President orders to revise circulars impeding development, during discussion on Indian Investments

The trial of Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been adjourned until at least Tuesday next week after one of the jurors tested positive for Covid.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe was awarded an audience with His Majesty Emperor Naruhito at the Imperial Palace, his official residence in Tokyo.President Ranil Wickremesinghe also met Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo on Wednesday (28).The Japanese Prime Minister warmly welcomed President Wickremesinghe and extended his best wishes on his appointment to the Office of President.The duo held discussions on further strengthening relations between the two countries. 

Covid-19 and the greying of hair, however, Covid has famously been known to affect every aspect of the human body at varying degrees.  Here's taking a look While there is no direct connect between Covid-19 and the greying of hair, experts have noted this as an after effect. Experts have said that there is no biological explanation tying up the infection tot he after effect, however, increased stress during a pandemic could be a contributing factor.  Hair transplant surgeon at the Mittal Hair Clinic, Dr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Navy apprehended 06 persons who were suspected to be attempting to illegally migrate to a foreign country by sea, during a search operation carried out in seas off Sand Banks, Talaimannar on 27th September 2022.Sri Lanka Navy has been conducting regular search operations and patrols covering the sea and coastal areas around the island with the aim of suppressing illegal activities. During a special operation mounted by SLNS Thammanna in the North Central Naval Command on 27th September, a group of individuals remaining suspiciously at Sand Banks were approached and interrogated. Subsequently, the group of individuals who were suspected to be remaining there until the arrival of a boat to illegally migrate from the country were nabbed by the Navy.

Hurricane Ian, which is expected to grow into a Category 4 storm by the time it reaches the Sunshine State on Wednesday.HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHERTo withstand the hurricane and the life-threatening storm surges it will likely bring, many Floridians have boarded up their homes and businesses with plywood.Despite the potentially dire nature of the situation, many Floridians have used the plywood boards as a canvas for their spirit and sense of humor amid the raging storm. The words "IAN...You're only getting Decaf" are spray painted onto the boarded up windows of a restaurant in Manatee County, Florida. One Christmas-themed store spray-painted the message "IAN DON'T GET ON SANTA'S NAUGHTY LIST" on their plywood boards.A Christmas themed store is boarded up with messages for Hurricane Ian on September 27, 2022 in Clearwater, Florida.

Covid vaccine shots can temporarily increase the menstrual cycle length by less than a day, according to a study A study published in the British Medical Journal has found that Covid-19 vaccine shots can temporarily increase the length of your menstrual cycle. The study said that the vaccine shots taken to prevent oneself from the coronavirus infection will increase the menstrual cycle by less than half a day.

The Chief Executive of the Health Service Executive, Paul Reid, has said the Covid-19 Pandemic Special Recognition Payment has been made to 123,000 employees so far.

New Delhi: India reported 3,615 fresh covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the data by the health ministry on Wednesday New Delhi: India reported 3,615 fresh covid cases in the last 24 hours, according to the data by the health ministry on Wednesday. The numbers are slightly higher than the previosu day’s 3,230 cases.

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. 

COLOMBO (News 1st) – The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna has decided to strip the SLPP Local Government Member who was arrested over the Thambuttegama Bank Heist of his party membership.SLPP General Secretary Attorney Sagara Kariyawasam told reported on Wednesday (28) that the matter was internally probed on Tuesday (27), adding that necessary action will be taken against the local government member if it is proven via an investigation that he is responsible for the crime.A Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member was arrested over the Rs. 20 Million Bank Heist in ThambuttegSri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member ama.Sri Lanka Police said that a Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Member from the Rajanganaya Pradeshiya Sabha was arrested for aiding and abetting in the crime.The suspect is a 44-year-old resident from Rajanganaya.A Sri Lankan Police Officer has been hailed a hero after he valiantly stopped two men from making a getaway with over Rs.

First Dates star Merlin Griffiths has issued an update on his health after being diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.The Channel 4 star appeared on Wednesday's (September 28) episode of BBC Breakfast to raise awareness of the disease.Sally Nugent and Jon Kay were on presenting duty and kicked off the interview by wondering how he's doing after his treatment.READ MORE: First Dates' Merlin Griffiths opens up on setback amid bowel cancer battleJon asked: "Merlin, shall we start with you? How are you doing my friend?Merlin replied: "Very well, thank you very much. All things considered.

(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.

