President hold talks with China’s Exim Bank

Health insurance policies come with different term... moreHealth insurance policies come with different terms and conditions, which can be confusing for policyholders.

NEW DELHI : In a major relief to small suppliers, the Centre on Monday asked various ministries to refund the performance security, bid security and liquidated damages forfeited or deducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move gives effect to finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement on 1 February in her budget speech that in cases of failure by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to execute contracts during the Covid period, 95% of the forfeited amount relating to bid or performance security, will be returned to them by the government and state-owned companies. The minister said in her speech that this would provide relief to MSMEs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Laugfs Gas announced that it has increased the prices of its domestic gas cylinders.The price hike will come into effect from midnight on Monday (06).The price of a 12.5 kg gas cylider was increased by Rs. 200 to Rs.5,280. The price of a 5 kg cylinder was increased by Rs.

COLOMBO (News1st) – Social media activist, Darshana Handungoda who was arrested by the CID last night was granted bail by the Fort Magistrate's Court. He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from Dubai.

Colombo (News1st) – Imagine having to risk your life and the lives of your family, just to get to work, or to school, or to rush a patient to hospital.Imagine living a life where you have to make a daily choice between possibly being killed by herds of wild elephants or falling to your death off a rickety wooden bridge with rotting planks that could give way at any moment.This may not be easy for people who live in cities to understand. But this is the harsh daily reality for the 300 families who live in the villages of Pussalavinna and Sooriyapokuna in the Dehiaththakandiya region, on the border of the Maduru Oya National Park.This bridge is the shortest route for children to go to school and connects the two villages to the town. The dilapidated state of this bridge has left the 300 families living here in dire straits because they must gamble with their lives every time they cross this bridge when it rains. Residents who have been battered for decades by the Human Elephant Conflict, don't have a proper road to travel on.

This took place in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Office. Meanwhile, High Court Judge M. A. R. Marikkar was also sworn in as an appellate court judge before the President.

The level of homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway is higher than it was before the pandemic.

Gemma Atkinson was left terrified when she gave birth for the first time in July 2019, as severe complications led to her haemorrhaging, and concerned doctors were forced to perform an emergency C-section.The experience was so traumatic that the 38-year-old initially vowed never to give birth again, so when fans noticed that she seemed to be "breathless" during her Instagram videos while pregnant with baby number two, they spoke up.One fan urged Gemma to have her iron levels checked, only for the star to hit back and reassure her that breathlessness was "common" in pregnancy.The message from a concerned fan read: "Have u had your iron levels checked missus u sound a bit breathless, that can be a sign of low iron in pregnancy [ask] your midwife to run some bloods for u x (sic)."Gemma, who revealed last month that she was expecting her first baby boy with Strictly Come Dancing pro Gorka Marquez, sparked alarm due to the level of trauma she'd endured the first time around.The presenter replied: "I've been asked this a lot.Thanks for concern", but then added: "My bloods are checked regularly as is my [blood pressure]."Both before and during pregnancy (because I find it amazing how our bodies work) my results are spot-on and luckily have been for years," she continued."In fact, [at] my last blood pressure check a week ago I was told 'Gosh you are as chilled as you look'…"She then added that the tell-tale signs everyone had been so concerned about were actually "common"."Breathlessness is common in pregnancy due to everything shifting and moving about to make room," she wrote."I'm across my health and in very good hands with my midwife too."Gemma originally shared her baby news just weeks earlier, confessing on Instagram that

Scientists believe that there are less chances of another wave given that a large number of India’s population has been exposed to the virus and vaccinated and have thus developed hybrid immunity. New Delhi: India reported 91 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, while the country’s active caseload remained unchanged at 1,817, according to an update by the health ministry on Monday. Total reported cases climbed to 4.46 crore (4,46,83,454), while death toll stands at 5,30,745.

A doctor is being probed over the alleged theft of thousands of pounds of protective equipment at the height of the Covid pandemic.

Social media activist Dharshana Handungoda has been arrested last night by the Criminal Investigation Department.He was arrested at the Bandaranaike International Airport, upon arrival from overseas.

