Police Sergeant dead in Kebithigollewa unrest

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police said that eight suspects have been arrested with drugs and narcotic pills at Weligama beach.This is based on information that a party organized via facebook was taking place on the Weligama beach.The suspects are residents of Weligama, Ranala, Tissamaharama, Kananke, Telijjawila, Syawala and Beliatta areas.The relevant suspects were produced to the Matara Magistrate and were later on released on bail.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Minister of Transport Bandula Gunawardena said that operations between Mahawa and Jaffna will be suspended for five months from 2023.He said the operations between those two train stations will be suspended from 15th January 2023.He told Parliament that renovations along the trains were the cause for this decision.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation said that a team of officials have left for the Gal-Ara Buffer Zone belonging to the Yala Park today (28) to investigate the clearing of the area by a group.This is based on the instructions given by the Minister of Wildlife and Forest Resources Conservation Mahinda Amaraweera to the Secretary of the Ministry Chandra Herath to provide an investigation report on the related incident.Secretary of the Ministry Chandra Herath said that strict disciplinary steps will be taken against the officials responsible for the related incident who have neglected their duties.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The 10.6 million liters of diesel donation by China will be provided free of charge, said the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka.Fuel will be given free to  232,749 farmers for harvesting 342,266 hectares paddy fields across Sri Lanka in Maha season 2022/23 (20L/hectare)In addition, the 3,796 fishing vessels below 40 feet in Sri Lanka (1,000L/vessel) will also be given free diesel courtesy from China.

Agricultural land in the Thammanawa area in the Hambantota district is now protected with a 15 feet high hanging electric fence that will keep away wild elephants.The Hambantota International Port (HIP) handed over the 5 ½ kilometre fence to the Thammannawa village agriculture committee last week.This area which was frequented by wild elephants will now be safe for villagers who will be able to carry out their livelihoods in peace.The fencing project, which is a part of HIP’s Human Elephant Peace initiative, was done after a scientific analysis was carried out in joint collaboration by the District secretariat and Wildlife Conservation Department.It also included 4 strategically placed roadside warning boards at high risk points and a series of awareness programmes for villages in the area. The next step which has already begun and currently in an exploratory stage is the planting of a Palmyrah tree bio fence.Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), said at the handover ceremony, “HIP undertook this project because it is a burning issue within the community.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The court of appeal granted permission to examine the writ application filed seeking a ruling that State Minister Diana Gamage is unfit to become a Member of the Sri Lankan Parliament and that she should be prevented from serving as an MP.The writ application was filed by civil activist Osanda Lakmal Anil Herath, and it was called up in the presence of Justices Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola.State Minister Diana Gamage, the Public Security Minister Tiran Alles, the Controller General of Immigration and Emigration, and the Chairman of the National Election Commission among 15 others were named as respondents in the case.The Court of Appeal ordered for notice to be served on the respondents to make their submissions with regard to the matter.The exmination of the petition will commence on the 12th of December 2022, ordered the Court of Appeal.The Controller General of Immigration and Emigration was also ordered by the Court of Appeal to submit all documents related to the citizenship of Diana Gamage to the court.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A circular has been issued suspending the expenses incurred for various events of State Institutions by the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies Mahinda Siriwardena.The Cabinet had decided on the 13th of June to suspend the spending of funds for events related to their scope as well as other external events in the current limited financial space.However, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies say that it has been reported that such expenses are still being incurred contrary to the relevant rules.Accordingly, the Secretary states state funds should not be used for opening ceremonies and other events at Ministries, Departments, State Corporations, Companies, Statutory Boards, State Enterprises, Provincial Councils, Local Government Institutions and State Banks.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry called on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her Official Residence in Dhaka, Bangladesh recently.Minister Sabry and Prime Minister Hasina highlighted the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, focusing on enhancing people-to-people contact using air and sea connectivity. The Prime Minister encouraged acquiring more traction for Bangladesh vessels through the Port of Colombo and invited further investments from Sri Lanka. Minister Sabry emphasized the importance of tourism promotion and invited Bangladesh tourists and investors to explore Sri Lanka.Minister Ali Sabry is in Dhaka to attend meetings as the Vice-Chair of IORA, at the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Ministers.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Fisheries says that steps have been taken to introduce a pension scheme for the fishing community.The Director General of the Fisheries Department Susantha Kahawatta pointed out that the pension system will be implemented through the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) approved power cuts of 2 hours and 20 minutes on 28th & 29th November as follows;Groups ABCDEFGHIJKLPQRSTUVW: 1-hour during daytime 1-hour 20-minutes during the night