Police have launched an investigaion into alleged mistreatment of patients at a mental health unit. The Manchester Evening News understands that more than 12 staff have been suspended at the facility by the NHS Trust that runs it.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka Police launched an investigation into an Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Administration has noted that expressing opinions on social media by a public officer without following the proper provisions of the Establishments Code shall be consituted as an offense.A statement noted that such offense shall lead to disciplinary action.Refer full statement below:  

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka has decided to send a delegation for the annual summit of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.The 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will take place in person from Monday, October 10, through Sunday, October 16 in the IMF and World Bank Group headquarters, in Washington DC.Sri Lanka's delegation will be led by Acting Finance Minister Shehan Semasinghe.He said the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, the Finance Secretary and several others will accompany him.The Acting Finance Minister said that the 2022 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) will be of paramount importance for Sri Lanka to restrucutre its debt, and also obtain financial assistance from the IMF.

It was going to be her first vacation since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.

Hurricane Ian knocked out power across all of Cuba and devastated some of the country’s most important tobacco farms Tuesday when it slammed into the island’s western tip as a major hurricane.

3,230 Covid cases.  With this, the active caseload also dropped to 40,979 from the earlier 44,000 cases. The death toll climbed to 5,28,584 with 22 fatalities which includes eight deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases comprise 0.09 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate increased to 98.72 per cent, the ministry said.

PHILADELPHIA - A VMSC Emergency Medical Services paramedic and EMT left their homes in Lansdale, Pennsylvania Tuesday morning and are in route to Florida to help the communities that have been damaged by major Hurricane Ian.It's the first deployment for paramedic, Jay Hughes, who is alongside his fellow first responder, Rich Roberts. Hughes says he's never done anything like this before, but people need help, and he feels as if it's his duty to offer that help."It's all about helping people, right? That's kinda why we got into this," said Hughes.FOX 29's Jennifer Joyce spoke with Hughes and Roberts as they were on the road Tuesday afternoon.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Eighty houses were completely destroyed following a fire that broke out in a series of houses in Kajimawatte, Grandpass on Tuesday (27) night.Sri Lanka Police said the fire was contained by over fifty firefighters who battled the blaze for several hours.Sri Lanka Police added that 220 people were displaced by the fire, and they were moved to a community hall and a temple temporarily until the area is cleared.The Government Analyst will be summoned on Wednesday (28) to determine the cause of the fire.Colombo District Secretary Pradeep Yasaratne told News 1st that steps will be taken to provide relief to the people who were displaced by the fire.He said a proposal was put forward to award the displaced families houses from housing complexes owned by the Urban Development Authority.President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official visit to Japan, has instructed the President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake to take steps to provide immediate relief to all the residents affected by the fire that broke out at the Kajimawatta complex in Thotalanga, Colombo.The President had instructed Secretary Saman Ekanayake to intervene immediately and direct the Colombo GA, Tri Forces Commanders, the Fire Brigade, the Health Department, the Urban Development Authority and all other relevant government agencies to look into the needs of the people who were residing in the apartment complex and provide them the required facilities immediately.Accordingly, all relevant departments have already taken steps to provide the maximum intervention required to douse the fire and provide all other necessary facilities promptly.The President has further stated that special attention should be provided to attend to the needs of