Colombo (News 1st) – Litro Gas has announced that it will increase prices from midnight tonight. A 12.5kg cylinder will be up by LKR334; a 5kg cylinder by LKR134, and a 2.3kg cylinder by LKR61.

Colombo (News1st) – Billionaire businessman Onesh Subasinghe has been found dead in an apartment in Jakarta Indonesia.This was confirmed to News1st by Sri Lanka's Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage. He said that a police investigation is underway in Jakarta Indonesia.When News1st reached out Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Director Public Diplomacy said the ministry was "looking into the matter".Onesh Subasinghe was the Managing Director of Opex Holding (Pvt) Ltd, a family business.

LOVE Island star Olivia Attwood is ‘set to return’ to the I’m A Celebrity jungle after being forced to leave just days into her time on the show last year. She was told to leave the jungle after a routine blood test showed she was "dangerously anaemic" and she was rushed to A&E.

 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka says that a special probe has been launched into the firing of water cannons and tear gas on silent protestors who led a Satyagraha opposite the Elphinstone hall in Maradana on Friday (03).The HRCSL says that the preliminary investigations have begun in this regard as teams from the commission had visited the scene on the day of the incident and on Saturday (04).The Commission added that a preliminary report is to be submitted to them on Monday (06).The Satyagraha was organized by social and civil rights activists who were engaging in a silent protest against the 75th Independence Day celebrations that were held at huge public expense.During this silent protest, it was reported that another group had arrived and had created a heated situation with those engaged in the silent protest.It was following this that the police intervened in removing the protestors from the site of the Satyagraha using water cannons and tear gas.03 individuals who were arrested following the incident were granted bail after being produced before the Maligakanda Magistrate Court, yesterday (04).Meanwhile, the 75th Independence Day celebrations were held in Colombo on Saturday (04) at Galle Face Green.

Laura Hamilton, 40, has admitted she was left “frightened” by the state of her skin when she got it professionally scanned today.The A Place in the Sun presenter said that, despite always wearing factor 50 sunscreen, she was shocked by the amount of damage to the skin on her face.Laura took to Instagram to share her experience of getting her skin scanned in view of her 175,000 followers.“This was insane…” she captioned the clip, tagging @toniobagiuk and @liftingspiritsx.“Happy Saturday!” Laura told her followers. “Hope you’re having a good weekend so far.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Nugegoda Magistrate's Court has issued an order against the Convener of the Inter University Students' Federation Wasantha Mudalige, Convener of the Inter University Bhikku Federation Ven.

Under the Covid vaccination drive, more than 220.56 crore vaccine doses have been administered to people across the country so far. In the last 24 hours, around 1,60,769 vaccine doses were administered New Delhi India has reported 128 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the union health ministry data. The total number of Covid cases reached 4.47 crore, with 530,745 Covid-related deaths since the onset of the Covid pandemic.

Sri Lanka's President and Prime Minister issued statements to mark the 75th Independence Day.In his message, President Ranil Wickremesinghe says there is a new economic and social reform agenda before the country with the objectives focusing first on recovery and then on renewed development. The Head of State stated it is imperative for us to unite in its implementation so that we can emerge with a high level of economic prosperity. He pledged to make the extremely difficult though vital decisions to achieve this goal with courage and determination. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his message to mark the 75th Independence Day said "today, we not only celebrate our freedom, but also pay tribute to the ones who fought for it, to the ones who held a vision for our country, and to the ones who sacrificed themselves for the same." The Premier says the bravery, heroic acts as well as untold miseries suffered by our forefathers during their struggle for freedom of the Motherland must not be allowed to fade away from our memories.The Prime Minister adds the government has taken a series of measures to ensure recovery of the economy, and increase agricultural production to attain self-sufficiency and food security. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa also issued a statement to mark the 75th Independence Day. He stated "despite the fact that Sri Lanka has been independent for 75 years, we have failed to make that independence meaningful on national, social, educational, and religious levels."The Opposition Leader stated being trapped in "narrow chauvinism and communalism" is not the way to experience true freedom.