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that several spells of light showers will occur in the Northern province.Showers or thundershowers will occur at several places in Uva and Southern provinces, and showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Central, Sabaragamuwa, and Eastern provinces during the afternoon or night.The Misty condition can be expected in Sabaragamuwa, Central provinces, and Galle and Matara districts during the morning.Condition of Rain:Several spells of light showers may occur in the sea areas off the coast extending from Mannar to Kankasanturai.Winds:Winds will be from a north-easterly or variable direction and the speed will be (20-30) kmph.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Today’s exchange rates from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka:USD Buy 360.2922 Sell 371.2929GBP Buy 434.6091 Sell 451.3888EUR Buy 373.0369 Sell 388.6538JPY Buy 2.5825 Sell 2.6902AUD Buy 242.0396 Sell 253.3277

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Litro says that there is a high demand for domestic LP gas due to the festive season.Litro said that accordingly, 40,000 gas cylinders will be distributed to the local market today (28).Further, cooking gas has been released for factories, hotels, and other essential services.Meanwhile, Litro points out that a vessel carrying 4,000 MT of LP gas is scheduled to reach the country on the 30th.In addition, Litro says that over 100,000 cooking gas cylinders will be distributed to the local markers from the 1st of December.

Colombo (News 1st) – The 2022 FIFA World Cup surprises keep coming as Morocco beat the world's second best side, Belgium 2-0. Thanks to late goals by Abdelhamid Sabiri and Zakaria Aboukhlal, Morocco pulled off just its third-ever win at a World Cup. Belgium had 10 shots, but they only had three on target.

(Reuters) – Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Saturday after her strategy to frame local elections as showing defiance to China's rising bellicosity failed to pay off and win public support.The elections for mayors, county chiefs and local councillors are ostensibly about domestic issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic and crime, and those elected will not have a direct say on China policy.But Tsai had recast the election as being more than a local vote, saying the world is watching how Taiwan defends its democracy amid military tensions with China, which claims the island as its territory.The main opposition party the Kuomintang, or KMT, was leading or claimed victory in 13 of the 21 city mayor and county chief seats up for grabs, including the capital Taipei, compared to the DPP's five, broadly in line with expectations and similar to the results of the last local elections in 2018."The results failed our expectations. We humbly accept the results and accept the Taiwanese people's decision," Tsai told reporters at party headquarters as she quit as party head, which she also did after 2018's poor results."It's not like the DPP has never failed before," Tsai, who will continue serving as president until 2024, added.

Demonstrations have erupted in Beijing, Shanghai and other major cities Protests are erupting in major cities in China over President Xi Jinping‘s zero-tolerance approach to Covid-19, an unusual show of defiance in the country as the economic and social costs from snap lockdowns and other strict restrictions escalate.

Colombo (News 1st) – In yet another shock win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Costa Rica scored their first goal of the tournament to beat Japan 1-0. Japan beat the mighty Germans 2-1 just a few nights ago.Keysher Fuller made Costa Rica's first shot on target count! Despite his side carrying no goal threat all game, Fuller beat the keeper from the edge of the box to keep their dream of reaching the last 16 alive.Costa Rica suffered a 7-0 humbling to Spain on Wednesday (Nov.