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Several ministries which were under the purview of President Ranil Wickremesinghe have been assigned to five acting Ministers.The relevant ministries have been reassigned for the period during which the President will remain away from the island for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.Accordingly, Pramita Bandara Tennakoon has been appointed as Acting Minister of Defense, Ranjith Siambalapitiya as Acting Minister of Finance, and Geeta Kumarasinghe as Acting Minister of Women and Children Affairs.Moreover, Kanaka Herath will  function as the Acting Minister of Technology while Dilum Amunugama will be functioning as the Acting Minister of Investment Promotion.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that cricket team captain Dasun Shanaka and the team took advantage of their defeats and made themselves stronger to advance forward to the Asian Cup.The President, speaking further, said that it is not difficult to lead the country towards victory in the face of the world if the team continues to think in the same way.The President also pointed out that working together as a team helped them to win.President Ranil Wickremesinghe was addressing the felictation ceremony held for the Sri Lankan athletes who won their respective Asia-level wins; the Cricket team and the team which won the Asian Netball Championship, in addition to the medalists of Commonwealth Games.Meanwhile, at the request of Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka Cricket took steps to present Rs. 2 million to each player in the Netball team symbolizing its support towards the sport.Sri Lanka won 4 medals in the 22nd Commonwealth Games held recently in Birmingham, Britain.Palitha Bandara won the silver medal in the discus throw event in the para sports category, while Yupun Abeykoon won the 100m event, Nethmi Ahimsa Poruthota in the women's 57kg wrestling competition and Dilanka Isuru Kumara won the bronze medals in the weightlifting 55kg category.The silver medalist was awarded Rs.10 million from the sports fund, each bronze medalist was awarded Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – MP Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has been appointed the Acting Minister of Finance.The MP has been appointed to this position due to the departure of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is also the Minister of Finance, to attend the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II.MP Siyambalapitiya, who entered the Parliament representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna national list, is currently also the State Minister of Finance.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe left the island on Saturday (17) to attended the funeral of late Queen Elizabeth II. Officer in charge of the Bandaranaike International Airport said that a group including the President left for Dubai this morning on an Emirates Flight.From Dubai the entourage including the president will go to London.This marks President Ranil Wickramasinghe's maiden visit abroad.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe says that a majority of the country wants him to solve the crisis.Speaking to ABC Australia's Foreign Correspondent program Ranil Wickremesinghe said "I'm the one who said the correct thing, go to the IMF. That's why there is confidence backing me.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that Sri Lanka – India Free Trade Agreement would be revived and upgraded into a comprehensive economic and technological partnership.The President noted that he would establish an international trade office which will deal with all the international trade negotiations.He pointed out Sri Lanka and India gradually have to wean themselves out of the barriers to investment and the non-tariff barriers to trade specially in relation to Sri Lanka Indo economic relations.He made these observations addressing the Sri Lanka India Society (SLIS) get together held at the in Colombo on Thursday (15) evening to mark the 75th anniversary of independence of India."We will revive and upgrade the Free Trade Agreement into a comprehensive economic and technological partnership. We started that in 2018 and 2019. Then I found recently that it has been stuck somewhere in the department of Commerce with a large number of committees.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Two newly appointed Ambassadors to Sri Lanka handed over their credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat today (16).Her Excellency Mrs. Bonnie Horbach, the Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka and His Excellency Mr.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lanka will NOT participate in any military alliance, and certainly does not want the problems of the pacific coming in to the Indian Ocean, said President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo on Wednesday (14).Wickremesinghe speaking on Sri Lanka's position in the geo-political stage said the country's importance has appreciated and depreciated.However, he said that the geo-politics of the Indian ocean has unfortunately made Sri Lanka the punching bag for Hambantota. "It is not a military port. Though we are a commercial port it shows our strategic importance that many people come to conclusions which are unwarranted," he said.The President said that he hopes the next agreement Sri Lanka come to with China will not cause such speculation and such agreements will only be about debt reduction for Sri Lanka. "We don't participate in military alliance, and we certainly do not want the problems of the pacific coming in to the Indian Ocean.

COLOMBO (News 1st); A preliminary round of discussions were held between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens to explore the opportunities for investment in  renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka.The discussion was held at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (14) with the participation of a group of Australian investors.President Wickremesinghe has emphasized priority for encouraging new investments in the renewable energy sector as a solution to the current electricity crisis and to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that a national plan should be implemented to ensure food security and nutrition in Sri Lanka.He made this observation addressing the inaugural program of the establishment of the Multi-sector Combined Mechanism for empowering Rural Economic Revitalization Centers to ensure food security and nutrition.The program was held at the President's Office on Tuesday(13).The president pointed out that agriculture should be made a foreign exchange earning sector by way of enhancing production and competitiveness through the modernization of agriculture.The President who emphasized the need to work in an organized and collective manner to solve the food issue in the face of the global food crisis said that everyone should join hands with the government's new program to ensure food security and nutrition.The President’s statement is as follows;-The government has got to face the challenge of provision of food to all since the country experienced a minus seven economy.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces granted approval to appoint Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, with effect from 12 September 2022.Accordingly, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, officially handed over the letter of appointment to Air Vice Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa today.Air Vice Marshal RAUP Rajapaksa RSP and two Bars, USP, MSc (MOA) USA, MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt, MA in IS&S (UK), BSc (Def Stu), MIM (SL), rcds, psc joined the Sri Lanka Air Force as an Officer Cadet in the General Duties Pilot Branch in 1988. Having undergone his Basic Combat Training at Kotelawala Defence Academy, Basic Flying Training at No.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The multi-sector mechanism to empower rural economic revitalization centres to ensure food security and nutrition was initiated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Tuesday (13).The vision of the Food Security Programme of the Government is to ensure every citizen has access to enough food at a reasonable price to lead an active and healthy life, at any given situation of the country.The government has initiated this program with the view of achieving dual objectives of ensuring that no citizen of the country should starve due to lack of food and no child should be a victim of malnutrition.In order to achieve these dual objectives, it is required to protect all families in the country from being victims of poverty.The relevant mechanism has been implemented through seven committees while the National Food Security and Nutrition Council will function under the chairmanship of the President.The National Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the Chairmanship of the President’s Secretary whereas the Technical Advisory Committee on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the Prime Minister’s Secretary.The Provincial Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will function under the chairmanship of the Provincial Governors while the District Combined Mechanism on Food Security and Nutrition will be chaired by the District Secretaries.

