President wants Minipe Left Bank Project completed before Maha Season

Colombo (News 1st) – Royal College Colombo have won the 144th edition of the Battle of the Blues with a comprehensive 181 run win against S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia.This is the 36th time that Royal College have won the Battle of the Blues.Royal, who were put into to bat first in the match held at the Colombo SSC ground, declared their 1st innings on 326 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.In reply, S.

#Arcturus variant has now been detected in at least 12 countries. Highest cases in India followed by the US, Brunei, Singapore and the UK. In India, there is a 281% increase in cases 17% increase in deaths over the past 14 days.

#Arcturus could succeed to wade through the ‘sturdy’ population immunity of Indians that successfully resisted the onslaught of variants like BA.2.75, BA.5, BQs, XBB.1.5, then whole world must be seriously worried!! pic.twitter.com/PZYuM7hD7Q Though XBB.1.16 is capable of turning off both innate & adaptive responses, I wud be surprised if it cud generate a major surge here. All will depend on how well population immunity would resist this at the backdrops of differentially imprinted immunity & its waning overtime! he also tweeted.  Meanwhile, Dr Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS director and the chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Director-Medical Education at Medanta, and former AIIMS director said that the rise in COVID cases seems to be driven by the XBB 1.16 variant, but most cases are not severe, so there is no need to panic as of now.

Officials in Minnesota are monitoring the cleanup of a massive spill of radioactive water from a nuclear power plant just outside Minneapolis. About 1.5 million litres (400,000 gallons) of nuclear wastewater leaked from the plant back in late November, but the incident wasn’t made public until Thursday.

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Marcus Mariota #1 of the Atlanta Falcons drops back to pass against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on November 27, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly agreed to terms on a deal with a new backup quarterback for the upcoming season.According to reports, QB Marcus Mariota and the Eagles agreed to a one-year, $5 million deal that could be worth up to $8 million. Mariota, who spent last season with the Atlanta Falcons, is expected to serve as the backup to Jalen Hurts.

Gogglebox star Ellie Warner has given her fans a pregnancy update, revealing she's been diagnosed with a health condition. The Channel 4 star, 32, is expecting her first child with boyfriend Nat and has been keeping Gogglebox viewers updated with her pregnancy journey on the hit TV show. During Friday evening's episode, Ellie sat down with older sister Izzi to watch a new instalment of The Apprentice and shared that she'd been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

Colombo (News 1st) – It is of "utmost importance" that the next Inspector General of Police of Sri Lanka "should be an officer whose service in the police force is exemplary and free of any blemish and able to restore public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police," stated the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in a letter addressed to President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The BASL letter has been issued in response to news that the office of the IGP is due to fall vacant on the 23rd of March, 2023."It is of utmost importance that the best possible appointment be made to that office" the BASL urged the President."During the last few decades there has been a serious erosion of public confidence in the Sri Lanka Police. The lack of independence, politicisation, police brutality, custodial deaths, lack of professionalism have all contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the Police.

Also Read: Getting less than 6 hours of sleep? How Covid-19 negatively impacted our sleep pattern With India reporting an uptick in covid cases over the last few weeks, the government has directed six states to examine the situation at micro level and maintain compliance like surveillance, testing and monitoring new and emerging covid clusters. Meanwhile, as per news reports, the new variant XBB 1.16 is likely to cause the next coronavirus wave.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Education Minister Susil Premajayanth said that from the 23rd of March school text books will be distributed to all students across all schools in the country.He was speaking at the school books and stationery distribution program named 'Divi Saviya' organized by the LOLC Holdings on Friday (17).The 'Divi Saviya' program organized by LOLC Holdings will distribute school books and stationery material to all students.Friday's (17) program took place at the Ganemulla Sri Sumangala Prime School, and it was attended by Education Minister Susil Premajantha.This event was also attended by Kithsiri Gunawardena, Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC and Gampaha Zonal Education Director P. D.

Colombo (News 1st) – The Bar Council of England and Wales in a press release stated that it hopes "parliamentary authorities in Sri Lanka will reconsider most carefully the appropriateness of questioning Supreme Court Judges before a parliamentary committee, and we similarly hope that the Sri Lankan government will consider most carefully whether it can be ever be right to encourage disobedience to court orders.”The release refers recent statements made by State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe and Premnath Dolawatte MP, referring to an ongoing case in the Supreme Court pertaining to the Local Authorities elections.The release, quoting the Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales, Nick Vineall KC, said: “An independent judiciary is an essential and integral part of the rule of law.

