities and towns were blocked by protestors who moved vehicles to form barricades to prevent the movement of traffic.The tear gas attack on Matara was the second incident in 24 hours, after police used tear gas and opened fire to disperse a protest in Rambukkana, in the Sabaragamuwa Province, in Sri Lanka.Rambukkana, is a town located in the Kegalle District, in the Sabaragamuwa Province in Sri Lanka, and is a short drive away from the world-famous Pinnala Elephant Orphanage.

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Occupy Galle Face protest welcomes the New Year

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, traditionally a joyous period of celebration and festivities, dawned this year amidst many challenges faced by Sri Lankans. The shortage of fuel, gas, essential medicine and food all accumulated to formulate the Economic Crisis which Sri Lanka is currently undergoing, which had left the population reeling, the Cabinet Ministers in charge of critical subjects resigning, and nobody to take accountability for the crisis as the Parliament, which convened for several days, also concluding their sessions without any resolutions with regard to the people’s problems. This had led to masses engaging in protests in front of the Presidential Secretariat for the sixth day in a row today (14), as the farmers mark the New Year, traditionally celebrated in line with bountiful harvests, this time, without fertilizer, rice being purchased at low prices, and paddy fields abandoned with weeds. However, amid crises, Sri Lankans still managed to welcome the New Year by wishing prosperity to the country and all of Sri Lanka’s children. The ritual of ‘boiling milk’ was held at the Independence square and Galle Face both amid protests, while the protestors also engaged in the New Year ritual of ‘visiting relatives’ by walking from Independence Square to Galle Face, and proceeded to greet the Police who were guarding the Presidential Secretariat with betel leaves. Moreover, many avurudu celebrations such as avurudu games were held with a twist at Galle Face, which were creatively designed to convey the thoughts and complaints of the protesting public at the venue. One such youth, speaking to News 1st, stated that “They have decided to ruin our Avurudu, therefore we are ruining them for Avurudu”

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Sri Lankans protesting in Galle Face reject PMs offer for talks; vow to continue

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankans protesting outside the most powerful building in Colombo – The President’s Office – demanding the resignation of the President and the Government, have rejected Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s offer for talks.“We did not come here for talks. We are here to demand that you and the government resign,” said one youth protestor at the protest site which is now known by them as GotGoGama.Almost all others echoed the same sentiment rejecting the offer for discussions.“I’m willing & prepared to meet with citizens currently engaged in the protests at Galle Face to hear their thoughts & complaints.

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Youth protesters set up township in front of Presidents Office, in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); As the world watches in disbelief as the Sri Lankan economy slips from bad to worse at the rate of knots, ordinary young Sri Lankans facing the worst of the crisis have come up with one of the most peaceful, creative ways to protest in recent times. Mostly made up of Gen-Z youth, the protestors have over the past week created a township right in front of the President’s Office, in the middle of the bustling Colombo City.The town, now called ‘Gota-go-Gama’ (which incorporates the main slogan used by protestors and the word gama, which means village in Sinhalese) now functions with working toilets, phone charging points, entertainment, a shop, and even a library.

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NOTHING IMPORTANT was discussed during meeting with the President – Vasudeva

COLOMBO (News 1st); The meeting between the President, and the Independent MPs from the ruling coalition & the contituent parties on Sunday (10) evening, ended inconclusively.“No discussion on was made on forming an interim government during meeting between President, Independent MPs, & 11 constituent parties,” said Former Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara.He said the meeting was based on maintaining relations among parties.The meeting took place at the President’s Office in Colombo.Notably, the vehicles of the MPs used a separate entrance to enter the premises as Sri Lankans continue to occupy the Galle Face stretch.

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Sri Lankans in Jordan donate Medical Equipment

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lankan Community in Jordan donated a consignment of medical equipment through the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Jordan.The donation from the Sri Lankan Community in Jordan was handed over at a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry in Colombo.Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage handed over the donation to State Minister of Production, Supply, and Regulation of Pharmaceuticals Prof.