COLOMBO (News 1st): A preliminary discussion was held on Monday (12) between the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Sri Lanka focusing on several areas where the ADB can provide support and bilateral cooperation to the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome the current crisis, said the President's Media Division.The discussion was held at the President's Office in Colombo.The discussion was held with a group of representatives including President Ranil Wickremesinghe and the Director General of the South Asian Department of the Asian Development Bank Kenichi Yokoyama.This discussion was attended by Chen Chen, Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, Utsav Kumar, Deputy Director of the Sri Lanka Mission, and Sagala Ratnayake, Chief of Staff to the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungon who arrived in Sri Lanka yesterday (11) for a two-day official visit, is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena today (12).The Secretary General of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Dhammika Dasanayake is also scheduled to meet Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa.The Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Martin Chungon is scheduled to meet President Ranil Wickremesinghe tomorrow (13).The officer in charge of the airport said that Dhammika Dasanayake came to the Katunayake Airport special guest room to welcome him.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has given an ultimatium to the political parties to decide on electoral reforms."I'm going to call the parliament to say once and for all that they must agree on electoral reform. This has been going on. The parties are arguing among themselves.

COLOMBO (News 1st); USAID Administrator Samantha Power told Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesighe that political reform agenda and the economic agenda go hand in hand.She said that the United States trying to engage the business community to look at Sri Lanka now and to see the opportunities that exist here.She also highlighted Sri Lanka’s vibrant private sector and said measures should be taken to unleash the potential of the private sector. "You have such an incredible private sector, such entrepreneurship.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday (11) congratulated the unbeaten Sri Lankan Netball team after they were crowned Asian Netball Champions having defeated Singapore.Sri Lanka beat hosts Singapore 63 – 53 to clinch the Asian Netball Championships 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Ranil Wickremesinghe will be attending the fueneral of late Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom, the Presidential Media Division stated.President Ranil Wickramasinghe expressed his condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickramasinghe who arrived at the British High Commission met British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton and extended his condolences over the death of Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickramasinghe was welcomed by the British High Commissioner.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Presidential Media Division says that facilities for the newly-appointed State Ministers will be brought under the management of public expenditure. Accordingly, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized that authorities should make every effort to utilize public funds spent by the government in a frugal and efficient manner, and therefore several arrangements have been made for better management of public expenditure. Therefore, the President's Secretary has instructed all Ministry Secretaries the following steps; 1- A separate expenditure head is not allocated for state ministries. Secretaries will not be appointed for those government ministries and the most senior additional secretary should be employed among the additional secretaries of those ministries to facilitate the work of the state ministers under each scope.2- The Ministry to which the relevant State Ministers have been appointed should meet the staffing requirements from the currently approved staff.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several Opposition MPs have taken to questioning the President on his decision taken to appoint 37 new State Ministers, and MP Ajith P. Perera pointed out that although President Ranil Wickremesinghe has stated that he has learned his lessons from the People's Protests; the 'Aragalaya', he has now appointed 37 State Ministers. Speaking to media, MP Ajith P.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former minister Namal Rajapaksa announced that a new coalition will be established under the leadership of former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.Speaking at an SLPP meeting held in Dedigama, the MP said that the situation today would have proven to be different if former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa implemented law against those who incited violence via social media.However, MP Rajapaksa said that he is happy that the current President Ranil Wickremesinghe is implementing the law against them, as there is a challenging period ahead of Sri Lanka. Stating that his political camp collapsed in an unexpected manner, MP Rajapaksa said that the mistake which they made was that they changed the people after promising to change the system, however let the newly appointed people function with the unchanged, old system. "There is no purpose if the President travels in a single car, if the children at villages are still travelling on bicycles.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The outgoing Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Yury Materiy called on President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (08).Yury Materiy, who has ended his term in Sri Lanka, said that he will continue to work to strengthen the relations with Sri Lanka. He further stressed the need to enhance ties and develop the tourism industry between the two countries. President Wickremesinghe thanked Ambassador Materiy for his service rendered to Sri Lanka as the Ambassador of Russia. Ambassador Yury Materiy for his part pledged to do his utmost to foster bilateral relations between the two countries even though he is leaving Sri Lanka after completing his tenure. He also wished President Wickremesinghe the strength to take Sri Lanka out of the economic crisis and establish a stable country. President Wickremesinghe wished Ambassador Yury Materiy success in all his future undertakings and thanked him for all the assistance rendered during his tenure in Sri Lanka.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has declared the 19th of September 2022 a Day of Mourning in view of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued the directive to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs on Friday (9).The President's Media Division also noted that the National Flag will be flown at half-mast until the 19th of September 2022.President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "She was a symbol of stability and endurance, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth" tweeted the President.Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.She died peacefully on Thursday (8) afternoon at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer.The Queen came to the throne in 1952 and witnessed enormous social change.Her son King Charles III said the death of his beloved mother was a "moment of great sadness" for him and his family and that her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.He said: "We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother."I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world."During the coming period of mourning, he said he and his family would be "comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held".The King and his wife, Camilla, now Queen Consort, will return to London on Friday, Buckingham Palace said.