A group of Lanarkshire pals have kickstarted a new initiative to improve local men's mental and physical health through football.

prostate cancer fears in an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk.The iconic fitness guru is taking on the challenge of a lifetime after his own experience with the disease.  Derrick will be running an impressive 26.2 miles this January in support of Prostate Cancer UK.The GMTV star gave a rare insight into his own health, as he discussed how prostate cancer had left a lasting impact on both him and his loved ones. Sadly, one in eight men are affected by prostate cancer, and Derrick was shocked to recently learn that black men face double this risk, as the disease affects one in four of them. Derrick, who rose to fame with his motivational live fitness sessions on breakfast television, spoke about how he had been personally impacted by the illness.  “There was a period, about two years ago, when I noticed that my flow was not as strong,” Derrick remembered.“So I went to get it checked and my prostate was slightly enlarged,” he continued.“And we just watched it, but we kept going back and the doctors and specialists kept saying, ‘Well look, your fitness is definitely keeping you ahead of the curve.’ “And there was a point at which it did get enlarged really badly and I was really having serious difficulty passing water.

Instagram in view of his 1.4 million followers, including one of him on a hospital bed and another of his knee scan.He sported a grey T-shirt and a pair of shorts while wearing a knee brace.Jamie captioned the post: "So I have finally decided to fix my knee and get a full knee replacement."When I was just 18 I had all of the meniscus removed from the inside of my right knee, hence making it bone on bone and taking away the cushion that protects it."It has given me constant problems since.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National STD/AIDS Control Programme says that a system has been set up to schedule HIV tests online. Specialist Doctor Nimali Jayasuriya says that this online method can be used instead of going to clinics. Accordingly she further sais that bookings for HIV tests can be made at the website www.know4sure.lk News 1st is now on Whatsapp, Viber, LinkedIN and Telegram. Don't miss out on all the latest developments in Sri Lanka and overseas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The State Ministry of Provincial Councils and Local Government says that from next week, every public servant should report to duty in official attire based on the respective institution's policies.State Minister Janaka Wakkumbura says that the relevant circular will be issued next week.He said the government aims to encourage all public servants to return to the pre-COVID pandemic dress code. During the pandemic, a circular was issued relaxing the rules imposed on those working in the public sector.

Will Smith has gone viral, but not in a good way. The actor, 54, was planning on surprising an audience who had just watched his film, Emancipation, but ended up testing positive for Covid, sharing a video to show how he took a Covid test prior to the appearance. Will seemed to take the news well, writing a lighthearted 'I went viral' next to the video on social media.  Viral: Will Smith used a lighthearted play on words saying 'I went viral' as the actor revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 Participants at screenings are often required to show negative results before they can attend an event. The action star showed no signs of illness, but bellowed out exaggerated screams of pain as swirled the test swab around his nasal passages, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result. Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.  Surprise: The actor was hoping to surprise an audience who had just watched his new film, Emancipation, but was unable to attend  No signs: The action star showed no signs of illness, and was shocked when one hour later, he received a positive result Zoom: Instead of speaking to the audience in person, the Oscar winner met with them via Zoom, as he sat in front of a laptop.

It’s a damning statistic.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Commissioner General of Examinations L. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Supreme Court ordered the Inspector General of Police to establish a committee to formulate a regulatory framework for Police officers to follow when conducting inquiries into disputes. The Supreme Court gave this direction as part of an interim order issued when an incident where a senior police officer had obstructed an Attorney at Law from performing his duties was taken up in court. According to the petitioner, an Attorney, he had visited the Boralasgamuwa Police on the 13th of November 2021 to represent his client at the police station. The petitioner stated, while representing his client, Senior Superintendent of Police K.S.K Rupasinghe had demanded that he step out of the room. The petitioner had refused to do so. The SSP had then proceeded to threaten the Attorney claiming he will be thrown into a cell.