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(VIDEO) Rose offered to police manning Parliament barricade

COLOMBO (News 1st): A young Sri Lankan girl offered a rose to police officers who were manning the barricade leading to Parliament on Friday (8) afternoon.The parliament premises was heavily guarded as over the past few days Sri Lankans have been protesting around the premises against the President and the Government, and even all members of Parliament.The rose was offered at a time when a large group of people was in fact protesting at the same place against the President, and the government.

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UN human rights office urges Sri Lanka to defuse tensions peacefully

COLOMBO (News 1st); The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday (5) urged authorities in Sri Lanka to defuse tensions peacefully, after a state of emergency was declared in response to protests over the country’s deepening economic crisis.OHCHR said that the situation has worsened and that there have been shortages of food and fuel, along with power cuts, prompting new protests by desperate Sri Lankans.Following the state of emergency and other restrictions, Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for OHCHR said her office was “concerned that such measures are aimed at preventing or discouraging people from legitimately expressing their grievances through peaceful protests, and that they frustrate the exchange of views on matters of public interest”.Deteriorating situationPublic frustration has been rising in recent months with largely peaceful demonstrations taking place across the country.However, amid sudden shortages in fuel, cooking gas and essential food items; worsening inflation, currency devaluation and rolling power cuts over the past two weeks, the situation has worsened.“This led to further protests by Sri Lankans left desperate by the rising cost of living and difficulties to obtain basic items,” Ms.

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TISL calls for President & administration to bow to the will of the people

The people’s power can no longer be contained by the chains of corruption(COLOMBO); Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) strongly condemns the attempts of the President and the administration to stifle the constitutionally enshrined freedoms of expression and lawful assembly of the citizens through the use of emergency regulations, curfew and social media blackouts.TISL said that as an independent local organization that has been working in Sri Lanka for the past two decades with the mission to fight corruption, it stands in solidarity with the people across the country who are mobilizing independently against the corrupt in a non-violent manner.TISL notes that the current situation in the country has been caused by decades of misuse and mismanagement of public resources on a large scale, systemic corruption coupled with kleptocracy, and an overall lack of transparency and accountability in both governance as well as in the public service sector.The people have now delivered their message loud and clear. The dormant voices of the people of this country have joined in unison to create a powerful shockwave that might have taken most of those in power by surprise.Sri Lankans should be vigilant at this point as chaos at the highest levels affords the opportunity for political maneuvering and for those with ulterior motives to rise to power.

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(VIDEO) Thousands protest in Polonnaruwa and Galle against economic crisis

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several groups banded together on Monday (4) morning to protest against the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka in Galle.According to News 1st correspondents, lawyers and other social groups converged opposite the Galle Bus Station and commenced the protest.At the same time, a massive protest took place in the Polonnaruwa Town calling for the resignation of the government.Protests have increased across Sri Lanka after thousands decided to protest on the road leading to the President’s private residence on the 31st of March 2022.Meanwhile, Sri Lankans also defied the nationwide curfew to protest on Sunday (3).

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Litro wants to increase gas prices

COLOMBO (News 1st); Litro Chairman says that a request was made from the Cabinet of Ministers to increase gas prices.The request comes at a time when many Sri Lankans have been forced to stay in line from dawn to dusk to purchase domestic gas cylinders, due to a shortage of supply in the local market.

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Will allowances ease the economic burden on Sri Lankans?

COLOMBO (News 1st); Economists have raised concerns whether the Sri Lankan government’s decision to award Rs. 10,000/- as allowances for low-income families will ease the economic burden on the people, in the long term.Professor Aminda Methsila Perera, from the Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, says that according to government calculations there are 3.1 million low-income families in the island nation, and it would require Rs.