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."

On Sri Lanka’s 75th Independence Day, Gammadda gave the people of Hengamuwa village in the Kobeigane region of the Kurunegala District something to celebrate, by providing a source of safe drinking water to the entire community, with the presentation of a Reverse Oscillation (RO) Plant.This community, which relies on agriculture and whose produce feeds thousands in the nation, had no source of healthful drinking water. The water in the wells was not of suitable standard for drinking and authorities seemed deaf to the pleas of the villagers.

Michael Mosley has been raving about a certain 'overlooked' form of exercise that can have countless health and weight loss benefits.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr S. Jaishankar met with Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday (20) morning where both sides had agreed to implement a joint program between Sri Lanka and India.President Ranil Wickremesinghe welcomed the Indian External Affairs Minister at the President's Office where the duo engaged in cordial discussions.Prior to the official meeting, President Wickremesinghe hosted the visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar for breakfast and tea at his official residence at Paget Road, Colombo.During the official meeting held between the President and Indian Foreign Minister Dr S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The bilateral agreement related to raising the limit of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) implemented in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India was signed during the meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Friday (20).The Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena, signed the agreement on behalf of Sri Lanka and the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay signed on behalf of India.This agreement guides many community development projects in Sri Lanka with the support of the Government of India.This agreement related to community development projects in Sri Lanka was signed in May 2005.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the full implementation of the 13th Amendment and early conduct of provincial elections are critical for political devolution.He was speaking in Colombo on Friday (20) alongside Foreign Minister Ali Sabry, and with President Ranil Wickremesinghe present at the President's Office."He President briefed me on the political devolution and his thinking.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the time is now for reconciliation and solve the issues of all communities one by one.He was speaking at the 100th anniversary of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama in Colombo on Thursday (19).The President said the government already started discussions with the Tamil community, and will also be talking with the Tamil communities in the Hill Country in order to integrate them into society."We must have a discussion with the Muslim community on the problems you face. What are the issues you face now? I think one example is the 2018 Dhigana riots.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned its commissioners for talks.The meet fixed for Thursday (19) afternoon was scheduled to discuss the issues in the country's energy sector.However, the Chairman of the PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that he was not invited for the meeting.In addition, the officials from the PUCSL have also been informed to appear before the National Council at three in the eveing.PUCSL Janaka Ratnayake told News 1st that he will attend that meeting.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit  Sri Lanka on Thursday (19).Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – India's External Affairs Minister  Dr. S. Jaishankar will pay an official visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka from 18-20 January 2023, confirmed the Indian External Affairs Ministry.Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe making a special statement to Parliament on Tuesday (17) said that the Independence Day celebration expenditure is an investment for the future.Responding to allegations that the government is spending excessively on the Independence celebrations, the President pointed out that it is an investment for the future and in the 25 years leading up to the 100th anniversary of independence, several new institutions and laws will be introduced for the reform program needed by the country."We have planned a program to provide 02 million low-income families with 10kg of rice per month during March and April. I would be happier if we could give them more.

The Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige, a student activist who was arrested on August 18, 2022, seven human rights organizations said on Monday (16).This statement was issued by Amnesty International, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), CIVICUS, Frontline Defenders, Human Rights Watch, International Working Group on Sri Lanka, and Sri Lanka Campaign for Peace and Justice.Since August 21, Mudalige, 29, has been held on orders signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), a draconian law that the government has long promised to repeal, said a statement.A hearing on Mudalige’s bail application has been scheduled for Hulftsdorp Magistrates Court on January 17, 2023. Under the PTA, the court does not usually grant bail if the Attorney General's Department, acting on the government’s behalf, opposes it.The Sri Lankan government detained Mudalige as part of its crackdown since an economic crisis in 2022 sparked largely peaceful protests demanding governance reform and action against alleged official corruption.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Cabinet paper presented by President Ranil Wickremesinghe for the provision of 10 kg of rice per month for two million low income families, including Samurdhi beneficiaries for a period of two months, has been approved, said the President's Media Division.It also added that the government will purchase 61,600 metric tons of paddy to meet the requirement of 40,000 Metric Tons.