Former reality TV star Josh Duggar has been handed nearly two months of additional jail time on top of his existing 12 and a half year sentence, as per prison records.Duggar, 35, was convicted of child pornography charges in 2021.Duggar’s extended sentence comes after he was caught with a contraband cellphone last month. As a result, the 19 Kids and Counting ex-castmate was reportedly placed in solitary confinement.

John Wick movies and HBO’s The Wire, has died at the age of 60.Reddick died “suddenly” Friday morning, his publicist Mia Hansen said in a statement, attributing his death to natural causes. His death was first reported by celebrity website TMZ.com.

PHILADELPHIA - Hours after a batch of recruits graduated the police academy to join Temple's police force, two incidents happened on campus that underscored the safety challenges facing the school. According to Temple police, a person with a gun was spotted by a security officer inside the cafeteria of Morgan Hall and was arrested by responding officers. Around the same time, police responded to a report of two individuals firing pellet guns at people near the intersection of Willington and Berks streets. Authorities have not reported any arrests. Temple University added eight new officers to its force on Friday.

MANHATTAN, New York - A civilian helped catch an armed suspect Thursday, who was fleeing from police in New York City. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of New York, the suspect, Jason Fleming, was arrested on March 16 after brandishing loaded weapons following a dispute in a crowded bodega in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.Surveillance video shows Fleming, 39, outside the bodega pulling back his coat momentarily to reveal a rifle that had been swung over his shoulder.Police officers then approached the suspect after a witness called 911, and Fleming took off running down the sidewalk. In the footage, the citizen pushes the suspect into a nearby fence.

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GettyImages-1266078450 "There is a lot of disintegration of families, there is a lot of individualism, there is a lack of love, of brotherhood, of hugs and embraces," López Obrador said of the U.S. crisis. "That is why they (U.S.

A 55-year-old woman fought to get the gun away from her son and was shot herself after he killed two Edmonton Police Service officers who were responding to a domestic violence call in their home overnight Thursday.

Nature photographer Mathew Nichols spent a few chilly nights this winter in the woods of Washington's Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, documenting the surreal formation of "hair ice" – also known as "needle ice" or "beard frost" – which can be found when cold conditions are just right.Nichols, who spends quite a bit of time outdoors, has seen these odd-looking branches that have icy needles protruding from the branch. How did they get there? You need the right kind of wood and the right kind of fungus."Hair Ice is caused by a fungus that lives within the decaying wood, and this fungus 'breathes' or releases its spores through the night, pushing the moisture harnessed within the wood out of the wood's pores, causing it to immediately freeze with contact of the below freezing temperatures," Nichols said.As the fungus' "breath" continues to freeze through tiny pores, long, thin strands of ice form, which in the aggregate, appear to look like hair.Nichols wanted time-lapse video to show how they form and melt, but this was no easy photo shoot."Hair Ice" grows on a dead branch in the woods of northwestern Washington in March.

PHILADELPHIA - Concerns about gun violence are mounting for residents in two Philadelphia neighborhoods where police say teens were injured in shootings that involved attempted car thefts. Carlian Burns lives near the intersection of 24th Street and Ridge Avenue where police say a 16-year-old old and an 18-year-old were shot during a suspected car theft Friday morning."It’s wild because something is always happening," Burns said. Both shooting victims were found by police and taken to Temple University Hospital where the 18-year-old who suffered multiple gunshot wounds was placed in critical condition. MORE LOCAL HEADLINESHours earlier, police in Philadelphia's Tacony section said a shootout erupted in broad daylight when the owner of a Toyota sedan caught two teens attempting to steal the car.An 18-year-old was shot multiple times in the exchange of gunfire with the vehicle's owner, who police say is licensed to carry a firearm and is cooperating with the investigation. The second suspect who was inside the driver's seat when the gunfight erupted managed to drive the stolen car about a block before he crashed and fled on foot, according to police. "I feel like we're living in the Wild, Wild, West right now, with no laws and no honor," Sherron Weeks said. A Philadelphia neighborhood is left shaken after police say a gun battle erupted in broad daylight between a car thief and the owner of the vehicle.She's experienced the violence plaguing North Philadelphia first-hand, telling FOX 29's Eddie Kadhim that she was attacked in her neighborhood over a month ago."They're hurting us around here, I just got stabbed in my head and my arm by a woman who took my coat right there on 23rd and Ridge," Weeks said. Rita Henderson from

