Police Sub-Inspector arrested over Matara shooting

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Former Leader of the Ceylon Workers' Congress (CWC) Muthu Sivalingam has passed away.Sources said that he passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday (23)He was a Member of Parliament for the Nuwara Eliya District.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The committee stage debate of the 2023 Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held from November 23rd to December 8th, and the voting will be held on December 8th at 7.00 pm.The Parliament is scheduled to convene today (23) at 9.30 am presided over by Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana.The Budget 2023 Second reading was passed in Parliament on Tuesday (22):-Votes in Favor: 121-Votes Against: 84-Abstentions: 1

Ice Cube confirmed he missed out on a $9 million acting role after he refused to get the vaccination shot for COVID-19.The 53-year-old rapper-actor, appearing on the podcast Million Dollaz Worth of Game Monday, said, 'I turned down a movie because I didn’t want to get the motherf***ing jab.'He continued: 'I didn’t want get the jab - f*** that jab; f*** y'all for trying to make me get it. I don’t know how Hollywood feels about me right now.' The latest: Ice Cube, 53, confirmed he missed out on a $9 million acting role after he refused to get the vaccination shot for COVID-19The comments came more than a year after reports in October of 2021 that he had been passed over for a role in the Sony comedy Oh Hell No as producers wanted all cast vaccinated for the shoot.The entertainer, whose real name is O'Shea Jackson, said he 'turned down $9 million' in not getting vaccinated to appear in the film, which is slated to star Jack Black and be directed by Kitao Sakurai.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. 

₹40,000. This happened because of the pandemic as rents were lower as people working remotely had still not returned to the city. Post-pandemic, rents have surged and this very apartment now commands a monthly rent of ₹50,000-55,000," she said.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Former Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said that Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa simply let things happen during his tenure as the Head of State.Speaking to News 1st's 10 Questions program the Former Head of the Central Bank said he too believed that the Former President should have conducted himself differently, and that could have changed the fate of the country."An unexpected person is now the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Offshore Patrol Vessel P 627 the most recent addition to the Sri Lanka Navy fleet acquired from the United States (U.S.) Coast Guard was commissioned as Vijayabahu under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (22) at the Colombo Port. The Vessel P 627 began her home-bound journey from the Port of Seattle on the 03rd September 2022 and arrived in Colombo on November 02 after about 10656 nautical miles (19734 km) of the sea passage.The President as the Chief Guest was accorded a Guard of Honour by the Sri Lanka Navy. The President boarded the SLNS Vijayabahu Vessel accompanied by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna and unveiled the ship's name board.Following a tour onboard the President unveiled the plaque and a memento was presented to the President by the Navy Commander. P 627, the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’, received by SL Navy, measures 115m in length and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 29 knots with 14000 nautical miles of endurance at cruising speed. Further, she has been designed for 187 crew members and is equipped with modern weapons and machinery that suit SL Navy’s operational requirements. During her stint with the U.S.

By Tyrone DevottaThe digital chapter of FITIS on its internet day message says although Financial Technology (FinTech) is now a global phenomenon, in providing financial benefits to the elite and right down to the bottom of the pyramid, Sri Lanka has not cashed in on its full advantages.  This is because we lack the policy framework for Fintech companies to operate in their full capacity.

Corrie star Kym Marsh has had to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend after testing positive for Covid.

The second reading of the 2023 Budget was passed in Parliament on Tuesday (22) by a slim majority of 37 votes.Votes in Favor: 121Votes Against: 84Abstentions: 1The debate on the second reading of the Appropriation Bill began on November 15th, and the voting for the second reading took place on Tuesday (22) evening.The debate on the committee stage of the Appropriation Bill is scheduled to be held from November 23rd to December 8th, and the voting will be held on December 8th at 7.00 pm.Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that all Sri Lanka Freedom Party MPs who are connected to the government decided to vote in favour of the second reading of the budget today (22).Meanwhile, the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, the People's Freedom Congress, and the National People's Power have decided to vote against it.The Tamil National Alliance decided not to take part in the voting process for the Second Reading of the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that mainly fair weather will prevail over most parts of the island.Condition of Rain:A few showers are likely in sea areas off the coast extending from Galle to Matara.Winds:Winds will be north-westerly or south-westerly and speed will be (20-40) kmph. State of Sea:The sea areas off the coast extending from Kankasanturai to Trincomalee via Mullaitivu and from Colombo to Hambantota via Galle and Matara will be fairly rough at times. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan government has decided to release 50 fuel bowsers daily to meet the kerosene needs of the fishing community.Last week, the Petroleum Corporation had approved the release of 357 kerosene bowsers to meet the fishing community's needs. However, the fuel stations had only obtained 206 bowsers (58%).