KYM Marsh has shared an update after it was revealed she won't take part in Strictly this weekend after testing positive for Covid. A statement from hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing said "all being well", ex-Corrie actress Kym Marsh, 46, will return with pro partner Graziano Di Prima, 28, next weekend. But her pro-dance partner shared an update to his Instagram account - hinting that despite the setback, the pair are still focused on the competition.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board says that the use of a drug called ICE (methamphetamine) among school children is on the rise.The Chairman of the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sakya Nanayakkara said that parents should pay special attention to their children and their activities.He further said that parents should pay special attention to the people their children associate with, their travels, and their children's behaviour.

He said: "I have Poland Syndrome, so I only have one pec that was brought to the attention of a lot of people so I'm glad that the Poland Syndrome [was brought to people's attention].”"I remember sitting down and tears falling out of my eyes watching the Olympics - it was given a name and it hadn't been given a name."A Poland Syndrome charity said they'd never had so much publicity and an 85-year-old man said he didn't know what it was called until he read the piece.“Because people look at you and it's like, 'what's going on', you feel like a weirdo and now I feel like I am who I am."According to the NHS, Poland Syndrome is a very rare condition that is characterised by webbing of the fingers and of underdevelopment of chest muscle.Following his stint on Strictly, Matt spoke exclusively to Express.co.uk about his time on the show as he promotes his upcoming Christmas single, The Beautiful Unknown.Matt explained that the criticism he received for not "smiling enough" was down to "stuff" going on in his life, hinting at personal woes he wanted to keep away from the dancefloor.Express.co.uk asked the Bros singer if he paid attention to any of the critiques on social media or from the judges.Matt said: "Apparently I wasn't smiling enough on Strictly and I'm sure you know there's stuff going on in my life that had to take precedence and I had to resolve that."I didn't want to reveal either because it was painful and I just, you know, had to hold on and I wanted to put my best foot forward, no pun intended.So I didn't feel the need to share that on social media."Matt recently moved back to the UK after living in the US for 25 years, as his return sadly took place without his mother and sister around to support him. In 2019,

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into a brawl that took place between two student groups at the University of Kelaniya.Police said that statements were recorded from five injured students on Thursday (3) night.The altercation had taken place on Wednesday (2) early morning urging a group of students to withdraw their complaint against ragging filed with the Kiribathgoda Police.Fourth-year students attached to the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya had assaulted a group of second-year students from the same faculty.The injured students obtained treatment from the Homagama Base Hospital and discharged themselves, and Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation based on the notification made by the hospital.

Covid-19 update: The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. With 1,216 people testing positive for coronavirus infection in a day, India's tally of Covid-19 cases rose to 4,46,58,365, while the active cases declined to 15,705, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday. The death toll climbed to 5,30,479 with 18 fatalities which includes 15 deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heavy police presence was witnessed since morning on Wednesday (2) in Colombo ahead of the mass protest planned by multiple groups including political parties.Trade Unions, Students Movements, supported by political parties will march from Maradana to Fort, where a rally will take place against state suppression.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Frontline Socialists Party, Tamil National Alliance, 43rd Brigade, Freedom People's Congress among 20 political parties, and over 150 trade unions and mass organizations will take part in the protest.Police says NO permission:Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Wednesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Tuesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K. A.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police revealed that the two men who were gunned down on Monday (31) morning in Hikkaduwa were the main suspects in the brutal hacking to death of Kudu Roshan on the 20th of December 2020 in Milla, Hikkaduwa.Kudu Roshan was a resident of Meetiygoda, and was a close associate of the slain underworld don Makandure Madush who was killed in police fire.Kudu Roshan was also a suspect in the killing of another underworld leader known as Samayan in Ranala.Motorcycle gunmen opened fire at two men travelling on another motorcycle in Thiranagama, Hikkaduwa on Monday (31) morning.News 1st correspondents said that the targets of the shooting were ruled dead on the spot.Sri Lanka Police said that the gunmen had come from behind and opened fire using a T-56 Assault Rifle.Detectives recovered a total of 17 bullet casings from the crime scene.The victims were identified as 47-year-old Kapuwa Handi Prasanna Mendis, and 26-year-old Henda Hewage Isuru Prasanna, both from Kalupe Hikkaduwa.They were gunned down while en router to a case at the Galle Magistrate's Court.No arrests were made regarding Monday's (31) shooting, and seven police teams were deployed for investigations.