PHILADELPHIA - A Philadelphia man is facing murder charges after police say he stabbed two people blocks apart in less than a week.DShawn Crawford, 28, was arrested Friday and charged with murder, attemper murder, aggravated assault, and related charges. Police believe on Feb. 24 Crawford stabbed a man in the head and body around 5:30 a.m.

NEW YORK - The Manhattan District Attorney's office has asked for a meeting with law enforcement ahead of a possible indictment of former President Donald Trump next week, according to a court source.According to the source, the meeting was requested Thursday and hasn't been set. The meeting is to "discuss logistics for some time next week, which would mean that they are anticipating an indictment next week," the source familiar with the planning said.Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung reacted to the news by ripping district attorney Alvin Bragg in a statement to Fox News Digital, calling his investigation a "witch hunt" and accusing him of being in the pocket of President Biden and "radical Democrats."NEW YORK PROSECUTORS SIGNAL TRUMP MAY FACE CRIMINAL CHARGES FROM STORMY DANIELS SCANDALFormer President Donald Trump greets guests following an event at the Adler Theatre on March 13, 2023 in Davenport, Iowa.

COVID-19 pandemic have been complicated by factors including the massive surge of human infections in the pandemic's first two years and an increasingly bitter political dispute. It took virus experts more than a dozen years to pinpoint the animal origin of SARS, a related virus. Goldstein and his colleagues say their analysis is the first solid indication that there may have been wildlife infected with the coronavirus at the market.

EASTON, Wash. - A Yakima man, his cousin and 10-year-old daughter died after troopers say a semi crossed the median and crashed head-on into their sedan Thursday on Interstate 90 east of Snoqualmie Pass. His wife and son were critically injured.A verified GoFundMe post identified the victims as Justin Poole, 40, his cousin Michaela Buckholt, 27, and his daughter, 10-year-old Chelsea, all of Yakima.Justin's wife, Nikki, and 6-year-old son, Maddox, were taken to Seattle's Harborview Medical Center for treatment of severe injuries. Maddox was intubated and required brain surgery, according to the GoFundMe."Nikki needs as much support as she can possibly get right now," JoeyLynne Stanelle Perry, a friend of the family wrote on GoFundMe.

FILE-A health worker takes a swab sample from a woman to be tested for COVID-19 at a testing site in Beijing on March 23, 2022. (JADE GAO/AFP via Getty Images) BEIJING - Genetic material collected at a Chinese market near where the first human cases of COVID-19 were identified show raccoon dog DNA comingled with the virus, suggesting the pandemic may have originated from animals, not a lab, international experts say.Other experts have not yet verified their analysis, which has yet to appear in a peer-reviewed journal.

Sam Thompson has shared that he is in hospital having tests after being struck down with an unknown illness.The Love Island podcast host, 30, shared that he was having tests done on his stomach as he shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed, sharing that he was undergoing a colonoscopy in the hopes of discovering what had been causing his health issues.The former Made In Chelsea star shared a photo to his Instagram story as he shared some insight into the procedure. Sam wrote: “This contraption round my waist tracks it as it goes through the stomach! Hopefully I'll figure out what's going on with my tummy." Not long after, Sam shared a video where he explained the video further, with girlfriend Zara McDermott, 26, seen by his side.

PHILADELPHIA - A North Philadelphia man has been sentenced to nearly a decade in prison for making illegal explosives that authorities say were used in multiple attempts to blow up ATMs back in 2020. David Perez, 37, was sentenced to 110 months in prison, three years of supervised released, and also ordered to pay more than $100K in restitution for making and illegally possessing the M-1000 style devices. Perez had previously pled guilty to making the devices for several years prior to his arrest in June 2021. Authorities say devices ‘consistent with those made by Perez’ were located at ‘numerous post-blast scenes.’ Multiple incidents apparently involved attempts to access ATMs with the explosives in the summer and fall of 2020. Perez also admitted to using one of the devices on July 4, 2020 in the courtyard of a Philadelphia Elementary School.