COLOMBO (News 1st) –  Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thai Pongal day (15) assured that the 13th Amendment of the Constitution will be fully implemented.President Wickremesinghe said that the Social Justice Commission will be established in order to build a country where everyone can live in harmony, by solving the problems of the people belonging to all sections of the population and that the government expects to fully implement the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.In addition, the President stated that in order to build a country where all races coexist and achieve economic prosperity, everyone must return to the Sri Lankan identity established by the late D.S Senanayake 75 years ago.The President stated that a statement on the government’s steps toward reconciliation will be made public in February and that a meeting of party leaders will be convened next week to discuss the matter.President Wickremesinghe also stated that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work will be accelerated in order to provide relief to the families of the disappeared.The full speech of President Ranil Wickremesinghe is as follows:First of all, I wish everyone a very Happy Thai Pongal. Thai Pongal festival in particular is a national festival.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Police fired water cannons to disperse a group of protesters in Nallur, Jaffna earlier today. The protest has now ended.The protest was organized in line with President Ranil Wickremesinghe's visit to the Nallur Kovil in Jaffna for Thai Pongal celebrations. Our News 1st Correspondent says that the protest march began from the Jaffna University and proceeded towards the Nallur Kovil. The march was met with police presence at the Arasi Adi road, where water cannons were fired to disperse them.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lankan Government is preparing to celebrate the 75th National Independence Day at a cost of Rs. 200 Million.Ashoka Priyantham, the State Minister of Home Affairs said an estimate was given for Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will virtually attend the 'Voice of Global South Summit' in India.Ranil Wickremesinghe will be among 20 world leaders who will participate in the two-day summit, which has the theme “Unity of voice, unity of purpose”, and will bring together developing countries on a common platform.Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the virtual Voice of Global South Summit on Thursday (12).The summit will provide a platform to developing countries to present their priorities and challenges related to developmental issues.The summit envisages 10 sessions, four on Thursday and six on Friday.Each session is expected to witness the participation of leaders and ministers from 10 to 20 countries.Modi will chair two sessions for heads of state and government, one each at the start and conclusion of the summit.The summit is also part of India’s effort to strengthen its credentials as a representative of the Global South.According to the Hindustan Times, the Indian external affairs ministry said last week that more than 120 countries were being invited to the summit, though there was no clarity on the confirmed participants.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher, Senior Director for South Asia of the US National Security Council called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday (11), and the President's Media Division said the United States values Sri Lanka’s partnership and is keen to further strengthen ties between the two countries through a broad array of partnerships.During the meeting, the Rear Admiral expressed her government’s appreciation for the recovery efforts undertaken by President Wickremesinghe in regard to the economic crisis in the country, said the PMD in a statement.President Wickremesinghe had outlined the government’s economic plans including the economic reforms being undertaken.The President also discussed maritime matters, including the increased efforts by the Government to crack down on the narcotics trade.Laubacher also met Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayaka following the meeting with the President.U.S.

The change of presidents of Sri Lanka in 2022 did not lead to any improvement in the country’s human rights record, Human Rights Watch said on Thursday (12) in its World Report 2023.During 2022, thousands of Sri Lankans took to the streets after years of misrule, impunity, and corruption undermined the rule of law and contributed to a severe economic crisis that threatened millions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, long implicated in grave rights violations, stepped down in July. However, the new president, Ranil Wickremesinghe, cracked down on largely peaceful protests, imprisoned activists, and disregarded calls for justice for past violations.“President Ranil Wickremesinghe responded to calls for reform and accountability with repression,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe has informed the cabinet that the fund allocations made via the budget for all ministries will have to be cut down by 5%.This was announced by Minister Bandula Gunawardena, the Cabinet Spokesperson on Tuesday (10) at the weekly Cabinet media briefing."There is no stable income to even support the essential welfare expenses.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that he was deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia. In a statement he said that Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. While noting that such hostilities are condemned, the President said the Sri Lankan stands in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation.President Wickremesinghe said that it is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens.For several days, supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have been protesting as they refuse to accept that the populist autocrat lost his bid for reelection, claiming the election was stolen.Hundreds called for military intervention to overthrow President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was inaugurated one week ago.    Hundreds of supporters of Brazil's former president stormed the Planalto presidential palace, National Congress and the Supreme Court headquarters.After hours of chaos, Brazilian police have retaken control of the premises occupied by the protesters.Lula has declared federal security intervention in Brasilia and vowed to punish ‘neo-fascists’ with ‘full force of law’Bolsonaro denied any involvement in the attack, calling any suggestion otherwise a “baseless” accusation.While Lula has served two presidential terms, he has also served a prison term and some Brazilian say it is "shameful" he should have returned to the presidential palace after his time in jail.Lula spent 580 days in jail after being convicted of corruption in 2017 and was banned from running in the 2018