People are being warned that a "highly contagious" respiratory virus could be on the rise during the winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two more men arrested for their alleged link to the sex trafficking ring in Oman were remanded to the 1st of December 2023.The suspects were produced to the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe by the Criminal Investigations Department on Tuesday (22).One suspect was arrested by the CID in Kurunegala, while the other was arrested in Colombo.Sri Lanka's Criminal Investigations Department arrested a woman with links to the sex trafficking ring in Oman, after she surrendered to the CID on Monday (21) morning. She was later released on two personal bails of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Indictments were served on Former Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella, Former Operations Director of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Chandrapala Liyanage, and Former Chairman Wimal Rupasinghe at the Colombo High Court on Tuesday (22).The case was filed against them for using Rs. 990,000/- in funds owned by the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation during the run-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, and purchasing 600 GI pipes for various other uses.After the indictments were served, the three defendants were released on a cash bail of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Cabinet has granted approval to amend the Local Authorities Elections Ordinance to increase youth representation at Local Government Institutions.Acting Cabinet Spokesperson Shantha Bandara told reporters that Colombo District MP Premanath C.

The Scottish Parliament's COVID-19 Recovery Committee will meet with employees and service users of two Lanarkshire employment support organisations next week.

primary obstacles to luring them back in, but fear of being exposed to the coronavirus remains a factor for one in four workers, and that rate is even higher among some demographics.To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on Twitter.Learn more about how the Gallup Panel works.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Cabinet of Ministers granted approval to the proposal to introduce a new Police Ordinance based on the new social norms and trends.According to the Cabinet Memorandum produced to the Minister of Public Security, the existing Police Ordinance No.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Consumers across the country have pointed out that there is a shortage of cooking gas in the local market, adding that most sellers do not have sufficient stocks of LP Gas.Litro Chairman Muditha Peiris speaking to News 1st said that most distributors are not delivering cooking gas cylinders to traders on credit, and they are currently engaged in cash-only business.Therefore, he added that many small-time traders are finding it difficult to procure gas.However, as a solution the distributors have been instructed to deliver gas to small-time traders on loan facilities, said the Litro Chairman.

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

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Colombo North Crimes Division arrested a man from Dehiwala for the possession of 78,700 narcotic pills.The arrest was made following raids in Mutuwal and Kalubowila.Sri Lanka Police said that the suspect had illegally imported the drugs by and air and sea routes.

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.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police arrested a man for the possession of three kilograms of heroin from Angunukolapelessa on Friday (4) morning based on the information extracted from a suspect arrested on Thursday (3) for heroin possession.On Thursday (3) night, Sri Lanka Police arrested a man and a woman for the possession of 25 kilograms of heroin in Ambalantota.Sri Lanka Police discovered 25 kilograms of heroin in a house in Ambalantota following a raid.Police said five people connected to a heroin distribution ring have been arrested.Sleuths have informed detectives that the heroin was smuggled to Kudawella by boat and was concealed inside a cooking gas cylinder.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A suspect who reprimanded, and assaulted a police officer who was on duty at the Nuwara Eliya Magistrate's Court was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.Sri Lanka Police said that the Police Officer in question had instructed the suspect who had visited the court to remain silent inside the premises.Thereafter, the Police Officer informed the man to leave the court premises if his matter was concluded.At that instance, the suspect reprimanded the police officer and assaulted him, said Sri Lanka Police.The suspect was arrested by fellow Police Officers who were present and was remanded to the 9th of November 2022.

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) – The Chinese Government donated 10.6 Million Liters of diesel to farmers and fishermen in remote areas of Sri Lanka to upgrade the agriculture and fisheries industries.Currently, the agriculture and fisheries industry is facing severe difficulty due to the shortage of diesel to operate machinery and boats.The shipment is scheduled to reach the country between November & December and will be distributed to the needy soon.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant died in hospital after being severely wounded during a unrest that broke out in Kebithigollewa on Monday (31) night.Tensions boiled over in the town located in Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka's North Central Province after a man was killed in a wild elephant attack.Crowds took to the streets demanding a solution to the Human-Elephant conflict and they became unruly.Reports said that Sri Lanka Police fired several rounds into the air to control the situation. A Sri Lanka Police Sergeant was seriously injured after he was mobbed by the crowd, and was admitted to a hospital where he died.