PHILADELPHIA - The woman charged in the deaths of two Pennsylvania State Troopers and a pedestrian on I-95 in March 2022 is set to stand trial after she turned down a plea deal, the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office confirmed to FOX 29. Jayana Tanae Webb was charged with third-degree murder, a charge that was dropped and later reinstated, homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, DUI and related charges in connection with the crash on March 21, 2022. Officials say the crash occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on I-95 in Philadelphia when Pennsylvania State Troopers Martin F.

UNITED KINGDOM - A man, who returned to the crime scene after murdering a father of two, has been sentenced to life in prison.The murder investigation was launched by Essex Police last July, after 44-year-old Adrian Ellingford was seriously assaulted at a residence in Chelmsford, England. Ellingford died as a result of multiple stab wounds.According to police, Marek Hecko, 26, approached the murder scene while "heavily intoxicated," carrying a bottle of brandy.

International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes in Ukraine.The ICC said in a statement on Friday that Putin is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of children, and that of unlawful transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia since Feb. 24, 2022 – the day Putin ordered a wide-scale invasion in the neighbouring country.The ICC cited the charges under articles in the Rome Statute of the ICC.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa. - Officials with the Bensalem Township Department of Public Safety say an accidental fire inside a home left a man critically injured. Authorities say 911 dispatchers got a call from Thomas Risich, a 76-year-old man who lives on the 700 block of Kings Lane, about a fire in his living room. According to officials, Risich told dispatchers he was wheelchair bound and he was in a bathroom in the back of the home with no way to escape. Bensalem Police and firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the scene and saw heavy smoke coming from the home, per authorities. Firefighters were able to access the home through the back bathroom window, and they found Risich unresponsive on the floor. Authorities say he was removed through a bathroom window and transported to Jefferson-Torresdale Hospital before being airlifted to Jefferson Hospital, where he was placed in critical condition. Battalion Chief Rob Sponheimer conducted an investigation into the cause of the fire and it is believed the fire was accidental, likely caused by a faulty space heater, officials say. The investigation is ongoing.

THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court said on Friday it issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes because of his alleged involvement in abductions of children from Ukraine.The court said in a statement that Putin "is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation."It also issued a warrant Friday for the arrest of Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, on similar allegations.Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during the congress of Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), March,16,2023, in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Contributor/Getty Images) The court’s president, Piotr Hofmanski, said in a video statement that while the ICC’s judges have issued the warrants, it will be up to the international community to enforce them.

Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide dribbles the ball against Jalen Jackson #4 of the Texas A&M-CC Islanders during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. (Alex Slitz/Getty Images) BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Brandon Miller sat in a folding chair in a corner of the locker room facing an assemblage of reporters and video cameras.Alabama's freshman All-American fielded few questions about his worst game in crimson and white, not with all the off-the-court matters that have shadowed him and a team mounting a bid for the program's first national championship.Amid myriad distractions, the NCAA Tournament's top overall seed dispatched 16th-seeded Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 96-75 on Thursday in the opening round even with its best player going scoreless for the first time.RELATED: Alabama basketball player Darius Miles charged with capital murder in deadly shootingMiller, who politely but succinctly responded to questions about anything not related to the game, has been accompanied by a security guard provided by the university after facing threats since his presence at the scene of a fatal shooting was disclosed in court testimony."It doesn’t bother me," Miller said of the threats, which he forwards to university officials.

NEW YORK - An armed thief, dressed in a green sweat suit and wielding a knife, stole tens of thousands of dollars' worth of merchandise from a jewelry store in Brooklyn in a terrifying incident caught on camera.Security camera footage captured the crime inside the Melissa Joy Manning jewelry store in Cobble Hill. The thief's female accomplice watched the door as the thief calmly shoved jewelry into his knapsack and pockets before walking out of the store."It's horrifying, it's catastrophic.

An anti-abortion activists hold up a sign in front of the US Supreme Court building as as pro- and anti-abortion demonstrators protested in Washington, DC, on January 22, 2023, the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark court decision that was BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The North Dakota Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a state abortion ban will remain blocked while a lawsuit over its constitutionality proceeds.The ban was designed to take effect once the U.S.