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Sri Lanka’s Fuel Crisis : Despite multiple assurance from Min. Lokuge, people are still in line

COLOMBO (News 1st); The owners and operators of multiple filling stations across Sri Lanka allege that they are not receiving sufficient stocks of fuel to be sold to the growing number of queues opposite their businesses.“We do not receive the shipments on time. We are compelled to sell fuel based on the delivery of fuel,” said one filling station owner from Colombo.Another filling station owner from Kandy said that though they are sent messages of shipments destined to them, those shipments are never delivered.Similar sentiments were shared by other filling station owners, who are compelled to seek assistance from local authorities to control the crowds as well.Since the 8th of March 2022, Sri Lanka’s new Energy Minister Gamini Lokuge has been making promises on ending the fuel crisis in the country.Yet, there seems to be no immediate end to the fuel shortage in the island nation.At the same time, Sri Lanka’s Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena told reporters on Monday (28) that claims that Sri Lanka will run out of fuel by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, are baseless and false.He said the necessary fuel shipments have been ordered and the delivery will take place soon at the Colombo Port.However, these comments have not calmed the mindsets of many Sri Lankans who have been waiting in line for hours, as well as days, anticipating the arrival of fuel shipments to filling stations.Among these people are businessmen, farmers, day laborers, office workers, and even transport operators.

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Water for People in Queues: #Gammadda Volunteers ‘Step Up’.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Gammadda Movement took a small step towards helping ordinary Sri Lankans forced to stand in queues by distributing chilled bottles of water at selected locations around Sri Lanka. The effort is led by the Gammadda V Force Volunteers, who stepped up at short notice to help ease the burden of people standing for hours in queues in the scorching heat.The volunteers made sure that used bottles were collected and removed responsibly as well.“It made a huge difference to the people we were able to help.

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Police take action against gas-guzzling ‘Spin Riders Club’

COLOMBO (News 1st); As ordinary Sri Lankans queued once again up last evening for fuel and LP gas, a social media furor erupted as videos began to emerge of a fleet of SUV’s and high-powered motorcycles speeding along a road backed by a police convoy.The Police Media Division in a Press Release issued this morning (18) noted that while “conditional permission” had been granted for a “vehicle-parade”, the police had banned the parade due to public outcry and the flouting of conditions agreed to.Police have assured that legal action would be taken if road rules were broken. The video circulating on social media shows many SUV’s had passengers dangerously hanging out of open windows.The convoy, which was flanked by a considerable police escort, was met with stiff resistance at the Kalpitiya town, where residents and religious leaders blocked the road preventing the convoy from moving ahead.“The People in this area, have no fuel.

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Saudi Foreign Minister meets President, PM & GL

The visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.H. Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdulla Al Saud paid a courtesy calls on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa followed by a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof.

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New Fortress Energy Reiterates Commitment in Sri Lanka

New York (News 1st); New Fortress Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NFE) issued a statement following a favorable ruling on Friday, March 4, by the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka.Having considered the merits of all the fundamental rights petitions filed seeking to halt NFE’s development of natural gas power solutions in Sri Lanka, the Court fully dismissed the petitions without further hearing.NFE and The Government of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (“GOSL”) executed a definitive agreement in September 2021 whereby NFE will invest in energy infrastructure in Sri Lanka and develop a new LNG Terminal off the coast of Colombo.NFE will have gas supply rights to the Kerawalapitya Power Complex and will initially provide GOSL an estimated 1.2 million gallons per day of LNG (~ 35,000 MMBtu) to supply both the currently operational 310 MW Yugadanavi Power Plant and an additional 350 MW (the Sobadanavi Power Plant) which is expected to commence operations in 2023.

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27 Sri Lankans remaining in Ukraine unwilling to leave – Foreign Minister

COLOMBO (News 1st); 27 Sri Lankans continue to remain in Ukraine and have expressed their unwillingness to leave, revealed Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Professor G. L.

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Remain patient during these difficult times: PM

COLOMBO (News 1st); Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa says that Sri Lankans should work patiently in the difficult times that have arisen.Participating in the International Women’s Day celebrations in Colombo, the Prime Minister also inaugurated a program to introduce 10 foreign languages to school children in line with international standards.The Prime Minister addressing the event stated that while acknowledging that the country is in a very difficult situation today, the women in the country are affected when there is a shortage of electricity, diesel and gas.When the country was closed down and garment factories remained open, a certain group demanded for the factories to be closed because it would lead to a ‘garment cluster’, the Prime Minister stated.“The President closed down the country while warning that it would lead to people suffering even more. But today it has come true.

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