COLOMBO (News 1);  Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has instructed that all public buildings must lower the National Flag to Half-Mast in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday (8).The President had given the instructions to the Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs.The President's Media Division said a period of mourning will be announced in due course.President Ranil Wickremesighe said he was saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "She was a symbol of stability and endurance, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the UK and the Commonwealth," tweeted the President.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has expressed concern over the ill-health of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, who is also the Head of the Commonwealth. The President has wished Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth her a speedy recovery, said the President's Media Division.The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral after doctors became concerned for her health, Buckingham Palace has said.All the Queen's children are either at, or are travelling to, her Scottish estate near Aberdeen."Following further evaluation this morning, the Queen's doctors are concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision," a statement said.The Queen is comfortable, it added.Prince Charles has travelled there with his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall.The Duke of York and the Count and Countess of Wessex are travelling to the Scottish estate, about 40 miles (64km) west of Aberdeen.The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was already in Scotland undertaking engagements.The Duke of Cambridge is also on his way, with the Duchess of Cambridge remaining in Windsor with their children.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who had been in Germany, are travelling to Balmoral, a spokesperson for the couple said.The announcement comes after the Queen, 96, pulled out of a meeting of her Privy Council on Wednesday, with doctors advising her to rest.There are clearly pressing concerns for the Queen's health – much more explicitly put than before and without any reference to this only being about difficulties with mobility.There are also warnings against unfounded speculation, such as that she might have had a fall.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka appointed over 30 new Ministers of State on Thursday (8) at the President's Office in Colombo. The State Ministers took oaths in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.Jagath Pushpakumara – State Minister Foreign Employment Ranjith Siyambalapitiya – State Minister of FinanceLasantha Alagiyawanna – State Minister of Transport Dilum Amunugama – State Minister of Investment PromotionKanaka Herath – State Minister of TechnologyJanaka Wakkumbura – State Minister of Provincial Councils, and Local GovernmentShehan Semasinghe – State Minister of FinanceMohan Priyadarshana De Silva – State Minister of Agriculture Thenuka Vidanagamage – State Minister of Urban Development and HousingPramitha Bandara Tennakoon – State Minister of SecurityRohana Dissanayake – State Minister of Sports and Youth AffairsArundhika Fernando – State Minister of Urban Development and Housing Vijitha Berugoda – State Minister of Piriven Education Lohan Ratwatte – State Minister of Plantation Industries Tharaka Balasuriya – State Minister of External Affairs Sanath Nishantha- State Minister of Water Supply Indika Anurudhdha – State Minister of Power and Energy Siripala Gamlath – State Minister of HighwaysShantha Bandara – State Minister of Media Anuradha Jayaratne  – State Minister of Justice and Prisons AffairsS.

COLOMBO (News 1st); 36 State Ministers will take oaths in the presence of President Ranil Wickremesinghe today (8) at the President's Office. According to a Senior Cabinet Minister, 36 new State Ministers will be sworn in. A Senior Cabinet Minister also said that several MPs representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) are among the new State Ministers.