The “Satarawa Deepani” Felicitation Ceremony was held on Thursday (16) and it was held under the auspices of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.The “Satarawa Deepani” Felicitation Ceremony, was organized as per a concept of Minister Bandula Gunawardena.During the event, tributes were paid to a group of artists who had contributed to the artwork created by Bandula Gunawardena. Veteran artists such as Dharmasiri Bandaranaike, Parakrama Niriella, and Cyril Wickramage were presented with awards by the President in recognition of their contributions.Veteran artists such as Professor Ariyaratne Athugala, Kumara Thirimadura and Sarath Kothalawala were also appreciated during this event.The book “Subandhu Cinema Watha,” which chronicles the cinematic career of Bandula Gunawardena, was launched at the event. During the event,  “Pragna Bandhu” scholarships were awarded to students who are currently pursuing the G.C.E.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ravindu Warnaranga also known as 'Booru Moona', a wanted criminal who escaped police custody and was evading capture, was arrested in Avissawella on Friday (17).Police Spokesperson & Attorney SSP Nihal Thalduwa told News 1st that 'Booru Moona' was wanted by authorities for a series of murders and other crimes.‘Booru Moona’ had attempted to fly to Dubai under a false name from the Katunayake Airport on February 24th, and he was arrested by Immigration Officers at the BIA, who then handed him over to the Airport Police.Thereafter, he had escaped police custody and a two monks along with another man were arrested by the Katunayake Police for facilitating the escape of the suspect.Moreover, a husband and wife duo who were arrested for providing accommodation to the fugitive ‘Booru Moona’ who escaped while in the custody of the Katunayake Airport Police,  were remanded.‘Booru Moona’ was identified as the shooter by detectives who investigated the incident where a owner of a restaurant was shot dead at point blank range in Hanwella on December 18th in 2022.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka's Election Commission will meet on Friday (23) to reach a final decision on the 2023 Local Government Election due to the lack of financing and support from state agencies.Earlier, the Election Commission decided to conduct the Local Government Election on the 9th of March 2023.However, the Government Printer had refused to deliver the ballot papers owing to a payment issues, and this led to the National Election Commission to postpone the postal voting process that was scheduled for this wekk.The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Chairman of the National Election Attorney Nimal Punchihewa said the Local Government Election was called for legally as per the country's constitutions and the election law.He told News 1st on Thursday (23) that all members of the National Election Commission consented to the Local Government Election Process.He said that given that funds were not being provided to continue with the election process, the National Election Commission will meet on Friday (24) to reach a final decision on the Local Government Election 2023. The statement came from the Elections Chief after Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed.The President said the proposed Parliament Select Committee must be appointed to inquire into the Election Commission and the Local Government Election.In the meantime, the petition filed by Retired Sri Lanka Army Colonel W. M.

In a bid to maximize the use of government funds and ensure that resources are utilized efficiently, President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake has issued a directive on the instructions of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, requiring officials purchasing airline for official travel abroad to be on Economy Class.This directive will take effect from March 1, 2023, and supersedes all previous circulars and instructions related to this subject.According to the new directive, officials such as the Hon. Chief Justice, Hon.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament on Thursday (23) that the country's National Election Commission has not legally called for an election, and there are no funds to conduct an election.Commenting on the debate requested by the opposition on postponing the election, the President said there is no election for one to be postponed."The Election Commission had gone to court and said that it cannot conduct an election. However, an affidavit was provided. It states that the Commission has been informed by the Secretary of the Treasury that he is unable to provide the necessary funds to conduct the election.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka and Japan singed Exchange Notes for a humanitatrian grant of USD 46 Million.Mahinda Siriwardena, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, and Mizukoshi Hideaki, the Ambassador of Japan, signed an Exchange of Notes to secure a humanitarian grant of USD 46 million. The purpose of the grant is to provide diesel fuel to public hospitals throughout Sri Lanka. The signing ceremony took place at the President's Office, with President Ranil Wickremesinghe in attendance.Under this agreement, the Government of Japan has committed to supplying 20 million litres of diesel fuel.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged all citizens, including politicians, professionals, teachers, those engaged in agriculture, the business community, and members of the security forces, police and civil servants, to work together to overcome the current economic crisis and promote reconciliation efforts.He was speaking at an event at Royal College, Colombo that was held to honour President Wickremesinghe, who is an alumnus of Royal College. The President called upon the present generation of Royalists to dedicate themselves to serving the country and transforming it into a place where they would like to reside. He urged young Royalists to take up the challenge and shape the future of the nation."We have two difficult tasks in this country.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has emphasized the importance of having a proper plan to strengthen the country’s economy, during a meeting with businessmen and lawyers in the Kandy district.According to the President's Media Division. the President had noted that the primary issue facing the country is its economic problem, and addressing it should be a top priority.The President has also noted that the upcoming election is not a means to change the government.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible replacing the Board of Investment and the Board of Exports.President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks at the opening of the country’s first migratory bird park and eco-tourism zone in Hanthane, Kandy (20).He stated that an Economic Commission will be formed as early as possible to approve investment opportunity in order to provide more opportunities to local and foreign investors.The President also stated that it has the potential to significantly boost the country’s economy."More investment opportunities are necessary for Sri Lanka to embark on a new economic path. It takes ten years to approve a firm after an investor arrives in Sri Lanka. This situation should be changed.