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe summoned the members of the National Election Commission for an emergency meeting at the President's Office.A Senior Official at the National Election Commission told News 1st that the meeting took place based on an invitation extended by the President.It was reported that the Attorney General was also present for the meeting.The members of the National Election Commission had informed the President that there is no way to prevent the Local Government Elections from taking place, unless via constitutional or judicial action.The Election Commission officials had informed the President of the future programs relating to the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe will meet with the Tamil National Alliance for a special round of talks on Thursday (5).Spokesperson for the Tamil National Alliance, President's Counsel M. A.

The United National Party said that President Ranil Wickremesinghe has officially informed the party that he will NOT be involved in any election-related activity for Local Government institutions, namely the Municipal Councils, Urban Councils, and Pradeshiya Sabhas.A statement from the UNP notes that the President officially communicated his position on Tuesday (3).According to the UNP, the President had noted that he was given a mandate NOT to engage in elections, but to uplift the country within two years.The President had also informed the leaders of the United National Party that he is not prepared to act in contravention of that mandate.The President made these comments when he met with the senior leadership of the United National Party in Colombo on Tuesday (3).The President had told the UNP senior leadership that he is only ready to chair the UNP Working Committee in keeping with tradition if the UNP wants to decide on contesting the Local Government Election.In addition, the President had stressed that he would not be involved in any activity related to the Local Government Election. He had also informed the UNP seniors that if the party decides to contest the Local Government Election, 40% of the candidates should represent fresh faces. The President had also noted funds should only be allocated for 4,000 elected representatives, while the other 4,000 elected representatives must declare their services as free with no salary or benefits.

The Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), Kanni Wignaraja who is currently in Sri Lanka, appreciated the efforts taken by President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Government in resolving the economic crisis in the country. Wignaraja reiterated the U.N’s financial and technical support for Sri Lanka during this recovery period.This was revealed at the meeting held between the President and the Delegation headed by Assistant Secretary-General of the UN at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (4).The discussions focused on the economic reforms, with the delegation recognizing that these difficult decisions would have to be taken in order to ensure long-term recovery and growth in the country.The President also briefed the visiting delegation on the political reforms in the country, including the establishment of the Constitutional Council in Parliament and the ongoing discussions with the other political parties, regarding a resolution to the ethnic issues in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe visited the Embassy of the Holy See (Vatican Apostolic Nunciature) in Colombo on Wednesday (04) to express his condolences on the demise of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI who was called to rest on Saturday (31) morning in the Mater Ecclesia Monastery in the Vatican.Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI from Germany, was called to rest at age of 95, after having served for more than eight years as Pope from 2005 to 2013.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed the Chairmen of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and SriLankan Airlines to submit a report on awarding bonuses to employees, despite making losses.The President has requested their reasons to justify the payment of bonuses despite the Ministry of Finance having informed not to pay bonuses to loss-making corporations and boards.The President's Secretary Saman Ekanayake said that the chairpermen of the two institutions are expected to submit their justifications.The President's Secretary also said that the President received information that the awarding bonuses to employees was done in violation of the Finance Ministry circular.The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation has paid two months’ salaries to its employees as bonuses and SriLankan Airlines has paid 100,000 rupees as bonus to each of its employees as bonus for 2022.