(Reuters) – Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva narrowly defeated President Jair Bolsonaro in a runoff election on Sunday that marked a stunning comeback for the leftist former president and the end of Brazil's most right-wing government in decades.Brazil's Supreme Electoral Court declared Lula the next president, with 50.9% of votes versus 49.1% for Bolsonaro. The 77-year-old Lula's inauguration is scheduled for Jan.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The family of a Surinamese woman arrested with cocaine in Sri Lanka have appointed a Surinamese lawyer to appear for her case.The government of Suriname has refuted media reports that a Surinamese woman arrested in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death on suspicion of drug smuggling. The woman was arrested by the Customs Narcotics Control Bureau on October 18 for possession of over two kilograms of cocaine at the Katunayake Airport.The 25-year-old woman, who had arrived at the Katunayake Bandaranaike Airport through Doha, Qatar from Brazil, was questioned by the Sri Lanka Customs Narcotics Control Bureau officers, due to her suspicious behavior.During the investigation, the officers discovered 2,553 grams of cocaine, in tins, labeled as containing food.The suspect was subsequently detained and charged with the offense of drug smuggling.The Suriname Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation has become involved in the matter on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Consular Traffic’ (Arts 5 and 36 paragraph 1c) and ‘the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Traffic’, adding that information is requested from Sri Lanka.The Surinamese government has taken steps in accordance with these preconditions and the embassy in New Delhi, India, immediately contacted the authorities in Sri Lanka.After confirming the suspect’s arrest, the Surinamese embassy in New Delhi immediately requested permission from the Sri Lankan authorities for consular access to the person concerned, either virtually or physically.In the meantime, a Surinamese lawyer has been appointed by the suspect’s family as a contact person, and information is exchanged with the family via this communication

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) – 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A youth who was injured in a shooting which occurred on Friday (28) evening in Tihagoda, ​​Matara has been hospitalized.Police said that during a scuffle with a police officer, the officer's firearm was accidentally discharged and the youth was injured.The injured individual was identified as a 16 year old.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.

The manager of a Scots nursery where a baby boy choked to death has been convicted of failing to ensure children were adequately monitored during mealtimes.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Health is preparing to establish a database by spending almost a billion rupees, however no progress has been made with regard to the infamour #DataScam.The approval of the National Medicnes Regulatory Authority is essential for every medicine and medical device imported to Sri Lanka.With the COVID-19 pandemic, most of these activities take place online, and an advertisement published by the NMRA on October 15th, 2020 confirmed this.The functions of the NMRA were carried out online using the Lanka Government Cloud for uploading important data related to medicinesand medical devices.However, the data belonging to the NMRA which was available on the Lanka Government Cloud suddenly went missing, and later it was revealed that it was deliberate deletion.A complaint on data going missing from the NMRA Cloud was filed with the CID on July 23rd, 2021.A software engineer attached to the private company that managed the NMRA system was accused of deleting the data.However, the database did not even have the minimum security measure or a backup facility.The issue went to the Courts on 6th October 2021 where the gravity of the missing data was disclosed.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris revealed at the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court that medicine racketeer made undue advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic that was spreading across Sri Lanka at the time.In court it was revealed that the systems operator from the private company that managed the NMRA cloud had deleted data for a period of seven long hours.Senior Deputy Solicitor General (DSG) Dileepa Peiris emphasized that all those involved in this crime should be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice as they are