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.

prostate cancer as she revealed she knew deep down she "wasn't going to lose him".The 49-year-old struggled to fight back tears when she discussed just how much "her rock" meant to her and how his cancer battle made them stronger.In a new interview, the presenter was asked about her relationship with Kenny and finding out about his cancer.Her spouse was diagnosed after she urged him to get checked out, but the result was not what they expected.Speaking to Steven Bartlett, she spilled: "He was really upset as you can imagine and I just thought, 'Right no, this is going to be absolutely fine, what are we going to do? What are the answers here?'His neurologist was brilliant, he's a brilliant communicator and told us what the options were and I was like, (to Kenny) 'we've just to get a plan together, you need to know what you're doing and then we will keep being positive about it'.Karren Brady fears for royals 'shivering' over Prince Harry's book"That's what we did really, once we got over the initial shock, we just really kind of focused on it as a project we had to deal with and it's a b****y awful operation."Gabby explained that Kenny had to have six stab wounds in his torso, which was "really invasive"."It's horrible to see him in the pain he was afterwards, it's a horrible thing to go through but he's doing really really well now."The presenter was then swiftly in tears as she revealed just how much he meant to her.Seconds later after composing herself, she said: "He's just great, I'm very lucky."I knew I wasn't going to lose him."He's a great man and I couldn't ever wish for anybody to have shared my life with, who is better."Gabby and Kenny tied the knot two years after meeting.Strictly's Anton Du Beke 'heartbroken'

@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) – 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) – 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 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes are investing time in their spiritual side…

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Abeyasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the Criminal Investigations Department to appear in court on the 10th of December.The OIC of the CID has been summoned to show cause for the failure of the CID to conduct an investigation into the complaint filed regarding the dual citizenship of State Minister Diana Gamage. Appearing for Lakmal Herath Attorney-at-Law Gunarathne Vanninayake said that his client had lodged a complaint at the CID stating that State Minister Diana Gamage had concealed the fact that she has a British Passport and applied for a Sri Lankan passport. The counsel added that the CID had failed to investigate this complaint. The Counsel further pointed out that although a responsible public official had testified that the State Ministers' NIC and Birth Certificates are forgeries no further investigations have been conducted. After considering the facts the Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe issued notice on the OIC of the CID to appear in court on the 10th of next month.   

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Health Ministry said that the number of Dengue cases reported in Sri Lanka has increased threefold compared to 2021.So far in 2022, more than 62,000 Dengue cases have been reported.Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr Sudath Samaraweera says 60 people have died from Dengue this year, adding that a majority of the victims were children and those below the age of 50 years.

Humza Yousaf has been branded the "worst health secretary since devolution" by Labour in a row over how prepared the NHS is for winter.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The guides who accompanied a group in a fleet of vehicles who operated recklessly inside the Yala National Park, and the Park Rangers who failed to control the situation have been interdicted, said Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.Several videos of a fleet of vehicles entering the Yala National Park and doing doughnuts inside the park premises harassing the wildlife went viral on social media, attracting widespread condemnation from netizens.Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture in a statement said that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera had instructed to immediately take action against against those involved in the incident.In addition, the Minister had requested the Inspector General of Police to arrest them irrespective of their status and position.The Minister added that steps will be taken to blackslist such individuals and vehicles from entering the Yala National Park.On Monday (24), The Department of Wildlife said that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who cause harm or harassment to the wild animals inside the Yala National Park.Director General of Wildlife Chandana Sooriyabandara told News 1st that Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has given clear instructions to institute immediate legal action against all individuals who had caused harm to wild animals using vehicles inside the Yala National Park.He said the Department of Wildlife is in possession of the information regarding such people, and the necessary evidence to take action against them.

The region’s over-50s are being urged to arrange their flu and coronavirus vaccines.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Department of Meteorology says that showers or thundershowers will occur at times in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and North-Western provinces and in Galle and Matara districts. Heavy showers above 100 mm may be expected at some places in the Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces and Galle and Matara districts.Showers or thundershowers may occur elsewhere over the Island during the afternoon or night.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 over the sea areas around the Island.Winds:Winds will be westerly or South-westerly.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Seven people have been arrested for taking pictures without  permission in the high security zone around the Victoria Dam with the use of a drone.Police stated that the security forces have informed the concerned suspects not to take photographs in that area.However, they have taken photographs despite the order, which led to their arrest.Accordingly a camera and a drone were found in the possession of the suspects and were taken into police custody.The suspects are aged 31 and 32 and were identified as residents of Dehiwala and Weligama areas.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the robbery of Rs. 2.1 million in Moratuwa.The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out by the Mt.