During a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on February 16th, President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) EFF loan is expected to be received in March. The President also mentioned that the possibility of reducing bank interest rates is being considered in line with the gradual drop of inflation rate.The discussion was aimed at identifying the issues faced by small and large-scale rice mill owners and finding solutions to resolve them. The rice mill owners brought up the fact that the production cost of a kilogram of rice has increased due to various factors, including the rise in fuel prices, electricity charges, machinery maintenance costs, transportation costs, and all other production and administrative expenses.They noted that they would incur losses by selling their product at the current market price as it is lower than the production cost.The rice mill owners also pointed out the difficulty of paying a high interest rate of 28% on bank loans taken to purchase paddy. It was mentioned that the production cost of a kilogram of paddy has increased due to the rapid increase in prices of the agricultural inputs for paddy cultivation.

The historic Temple of the Tooth Relic in the city of Kandy will host a Janaraja Perahara on February 19th, after 34 years.The procession has been organized to coincide with the 75th Independence Celebration, and it will be inaugurated under the patronage of President Ranil Wickremesinghe.According to the Coordinating Officer and the Cultural Officer of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the procession will begin from the Magul Maduwa premises at 6.30 pm on February 19th. It will parade along the Dalada Street, Yatinuvara Street, Kanda Street, Raja Street, and return to the temple, marking the end of the event.

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has directed Power & Energy Minister & relevant officials to ensure uninterrupted power supply is made available for electricity customers once the PUCSL tariff revision is implemented.The President's Media Division also said that the President gave directives to provide concessions for low-income families and provide solar rooftop systems for religious places & government educational institutions when the new tariff revision comes into effect.The Ministry of Power and Energy said that power outages will not be imposed from Thursday (16), as the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka granted approval to the 66% electricity tariff hike.A source from the Ministry of Power and Energy speaking to News 1st said that a decision will be reached in the future with regard to those who are unable to settle their electricity bills.The Public Utilities Commission has approved a 66 percent hike in electricity tariffs with effect from Wednesday (15).It was with the agreement of the three members of the PUCSL except the Chairman of the Commission Janaka RatnayakeIn order to generate an additional income of Rs.

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the government will not give into the demands of protestors.He noted that just, because certain groups strike demanding the removal of certain officials, the government will not remove anyone arbitrarily as there is a procedure that has to be followed and the government will follow the rules and act accordingly.He was addressing the launch of the Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University at the Trace City in Colombo on Wednesday (15).He said that the responsibility to address such issues rests to a large extent with the Universities. The President noted that even at the point of the new Centre for Governance and Public Policy (C-GaPP) being inaugurated at the Sri Lanka Technological Campus (SLTC) Research University, two strikes were in progress. One was staged at the Ruhuna University demanding the removal of the Vice Chancellor and another one demanded the removal of the General Manager of a state Corporation.President Wickremesinghe further stated that the removal of the General Manager is a matter of the government. “Just, because there is a strike we will not remove him.